MASSIF DES GRANDES ROUSSES/ALPE D’HUEZ
The ski area Massif des Grandes Rousses (1,150 – 3,300 meters) is also known as ‘the island in the sun’. The area earned this name with its average of 300 sunny days per year and its many ski runs that face south. Over 900 snow cannons ensure there is always enough snow to ski from December up to halfway through April. In addition to that, the Des Rousses glacier always ensures snow making the area the ideal destination for your winter sports holiday in France.
T
he over 250 kilometers of runs and 84 lifts of the Massif des Grandes Rousses skiing area offer enough variety for even the most spoilt skiers and snowboarders. The towns of Alpe d’Huez, Oz en Oisans, Auris en Oisans, Vaujany and Villard Reculas are all part of this great skiing area.
At a height of 3300 meters on the Pic Blanc there lies “La Piste de Sarenne” for the more experienced skier. This is Europe’s longest descent and a true experience. Descending 1820 meters over a distance of 16 kilometers will appeal to anyone, and it is an experience you cannot afford to miss when spending your winter sports holiday in France. Apart from this super-decent there are also good possibilities for beginners (41 green runs and 34 blue runs).
A halfpipe has been constructed in Alpe d’Huez especially for snowboarders. This halfpipe can be found on the Premier Troçon run. In addition to that there are countless off-run descents for free riders. The almost guaranteed presence of snow also makes the area a great place for langlaufers. There are 50 kilometers of langlauf runs consisting of 30 kilometers of blue and 20 kilometers of red runs.
As already described above, Oz Station is part of the Massif des Grandes Rousses skiing area. Two cabin lifts connect Oz to the other lifts and thus all runs in this area. You can ski from ‘Les Grandes Rousses” to the centre of Oz and even ski back home to the foot of the apartment.
