View from the Rosai Trail
Auris Resort as seen from the Col de Maronne
In the Sarenne Gorge
A hike that combines history and breathtaking scenery, with the Sarenne Gorges serving as the central feature along the route between Auris and Huez.
À propos : Huez – Hiking from the resort of Auris-en-Oisans
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 small hamlet of Rosai with its pretty chapel (which is worth the short detour to reach), before continuing 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 ancient 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.
Since this route passes near mountain pastures, you may encounter livestock guard dogs. Check with the tourist office for more information.
SIGHTS ALONG THE ROUTE
- The hamlet of Rosai, with its well-maintained stone houses typical of the region and the 15th-century Chapel of the Holy Trinity.
- The Roman Bridge, located along the route of the ancient “Roman road.”
GOOD TO KNOW:
- La Sarenne is “the longest black run in Europe.” In fact, the trail you’ll be taking is, in winter, the final stretch 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.
Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
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 entrance to this path, a second sign continues to point you toward “Huez,” followed by two markers that 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 crossroads 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.
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!
En bref
D+ : 550 m
13 km
Level red – hard
Plan et tracé GPX
Huez – Hiking from the resort of Auris-en-Oisans
Auris-en-Oisans
Services
- Pets welcome
Ouverture
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.
Tarifs
Free access.
Accueil animaux
Dogs must be kept on a leash throughout the town and on all trails. Please be aware that you may encounter herds of animals; make sure your dog is socialized with all types of animals.
