Alpe d'Huez Activity Review: 14th July 2010

Throughout the winter months, Alpe d'Huez prides itself on two things: its sunshine; and its family-friendly selection of activities. Very little changes in the summer and in fact there are far more activities to entertain you and the family. A selection of lifts are open allowing hikers and mountain bikers access to the trails and lakes of the mountain. But of course you don't have to venture far, many visitors opt for a quick stroll to take in the view and a few photos before taking the lift back down to resort.

Lac Besson is accessible by car and from here you can take a 9.5km trail around four lakes, where you can also fish. From this car park you can head towards the mountain face where there are eight separate sections of bolted climbing routes. If you're into heights, then you must try the two via ferrata routes in the Gorge de Sarenne which take you up 165m to the edge of Alpe d'Huez (click here to read the full report).

My favourite summer activity is hiking and there are plenty of great routes in Alpe d'Huez, many of which you can walk directly from the resort. The route I miss the most in the winter takes you round the back of the Signal into Villard Reculas. The slopes here are pretty avalanche-prone when loaded with snow, so we don't often get out to this part of the mountain. The path isn't really marked on the hiking map but it's clearly seen from the car park just below the Shangri-La apartment block. The route hugs the edge of the mountain as it juts out over Bourg d'Oisans and takes you through the trees of the Foret d'Huez and out across the exposed slopes above Villard Reculas. For more about this route, click here.

If you prefer to stay a little closer to resort there are plenty of activities in the centre of town. The ice rink is open all summer as is the outdoor pool. Inside the pool complex is Café Agua, a funky little café with well priced food, friendly service and wifi access. It's a great place to hang out with the kids and if the weather's good you needn't stray far for a day... or three!

Also in town you'll find crazy golf, trampolining, luge and beach volleyball, alongside the Palais des Sports which also has a gym, an indoor pool, ping-pong tables and an indoor climbing wall. Friday is market day in Alpe d'Huez and you'll find lots of tasty local produce on sale, as well as the usual plastic trinkets that seem to fascinate kids and soak-up their pocket money. Click here for more information about these activities.

Perhaps that all sounds like too much activity for a summer holiday? And with temperatures regularly topping 27ºC in resort, sometimes it's better to just find a restaurant and relax over lunch. A great choice for sunny summer afternoons is the restaurant at the Altiport, past the Bergers area of Alpe d'Huez. They have a beautiful terrace with great food and you can watch the microlights landing. Another favourite is the Passe Montagne just above the Tourist Office, which also has a lovely shaded terrace. For nights out on the tiles, the ever-popular Brit choices are Smithy's Tavern and O-Bar, but if you want something more authentically French then Freeride and Zoo Bar will give you the crazy party vibe.

So whether you're looking for adrenaline-fuelled activities or a sunny spot to chill out, you're sure to find something to make you smile this summer in Alpe d'Huez. Next month I'll focus on the alternative Alpe d'Huez, delving into the resort's cultural and historic side. So until then... bonne vacances!

Check out what to do around town once the lifts have closed with our Apres Ski Report - a weekly round up of what's hot and where to party in Alpe d'Huez