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Introduction
Sauze d'Oulx reached international prominence in the 1970s and 80s when it was the Alpine equivalent of modern-day Ibiza. But that image is misleading as the village has an ancient history, with some old mountain architecture surviving at the heart of the resort, which now bans heavy traffic.
Sauze d'Oulx also has a long winter sports history going back over a century to the arrival of the first skiers from Switzerland in the 1890s. Several famous Italian racers have come from the village. This reputation was recognised when the resort hosted events at the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics.
One of Sauze d'Oulx's main attractions is its location on the Via Lattea (Milky Way) lift pass which links it to its neighbours of Sestriere, Cesana, Sansicario and across the border into France at Montgenèvre. Sauze d'Oulx is at one end of this ski area chain but its perfectly possible for average-ability skiers and boarders to reach Montgenèvre and return during the ski day, making for an exciting excursion.
Sauze d'Oulx also has a long winter sports history going back over a century to the arrival of the first skiers from Switzerland in the 1890s. Several famous Italian racers have come from the village. This reputation was recognised when the resort hosted events at the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics.
One of Sauze d'Oulx's main attractions is its location on the Via Lattea (Milky Way) lift pass which links it to its neighbours of Sestriere, Cesana, Sansicario and across the border into France at Montgenèvre. Sauze d'Oulx is at one end of this ski area chain but its perfectly possible for average-ability skiers and boarders to reach Montgenèvre and return during the ski day, making for an exciting excursion.
Mountain facts
Resort elevation: 1,382m (4,534ft).
Top elevation: Sauze d'Oulx: 2,701m (8,861ft); Milky Way: 2,840m (9,318ft).
Base elevation: Sauze d'Oulx: 1,382m (4,534ft); Milky Way: 1,357m (4,452ft).
Number of lifts: Sauze d'Oulx: 22; Milky Way: 88
Number of runs: Sauze d'Oulx: 29; Milky Way: 214
Average annual snowfall: 5m (41.7ft).
Where in the world?
Sauze d'Oulx is located in the Susa Valley within the Piedmont region of the northwestern Italian Alps, very close to the border with France.
Hit the slopes
The season runs from early December until late April.
Most people will begin their skiing day with a journey up the hill on foot or by ski bus to catch one of the lifts up to the usually snowsure Sportina Plateau from where ski lifts and runs radiate off in all directions. Beginners are likely to find their first lessons are staged here.
Intermediates will be tempted to head over to the massive snowy bowl around neighbouring Sestriere, or take the exciting long blues and reds back down to Sauze d'Oulx. If planning to head over to Montgenèvre, the trip has been made easier with better connections and better, faster lifts, but it's still a good idea to set off as early as possible and leave plenty of time for the return journey.
Amongst the more exciting runs for intermediate or advanced skiers, the Gran Pista to Prariond descends 650 vertical metres (1,950ft) and has hosted downhill races in the past. The same applies to run 29, which descends from the Capanna Mollino, and winds between forests of ancient pine trees and larches. The Canale Colò run is named after Zeno Colò, who won many international races in the 1940s and 50s.
Most people will begin their skiing day with a journey up the hill on foot or by ski bus to catch one of the lifts up to the usually snowsure Sportina Plateau from where ski lifts and runs radiate off in all directions. Beginners are likely to find their first lessons are staged here.
Intermediates will be tempted to head over to the massive snowy bowl around neighbouring Sestriere, or take the exciting long blues and reds back down to Sauze d'Oulx. If planning to head over to Montgenèvre, the trip has been made easier with better connections and better, faster lifts, but it's still a good idea to set off as early as possible and leave plenty of time for the return journey.
Amongst the more exciting runs for intermediate or advanced skiers, the Gran Pista to Prariond descends 650 vertical metres (1,950ft) and has hosted downhill races in the past. The same applies to run 29, which descends from the Capanna Mollino, and winds between forests of ancient pine trees and larches. The Canale Colò run is named after Zeno Colò, who won many international races in the 1940s and 50s.
Beyond the slopes
Sauze d'Oulx is a traditional ski resort without a huge selection of things to do besides ski. Activities available include a cinema, ice rink, sports centre and games room. Sauna, massage and other wellness facilities are available in the larger hotels.
Family fun
The Dumbo Kindergarten (Via Cristina Odiard), located close to the resort centre, accepts young children from babies to age six. Children must be booked in by at least 1700 the day before they are due to attend.
Older children can join lessons offered by the Scuola Sci Sauze Sportina from age four. There's a beginners' nursery slope at the base of the Clotes chairlift, but most teaching takes place at the Sportina Plateau.
Off the piste Sauze has more limited attractions, beyond the abundant family-friendly Italian cuisine.
Older children can join lessons offered by the Scuola Sci Sauze Sportina from age four. There's a beginners' nursery slope at the base of the Clotes chairlift, but most teaching takes place at the Sportina Plateau.
Off the piste Sauze has more limited attractions, beyond the abundant family-friendly Italian cuisine.
Retail therapy
Sauze d'Oulx's 30 shops are half sports stores, a quarter grocers and the remainder a collection of outlets for photography, furniture, gifts and newspapers.
In the food category Gourmandise Gally (Via Assietta 38) and Portico Gastronomia (Via Assietta 1) both offer regional specialities. Arnica Erboristeria Profumeria (Via Assietta 16) is the perfume choice and EI Roet (Via Monfol 6) is one of the better gift shops.
There is also a weekly market.
In the food category Gourmandise Gally (Via Assietta 38) and Portico Gastronomia (Via Assietta 1) both offer regional specialities. Arnica Erboristeria Profumeria (Via Assietta 16) is the perfume choice and EI Roet (Via Monfol 6) is one of the better gift shops.
There is also a weekly market.
Après ski
Although the reputation for excessive rowdiness is, thankfully, long gone, Sauze d'Oulx does maintain its status as one of the livelier resorts in the Alps once the lifts close, with 25 bars to choose from. As much of the resort is built on quite a steep hillside it's worth planning your route between them and your hotel room carefully.
The Wine Bar Gran Trun (Via Assietta 37) has a wide selection and convivial atmosphere whilst Paddy McGinty's Irish pub (Via Clotes 18) is a resort institution and invariably busy.
There are four places for late night dancing, Varioteca Gina (Piazzale Miramonti 9B) being one of the best.
The Wine Bar Gran Trun (Via Assietta 37) has a wide selection and convivial atmosphere whilst Paddy McGinty's Irish pub (Via Clotes 18) is a resort institution and invariably busy.
There are four places for late night dancing, Varioteca Gina (Piazzale Miramonti 9B) being one of the best.
Eating out
There are 30 restaurants, almost all serving Italian or occasionally English food, normally with healthy portions at reasonable prices.
Del Borgo (Via Assietta 30) is one of the larger pizzerias with a good selection and regular specials. Nearby Le Meizoun Ed La Pata Eisutta (Via Assietta 34) is one of the best spaghetterias.
The Village Cafe (Via Miramonti 10) is the place for typical Italian food, as well as steak or a fried English breakfast. For fine dining, the more intimate Il Capricorno (Case Sparse 21) seats 30 and has an imaginative menu selection.
Del Borgo (Via Assietta 30) is one of the larger pizzerias with a good selection and regular specials. Nearby Le Meizoun Ed La Pata Eisutta (Via Assietta 34) is one of the best spaghetterias.
The Village Cafe (Via Miramonti 10) is the place for typical Italian food, as well as steak or a fried English breakfast. For fine dining, the more intimate Il Capricorno (Case Sparse 21) seats 30 and has an imaginative menu selection.
Getting around
A ski bus service circulates around the resort area and links the various lift base stations. A small charge is made for the service.
Splashing out
Book in for a full day of spa treatments in the wellness centre of the Grand Hotel La Torre (see Accommodation below). This may include hydromassage and a spell in the Tepidarium and Hammam (Turkish steam bath) which should ‘purify body and mind' according to the hotel.
Accommodation
Luxury
Grand Hotel La TorreWell-located 4-star hotel with unusual round-tower architecture and highly regarded wellness centre, nursery and restaurant.
Via della torre 4
Tel: (0122) 859 812.
Website: www.grandhotellatorre.it
Moderate
Hotel Stella AlpinaFamily-run 3-star accommodation located at the foot of the Clotes ski slopes, just 100m (330ft) from the ski lift.
Via Miramonti 22/24
Tel: (0122) 858 731.
Website: www.stellalpinahotel.it
Budget
Orso BiancoStay on the mountain at 2,135m (7,600ft), at the top of the quad from Sauze D'Oulx, and be first on the piste each morning.
Località Sportinia 2000
Tel: (0122) 850 226.
Website: www.sportinia.it
Getting there
Nearest airport: Turin (TRN).
Distance to resort: 79km (49 miles).
Driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes.
Distance to resort: 79km (49 miles).
Driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes.
Website
This resort is good for...
Après ski, Snowboarders, Experts, Intermediates
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