"L Alp Du Huez, Great Ski Resort For All Levels" L'Alpe-d'Huez by 43beckos

We travelled in a group of 6 people, 2 new to skis, 2 intermediates and 2 advanced, and this resort had enough to satisfy all of us. The 2 new skiers really benifited from the excellent ski instruction at the ESF schools, and were both sking blue runs by the end of the week. The vast expanse of greens and blues mean that beginners and intermediates need never ski the same run twice, and the same is true for the advanced red and black run skiers.

Private tuition here is also very cheap, and the instructors all speak very good english, and at only 37 Euros for a 1 hour lesson for up to 2 people ( £25.00), this is excellent value.

Chalet Viking by Night

This is the first time we have stayed in a catered chalet, the Chalet Viking.

Chalet viking may not be for all and if you are the shy retiring type, then this may not be the accomodation for you. The Viking sleeps 22 people, of which we were a party of 6, but thankfully we were with a great crew of people, who all had two things in common, sking and alcohol.

Remember there is little privacy in a chalet, even though all of the rooms have private facilities, the walls and floors are very thin, a problem highlighted by my wife sneezing, and the lady in the room beaneath us shouting "Bless You ".

This may not be the best type of accomodation if you are wanting nights of passion, but if you are looking for good food, good wine and a good laugh then go for it.

One piece of advice is to take with you some slippers, as most chalets insist that all outer footware is left at the front door so as to avoid pools of water in the living rooms.

Speedos Compulsory

Alp Du Huez has plenty of bars and restaurants to meet your Apres Ski needs, although note that this is not a cheap resort. Worth a visit for it's informal atmosphere is the Pacific Bar.

Your lift pass entitles you to access the local ice rink and the outdoor swimming pool ( which of course is superheated), but gents please note that to swim in the pool you must wear SPEEDOS, which can be hired locally ( how gross ), admission is refused in any other swimwear.

Other non ski activities include BMW racing in a snow bowl and quad biking.

• Pros:Good range of slopes, ski to door
• Cons:Expensive Apres Ski , Compulsory Speedos in pool.
• In a nutshell:Great Sking, shame about the speedos