La grotte de glace, Alpe D Huez Travel Guide

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Discover a magical world of ice and snow at Alpe d'Huez's Grotte de Glace, a unique mountaintop attraction featuring stunning ice sculptures.

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La grotte de glace

Venture into La Grotte de Glace, an enchanting ice cave located at 2700 meters altitude in Alpe d'Huez. Each year, artists sculpt a new theme into the ice, creating a magical world of frozen art within a 120-meter gallery. Accessible via the DMC gondola, it's a perfect stop for skiers and pedestrians alike.

A brief summary to La grotte de glace

Unnamed Road, Huez, 38750, FR
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Monday 9 am-5 pm
Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
Thursday 9 am-5 pm
Friday 9 am-5 pm
Saturday 9 am-5 pm
Sunday 9 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring La grotte de glace.

Dress warmly! The temperature inside the cave is around 1°C, regardless of the weather outside.
Combine your visit with a trip to the Pic Blanc, the highest point in the Alpe d'Huez ski area, for panoramic views.
Check the lift status before heading up, as the cave is only accessible when the DMC gondola is operating.
Bring cash for the entrance fee, as card payments may not always be available.

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Getting There

Gondola

The Grotte de Glace is accessed via the Téléphérique des Grandes Rousses (DMC) gondola. From Alpe d'Huez, take the DMC gondola to its second stop at 2700m. The cave entrance is a short walk from the gondola station. A single ride on the Pic Blanc 1+2 cable car (formerly DMC 1+2) costs €18.50. A refillable lift pass card costs €2. Entrance to the Ice Cave costs €6.50 for adults and €5.50 for children (ages 5-12). Children under 5 and adults over 72 enter for free.

Discover more about La grotte de glace

La Grotte de Glace, or the Ice Cave, in Alpe d'Huez offers a unique and captivating experience high in the French Alps. Situated at an altitude of 2700 meters, the cave is created artificially each year, with artists sculpting intricate designs into the ice. For over two decades, this has been a popular attraction, drawing visitors into a world of frozen beauty.The cave typically opens in December and remains accessible until the ski season concludes in April. The interior showcases a 120-meter gallery and igloo adorned with snow and ice sculptures. Each year brings a new theme, with past exhibitions including the Olympic Games, ancient Egypt, and the voyages of Jules Verne. The sculptures are illuminated with colored lights, enhancing the magical atmosphere.The experience is family-friendly, though it's worth noting that the temperature inside the cave hovers around 1°C, so warm clothing is essential. The cave is accessed via the DMC (Téléphérique des Grandes Rousses) gondola, making it easily reachable for both skiers and pedestrians. A visit to La Grotte de Glace provides a memorable and enchanting break from the slopes or a unique mountaintop excursion.In 1992, two high mountain guides, Bernard Lambolez and Bruno Gardent, conceived the idea of constructing an ice cave after visiting the Mer de Glace. In 1993, they established the Société des Grottes de la Meije (SDGM) and inaugurated their first cave at La Grave La Meije. The Alpe d'Huez cave followed in 1997, adding to the resort's attractions.