Sauze D'ouix

Sauze d’Ouix forms part of the spectacular ski circuit known as Via Lattea or “Milky Way”, a track that covers almost three hundred miles of pistes and spans Italy and France.  Its use for the 2006 Winter Olympics saw over nine million euros worth of investment which saw the resort gain several new runs, lifts and accommodation.  The love of this resort by Brits has seen it dubbed the “Ibiza of Skiing”, but in recent years this reputation has been toned down a little thanks to the return of a little Italian influence.

This really is a fantastically thought-out resort with a whole host of excellent attributes.  It enjoys plenty of sunshine and boats wide open runs and tree-lined scenic terrain.

The openness of its pistes makes it ideal for intermediate skiers and snowboarders and especially for larger groups containing mixed abilities.

Sauze d’Ouix has a rather archaic but attractive town centre that gives it an authentic, Italian feel.  Adjacent to this is an area full of hotels and bars which is where the partying gets started every night of the season.  The newer area is built up of pubs and bars with a distinctly British flavour.  The older side of time has fine wine bars and excellent restaurants.  This twin-centre approach is ideal, as you can pick which side to visit depending on your mood.

The Via Lattea terrain links Sauze d’Ouiz with the nearby resorts of Claviere, Sestriere and Sansicario.  The run is ideally suited to improving intermediates and a range of experiences and fun day trips are always available to such skiers.  There are plenty of picturesque, tree-lined runs in the area and a massive amount of rolling terrain, making the availability of choice quite dizzying.  All are easily reachable via lifts or drags.  Some of the lifts and drags are two-person adding to queuing times, but such is the range of options, waiting never seems to be a huge problem.

For beginners, the Sportinia area is where to start as it is the meeting point for the ski schools.  Here you will find a wide bowl above the village, and a few wooded runs once your confidence increases.  Don’t expect much if you’ve never even put on a pair of skis though – the schools are not meant for the complete novice.  Also, if you are an experienced skier looking for a challenge, you will be disappointed as this is a resort where the emphasis is on fun.

If, however, if you’re up for a gentle day of fun-skiing followed by an evening dedicated to drinking, dining and dancing, then Sauze d’Oulx should be right up your piste.  The resort has somewhere suitable for every taste, from sun-kissed terrace bars, to wine bars for chilling, to rowdy pubs.  You will find the partying still happening in the early hours.

Sauze d’Ouiz really does serve as an excellent introduction to the concept of ski holidays, as long as you have done a little preparation at home beforehand, as well as a chance for those with a little more experience to have some fun.  Book your ski-holiday at Sauze d’Ouiz today for a ski adventure you’re unlikely ever to forget.