We are staying in one of the ski villages of Alpe d'Huez Grande Domaine Ski Resort. Our village is smaller and does not really have the best connections to the slopes around the Alpe d'Huez bowl so it was a bit tricky because we started a bit late. It was just before lunch time we picked up our ski pass and hit the Alpe d'Huez main ski area.
The weather was very erratic. We had sun and blue skies, as well as wind and overcast.
Moi in action today.
We did some runs and the snow was great. Then we decided to ski to Ouisans so we could catch the lift that will bring us to the other side of the mountain that has access to the gondola going to Vaujany, our ski village. But then our plan was put to a challenge because the red slope we planned to take was closed, so we had no choice but to take a detour. We were already running out of time because the lifts will be closing in half an hour or less! We ended up on an intersection which luckily has a slope going to Ouisans. Well this red slope could have been a blessing in disguise had it not been the ice on it. It was icy as hell! If only hell could have melt the ice? Because I really had problems with it.
Needless to say we missed our lift in Ouisans that will bring us to the other side of the mountain where we could take the gondola to our ski village. We were stuck.
We inquired from a local ski instructor and was told that the next ski shuttle bus departing Ouisans is in 40 minutes. This will bring us to the lower valley in Allemont. From here we get off and take another ski shuttle bus going to our village. Unfortunately, we were able to catch the shuttle to the lower valley only, because the ski shuttle bus services run only until 17:30. From Allemont we called a taxi to bring us to our ski village resort in Vaujany.
The only consolation we had was we managed to share the taxi ride with 2 French girls who also missed the lift and are staying in the same village. The ski shuttles buses in the French Alps are free but the taxi not.
Having said all these, I am very sore from tackling the icy red slope. Just hoping the warm bath helped relieve the muscles a bit. We shall see in the morning.
Here are some pictures of the Alpe d'Huez bowl area.
At 2050 metres above sea level.
Alpe d'Huez ski village.
As you can see from the pictures above, the weather was changing every hour! The slopes were quite busy on a Sunday because of many locals going for a ski weekend.
Dutchman took this picture. He thought these guys are cool?
This is one of my favourite photos.
Resting here and having a quick eat and drink.
It was not really the perfect terrace day on the slopes.
I will be posting more stories and pictures of our skiing and snowboarding holiday.
Travel Period: January 2017
Destination: Alpe d'Huez (Isere - Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes), France
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Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)
All pictures were taken by a point and shoot pocket camera or a smartphone.