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Vaujany Ski Holidays
Just across the valley lies the lively Alpe d’Huez, and while Vaujany may be quieter, it certainly doesn’t play second fiddle when it comes to skiing.
This is a resort that’s mastered balance: peaceful and authentic, yet boasting an ultra-modern lift network that whisks you straight into one of the Alps’ most extensive ski areas. The high-speed cable car from the village carries skiers up to Alpette and beyond in minutes, connecting seamlessly to the vast Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine Ski area - more than 250km of interconnected pistes waiting to be explored.
Families in particular have long been smitten with Vaujany, and it proudly carries the Famille Plus label - France’s official recognition of resorts that go above and beyond for children. Yet whether you’re travelling with kids, friends, or flying solo, there’s something deeply appealing about Vaujany’s blend of mountain authenticity and polished efficiency. It’s a place where you can ski world-class terrain by day, then retreat to a quiet, beautiful village come evening.
A luxury secret with fast lifts and direct access to the massive Alpe d'Huez Grand Domaine, perfect for high-speed cruising!!
Rebecca Dodson, Sales Manager
Mountain facts
Vaujany sits at an altitude of 1,250m and forms part of the vast Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine, where the ski area stretches from 1,100m right up to the Pic Blanc glacier at 3,330m. The domain offers an impressive 250km of pistes served by 85 lifts, with a balanced spread of 38 green runs, 32 blue, 34 red, and 16 black, ensuring something for every level of skier. Its most famous descent is the mighty La Sarenne - a 16km black run that’s among the longest in the world. Conveniently, transfers from Grenoble take around an hour and twenty minutes, making Vaujany easily accessible despite its tranquil, tucked-away setting. It’s hard to overstate just how impressive these numbers are for such a peaceful corner of the Alps; Vaujany might feel intimate, but it’s firmly connected to one of France’s most dynamic ski networks - from glacier to valley, beginner zones to backcountry.
Snow conditions in Vaujany
If you’re looking for snow reliability, Vaujany more than delivers. Thanks to its connection with Alpe d’Huez, it’s part of a ski region famous for both altitude and sunshine - a rare and enviable combination in the Alps. The crown jewel is the Pic Blanc glacier, towering at 3,330m, where snow is virtually guaranteed all season long and skiing often continues well into spring, with the occasional opportunity for summer turns. Known affectionately as l’île au soleil - the Island of the Sun - the Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine enjoys over 300 days of sunshine each year, making those long, lazy lunches on panoramic terraces practically compulsory. Down at village level, Vaujany’s altitude of 1,250m works cleverly in its favour, with many of its home runs, such as the superb La Fare black, facing north or north-west to preserve snow quality late into the season. Combine that with a powerful snowmaking system - over 900 cannons covering around 65% of the pistes - and it’s easy to see why Vaujany boasts one of the most dependable snow records in France.
Skiing in Vaujany
The real joy of skiing in Vaujany lies in how much variety you get. Thanks to its direct link to the vast Grand Domaine, you’ve got access to everything from gentle learner slopes to serious, high-altitude challenges - all without the crowds. For beginners, the Montfrais sector is a real find. Set at mid-mountain level, it’s sunny, wide, and wonderfully forgiving - the kind of place where you can build confidence without feeling rushed. There’s even a ski kindergarten and an ESF Jardin de Neige, perfect for little ones (and nervous grown-ups) taking their first slides on snow.
Intermediates can really stretch their legs here. You can spend days cruising long blues and reds across different valleys, often without queuing once. One standout route starts at the Dôme des Rousses (2,800m) and winds all the way down to Alpe d’Huez - a long, rolling descent with big Alpine views that’ll have you grinning behind your goggles. And for those who like things steeper, Vaujany opens the door to some of the Alps’ most iconic runs. The lift to Pic Blanc gives access to the legendary Sarenne - 16km of black-graded perfection - and the infamous mogul-strewn Tunnel. Closer to home, the La Fare black plunges straight down into the village, a proper leg-burner that ends conveniently near a bar.
Snowboarding in Vaujany
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Snowboarders are well taken care of in Vaujany. The lift system is fast, modern, and - crucially - has very few drag lifts, which is always good news for anyone who’s ever tried to balance on one with a board half strapped on. Getting around the mountain is smooth and straightforward, letting you spend more time riding and less time faffing about in lift queues.
Freestylers can easily hop over to Alpe d’Huez, where the area’s best snowparks and halfpipe await. The parks are well-kept and varied, with features for all abilities - from mellow kickers that build confidence to proper jumps and rails for those who like a challenge. If freestyle isn’t your thing, the Grand Domaine is packed with broad blue and red runs that are perfect for carving wide, satisfying turns. There’s also plenty of accessible off-piste terrain to explore, especially around Montfrais and the upper slopes near Pic Blanc - a mix of open powder fields and tree runs that’ll keep even the most seasoned riders entertained.
Accommodation in Vaujany
Accommodation in Vaujany has a reputation for being both stylish and sensibly priced. It’s a village that has managed to retain its rustic Alpine character while incorporating a certain level of comfort and polish.
What's available at Vaujany ski resort?
Après-ski in Vaujany
If your idea of après-ski involves neon lights, booming speakers, and dancing in ski boots, you might be better off catching the lift to Alpe d’Huez for a night out - and maybe arranging a taxi back.
Vaujany’s après-ski scene is altogether more refined. Think cosy bars, local wines, and the kind of warm hospitality that makes you want to linger long after your cheeks have stopped tingling from the cold.
- At the heart of it all is QG Bar, the resort’s go-to spot for post-ski pints. It’s unpretentious, friendly, and just lively enough to keep the energy up without becoming rowdy.
- If you fancy something a little more sophisticated, Affaire de Goûts delivers excellent food alongside an impressive wine list - a perfect setting for swapping slope stories over a bottle of Côte du Rhône.
- For a relaxed meal or a nightcap in a classic Alpine setting, Le Perce Neige ticks every box. Expect wooden beams, hearty fare, and a genuinely welcoming vibe.
- And for those moments when only a pastry will do, L’âtre du Vaujaniat Pain Viennoiserie is the essential pit stop. Whether it’s a still-warm croissant or a pain au chocolat straight from the oven, it’s the quickest way to recharge after a big ski day.
Facilities in Vaujany
For a small mountain village, Vaujany really doesn’t hold back when it comes to facilities. Everything has been cleverly designed for convenience - escalators and covered walkways link the different levels of the resort, making it easy to get around, even in ski boots.
The standout feature has to be the Sports & Leisure Centre, which feels more like something you’d find in a much larger resort. There’s a 25m heated pool, a spa area with a sauna, steam room and jacuzzi, plus a well-equipped gym for anyone still feeling energetic after a day on the slopes. It’s perfect for easing sore legs or giving non-skiers something to enjoy while the rest of the group is up the mountain.
Right next door is the ice rink - a full-sized, modern arena that hosts everything from relaxed public skating sessions to lively ice hockey matches. And if skating’s not your thing, the bowling alley nearby is a great shout for families or groups looking for an easy evening’s entertainment. Around the village, you’ll also find a handful of independent shops, cafés, and ski hire outlets - just enough to cover all the essentials without losing that laid-back, unspoilt Alpine charm that makes Vaujany so appealing.
Facilities for children in Vaujany
Vaujany really does take family holidays to heart - and it shows. The resort has picked up multiple awards for its family-focused approach, and the Famille Plus label is just the official stamp on something that’s already obvious the moment you arrive. Everything here is set up to make life easy for parents and fun for children, from the layout of the village to the care facilities dotted around it.
The municipal crèche, La Garderie, is ideal for little ones, welcoming children from six months to four years old. It’s bright, modern, and run by caring staff who know precisely how to keep young guests happy and entertained. For slightly older kids, the Children’s Club (ages 3 to 11) keeps boredom at bay with a full line-up of activities - from arts and crafts to outdoor games - giving parents a few guilt-free hours on the mountain. The local ESF ski school also shines here, with its sunny, sheltered Jardin de Neige at Montfrais, where children can take their first slides in a safe and encouraging environment. And when it comes to simply getting around, Vaujany makes it wonderfully straightforward: the village is linked by covered escalators and is mainly pedestrianised, so there’s no huffing up icy hills with skis, helmets, and miniature mittens in tow. It’s family skiing, minus the stress.
Why choose Erna Low for Vaujany skiing holidays?
Incredible value holidays: We’ll beat any competitor’s price, giving you the best value for money.
Huge choice of accommodation: Choose from bargain breaks, 5-star premium deals and so much more.
Customisable travel: We specialise in fully customisable ski holidays; offering a wide range of options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Fully protected bookings: We’re TOPP members and abide by their Code of Conduct.
5-star Trustpilot reviews: We pride ourselves on the service we provide, which is why out of 10 of our clients would recommend us.
Enjoy the stunning views and traditional mountain feel while riding the lift system that gets you straight onto the slopes!
Jane Bolton, Product Director
