Signed up for the Aloe D’Huez short race next year. Anybody have recommendations on where I should stay and how far in advance I should book? Thanks!
I have registered the L and had a quick look on Airbnb, there are a bunch of ski chalets for pretty cheap (£50 per night range). most of which are refundable so I am probably going to book one of those fairly soon.
Book immediately if it’s refundable. You can always search for a better deal.
I stayed at the Hotel Alp’Azur when I did the race in 2016. Typical French mountain hotel. Small rooms, and so-so continental breakfast.
Some friends stayed at one of the apartment towers and I think got a much better deal. No free breakfast obviously, but they were able to cook all of their own food.
Staying up at AdH rather than in BdO is best. I just limped back to my room after the race.
I did the race this year. 5 of us stayed in an apartment at Le Manoir (it’s on booking.com) - would highly recommend - great place and good value - and a 20min walk to where the shuttle bus pick up is on race morning (you could drive and park nearby if you preferred but we walked and it was fine). It’s basically underneath the 21st hairpin. Not 100% sure but think there may be a smaller apartment too (certainly there were other people staying there at the same time as us, but not sure how many).
Regarding the comment above that staying up at AdH rather than BdO is best, no doubt the person posting believed that to be the case for them, but I would say there are pros and cons and either is fine. One of our group has done both ways (twice!) and is of the same view. Personally, I really enjoyed descending AdH after the race!
I stayed the the Grandes Rousses Hotel & Spa a couple of weeks ago for 2 nights for Haute Route Alps. Very nice hotel, good sized room, great pool and you can also book private spa time I think. Great breakfasts too. No issues with having your bike in your room either. The cost was part of the HR package so can’t really give you guidance there, but I’d certainly stay there again.
Thanks took your advice and booked that hotel. Was also first suggested hotel that came up in Expedia.
Same as the other poster - stayed at Le Manoir and liked it. Found being at the bottom of the mountain better than at the top with all the options. Rising back down at the end of the day was also great.
What are the race day logistics for racers and spectators? I booked a place at BdO. Can a spectator drive and park at the AdH? Is there a shuttle from BdO to the swim start or can I ride my bike (or does it need to be dropped off the day before like IM)?
thanks for any tips!
I believe there are shuttles now.
I rode my bike to the start. It’s almost entirely downhill, so I had to pedal maybe a couple of minutes along the lake.
Never done the ADH tri but gone to the region to ride 5x. I typically stay at Hotel de Milan in Bourg d’Oisins. I would imagine it is a pain int he butt getting back downhill after the race (you would have to pack all your gear in a backpack and ride down the 22 switchbacks while bonking post race…)
How technical is the run course, My body does not do well on knarly trails anymore, but this is a bucket list event that I have not done and I feel I have the physical ability to do if I can jog/hike most of the run. I am currently registered for Ironman Canada Ottawa, which I am unsure about doing even if it is in my town due to my run and doing a marathon after such a long ride…doing ADH L sounds more interesting).
We took the shuttle from the town in the morning - I would not have ridden my bike. Racked the bike the day before. Spectator came with me on the bus and the buses stay until after the swim is complete. I can’t recall if there was an option to go back to town on the bus but it definitely goes to the top of ADH. If it goes back to town the spectator should have time to chill for a while and then drive up before the race gets back.
I rode back down after the race but my wife had some of my stuff. It was a fun ride down 
The trails are not “gnarly”. Gravel for 1/2, road for 1/2, super steep downhill on the airport runway. Most people are jogging/walking vs running.
There’s a shuttle from BdO - it goes from the main supermarket. I wouldn’t ride to the start from BdO. As NordicSkier says it’s easy from AdH, but not ideal fromBdO. There are shuttle buses for spectators too - can’t quite remember if they go all the way to the village … just email the organisers with questions - they are helpful.
brilliant, thanks all for the tips. We can stay in BdO and the chief sherpa will be happy with the logistics. Cheers!
I did the race this year. Riding down AdH afterwards was a highlight! As you say, kit in backpack and I was tired so not racing down … but it was beautiful in the early evening sunlight. The run is hilly for sure but mostly good surface. The 11% downhill on the airstrip is tough on the legs (I saw some walking down backwards!). I walked the hills and jogged the rest and got round the run in just over a couple of hours … so definitely less of a trial for your than an IM marathon. Run legs aside, this race is known as a bucket list event for a reason … if you’ve only got a few long distance tri’s left in you my advice would be to get there while you can - you won’t regret it.
Thanks, this is good to know about the course. I have not run more than 21.1km ever since 2015 (last time was IM Lake Tahoe). Ten years later, I don’t know if my body is up for going longer and I guess I will figure that out this winter and then decide if I do IM Canada Ottawa or not (I am registered and can transfer over to a 70.3). As I have not done ADH tri and my running days are likely numbered (I do 70.3’s off 7=10km training runs which you can’t fake for an IM), perhaps ADH is calling. I am OK for the swim and bike, but also the run after that set of climbs is going to be tough, but if I power walk the steep uphills and walk backwards on some steep downhills, maybe I can get it done.
I will have to see if it sells out this winter though (I believe it will).