Located high on the sunny balcony of the Susa Valley and surrounded by the neighbouring slopes of the Milky Way, this lively alpine village makes for the perfect retreat to the Italian Alps. The famous après-ski culture alongside fantastic skiing conditions sees all levels of skiers and boarders returning here year after year.
Just an hour's transfer from Turin airport, the ease of travel to the resort means skiers can be out on the slopes soon after they touch down. Ski buses run regularly through the town making it a breeze to get around so the mountain won't daunt first-timers before getting to grips with their skis.
The town is small and spread out with the main resort centre accommodating the lively après-ski and the old town's cobbled streets emanating some authentic Italian culture. Abound with traditional Italian cuisine, the foodies of the group will appreciate the many gastronomic delights, from casual pizzerias and spaghetti houses to rustic Italian cuisine. With a range of shops from clothing boutiques to traditional Italian grocers and other activities such as ice-skating, snowshoe excursions and even a cinema there's a wide variety of entertainment to enjoy.
No longer the Ibiza on the slopes that it was branded in the 70s, the town now has a more refined feel and has been able to maintain its party atmosphere with a wider clientele. Keen young skiers, families and Italian weekenders head to Sauze for the wide variety of activities available on and off the slopes.
The variety and expanse of well-groomed terrain to explore is extended with the Milky Way area lift pass giving you access to a huge network of slopes. You can even take a trip over the border to the French resort of Montgenevre.
Location: Italian Alps.
Established: 1930's
Open: Late December – Mid April
Downhill: 400km
View our detailed Sauze d'Oulx snow forecast or snow report and see all live webcams, piste maps, road and travel maps and lift pass prices. For a picture of historic snow conditions see the snow depths month by month with our Sauze d'Oulx snow history.
Nearest Airport & Transfer Time: | |
Turin | 90 km, 1 hour |
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Top Altitude: | 2650m |
Bottom Altitude: | 1509m |
Resort Altitude: | 1509m |
Longest run: | 7km |
Slope Orientation: | N/NW |
Vertical Drop: | 1490m |
Skiable Vertical: | 250m |
Night Skiing: | No |
Glacier: | No |
Downhill Runs: | 400km |
Beginner slopes: | 24% |
Intermediate: | 55% |
Advanced slopes: | 22% |
Lift Pass Price: | 208 € (Milky Way adult 6 day pass in high season) |
Nearby resorts: Milky Way, Claviere, Montgenevre, Pragelato, Sansicario and Sestriere |
Tree-lined plateaus, wide lengths of varied terrain and beautiful scenery make up the skiing here. Beginners will find the nursery slopes at the foot of the Clotes chair, and the lift takes you to the main ski area at Sportina where lessons also take place. You don't have to conquer the lift process before even having the snow under your skis - regular shuttle buses provide an easy ride for beginners to get out on to the piste. After acing the ski lift, take the chair up to blue 42, connecting to number 30 for a breezy run back to Sportina.
Like most of the Milky Way, this is an intermediates playground. Skiers will enjoy the long winding motorway runs and tree-lined, sunny plateaus to cruise down throughout their days. Intermediate runs link Sauze d'Oulx to the rest of the neighbouring slopes for a seemingly never-ending area to explore. Those up for a serious mileage challenge can follow the signposted 'Giro Della Via Lattea' and tour the whole area in a day. Be ready for an early start and some tired legs!
Advanced skiers are well catered for in the Milky Way ski area. There is a vast galaxy of slopes to explore over in neighbouring Sestriere, and you can put yourself to the test on the professional Kandahar slalom, and Banchetta runs there for some explosive action. You can also take a day trip over the French border to Montgenevre via Claviere – well worth the trip. There's also some exciting off-piste to explore between the trees - hiring a mountain guide is the best way to explore the untouched terrain.
The chilled Italian vibe and well-groomed terrain attract many snowboarders and freestyle enthusiasts to the resort. The 'Double Black Snow Park' at Rio Valley was built for the Olympics and gave freestylers a great way to perfect their tricks.
Infamously known as the best resort for après ski in the Italian Alps, there's something for everyone here, from chilled-out cocktail bars to cosy balcony cafés and lively party places. Having disposed of its previous branding as the Ibiza on the slopes, the resort has a much more refined feel, whilst maintaining the dynamic après atmosphere.
The modern resort centre is where the liveliest après occur: ski down the home run to Sportina and head straight from the slopes to Capanna Mollino, a slope-side bar that's perfect for a sunny pint. When your ski boots are off, head to Miravelle bar for a crepe and some causal drinks before going over to Moncrons for cocktails and a relaxed atmosphere. New Cotton Club is one of the most popular bars in town - drink and mingle the night away with some live music or party on into the early hours at Ghost.
In true Italian style, the Italian Alps is enriched by gastronomic delights. Family-friendly pizza parlours such as La Griglia and typically Italian spaghetti houses make for a casual evening meal of delicious food. Sugo's is an absolute must with delicious spaghetti dishes at excellent value.
If you're looking for some rustic Italian charm, stroll along the cobbled streets of the old town. Much more classy than the modern centre, the old town has several authentic restaurants offering a more sophisticated feel. L'Ortiche is an exceptional restaurant, and another refined atmosphere is found at the Il Lampino wine bar - this rustic setting is perfect for a relaxed evening in a cosy ambience.
Non-skiers are well-catered for many activities such as ice-skating, snowshoe excursions through the woods and some tour operators organising trip to watch Ac Milan football matches.
The area is known for excellent skiing conditions throughout the season. With lots of high-altitude slopes, the Easter period also sees great conditions and skiers and boarders can enjoy a decent morning of riding before stopping off at a sunny patio to soak up some rays. The Italian Alps are less prone to overcrowding, and even at peak times, skiers can enjoy wide-open plateaus with beautiful vistas throughout the day. Busier dates are the obvious Christmas and New Year weeks when the resort fills up with Brits and Italians enjoying their festivities. Any inconsistencies in snowfall are managed well throughout the Milky Way with extensive snowmaking coverage meaning your precious time with the mountain won't be interfered with should there be a turn in conditions.
Spend a cosy Christmas in Sauze d'Oulx around a crackling fire, tasting some delicious Italian cuisine at a rustic Italian restaurant or party on at one of your favourite bars in the centre of the town. Alive with festive spirit, it caters for everyone wanting a Christmas getaway on the slopes. Sauze d'Oulx Christmas ski holidays ‣
Party in the New Year in Sauze d'Oulx with the best après-ski in the Italian Alps. With loads of lively bars, après-ski starts on the piste as you count your way down to the New Year. Join the party at one of the popular clubs and dance the night away to live music and DJs. Sauze d'Oulx New Year ski holidays ‣
February Half Term in Sauze d'Oulx is perfect for lively après and excellent skiing whilst avoiding the queues and expense of its French counterparts. Half term is a lively week in the resort and snow conditions are often superb. Sauze d'Oulx Half Term ski holidays ‣
The whole family will enjoy Easter in Sauze d'Oulx on the slopes with loads of activities to get involved in on and off the piste. A selection of hotels with childcare facilities ensures that the younger ones will be fully taken care of and great ski schools are on offer for groups of varying abilities. Sauze d'Oulx Easter ski holidays ‣
Families are well catered for on the piste with a range of ski schools on hand to ensure the kids have a fun and safe ski experience. Wide, breezy blue runs are great for a family ski together, starting at the top of the mountain you can cruise your way down the 53 and join the 52 back to the village. The nursery slope at the foot of the Clotes chair lift is in an easy location; parents can drop their children off with the school and take the chair to join the rest of the mountain. The main ski area at Sportina is also used for lessons so parents can ski alongside them or perch in a slope-side bar to watch their little ones conquer the snowplough.
Loads of restaurants in the town accommodate families: La Griglia is a popular pizza place with a casual atmosphere, and you can get a delicious crepe from Miravallino. Families with younger children can pick a hotel with childcare if the older members want to enjoy a day on the slopes. Ski buses are a saviour for families. With accommodation built into the steep mountainside, they save you from tiresome walks and run regularly through the town, stopping outside most hotels. Half board and full board hotels are a great option for a family ski holiday, with everything you need at your doorstep and you’ll avoid the hassle of having to plan meals for the whole family.
With such a variety of runs linking the slopes of the Milky Way, this is a cracking resort for mixed ability groups. Beginners can find their feet at Sportina (share a private instructor if there are a few of you learning), while more eager skiers take off to explore Sestriere or cross the border into France. You’ll find some cracking meeting points both on the mountain and off, we like the slope-side Capanna Mollino bar for sharing stories of the day over a Bombardino or two.
As one of the best après ski resorts in Italy, there are lots of options after hours. Most of the restaurants in the town can seat big groups if you call in advance, with Sugo’s a SNO favourite for its incredible spaghetti dishes. Those wanting a chilled evening can sit back and chat over a pint at Bar Miravallino, whilst anyone after a wilder night can carry on the party at The Club below or head over to Osteria dei Vagabondi for a night of dancing.
Accommodation | Number of nights | Price (per person) from |
---|---|---|
Chaberton Lodge & Spa | 7 | £ 1349 |
Chalet Faure | 7 | £ 1118 |
Park Hotel Gran Bosco | 7 | £ 569 |
Hotel Avalanche | 7 | £ 1009 |
Hotel Villa Cary | 7 | £ 589 |
Hotel Assietta | 7 | £ 975 |
Hotel Relais des Alpes | 7 | £ 437 |
Grand Hotel La Torre | 7 | £ 706 |
Hotel Splendid | 7 | £ 553 |
K2 Hotel | 7 | £ 703 |