Alpe d'Huez is known as the ?Island of the Sun? and has earned a reputation for being the ski resort with the most days of sunshine, with more than 300 sunny days a year. The resort is on a fully south-facing plateau at 1860m and is surrounded by a snow bowl with masses of sunny skiing.

The Southern French Alps hold the title of the sunniest region in the mountain chain, famously boasting an average of 300 days of sunshine per year. Within this region, the Queyras Valley and the town of Briançon (the highest city in the EU) are often cited as the "sun peaks." This exceptional climate is due to the "Mediterranean influence" which pushes clouds north, leaving these southern valleys clear while the Northern Alps are often shrouded in mist. In 2026, Briançon remains a high-value destination for "sun-seekers" who want world-class skiing or hiking without the dreary weather typical of the central ranges. This micro-climate is so reliable that it has historically been used as a site for solar research and heliotherapy, making it the premier choice for travelers who prioritize bright, blue skies alongside their Alpine adventures.