Huez - Hiking from the resort of Auris-en-Oisans
Before your visit
This trail passes near alpine pastures, so you may encounter livestock guard dogs. Find out what to do in such situations at the tourist office or on Pasto-kézako.fr.
Are you hiking with your dog? Your dog must be kept on a leash at all times during your hike, but must be let off the leash if you encounter a guard dog so that the interaction can take place as naturally as possible.
A hike that combines history and breathtaking scenery, with the Sarenne Gorges serving as the central feature along the route between Auris and Huez.
MAP AND HIKING GUIDE
OBP Map/Hiking Guide Nos. 2 and 3: Trails 301, 260, 265, 251, 267, 339, and 253
IGN Top 25 Bourg-d’Oisans and l’Alpe d’Huez – 3335 ET
ITINERARY
Up to the Col de Maronne, you’ll follow a trail that climbs above Auris-en-Oisans, offering beautiful views of the resort as well as the Écrins Massif and the Muzelle.
Then, you’ll descend toward the charming hamlet of Rosai. The small Chapel of the Holy Trinity, dating from the 15th century, and its stained-glass window created by the artist Arcabas are worth the short detour to see, before continuing on until you reach the Sarenne River, which flows merrily down from the pass of the same name. Be careful—the path is rocky and requires your full attention!
The historic “Roman Bridge” spanning the river once connected Grenoble to Italy via the Col du Lautaret and the Romanche Valley.
Then, all you have to do is continue along the trail to the village of Huez and, if you wish, take the free ski lift that leads to Alpe d’Huez.
GOOD TO KNOW:
- La Sarenne is “the longest black run in Europe.” In fact, the trail you’re taking is, in winter, the end of this legendary ski run. It starts at Pic Blanc, at an altitude of 3,300 meters, where you’ll enjoy a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains.
Route details
Behind the Sures ski lift, take the well-marked trail that climbs up to the Col de Maronne. At the pass, you’ll find yourself in a wide, open area where you can see the signs for the ski runs. Follow the one marked “Maronne.”
As you descend the trail, take the first path branching off to your right. At the start of this path, a second sign continues to point you toward “Huez,” and then two markers take over as you enter the mountain pasture. Follow the clearly marked trail as it descends gently.
You’ll come to another signpost indicating “Huez” or “Le Rosai.”
Once you reach the hamlet of Le Rosai, follow the signs for “Huez” or “Pont Romain” on your right. If you’d like to see the chapel, you’ll need to take a slight detour and then retrace your steps.
In the shade of the trees, a new sign will show you the way forward, and you’ll continue descending to the Pont Romain. Caution: this section of the trail is technical—rocky and strewn with stones—so stay alert!
Cross the Sarenne River and turn left until you reach a marker and a sign pointing to “Huez.”
At the intersection with the forest trail, take the path that climbs slightly to the right of the junction until you reach the village of Huez.
If you’d like to take the ski lifts up to Alpe d’Huez, cross the main street and continue straight ahead. You’ll see them shortly. Continue along the same road; the stairs and elevator providing access are located beneath the building.
On the way back, follow the same route in the opposite direction.
Pets welcome
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Free car park,
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Parking nearby,
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Car park,
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Public WC
Opening
From 31/05 to 31/10/2026 daily.
The periods during which the trails are accessible vary from year to year depending on snow cover and weather conditions. In addition, trail conditions can change rapidly after a weather event and are not checked daily. If you encounter a section of the trail that is in poor condition or dangerous, turn back and report it to the tourist office.
More details
Mobility disability
Non accessible.
Informations to download
Tips
You can take the free ski lift that goes from the village of Huez—the starting point of this hike—up to Alpe d'Huez!
Go there
Latitude : 45.056145
Longitude : 6.078047
Height : 1600
38142 Auris-en-Oisans
Go there
Information updated on 23/08/2026
by Oisans Tourisme