Sauze d'Oulx - Italy
Sauze d'Oulx (pronounced 'Sau-zee doox) was known as as Ibiza-on-snow during the 80’s and such comparisons undoubtedly had a negative impact on the attractiveness of the resort to everyone other than the 18 – 30 brigade. Sauze has worked hard to shed that image though and now people of all ages enjoy winter sports in one of the most beautiful parts of northern Italy. The Milky Way is one of Europe’s big guns in terms of ski areas and has something to suit everyone.
If there is a downside to Sauze it would be the lack of investment and the disjointed nature of the lifts and public transport services. Millions also need to be spent on snow cannons in order to improve the hit and miss conditions of the lower slopes. That said, prices are competitive, access is easy from Turin and if you are looking for après fun, Sauze still does it!
At a glance
| Resort altitude | 1510m - 1510m |
|---|---|
| Highest lift | 2825m |
| Lowest lift | 1390m |
| kms of piste | 120km² |
| Black pistes | 4% |
| Red pistes | 22% |
| Blue pistes | 3% |
| Green pistes | 0% |
| Snow parks | 0 |
| Glacier | No |
| Snowmaking | Yes |
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Five to try
- Torchlight descents - wind your way down the slopes under torchlight
- Heliskiing - the ultimate skiing experience
- Cross-country skiing - get out there into the tundra
- Snowmobiling - Go racing around the alpine forests on a skidoo
- Ice skating - Get your blades on.
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Planning your trip
Turin Airport is just 85 km away from Sauze and the ease of access to this resort, coupled with its party reputation, make it a great weekend ski destination. The transfer time from Turin is just an hour and a quarter by road or by train, with regular train services to the nearest station at more...
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Where to stay
Sauze is not really a chalet destination with the catered chalet concept never really having caught on in Italy as it has done in France. The functional way in which the resort developed also doesn’t lend itself to chalet-style architecture. There are a few self-catered chalets to be found though and the tourist office can more...
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Food and drink
During the 1980s Sauze became well known throughout the skiing world as ‘Benidorm on Snow’ and comparisons were later drawn with Ibiza when the island became famous for 24 hour partying and excessive drinking. Such comparisons undoubtedly had a negative impact on the attractiveness of the more...
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Things to do
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On the piste
Sauze d’Oulx sits at one end of the Milky Way area with links to the neighbouring resorts such as Sestriere and Cesana, and to Montegenevre on the French side of the border. Intermediate skiers will find more than half of the 200km of pistes perfect for confidence-building, and whilst there is much work to be more...
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MadDogView
A resort that is working hard to re-invent itself and good value when compared to many Italian resorts. Sauze is easily accessible and on its day the Milky Way is as good as any ski circuit in the world. Much more investment is needed to improve slow links on piste and tired architecture. Keep a close eye on the snow reports too as the snow-making is less than impressive here.
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Map
- Download piste map
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