Exciting developments in Alpe d'Huez ski area for winter 2017-18

Exciting developments in Alpe d'Huez ski area for winter 2017-18

Sataski summer works programme keeps the resort ahead of the rest

featured in News & reviews Author Rob Wood, Alpe d'Huez Reporter Updated 8 November 2017

As is the case every summer, local ski area operator Sataski have been continuing with massive upgrade works to the already impressive ski area that is the Alpe d’Huez Grande Domain area.

This summer has seen a huge infrastructure project to install a new network of state of the art snow cannons to the slopes from the DMC and La Folie Douce down to resort level at 1850 metres. New cannons are now lining several ski runs including Chamois, Couloir, Vachettes and Olympique to name but a few.

The high-tech computer controlled snow cannons really are a world apart from the old style cannons still widely used across the Alps. With huge turbine blowers, they produce a much finer powder-like snow than their predecessors and have a far greater range of “dump” and a hugely impressive production rate. Their installation will really help with the snow cover and quality on the lower slopes around the DMC and Les Bergers.

Sataski's new alpine roller coaster is also nearly ready to bring adrenaline-filled fun to Alpe d’Huez. The resort's latest highly anticipated attraction is almost ready to open with high-speed thrills and fun assured for all. Situated on the lower slopes of the Les Bergers area is the new roller coaster attraction.

Last week saw the arrival of the final piece in the construction jigsaw with the “go-kart” style cars arriving in resort. Finishing touches to the fantastic roller coaster are currently being undertaken by the joint German and French construction installation and commissioning team. The office for the new ride is located directly behind the Les Bergers Commercial Centre, right next to the Auris “scare-chair”. 27 cars will whisk thrill seekers down the metal track with high-speed bends, humps, bumps and tunnels all part of the attraction. It looks like great fun for thrill-seekers young and old!

Sataski have also carried out a large-scale renovation project to their flagship office at the DMC lift station. This summer’s work follows hot on the heels of the hugely popular Marcel's Farm ski area construction that was opened last winter. Other works have also been undertaken to the Signal slope.