Italy

Milky Way

Sauze d'Oulx

Sauze d'Oulx Ski Holidays

Bursting with Italian flair, Sauze d'Oulx is a historic mountain village that blends old-world charm with legendary après-ski energy.

Located 80km from Turin in the upper Susa Valley of Piedmont, Sauze d’Oulx ski resort in the Italian Alps is 1509m above sea level and is part of the extensive Milky Way Ski Area, which has a huge 400km of slopes connected efficiently by 72 lifts and is a cross-border domain that includes French resorts.

The most vibrant of the five ski villages which comprise the Milky Way, Sauze d’Oulx has lots of long, lush, serene slopes, with a great mix of open runs at a higher level, terrific tree-lined slopes a little further down, and outstanding off-piste. The snow range here is 1350m-2832m and there are plenty of excellent intermediate runs, a few nice slopes for beginners and, at the other end of the scale, a smattering of black runs for experts.

Your ski pass unlocks access to the French resort of Montgenèvre as well as Claviere, Sansicario and Sestriere, so there’s a great variety of terrain, several snow parks for boarders and ample ungroomed areas for freeriders. If you want to maximise your time on the powder, you’re not restricted to the local slopes but can explore all the Milky Way’s wide open space.

Sauze d’Oulx is a pedestrianised village with a contemporary centre full of bustling bars and restaurants and a charismatic old town with cobbled streets and charming buildings like the 16th Century Church of San Giovanni Battista, which has a gorgeous Romanesque bell tower and elegant carved wooden columns. Popular with British snowsports fans because of its quality pistes (it’s a former 2006 Turin Winter Olympics host site) and awesome apres-ski, there’s a brilliant balance of activities on and off the slopes and plenty of entertainment and activities for solo skiers, couples, families and groups of friends.

If you’re a bit of a culture vulture who appreciates aesthetic beauty, you’ll appreciate the lovely wooden sculptures that pepper the area as part of the innovative Art in the Forest programme, but the stunning natural scenery will blow your socks off too ̶ there’s nothing like swooshing down the slopes and taking in a blast of fresh air in the natural Alpine amphitheatre.

The accommodation mix includes well-appointed hotels, comfy apartments and B&Bs, so there’s something to suit everyone and you’ll be delighted by the warm hospitality, delicious cuisine and amazing atmos by day and night.

Sauze d’Oulx ski holidays from Erna Low have quality and value packed into every component ̶ we can’t wait to welcome you home to the Italian Alps!

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Sauze d'Oulx holds a pivotal position within the formidable Via Lattea (Milky Way) ski area, a truly vast international domain spanning both Italy and France. This immense network boasts an impressive 400km of meticulously prepared ski pistes, seamlessly connecting its various resorts. The entire area is efficiently served by 70 modern lift installations, ensuring swift and smooth transit throughout this extensive domain. The terrain spans a significant altitude range, from the lowest points around 1,350m up to a considerable 2,800m on Mount Motta, offering substantial vertical descents and diverse high-alpine exploration. Sauze d'Oulx is situated at 1,509m, providing superb access to its renowned tree-lined slopes and the broader reaches of the Via Lattea.

Snow conditions in Sauze d'Oulx

Snow conditions here are generally very reliable, benefiting from its high elevation and a climate that frequently provides ample natural snowfall. The resort’s position within the Via Lattea ensures good snow preservation throughout the season, particularly on its extensive tree-lined runs, which offer shelter and help maintain snow quality. To supplement natural falls, Sauze d'Oulx and the wider Via Lattea domain employ comprehensive snow-production systems, diligently covering a significant proportion of key slopes to ensure robust conditions from early December. This commitment to maintaining a consistent, high-quality snow surface contributes to great skiing experiences that typically endure well into April.

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Skiing in Sauze d'Oulx

Sauze d'Oulx serves up an irresistible mix of terrain that keeps every skier grinning, from wide-eyed beginners to seasoned experts. Newcomers find their snow legs on the sunny, gentle slopes around Sportinia, where magic carpets and patient instructors from the Scuola Sci Sauze make learning a breeze. Intermediates are in paradise here - the Via Lattea's network of blues and reds (like the 9km run to Sansicario) offers endless cruising through larch forests, with easy lifts connecting you to Sestriere's Olympic runs or the charming French border village of Montgenèvre for lunch.

For thrill-seekers, Sauze delivers serious challenges with Italian flair. Test your mettle on the Olympic black runs of Monte Fraiteve (used in the 2006 Games) or dive into the powdery tree runs near Sportinia after a fresh dump. The area's north-facing slopes preserve snow beautifully, while the high-altitude terrain above Sestriere (up to 2,800m) guarantees spring skiing well into April. Whether you're carving perfect turns on immaculate pistes or hunting for untouched lines in the woods, Sauze wraps it all up with that infectious Italian joie de vivre.

Snowboarding in Sauze d'Oulx

Sauze d'Oulx is a snowboarder's dream, blending world-class parks with epic all-mountain riding across the massive Via Lattea. The Sestriere Snowpark (just a quick lift ride away) serves up pro-level kickers and creative jib lines. The local Sportinia freestyle area also offers mellower features perfect for dialling in new tricks, but what sets Sauze apart is its legendary tree-lined runs - picture carving through sun-dappled larch forests on wide, buttery pistes that feel like nature's own terrain park.

When the powder falls, the whole Via Lattea becomes your playground. North-facing bowls near Monte Fraiteve stash fresh lines days after storms, while the backcountry routes toward Sansicario deliver heart-pumping descents (always ride with a guide). The ultra-efficient lift system - especially the fast Sportinia gondola - means no frustrating flat spots, just more time shredding everything from perfectly groomed cruisers to hidden powder stashes. And with Italy's best après-ski waiting in the village (we're looking at you, Il Capricorno), Sauze is the perfect mix of riding and revelry.

What's available at Sauze d'Oulx ski resort?

Après-ski in Sauze d'Oulx

The après-ski scene in Sauze d'Oulx is truly legendary and distinctively energetic, delivering a remarkably social and engaging atmosphere that consistently ranks among the Alps' most vibrant.

  • The iconic Capanna Kind, situated conveniently on the lower slopes, offers a perfect blend of high-energy music and outdoor revelry, ideal for that initial post-ski beverage straight off the piste.
  • Several other venues in the Sportinia area, like Bar Assietta, buzz with activity, providing excellent opportunities for initial celebrations.
  • The village’s most famous spots are ready to welcome eager crowds: Paddy McGinty's remains an enduring favourite, celebrated for its lively pub atmosphere, spirited live music performances, and magnetic pull for revellers seeking a boisterous time.
  • Just steps away, the Ghost Bar commands attention with its consistent, buzzing ambience. It frequently serves as a prime early-evening gathering point.
  • For those seeking ongoing musical entertainment, The Cotton Club often features dynamic live bands, ensuring the festive energy endures late into the night.
  • Max Bar, centrally located, provides a perpetually popular spot for a convivial drink amidst fellow skiers.
  • For a taste of more authentic Italian pub culture, Bar Scacco Matto offers a welcoming space known for its well-crafted cocktails and slightly more relaxed yet still lively atmosphere.
  • Even the elegant Miramonti hotel's bar bustles with a more sophisticated yet equally vibrant clientele.
The abundance of bars, pubs, and late-night venues like Banditos ensures that whether you seek an electrifying dance floor, a vibrant sing-along, or a spirited yet intimate gathering, Sauze d'Oulx expertly caters to every inclination to embrace the evening, all infused with genuine Italian hospitality.
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Facilities in Sauze d'Oulx

Sauze d'Oulx delivers the perfect blend of Italian hospitality and ski holiday convenience, with everything you need at your fingertips. The village is dotted with top-tier rental shops like No Limits and Salomon Store, where expert fitters will kit you out with the latest gear. Top ski schools like and Scuola Sci Sauze offer lessons in multiple languages, whether you're taking your first turns or mastering off-piste techniques. Getting your Via Lattea ski pass is a breeze, unlocking 400km of slopes across Italy and France - don't miss the chance to ski to France's Montgenèvre for a croissant lunch!

When you're off the slopes, Sauze's charm shines through its cobbled streets lined with authentic boutiques (stock up on local cheeses and wines) and lively eateries serving everything from wood-fired pizza at Il Baretto to gourmet Piedmontese dishes at Ristorante La Torre. The efficient bus system makes getting around simple, whether you're heading to the lifts or exploring nearby villages. From sunny terrace cafés for your morning cappuccino to buzzing après bars, every detail here is designed to make your Italian ski holiday unforgettable.

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Facilities for children in Sauze d'Oulx

Sauze d'Oulx is a dream destination for families, where Italian warmth meets kid-friendly skiing at its best. The resort's Ski Kinder Park at Sportinia is a winter wonderland for little learners, with magic carpets, fun obstacle courses, and English-speaking instructors who make first turns an adventure. Top ski schools like Scuola Sci Sauze specialise in children's programs, using games and mascots to teach skills while keeping it playful. For tiny tots, various spots offer snow play and gentle introductions to sliding, all in traffic-free zones with heated rest areas for parents.

After skiing, the fun continues with floodlit sledging runs near the village centre and the outdoor ice rink where children can glide under the stars. Family-friendly hotels feature playrooms and early dinner options, while Sauze's pizzerias welcome children with open arms (and plenty of gelato). From weekly torchlight parades to pasta-making classes, every detail is designed to create those magical family holiday moments - all served up with authentic Italian cheer.

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Why choose Erna Low for Sauze d'Oulx skiing holidays?

Experience and service: We offer you a one-stop shop for everything you could possibly need for a ski holiday.

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.

Sauze d'Oulx links in to the 400km of pistes in the vast Milky Way ski domain and has a vibrant après scene.

Jane Bolton, Product Director

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