The Grand Domaine is one of the biggest and best ski areas in France, with vertical drop stats that put it in the world’s five best.
It’s home to some 250km of slopes, climbing up to a snow-sure altitude of 3,330m, crowned by the permanent snow and ice of the Pic Blanc glacier.
From this height a world-beating vertical descent of 2,200m is possible, including on the world’s longest black run, the 16km Sarenne descent (although it’s not that steep and blue and red alternatives are available).
Another big plus is sunshine! This is one of the most southerly of France’s great ski regions, and it gets 300 sunny days a year, while still managing to clock up impressive snowfall totals.
The Grand Domaine
The Grand Domaine’s most famous resort is Alpe d’Huez, but savvy skiers are spotting the region is also home to some more intimate resort options offering a number of crucial advantages over their better-known neighbour. Typically lower prices is one and fewer crowds is another.
Vaujany is the best choice, a hidden gem that’s got its own great lift connection into the Grand Domaine, which means guests staying here can get to the best runs in the region first each morning, while those in Alpe d’Huez may still be queuing to get on the first lift!
Better still, it’s not only perfectly located and a great value destination, but it’s also a lovely unspoilt village, full of mountain charm and with great resort facilities in terms of off-slope leisure and childcare options, punching well above its weight. And it’s waiting for you with just a short transfer from Grenoble.
Accommodation
French ski accommodation experts Ski France have long been aware of Vaujany’s potential and are increasing their presence in the village this winter, with the exciting new option of the affordable but perfectly located Hotel les Cimes. This follows on from the addition of two apartment complexes Ski France opened last winter, Residence Les Epinettes and Residence La Cascade.
The Hotel les Cimes is a small, lovely, family-friendly property, just a stone’s throw away from restaurants, shops and the cable car. You can choose between breakfast or half board. For cheese lovers there’s a fondue evening every Wednesday night (or alternatively a starter, main course and dessert for those who do not eat cheese). If you self-drive or rent a car, the hotel has its own car park too.
If it’s an apartment rather than a hotel-based Vaujany ski holiday you’re after, then Résidence Les Epinettes and Résidence La Cascade remain excellent choices, with indoor pool and spa facilities for apartment residents.
Whichever you pick you’ll have full access to Vaujany’s many attractions, which make it a great choice for those not needing the partying you’ll find in Alpe d’Huez or other big resorts.
There are a good many friendly bars and restaurants to make your locals for your stay though and other facilities include a leisure centre with indoor swimming pool and water slides, indoor ice rink, bowling alley, laser biathlon and a dedicated sledding slope.
In summary, Vaujany is a proper, traditional French village, where you’ll open your curtains in the morning and see the old lady across the street letting her chickens out before you jump on that first lift of the morning.
skifrance.co.uk
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