sauze d'oulx

Transfer Time

1 hr 15 min

Best For

Intermediates & Advanced

Skiing

146 kilometres of piste and 70 ski lifts).

Ideal For

Couples & Groups

SAUZE D' OULX AT A GLANCE

  • Sauze d’Oulx is a ski resort in Piedmont in northern Italy, in the Val di Susa, about 80 km from Turin. It sits at ~1,509 m in altitude.
  • Part of a Bigger Area
    It is one of the main villages in the         Via Lattea (Milky Way) ski domain, which spans across Italy and into France (e.g. Montgenèvre). This gives access to ~400 km of linked pistes.

Terrain & Skiing

  • Pistes & Difficulty Mix
    Sauze d’ Oulx is especially good for         intermediate skiers. A lot of the terrain is red runs (which in Italy are “medium-hard”) with winding descents, open bowls, and tree-lined sections.
    There are blue runs for beginners, and several ski schools with English-speaking instructors. 2
    For advanced skiers, there are black runs and more challenging terrain, especially via connections to Sestriere, and areas like Motta, Sises, and the Olympic runs (Kandahar etc.).
  • Other Features
  • Tree skiing: Many runs descend through woods (forest trees), which gives variety and shelter.
  • Open alpine slopes above tree-line in parts, especially when you move towards the summit zones.
  • Off-piste opportunities exist, though best with a guide or local knowledge.
  • Snow reliability is aided by snow-making on many slopes.
  • Lift Infrastructure & Layout
    There are several lifts from the town/village (e.g. Clotes, Sportinia / Prariond, Jovenceaux) which take you up to different sectors.
    The mid-mountain area of Sportinia (≈ 2,000-2150 m) is a hub: many runs radiate from there; it’s good both for views and as a base for different runs.
  • Vertical Drop etc.
    The summit of the Sauze-Fraiteve uplift is ~2,840 m.  The vertical drop down to the village is around 1,300-1,450 m depending on route.

Atmosphere & Other Features

  • Village Life / Nightlife
    Sauze d’ Oulx has a lively après-ski scene: bars, restaurants, old town charm (cobbled streets, stone buildings), and reasonably priced options. It used to have a somewhat rowdy reputation in past decades but more recently it balances liveliness with a more mixed, friendly atmosphere.
  • Sun / Scenery
    Because of its position, many of the runs (and the resort itself) get better sunlight than many other places – which helps for both skiing comfort and views.  Scenery is high alpine, often with forested pistes, wide panoramas when above the tree line.
  • Amenities & Learning
    Good ski and snowboard schools. For beginners, there are nursery slopes, magic carpets, easy lifts and gentle terrain, especially around Sportinia.

Who It’s Best Suited To

  • Intermediate skiers: this is where Sauze really shines. Lots of red runs, cruising terrain, variety.
  • Mixed-ability groups: with enough easier blues for newer skiers and more challenging terrain for those who want more.
  • People who want more than just the skiing: decent nightlife, scenery, food, Italian atmosphere.
  • Those who might want to explore a large ski area: because it’s part of Via Lattea, you can branch out.

Less ideal if you’re a total beginner expecting mostly easy runs (though you can learn here), or if you want extremely steep terrain all the time (there is some, but it’s not quite like the most extreme resorts).

Sauze d' Oulx SKI HOLIDAYS

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WHY WE LOVE SAUZE D'OULX?

Sauze d’ Oulx! That’s a charming spot in Italy’s Piedmont region, part of the famous Via Lattea (Milky Way) ski area. People love it for a bunch of reasons—let me break it down:

  1. Epic Skiing & Snowboarding
  • It’s part of the Via Lattea, offering hundreds of kilometers of interconnected slopes across Italy and France.
  • There’s something for everyone: beginners can take gentle runs, while advanced skiers can enjoy challenging descents.
  1. Scenic Beauty
  • Nestled in the Cottian Alps, the views are breathtaking—snow-covered peaks, quaint alpine villages, and dramatic valleys.
  • Perfect for photography, nature walks, or just soaking in mountain serenity.
  1. Vibrant Après-Ski Life
  • Sauze d’ Oulx has a lively après-ski scene, with cozy bars, pubs, and clubs.
  • Popular with younger crowds and those looking for nightlife after a day on the slopes.
  1. Charming Village Atmosphere
  • Despite being a ski hub, it retains a traditional alpine feel, with stone buildings, narrow streets, and local charm.
  • Great for enjoying Italian cuisine, from hearty mountain dishes to fine dining.
  1. Accessibility & Location
  • Close to Turin and well-connected by road, so it’s relatively easy to reach for both Italians and international tourists.
  • Ideal for combining skiing with cultural trips in Piedmont.
  1. Events & Festivals
  • Hosts winter sports competitions, music festivals, and seasonal events that add to the lively atmosphere.
  • In short, people love Sauze d’ Oulx because it blends world-class skiing, stunning alpine scenery, fun nightlife, and cozy Italian charm all in one place.

Beginners

Sauze d’ Oulx is part of the Via Lattea (Milky Way) ski area, with ~400 km of pistes. The resort has a reputation for being stronger for intermediates, with lots of red runs. The beginner and nursery slopes are fewer and sometimes more crowded.

Snow reliability is fairly good, especially in higher altitudes; many slopes have snowmaking. Sportinia is the main area for beginners: nursery slopes, magic carpets, gentle terrain, and easier access to ski schools. If you’re starting completely fresh, this is where you’ll spend much of your early time.

There is a nursery slope at the base of the Clotes chair lift (in the village) useful for first days.

Once you feel confident, the “wide blue runs” (Numbers 12 & 13 above Sportinia) are good for practising turns without too much stress.

Intermediates

  1. Lots of red runs
  • Much of the terrain is red (intermediate-level): winding, cruising pistes through larch forests, open high alpine bowls, etc.
  • The “red run paradise” reputation is well deserved.
  1. Variety of terrain
  • There are treed sections (which help in low visibility or bad weather) plus wide open slopes higher up where senses of space and speed kick in.
  • Long cruising opportunities (especially when linking to neighbouring resorts like Sestriere or Sansicario).
  1. Connections across a large ski area
  • The Via Lattea link-up means intermediates can explore different sectors: moving between Sauze, Sestriere, Sansicario, Claviere, Montgenèvre.
  • This means you can do new pistes almost every day.
  1. Good lift system + grooming + snowmaking
  • Many well‐groomed pistes, especially red ones.
  • Snowmaking is in place for many slopes, which helps reliability.

Key sectors / runs for intermediates

  • Moncrons
    Great cruising terrain; above and below tree‐line you get varied runs.
  • Sportinia
    Good base area with several long blues and reds; a good place for warming up, working confidence, also linking out to more challenging terrain.
  • Runs from Fraiteve
    The top of Monte Fraiteve gives access to wide, high long slopes.
  • The 2000 red run
    A favourite: from the top of the Clotes chairlift all the way down to the village. Brings good vertical, nice scenery, and satisfying descent for intermediates.

What to watch out for / challenges

  • Lift link‐ups & navigation
    Because the area is large and spread out, some parts are less direct or lower quality lifts. You need to plan so you don’t end up far from your lodging or miss the last lifts.
  • Weather / visibility
    Higher, open slopes can be exposed; when clouds or snowstorms move in, visibility drops. The trees lower down can help, but being prepared is good.
  • Crowds & busy lower slopes
    Near the village or main lift hubs, some runs (especially popular ones) can get busy. Also, the lower slopes can have more variable snow conditions.

Tips for intermediates to make the most of it

  • Stay somewhere with good access to lifts: like Sportinia or the lifts that connect up high, so you can maximise the better terrain first thing.
  • Try to do runs early in the morning before lower slopes deteriorate.
  • Use red runs to build confidence, then venture on linked pistes into Sestriere/Sansicario etc.
  • Make sure to check the weather forecasts, and have a map/app so you know lift schedules, especially for links between sectors.
  • Consider booking a private instructor for a day: even intermediates benefit from local knowledge (which runs are best in current snow / conditions).


Advanced

For experts there is the run Diretta which ends with a real steep pitch. There is a vast amount to do off-piste, including some epic skiing! Why not take a trip up in the helicopter and do some serious off-piste with some untouched snow in the nearby mountains! 

If you'd like to discuss a holiday to Courmayeur, get in touch via the online chat, send us an email or give us a call on 01248 712567.



Ski Schools

Sauze d'Oulx, nestled in Italy's Susa Valley, offers a range of reputable ski schools catering to all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Here's an overview of the main ski schools in the area:

🎿 Scuola di Sci Sauze Sportinia

Established in 1937, Scuola di Sci Sauze Sportinia is one of the oldest and most respected ski schools in the region. Located in the Sportinia area, it provides:

  • Group Lessons: Available in 3, 5, or 6-day formats, each lasting approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes per day. Group lessons are open to all abilities, including children from the age of 5. Prices range from €150 to €230, with additional charges during peak seasons.
  • Private Lessons: Tailored to individual or small group needs, focusing on specific skills or areas of improvement. Ideal for those seeking personalized instruction.
  • Specialized Courses: Including telemark skiing, off-piste skiing, and adaptive snowboarding lessons. These courses are designed for skiers looking to enhance their skills in specific areas.

🏔️ Scuola Sci Vialattea Sauze d'Oulx

Operating for nearly 40 years, Scuola Sci Vialattea Sauze d'Oulx is known for its passionate instructors and diverse offerings:

  • Group and Private Lessons: Catering to all levels, from beginners to advanced skiers. Group lessons are designed to foster a sense of community, while private lessons provide focused, one-on-one instruction.
  • Freestyle and Snowboard Courses: For those interested in freestyle skiing or snowboarding, specialized courses are available to develop these skills.
  • Vialattea Experience: A unique program offering guided experiences across the vast Vialattea ski area, allowing participants to explore the extensive network of slopes.

🏂 Snowmaxx Ski & Snowboard School

Snowmaxx is a dynamic school offering:

  • All-Level Lessons: From beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders. Emphasis is placed on making learning fun and engaging.
  • Freeride and Off-Piste Courses: For those seeking adventure beyond the groomed trails.
  • Year-Round Activities: Snowmaxx operates throughout the year, offering activities tailored to each season.

🧑‍🏫 Maison Sport Private Lessons

Maison Sport connects skiers with certified private instructors for a personalized experience:

  • Tailored Instruction: Lessons are customized to suit individual or group abilities, focusing on specific goals or areas of improvement.
  • Flexible Scheduling: Instructors can meet at preferred locations and times, offering convenience and adaptability.
  • Specialized Lessons: Including telemark skiing, off-piste skiing, and adaptive snowboarding.



Ski Hire

Ski hire in Sauze d'Oulx is well-organised, offering a range of rental shops with competitive prices, expert fitting, and convenient services. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, you'll find suitable equipment and flexible rental options.

🎿 Top Ski Hire Shops in Sauze d'Oulx

1. Eydallin Sport

  • Location: Central Sauze d'Oulx
  • Offerings: Wide selection of skis and snowboards for all levels, professional servicing, expert fitting, and free ski storage for online bookings of 3+ days.
  • Discounts: Over 10% off for online bookings.

2. Faure Sport

  • Location: Piazza Assietta, central Sauze d'Oulx
  • Offerings: Premium brands like Stockli, Nordica, and Van Deer; free ski/snowboard change during rental period; try-before-you-buy options; e-bike and bike rentals.
  • Discounts: 10% automatic discount for online bookings.

3. Maison Clataud Sport (Ski Republic)

  • Locations: Sportinia (near the slopes) and central Sauze d'Oulx
  • Offerings: Family-friendly rentals, wide range of skis, snowboards, boots, helmets, and accessories.
  • Discounts: Up to 60% off and the 7th day's hire free for online bookings.

4. Besson Sport

  • Location: Via Clotes, Sauze d'Oulx
  • Offerings: Comprehensive selection of ski, snowboard rentals, with expert advice from experienced staff.

5. 3sixty

  • Offerings: Ski and snowboard rentals for adults and children, quality equipment, and mountain bikes




In the Snow >

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