What's New & What's on in Alpe d'Huez Winter 2014

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• published: 27 Nov 2013
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For all the latest news & snow conditions from Alpe d'Huez visit http://www.alpedhueznet.com Alp d'huez opens on 6th but there have already been weekend openings since the 16th of November, so there will be a special opening this weekend of the Grand Rousses, DMC 1&2, Pic Blanc lift and Glacier and Herpie lifts meaning the Hermie, Herpie, Cristalliere, Crystal and Glacier pistes will be available. By all accounts the snow is very good and there is one more weekend opening this Saturday and Sunday before the resort officially opens on the 6th. When Alp d'Huez does open properly there is a lot to look forward to this winter, so without further ado lets have a look at what's in store this winter. First of all there are some new lifts in the resort -- the Telemixte des Jeux was installed over the summer and it's eight man chairs will run up the side of the DMC 1 Bubble transporting 3800 people an hour. The other addition to the piste map is the Romains chairlift which has been extended increasing the size and altitude of the beginners area above the town. As well as new lifts there are also some fancy new piste bashers -- these combination diesel engine and electric motor machines from Pistenbully are like huge Toyota Prius's that should cut C02 emissions by 20% and save 30% on fuel. So when there will be new lifts opening and new machines to keep the pistes smooth. Also added to the hillside this year is a brand new Apres Ski destination and mountain restaurant - La Folie Deuce. The Folie Deuce restaurant and bar started in Val d'Isere and has spread to Meribel and Val Thorens. The Folie prides itself on live music and a great slope side party and skiers in Alpe d'huez will be able to enjoy one of the best Apres Ski bars around at the top of the Marmottes 1 lift this season. For younger skiers who aren't interested in champagne fights and house music there is a new crèche run by the ESF in the "Chalet des Enfants". The Chalet has indoor and outdoor activities for kids as young as two and a half. There aren't that many big events you can go and watch in Alpe d'huez. The first one of note is the Andros Trophee on December 20th& 21st. This is the French Ice driving Championship and it's usually a spectacular event. The coolest thing about the Andros Trophee is the Ice driving track and the fact that once Alain Prost and the other drivers have left it is open to the public Although there aren't many competitions to go and watch there are plenty of weekly activities you can join in for free. Over Christmas and New Year the resort will lay on special celebrations. Over Christmas there will be torchlit descents, fireworks, ice sculptures and fire eaters and at new year a special party hosted by the MC from La Folie Deuce. You'll also be able to enjoy floodlit skiing and torch lit descents. Tuesday and Thursday are the time for Night Skiing on the Signal in Alp d'huez . The lift and piste are open from 5.30 -- 7.30 and admission is included in your lift pass. Every Wednesday from February 19th -- March 25th ESF torchlit descent. 300 skiers and from the ski school will snake down the piste with flaming torches followed by a fireworks display. Then for stars of the future there's the Ofe X Day on the 5th & 6th April. 4 time X-Games Gold medal winner and 7 times World Ski Cross Gold Medallist Ophelie David will be at this event, which is named after her to offer coaching and tips to any would be ski cross champions of the future. It's open to everyone aged 11-14. There are other events throughout the season including European Gay Ski week, ski races and even a comics festival and you can find out more in our Events Calendar. If you are organising an event or competition get in touch and let us know and we'll add it to our Calendar. Have a great season.