Sauze d’Oulx

Sauze d’Oulx is one of Italy’s best-known ski resorts, part of the vast Via Lattea (Milky Way) ski area, which offers 400 km of pistes linking Sauze with Sestriere, Cesana, Claviere, Sansicario, and across the border into Montgenèvre (France).

Set at 1,509 m in the Piedmont region, Sauze d’Oulx was once famous for its raucous après-ski in the 1980s and ’90s, but today it balances lively nightlife with family-friendly skiing and a more cosmopolitan appeal. Its blend of tree-lined cruising runs, affordable prices, and Italian hospitality makes it a favourite for groups and mixed-ability skiers.

Skiing & Snowboarding

The Via Lattea ski area is one of the largest in Italy, with something for everyone.

• Beginners: Nursery slopes near Sportinia are well-suited for learners, with easy progression onto blues. Ski schools in Sauze have improved hugely in recent years.

• Intermediates: This is Sauze’s strength. Long, rolling reds through larch forests dominate, with routes from Sportinia to Sansicario offering some of the best cruising in the Alps. The vast Via Lattea means intermediates can explore new runs daily.

• Experts: While Sauze itself is not particularly steep, Sestriere (next door) offers Olympic downhill courses and challenging blacks. Off-piste options in Sauze’s trees can be excellent after fresh snow.

• Freestylers: Snowparks in Sestriere and Montgenèvre are accessible via the Via Lattea pass. Sauze itself is more about natural terrain than freestyle.

Snowmaking across 60% of the area ensures reliability, though lower slopes can be variable late season.

Ski Lift Passes

Lift passes cover the full Via Lattea area.

• Adult: ~€58/day | ~€290 for 6 days
• Child (8–15): ~50% reduction
• Under 8s: Free

Deals:

• Family and youth discounts.
• Cheaper local-only Sauze passes also available.

More details at the Via Lattea ticket page.

Resort & Infrastructure

Sauze’s lift system has been upgraded in recent years:

• Modern gondolas and high-speed chairs rise from the village to Sportinia (mid-mountain hub).
• The Via Lattea connections make it easy to ski over to Sestriere, Sansicario, or Montgenèvre.
• Free ski buses link base areas within the village.

The area’s tree-lined runs are a defining feature, giving Sauze a different character to many high-Alpine resorts.

Accommodation

Sauze d’Oulx offers a wide range of affordable lodging, making it one of the best-value big ski areas in the Alps.

• Budget: Apartments and B&Bs in Jouvenceaux and outskirts.
• Mid-Range: 3★–4★ hotels in the village centre, such as Hotel Stella Alpina and Hotel Sauze.
• Luxury: While Sauze isn’t as high-end as Courmayeur or Madonna, boutique options like Hotel Gran Baita and Hotel La Torre Spa & Restaurant offer style and wellness.

Browse via the Sauze d’Oulx accommodation page.

Dining & Après

Sauze’s rifugi and mountain restaurants are superb value. Capanna Kind and Refugio Chalet Mollino are popular for long Italian lunches — pasta, pizza, and vino served with a view.

Après-ski remains lively but more balanced than in its party heyday. Miravallino and Derby Bar are classic après spots, while Ghost and Cotton Club keep things buzzing into the night. Expect a sociable, international crowd rather than wild excess.

Non-Skiing Activities

For non-skiers and families, Sauze offers a range of activities:

• Snowshoeing and winter hiking in the surrounding valleys.
• Ice skating and snowmobile excursions.
• Wellness and spa facilities in hotels.
• Day trips to Turin (1 hr 15) for culture, shopping, and gastronomy.

Village Character & Access

Sauze d’Oulx is a traditional Italian mountain village with cobbled lanes, stone houses, and a lively piazza. Jouvenceaux, at the lower end, offers a quieter, more rustic feel. The mix of history and modern ski convenience makes it an appealing base.

How to get there from the UK:

• By air: Turin Airport (1 hr 15) is closest; Milan (2.5 hrs) and Geneva (3 hrs) are alternatives.
• By train: Rail to Oulx (TGV from Paris or Turin), then 10 mins by shuttle to Sauze.
• By car: Around 10–11 hrs from Calais.

InTheSnow Verdict

Sauze d’Oulx combines big skiing, affordable prices, and Italian charm with a sociable après-ski scene. While it may not offer the luxury of Cortina or the snow reliability of Cervinia, it’s one of the best-value gateways to a world-class ski area.

For groups, intermediates, and budget-conscious skiers who still want variety and atmosphere, Sauze d’Oulx is a fantastic choice.