Vaujany or Alpe d'Huez: which ski resort is right for you?

Vaujany and Alpe d’Huez both belong to the extensive Grand Domaine ski area, offering access to over 250 km (155 mi) of pistes, but they deliver very different atmospheres. Vaujany is a small, authentic village with a relaxed and family-oriented feel, while Alpe d’Huez is a bustling, high-altitude resort with a lively après-ski scene and a huge range of facilities.

This guide compares the two resorts so you can decide which destination suits your skiing style, travel group, and holiday expectations.

Vaujany or Alpe d'Huez?

1. Quick comparison table
2. Ski area & terrain
3. Snow fall history
4. Accommodation & village atmosphere
5. Après-ski & dining
6. Families & beginners
7. Advanced skiers & snowboarders
8. Activities beyond skiing
9. Accessibility & transfers
10. Cost and value for money
11. Which one should you choose?

Quick comparison table

Ski area & terrain

• Vaujany provides direct access to the Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine via modern gondolas. Beginners benefit from the sunny Montfrais area, while intermediates enjoy the wide blues and reds connecting to Alpe d’Huez. Advanced skiers can test themselves on black runs like La Fare or head to Pic Blanc for legendary descents such as the Tunnel or the 16 km (9.9 mi) Sarenne. Off-piste and tree-lined skiing are excellent around Montfrais.
• Alpe d’Huez offers the full Grand Domaine experience, with nursery slopes, cruising blues, and challenging runs from Pic Blanc. Intermediates will love the endless options across the Marmottes and Signal sectors, while advanced skiers can take on couloirs and mogul fields. Freeriders and snowboarders enjoy multiple snowparks, natural hits, and varied off-piste routes.

Check out Vaujany piste map and Alpe d'Huez piste map

Snow fall history

(ref: snow-forecast.com)

Accommodation & village atmosphere

• Vaujany retains the character of a traditional mountain hamlet, with cobbled streets, chalets, and a church square, yet it also features modern amenities like an Olympic ice rink and leisure centre. Its calm and intimate setting makes it perfect for families and couples.
• Alpe d’Huez is larger, livelier, and more varied, with multiple districts offering everything from luxury hotels to budget apartments. Known as “the island in the sun,” it has a vibrant, cosmopolitan feel and a wide choice of shops, restaurants, and après-ski venues.

Explore some accommodation options in Vaujany and in Alpe d'Huez

Après-ski & dining

• Vaujany keeps après-ski low key, centred around cosy spots like Le QG or chalet lounges. Dining includes both traditional mountain fare at La Table de la Fare and gourmet options such as IDA Restaurant at Hotel V.
• Alpe d’Huez boasts a famous après-ski culture, from mountain parties at La Folie Douce to late nights at Igloo Club. Dining is equally extensive, with around 60 restaurants offering everything from casual Savoyard dishes to fine dining at La Fruitière or L’Altiport.

Families & beginners

• Vaujany shines for families with sheltered beginner slopes at Montfrais, excellent ski schools, and family-friendly infrastructure like escalators and a leisure centre with a pool and bowling alley.
• Alpe d’Huez also caters well to families, with nursery areas, the Junior ski zone, and attractions like the 120 m ice cave. Its bigger scale, however, can feel busier and less intimate than Vaujany.

Advanced skiers & snowboarders

• Vaujany connects directly to some of the toughest runs in the Grand Domaine, including La Fare and the Tunnel, as well as challenging off-piste routes around Montfrais and Pic Blanc. Snowboarders have access to Alpe d’Huez’s snowparks via the gondolas.
• Alpe d’Huez is a playground for thrill seekers, featuring the world’s longest black run, the Sarenne, steep mogul fields, glacier couloirs, and two dedicated snowparks. Freeriders will find ample powder fields and guided routes into hidden valleys.

Activities beyond skiing

• Vaujany offers a quieter but family-friendly mix of activities including swimming, ice skating, bowling, snowshoeing, and cultural visits like the Maison de la Faune museum.
• Alpe d’Huez provides a much larger variety, from paragliding and dog sledding to ice driving, indoor climbing, helicopter rides, and spa centres, making it a better fit for those wanting constant entertainment.

Accessibility & transfers

• Both resorts are accessible from major airports in the region, though Vaujany typically offers shorter transfer times thanks to its location closer to Grenoble and Lyon. Travellers can reach Vaujany in around 1 hr 20 min from Grenoble, 1 hr 35 from Chambéry, 1 hr 40 from Lyon, and just over 2 hr from Geneva.
• By contrast, Alpe d’Huez requires a longer journey: about 2 hr from Grenoble, 2 hr 30 from Chambéry, 3 hr from Lyon, and 3 hr 30 from Geneva.

Cost and value for money

• Vaujany offers great value for families and couples seeking a peaceful holiday, with reasonably priced accommodation and dining compared to larger resorts.
• Alpe d’Huez is more expensive overall, especially in peak season, but its vast infrastructure, buzzing après-ski, and entertainment options justify the higher price for those wanting a bigger, livelier ski experience.

Explore our Vaujany deals and Alpe d'Huez deals

Which one should you choose?

• Choose Vaujany if you’re looking for a quiet, family-friendly resort with traditional charm, excellent beginner facilities, and access to serious skiing without the crowds.
• Choose Alpe d'Huez if you want a vibrant, full-scale resort with extensive slopes, lively nightlife, and non-stop activities on and off the mountain.