The Alpette station at the start of the Alpe d’Huez

You can set off from anywhere in the Alpe d’Huez resort. For this walk, the starting point is the Parking des Bergers.

(S/E) From Les Bergers, walk along the road that runs alongside the resort and heads towards the lakes, climbing north-west to the edge of the resort. This is the^GR®549. You’ll reach the last buildings at the base of the Signal chairlifts and ski lifts and the Grandes Rousses cable car.

(1) Follow the signposted pedestrian path, the ‘Route des Lacs’, keeping clear of the ski runs. Continue along the footpath through the groomed snow.

(2) At the Plage des Neiges restaurant building, before the Col de Poutran, continue northwards along the signposted lakeside route. Stay on the footpath as you’ll cross cross-country and downhill ski runs. Take care. You will reach the car park and the inn at Lac Besson and Lac Noir, which are hidden beneath a thick layer of snow and ice.

(3) Continue to the right along the signposted path beside the lakes. Follow the path alongside the lake, leaving the^GR®549behind. The lakes are sometimes barely visible, buried beneath the snow. Admire the stunning ice waterfalls on your right along the Grandes Rousses massif.
You’ll arrive at the Gare de l’Alpette, which is the hub for the downhill skiing areas of Vaujany, Oz-en-Oisans and L’Alpe d’Huez. This is the departure point for the cable car that goes up to the Dôme des Grandes Rousses.

(4) Return via the same route or via alternative routes indicated by the ‘footpath’ signs (S/E).

No special equipment is required for this walk other than hiking or trail running shoes. The path is very well groomed and does not require snowshoes. Walking poles can help on the uphill sections. This route is very well signposted; please stay on it so as not to disturb skiers and their runs.
There are plenty of benches along the trail, which are lovely for taking a break, admiring the view or having a snack.
As for bars and restaurants, you’ll find a bar-restaurant at the following points:

• Before the Col de Poutran: La Plage des Neiges, which is often very busy.
• Lac Besson and Lac Noir, less crowded.
• L’Alpette, with friendly and welcoming staff.

All in all, it’s a lovely and accessible winter walk through the snow. A pair of walking poles will make the going easier.

Don’t miss the beautiful blue waterfalls cascading down the imposing Grandes Rousse massif – on your right as you climb, and on your left as you descend.
The view and the panorama are superb at this altitude in winter. You’ll wish you could stay there.
(4) The Auberge de l’Alpette offers food and drink on its south-facing terrace.