Alpe d'Huez, renowned as a Tour de France summit finish, transforms each summer into one of the premier mountain biking destinations in the Alps. The resort's gondola and chair-lift network opens to cyclists from approximately mid-June to mid-September, giving access to a 60-kilometre trail network descending from 3,330 metres at the Pic Blanc to the valley floor at 1,050 metres, across terrain rated green (beginner) to black (expert).
The principal attraction for experienced riders is access to high-altitude descents via the Grandes Rousses cable-car system, with drops exceeding 1,500 metres of vertical through rocky alpine terrain, open meadows, and forested switchbacks. Blue and red-rated trails make up the bulk of the network and suit intermediate riders comfortable with loose gravel, embedded rock, and off-camber sections. Black-rated descents including the Grand Crosser include drop features and steep technical rock passages and are appropriate only for confident, technical riders.
Full-face helmets and body armour (at minimum knee and elbow pads) are mandatory on bike park terrain and are enforced by lift station staff. All protective gear, trail bikes, and enduro bikes are available for hire at the gondola base. A quality trail or enduro mountain bike with at least 120mm of suspension travel is strongly recommended; road bikes and basic hardtails are not appropriate for the more challenging descents. Bike hire starts from approximately €40 per day; enduro bikes with 150–180mm suspension cost approximately €60–80 per day. A summer gondola uplift pass starts from approximately €33.50 per day.
Riders new to Alpe d'Huez are strongly advised to spend the first half-day on green and blue trails to familiarise themselves with trail conditions, uplift logistics, and the resort's trail standards before progressing to reds and blacks. MTB skills clinics are available through the resort's bike school for riders seeking structured improvement. The resort also features a pump track, skills area, and cross-country network outside the lift-served zone. Bike park opening dates are confirmed annually at alpedhuez.com.
Activity facts
- Where
- Alpe d'Huez, Isère
- Duration
- Full day
Equipment
Full-face helmet, knee and elbow pads, and mountain bike — all available to hire on site at Alpe d'Huez ski lift base; trail map available from the lift station office
Location
Alpe d'Huez, 38750
45.0909, 6.0705 View on map
Highlights
- 60km of lift-served mountain bike trails descending from 3,330m to 1,050m at Alpe d'Huez, Isère
- Trails rated green to black; gondola uplift access from mid-June to mid-September
- Full-face helmets and body armour required and enforceable at lift gates — hire sets available at the gondola base
- Summer gondola uplift day pass from approximately €33.50; bike hire from ~€40/day
- MTB skills clinics offered through the Alpe d'Huez bike school for all levels
Tips for visiting
- Spend the first half-day on blue trails to calibrate Alpe d'Huez trail conditions before attempting reds or blacks
- Book trail and enduro bikes online in advance; popular models are reserved out on peak July weekends
- Full-face helmets and body armour are mandatory on bike park trails — non-negotiable and checked at lift gates
- Start at the 9 am gondola opening to maximise laps before afternoon thunderstorms, which are common from late June
- Confirm which lifts are operating on the day; the Grandes Rousses cable car has limited capacity and its own operating schedule
Frequently asked questions
What type of bike is needed to ride at Alpe d'Huez bike park?
A trail or enduro mountain bike with at least 120mm of suspension travel is recommended. Full-suspension bikes are available from hire shops at the gondola base; hardtails are less suitable for the rockier descents.
Is the bike park suitable for beginner mountain bikers?
Green-rated trails near the base are accessible to beginners comfortable on basic off-road terrain. Beginners should not access upper-mountain trails without first completing a skills session at the resort's bike school.
What does the summer uplift pass include?
The uplift pass (from approximately €33.50 per day) provides gondola and chair-lift access for carrying bikes up the mountain. Trail use is free; the pass covers lift access only.
When is the bike park open?
The bike park typically opens in mid-June and closes in mid-September. Exact dates vary annually; confirm opening and closing dates at alpedhuez.com before travelling.
Is body armour mandatory?
Yes. Full-face helmets and body armour (minimum knee and elbow pads) are mandatory on all bike park trails and are enforced at lift station entry points. Hire sets are available at the gondola base for visitors who do not bring their own.