Alpe D'Huez FAM Trip

"Yes! And let's keep it that way!" exclaimed a brit in response to my statement that Alpe d'Huez is a well kept secret in the U.S. The Directory Commercial later said that 60% of low season business comes from Great Britain.

Two statistics struck me: 1. one run is 16 kilometers long. That is 10 miles! 2. another run descends 2100 meters! Or 7,000 feet! For reference, the base of vail is 8,200 ft, Aspen is 8,000 ft, Park City is 7,000 ft, and Sun Valley is 6,000 ft. Nothing in the United States comes close to Alpe d'Huez either in size or the sheer variety of terrain. The area reminds me lot of Aspen and Vail in the 1970s before they went up scale.

There is a variety of bars and night life to accommodate all tastes. Lift passes and pedestrian passes also provide free access to local buses, cultural evens, and the renowned sports and convention center. The sports center leaves nothing to be desired. Among the activities supported are tennis, fitness training, indoor climbing, golf driving range, table tennis, indoor swimming, volleyball and basket ball. And it is all free with a lift or pedestrian pass.

A pedestrian pass is available for 65€ a week for non-skiers providing access for all cable cars and trams. The pedestrian pass provides access to all the mountain chelete's for meals with the skiing group.

"It's a shame the Brits are having all the fun all by themselves." Ann Willemann on the last day.

In conclusion, I have never gone on one of the winter expeditions. From the pictures I post on the Dallas Ski Club gallery, it looks like mostly sight seeing and very little, if any, skiing. But I would definitely go on this expedition! Alpe D'Huez offers terrific skiing!