Review of Alpe d'Huez

11th February 2011 by lewis 

Went with party of eighteen 65 to 78 year olds, mainly skiers but some walkers.  Latter liked being able to get to up the highest point for the views and found enough walks lower down although whole week characterised by persistent fog in the valleys up to 2000m. Also the free access to the outdoor pool and sports centre plus 2 euro entry to the excellent organ recital on Thursday evening appreciated.
Skiers over 72 liked the free lift pass - it added to the pleasure of skiing tunnel and its ilk to know it cost nothing.  chateau noir and charbonniere were not open but sarrenne was open 3 days out of 7. Last very popular and busy as the only black bit can be missed by starting from the top of Marmottes 111. There was a middle bit that despite the 20cms. of snow we had during the week was very thin and rocky. Had a short spell of rain up to 2,200m which made runs off Signal like glass in am but,oddly, la fare had plenty of grip.
Agree with another reporter that Le Herpie at the bottom of signal is good value with cheerful service. The small restaurant on a sunny shelf above the short Lama drag to L’Arpette also good. The large restaurant at the top of the first Troncon gave lousy coffee served by a surly waiter.
Fourth time to resort. Key to full enjoyment is access to highest runs but they have only been accessible for less that a quarter of the time I have been there in Jan and early Feb. Is it likely to be better going later and learning to like the slush on the lower runs?

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