François Badjily, Director of the Tourist Office of theAlpe d'HuezIn an interview with us, he looks back on the summer season and looks ahead to the coming winter season.
How would you sum up the summer of 2024?
2024 was a good summer for Alpe d'Huez. June was modest, July saw a slight drop due to capricious weather and the elections which disrupted departures, but August exceeded expectations, with an increase of 10 % compared to 2023. Events such as the Marmotte Granfondo Alpsthe Megavalanche and the Tour de France women's tennis tournament boosted attendance. The French chess championship and the pétanque tournament were also successful, attracting families over a long period.
How do you see the Alpe d'Huez summer season developing?
In summer, the mountains are a popular destination, especially for families and groups of friends. Visitors take advantage of the ski lifts to discover breathtaking scenery, although not all of them are keen hikers.
The evening entertainment attracts large crowds, with temperatures cooler than in the valley. This year, the free Magic System concert on 15 August was a pleasant surprise and confirmed this trend, with a large audience and a festive atmosphere reminiscent of the great popular balls.
What's new in the ski area this winter?
This winter, the ski area will be optimised with the renovation of the DMC Grandes Rousses gondolas, enabling better management of the flow to the summits. Although the speed of the equipment will not change, the improved flow with these large cabins will be a real time-saver.
"The French market remains stable, but we are seeing an influx of skiers from lower altitudes, especially from the Grenoble area.
In March, we will once again be welcoming Tomorrowland with a capacity extended to 24,000 people. This will be followed by the Skiopen Coqs d'Or and the Federation Cupbefore ending the season with Instructors' Challenge.
What are the major challenges facing the resort in the years ahead?
Alpe d'Huez aims to boost its off-peak periods, particularly in June and September, by attracting a clientele that comes naturally but could be better exploited. The resort offers a multitude of activities, and the aim is to go beyond skiing to offer varied experiences.
We are seeing an excellent conversion rate between overnight stays and ski days. The development of new facilities, such as indoor paddle tennis courts, is also being studied to meet growing demand.
What are the early booking trends for this winter?
Bookings are already very encouraging. All the accommodation providers are optimistic, and we're seeing strong foreign demand, particularly from Americans, Canadians, Swiss, and of course Belgians and Danes. The French market remains stable, but we are seeing an influx of skiers from lower altitudes, especially from the Grenoble area. With the exceptional sunshine in the resort, we're well on the way to extending the season until the end of April.
How is the resort structured so that it can live all year round?
More and more businesses are staying open all year round, reducing the number of seasonal workers. Housing remains a major challenge in Alpe d'Huez, but several programmes are underway to enable the local population to stay put. The development of these infrastructures is essential to guarantee economic and tourist activity throughout the year.