Alpe d'Huez - run ratings

Hi

We are off to stay in Vaujany on 4th Jan, a new ski area for us, and really looking forward to it. HOWEVER, I am already getting nervous about the Tunnel etc! I SHOULD be able to ski pretty much anything, and on a good day, get down (in control) before most others in my party - did spend a season in 3V, so no excuse really. BUT, as I'm getting on a bit and the bones are probably thinning, I do have big moments of self-doubt, and try to avoid any challenge where there's 'no way out', result of some uncomfortable experiences in the past! So, all this talk of the scary tunnel bits etc. is serving to put me in exactly the wrong frame of mind to tackle and enjoy it - please someone (not a gung-ho bod) give me the real truth about this and other run-grading in the resort......... :roll:, so I can plan to enjoy myself as I know I will, but without undue apprehension!

Thanks

Don't worry about it, it's an easy run. I skied it backwards with one ski resting on my shoulder last year.

Regards

Paul Burrell :shock:

check it out on youtube http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=erhLzAKhc_M

I haven't actually skied the tunnel but its reputation is a bit scary and I get the impression the initial drop-in is pretty intimidating. However, a number of friends have done it and claim that it is not that difficult. A lot depends on conditions but expect large moguls.

As regards the rest of the resort, relax. The resort is really enjoyable with lots of variety. The Sarenne is the other run that people talk about - PR claims that it is the longest Black run in Europe/World. In reality a beautiful run that is blue standard for most of its length with a fairly short black section at the very top and one or two short red level sections further down. As its on the "back" of the mountain, it is quiet with spectacular views.

The central area, under the DMC gondola, can be a bit busy (though probably not an issue next week) but it is well worth getting out into the fringes of the resort for more interesting terrain and you will probably have the slopes to yourself :lol:

Heading there myself in 4 weeks and can't wait.

Enjoy

Thanks Wanderer - I'm really looking forward to it now, but may give the Tunnel a miss, at least until I've sent a forward scout! Going to stay in Vaujany, the areas over that way are supposed to be nice. Hope you have a great time.

I managed the tunnel last year - The main problem as a snowboarder was the huge (like 3 - 4ft) moguls dug up on the drop-in. It does look daunting but once you have some space & you're in, it's fine. Half the people on it were struggling ;)

Quick tip though, if you fancy some off-piste from there, go hard to your left - there will undoubtedly be tracks there. Just up over the ridge you'll be faced with this behemoth..
http://hq.ladnet.org/~tcr/cam_1.jpg

You really have to blast it to make the next ridge, some guy had taken a tumble at the bottom before I flew by.
Also.. please aim for the middle! ;)

Have fun guys :)

tcr.........
taking the kids next sat
we are only low intermediets......
do ..you think we should do THE TUNNEL..
cheers daz...37

daz...37 wrote:we are only low intermediets......
do ..you think we should do THE TUNNEL..

Seriously? No. It'll look much steeper when you're stood on it than it does in the videos - and there's no way out once you're in.

ADH is a massive ski area and you'll find plenty to enjoy without killing yourself and your children... which will make for a much better holiday all round. Really. 8)