Altus Alpe d’Huez 2025
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Edito – Altus Alpe d’Huez 2025

“The mountains offer man everything that modern society tends to forget.” (Boris Vian)

Altitude has never been so alluring, so captivating. The last bastion of freedom, the mountains provide the possibility of escape, far from the fast-paced rhythms of daily life. Nature reveals itself in all its strength, inviting humility and authenticity. This makes it also a place conducive to reunions, whether with family or friends. Some have childhood memories tied to their heart-station, creating a sense of belonging. Everyone comes seeking the unforgettable, those precious moments that are only experienced in the mountains.
The mountains are a muse, inspiring athletes and artists, like the photographers we followed on the journey to the summits over 4,000 meters in this issue. They capture moments of rare intensity with remarkable talent. More than just a vacation destination, the mountains offer a plural experience. Skiing and snow sports remain essential, but other challenges and ways of enjoying the altitude exist as well. Everyone can go at their own pace, drawing from the wide array of activities offered according to their desires.
Like the high-altitude guides we met in this issue, adaptability is the key quality of mountain dwellers—adapting to the climate, to the expectations of visitors, and to current trends. From this positive dynamism emerge new projects, fresh inspirations, and other ways of reinventing a constantly evolving ecosystem. Everyone is a participant in this change. Interactions between locals, visitors, and professionals are uncovering unexplored paths, gradually shaping a new version of the mountains—alive, true to its roots, and looking towards the future.

Roland Claude Durand-Terrasson
Editor-in-Chief

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ACTU

SPORTIVE LINGERIE BY HÄSTKO: STYLE AND TECHNICALITY COMBINED

Founded in Chamonix in 2019, Hästko redefines sporty lingerie with exceptional undergarments that blend performance and refinement. Born from the vision of an outdoor industry expert and a former art director, the brand bridges the gap between the advanced technicality of sports equipment and the immobility of traditional feminine lingerie.
Using cutting-edge technologies like ultrasonic welding and 3D printing, Hästko creates seamless pieces that enhance movement while offering unmatched comfort.
With its minimalist designs and fits tailored for all female body types, Hästko caters to both seasoned athletes and passionate enthusiasts. Available in nearly 70 points of sale across France, Hästko offers much more than lingerie—an empowering experience that fosters confidence and well-being.

A BREATH OF RENEWAL AT THE TOURISM OFFICE

Alpe d’Huez welcomes a new face at the helm of its tourism office: Sébastien Mérignargues. After beginning his career in the Southern Alps in 1991, he has led several iconic resorts such as Tignes, Courchevel, and Avoriaz. At each stage, he has left his mark by injecting innovation and dynamism. His ambition for Alpe d’Huez is clear: to immerse himself in the local specifics and meet the expectations of the resort’s stakeholders. For this new adventure, Sébastien Mérignargues intends to continue the ongoing efforts and propose tailored developments aligned with the resort’s ambitions.

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SKI INSTRUCTORS’ OUTFITS GET A SECOND LIFE

With nearly 20,000 ski instructors in France, who on average replace their red uniforms every two years, recycling their ski jackets and pants has become a real issue. This inspired Zoé Pellicier, a young passionate ski instructor, to explore upcycling. She decided to repurpose these technical textiles, using their style and properties to create items like bags, pouches, or decorative accessories such as cushions. This led to the creation of the aptly named 3e Manche, a local brand whose workshops are all located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Unique, sustainable products.

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A SNACK IN AN IGLOO FOR KIDS

This year, the Igloo & Fondue experience has been enhanced with a new offering for the youngest guests: the “Goûter à l’Igloo” adventure. Every Wednesday afternoon, children aged 8 to 12 can enjoy a snowshoe hike themed around winter creatures and animals. After approximately 45 minutes of walking, the trail leads to a genuine igloo where a delightful break awaits, perfect for savoring a snack in the heart of nature. This initiative follows the original concept of night-time hikes where guests enjoy an aperitif and fondue inside the igloo under the stars. All necessary equipment is provided. So whether you’re young or old, don’t hesitate to explore Alpe d’Huez in a whole new way!

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WHEN POP CULTURE
MEETS THE MOUNTAIN

A must-visit event for pop culture and video game enthusiasts, the Game Over Festival makes its way to Alpe d’Huez for its second winter edition. Over two days, this unique gathering blends the adrenaline of the slopes with the magic of virtual worlds: breaking records on a professional car simulator, spectacular e-sports tournaments on large screens, geek quizzes, blind tests, and even virtual reality paragliding. In addition to these activities, the gaming area offers 50 free-to-play games and a retro gaming corner for the nostalgic. Meanwhile, meet illustrators, creators, and artists from across France and discover their works.

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Portrait

Thomas Krief’s Style

Going from the status of a skiing prodigy to that of a renowned visual artist, Thomas Krief has successfully made his career transition. In just two years, the skier from Alpe d’Huez has established his style inspired by pop culture. His works, characterized by thousands of shimmering beads, vibrant colors, and a glossy epoxy resin finish, are regularly exhibited across Europe.

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Reportage

Behind the Scenes of the Altiport

For over 50 years, light tourism planes and helicopters have been landing and taking off on the snowy runways of Alpe d’Huez’s altiport. From the valleys to the peaks, its snow-covered runway serves as a valuable training ground for off-piste landings, among other ambitious maneuvers. Between snow and sky, Altus takes you behind the scenes of one of France’s rare snowy altiports.

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Discovery

24 Hours with the Grooming Teams

As night falls, the powerful lights of the groomers shine across the slopes.
On board, men and women skillfully handle the precious snow, repairing, leveling, and shaping the snowy terrain. We followed these behind-the-scenes professionals as they carry out their essential work for quality skiing.

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History

The Alps Before Alpe d’Huez

Before becoming an international tourist destination, Huez and its surroundings experienced significant historical events. A look back at this turbulent journey, from the Middle Ages to the early days of skiing, including a notable summer of 1944 with the Maquis of Oisans.

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