The traditional, peaceful and uncrowded ski resort of Aussois is a hidden gem in the Maurienne Valley in France that’s not yet so well known by most British skiers. It’s in a superb setting on the edge of the unspoilt Parc National de la Vanoise, Aussois, and offers great value for money.
The award-winning British tour operator Peak Retreats, which specialises in holidays to authentic, traditional French ski villages with access to big ski areas, is offering holidays there this winter.
Please can you set the scene ?
Well, Aussois is a charming and easily accessible resort situated on a wide, sunny plateau. It’s a historic village with traditional stone-and-slate houses built around the central square with its fountain and even a communal oven! It’s managed to successfully integrate the requirements of the modern ski holidaymaker while maintaining its traditional values. There’s a Tuesday market, where you can pick up local goats’ cheese and home-made bilberry tart. In skiing terms there are 55km of runs served by 10 lifts, the majority chairs. Oh and it’s very easy to reach by road or rail.
So Aussois is great for people looking for a small, unspoilt ski area, but not so good for those with a taste for clocking up the piste kilometres ?
Well, there’s great skiing for beginners, intermediates and families but along with its own area, yes, and there are other mid-sized ski areas nearby. However, Aussois has a trump card up its sleeve because it’s only 20 minutes’ drive from Orelle, the “back door” into Les 3 Vallées, the world’s biggest ski region. Not bad, eh ?
Much to do off the slopes ?
Yes, there’s a surprisingly large selection of activities, including snowshoeing, wildlife safaris, paragliding and ice climbing. You could explore the surrounding plateau by dog sled or try tubing – tobogganing on mini inflatable rafts. And you shouldn’t miss a visit to the Fort Marie-Christine, an Esseillon fort, one of a chain of 19th-century military fortifications along the mountain range here that has been converted into a gourmet restaurant !
What’s new for 2016 ?
Well, Aussois was already a fantastic family resort, but the new Maison des Enfants is a wonderful dedicated children’s area that makes it better still. Families will also enjoy activities like snow tubing, snake gliss (a giant articulated toboggan), new yooner and snowscoot, and jumping onto the big air bag (well, at least the kids will).
So where’s the best place to stay ?
We recommend the ski-in/ski-out, self-catering Les Flocons d’Argent apartments which are wonderfully located right at the bottom of the slopes. Rated 3★ it’s a south-facing accommodation so you get sunshine through the window and there’s an indoor heated pool. A two-bed apartment sleeping five for the week commencing 26 March 2016 (Easter week) is £105pp including return Eurotunnel crossing.
That sounds good value, but we want more !
OK, how about a buy-one-get-one-free Aussois lift pass deal available through Peak Retreats for the same week ?
Ski holidays to Aussois are bookable through French Alps specialist Peak Retreats. For more information, visit peakretreats.co.uk
