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Visitor reviews for Sauze d'Oulx (Via Lattea) Ski Resort

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• January 31, 2012
  Robin Marriot from United Kingdom
  

  Just back from Sauze (Sauze d'Oulx (Via Lattea)) where we had a great holiday. We booked with Crystal ski and were provided with an excellent holiday. We took part in the Torchlight Descent and the went on the ski away day to Montgenevre. We pre-booked all our ski passes and equipment in the UK, with Crystal because they offered a great combined package.

  I've seen a lot of comments on this site about skiing in Italy. During our stay this company booked another group onto the French trip but didn't order an early breakfast for them, causing them much embarrassment!! I'm glad I booked through a professional company, not this shower!

• Sauze d'Oulx (Via Lattea) Ratings

  Based on 6 votes. Vote

  Access: 4.2 (1) At least one overnight stop, (2) requires a whole day, (3) requires more than half a day – you may have time for a few turns (4) arrive by lunchtime and ski all afternoon, (5) there is a main airport within an hour of Sauze d'Oulx (Via Lattea).	Public Transport: 4.0 (1) There are no buses or taxis to Sauze d'Oulx (Via Lattea), (3) there are slow or infrequent buses / trains available, (5) getting to the resort is easy with frequent bus / train connections.
  Scenery: 4.2 (1) An ugly resort in a bland setting, (3) average mountain views and resort, (5) a spectacular setting and a beautiful / historic resort town.	Accommodation: 4.2 (1) No places to stay in/near Sauze d'Oulx (Via Lattea), (3) a few places to stay in the resort, (5) a wide variety of accommodation suitable to suit all budgets.
  Cheap Rooms: 3.8 (1) No budget accommodation available, (3) just one or two hostels so book ahead, (5) several cheap hostels and pensions available.	Luxury Hotels: 3.5 (1) No luxury accommodation available, (3) just one or two luxury hotels so book ahead, (5) several up-market hotels in Sauze d'Oulx (Via Lattea).
  Ski in/Ski out: 4.0 (1) The ski area is located far from any accommodation, (3) a free ski bus takes you to the ski area in a short trip, (5) Ski-in ski-out accommodation is available.	Childcare: 3.8 (1) There are no child care facilities at Sauze d'Oulx (Via Lattea), (5) the resort has excellent child-care facilities including at least one reasonably priced creche.
  Snowsure: 4.0 (1) Occasionally gets enough snow for skiing, (2) is often closed due to a lack of snow, (3) occasionally suffers from a lack of snow, (4) rarely suffers from a lack of snow, (5) Sauze d'Oulx (Via Lattea) is snowsure even in the poorest seasons.	Snowmaking: 4.0 (1) Sauze d'Oulx (Via Lattea) relies entirely on natural snow, (3) there are just a few snow cannons, (5) there are snowmaking facilities on all pistes.
  Snow Grooming: 3.8 (1) There are no snow groomers at Sauze d'Oulx (Via Lattea), (3) occasionally some pistes are left ungroomed and in a poor state, (5) all the runs at Sauze d'Oulx (Via Lattea) are groomed daily.	Shelter: 3.8 (1) there is nowhere to ski when it is windy or visibility is bad and lifts often shut, (3) there are some trees for poor visibility but main lifts sometimes close, (5) Sauze d'Oulx (Via Lattea) is mostly in forest where you can ski in flat-light and windy days, lifts rarely close.
  Nearby options: 3.8 (1) If snow conditions are poor at Sauze d'Oulx (Via Lattea), it will be poor everywhere nearby, (3) there are good alternatives within an hours drive, (5) other locations on the same lift pass provide a rich variety of snowsure ski conditions.	Regional rating: 3.8 (1) Sauze d'Oulx (Via Lattea) usually has poor snow conditions compared to other resorts in region, (3) has average conditions for the region, (5) usually has the best snow conditions in the region.
  Lift Staff: 4.2 (1) The staff at Sauze d'Oulx (Via Lattea) are rude or unhelpful, (5) lift staff at Sauze d'Oulx (Via Lattea) are pleasant, cheerful and eager to help.	Crowds/Queues: 3.7 (1) the resort is always busy and there are usually long lift queues, (3) it is quiet apart from occasional weekends and school holidays, (5) it is uncrowded and lift queues are very rare.
  Ski Schools: 4.5 (1) No ski schools available, (2) one or two ski schools but local language only, (3) a few ski schools but book early for multi-lingual instructors, (4) plenty of ski schools and multi-lingual instructors available, (5) excellent ski schools with friendly multi-lingual ski instructors.	Hire and Repairs: 4.5 (1) Nothing can be sourced, not even ski-wax or ptex. (3) there are some ski shops but rentals need to be booked in advance, (5) good quality ski equipment can be purchased or hired and overnight repairs are possible.
  Variety of pistes: 4.2 (1) The ski runs are featureless and unvaried, (3) the ski runs are varied but not extensive enough for a week, (5) Sauze d'Oulx (Via Lattea) has diverse and interesting pistes including forests and high alpine terrain.	Beginners: 4.2 (1) Beginners can only watch others ski and snowboard, (3) a few gentle slopes but beginners will get bored in less than a week, (3) Vast areas of gentle terrain.
  Intermediates: 4.8 (1) No intermediate terrain at Sauze d'Oulx (Via Lattea), (3) intermediate skiers will get bored after a few days, (5) vast areas of cruising runs.	Advanced: 4.4 (1) Nothing for advanced skiers and snowboarders, (3) enough steep terrain for a few days with some good offpiste, (5) Enough steep terrain and offpiste areas to entertain advanced skiers for at least a week.
  Snow Park: 3.0 (1) Not even a kicker at Sauze d'Oulx (Via Lattea), (3) average sized park quite well looked after, (5) huge park area and expertly crafted pipes, jumps and boardercross trails.	Off-piste: 3.8 (1) No off-piste worth mentioning, (2) off piste is out-of-bounds, (3) some varied offpiste that stays fresh for one or two days, (5) a vast array of off-piste routes that can stay untracked for several days.
  Cross-country: 3.6 (1) There is nowhere to go for cross-country skiing around Sauze d'Oulx (Via Lattea), (3) there are some cross country trails available, (5) the area features many spectacular and well maintained cross-country trails.	Luge/Toboggan: 2.8 (1) No designated luge or toboggan runs, (3) there are toboggan runs that open quite often, (5) Sauze d'Oulx (Via Lattea) has long and well maintained luge / toboggan facilities suitable for all ages.
  Mountain Dining: 4.2 (1) Nowhere to buy food by the pistes, (3) some places to eat up on the mountain but they are often busy and expensive, (5) there is a variety of excellent mountain eateries right next to the slopes to suit all budgets.	Eating: 4.2 (1) Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. (5) A wide variety of places to eat and drink in the resort, from fast food to fancy restaurants.
  Apres-Ski: 4.2 (1) Nothing to do, not even a bar, (3) there are a few bars in the resort but nothing special, (5) clubs and bars stay open until very late and have a friendly atmosphere.	Other Sports: 2.7 (1) No sports facilities at all apart from ski lifts, (3) resort has just a small public swimming pool, (5) resort has all kinds of sports facilities, including a full-size swimming pool.
  Entertainment: 3.4 (1) Besides the snow and walking there is nothing to do here, (3) the non-skier will find things to do for few days but may become bored after a week, (5) the resort area is a fascinating place to visit, regardless of winter sports.	Winter Walks: 4.2 (1) Very limited walking and no snowshoe trails, (3) a couple of designated scenic walking/snowshoe trails, (5) extensive and diverse winter walking trails for all abilities.
  Ski Pass Value: 3.7 (1) A 1 week ski pass is overpriced compared to the number of lifts available, (3) the ski pass is averagely priced and covers a reasonable number of lifts, (5) ski passes are excellent value for money and cover a lot of lifts spanning a big area.	Value (National): 3.8 (1) Overall, Sauze d'Oulx (Via Lattea) is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the country and not worth the money, (3) overall represents average value for money, (5) overall offers the best value resort in the country.
  Value (Global): 3.8 (1) Overall, Sauze d'Oulx (Via Lattea) is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the world, (3) overall it offers pretty average value for money compared to resorts from other countries, (5) internationally the resort offers excellent value for money.

  Based on 6 votes. Vote

• January 30, 2012
  Malcolm Firth from United Kingdom
  

  Just returned back to UK having left the area getting a welcome covering in fine snow which should see out the season as most of the pistes were well kept. The piste markings relating to the local maps are not very accurate and information as to what was open / closed was a bit hit and miss and was left much to trial and error. The beginners routes were more difficult than the intermediate blue/red routes often with rocks and ice abundant. Stayed at the Stella Alpina very very close to the lifts and piste with the boot room next door - brilliant! The Scotch Bar in the Stella Alpina closes at 11pm to keep it nice and quiet for it's residents but the town centre 5mins away on foot has plenty of bars with live music etc etc. Would I go back - YES

• January 20, 2012
  John Smith from United Kingdom
  

  Just back from Sauze d'Oulx, enjoyed the easy red/blue runs and the faster new Roce Nere chair lift.
  Sauze is still such good value for money. arrived on 8th Jan and cannot believe we were almost alone on the piste. Had a great day skiing Sestriere and San Sicario. Snow conditions were fine considering there has not been much snow.
  Great apres-ski with live music in many bars, hotel derby very cheap and cheerful and found eating out a pleasure and very reasonable, maybe the strong pound has helped, which reminds me I did not book any extras like lift passes, ski hire etc before I left UK cause I read the reviews below, and emailed skiinitaly@gmail.com before I left, compared prices and thanks to the good exchange ended up paying the equivalent of £144 for my pass and £60 for top skis through them.
  So if you are on your way to Italy get your £ exchanged before you leave into Euro.
  If you have an iphone or similar loads of bars offer free wifi, just great to keep up with all at home also on FB Ski InItaly I manged to know every day what was happening re lifts, weather, activities, live music you name it.
  Have a great trip if you are on your way to Sauze d'Oulx.

• March 09, 2011
  Tony O'Grady from Ireland
  

  This has to be one of the most antiquated ski lift systems I have ever seen. There are plenty of nice slopes to be had, but the lift system lets the whole thing down. I for one would not visit Sauze (Sauze d'Oulx (Via Lattea)) again.

• January 13, 2011
  David Thomas from United Kingdom
  

  Had a wonderful week in Sauze (Sauze d'Oulx (Via Lattea))over New Year. Loved the rolling red runs through the trees, particularly red 11 which is used for the torchlit descent.
  Interesting comments about skiinitaly.com. Although their prices are competitive I did some research online too before I went and found the reviewer's claims about in-resort prices being hugely exagerated. Ski school for 6 days is 129€ with Scoula Sci Sauze so I don't know where they got her price of 150€ from. I don't prebook as mostly cheaper to do it nearer the time but can sometimes can get some excellent deals with the tour operators if you time your booking right.

• January 11, 2011
  Steve Williams from South Africa
  

  Sauze d'Oulx (Sauze d'Oulx (Via Lattea)) is just great. Vialattea offers so much skiing area, even if the lift system really needs to be updated. It was freezing on some of the chairs, I would have loved a bubble to keep the cold out, and if they were faster it would have helped too.
  Apres-ski is brilliant, prices good, atmosphere in the bars, live music, great restaurants, just cannot fault the resort at all. Even managed to fit in a trip to see Italian football.
  I emailed Christine as suggested by the Jones family 1 week before travelling and she arranged everything for us regarding ski packs.
  Hired equipment was the best we have come across with a great choice for all levels and even twin tips at decent prices and we also used her to save money on ski school prices. The great thing is that she is available in resort, in the ski hire and any time we needed her she was a phone call away so just contact her @skiinitaly.com
  Watch out Sauze I will be back with a group of lads mid March.
  See you all there.

• December 23, 2010
  John Jones from United Kingdom
  

  The Jones/ Macdonald families

  Flew out from Gatwick last Sunday 19th December, just made it so here we are in Sauze d'Oulx (Sauze d'Oulx (Via Lattea)) and we love it. Snow conditions are great and it keeps snowing so if you are on your way here for New year week you will have even better snow.
  People are really friendly, ski school excellent and everybody speaks English, pizza and pasta fantastic, hotel good value for money and breakfast and dinner excellent......oh yes, that is at the Gran Baita hotel.
  So far so good you would say....well not exactly, I am actually sitting here in a bar that offers wifi for free and writing this review because I am so angry at having been ripped off by Crystal with their pre booking prices. This is going on all the forums I can find, and read on and you will not blame me for it.

  We are 2 families traveling together, I opted to pre book all and pay £177 x 2 adult lift pass,1 x 7 year old free, 1x 9 year old £115 total lift pass £469 plus 2 x adult 2 x child ski and boot £264 plus 4 x ski school £444 all in all a massive big total of £1177.

  My friend was a little bit cleverer then I am and booked everything on line with skiinitaly.com for less then 12% of what it cost me for exactly the same (if not better ski equipment) for only €1180 thats the equivalent of £1032, so their family has an extra £145 to spend in resort and also paid for everything once he got here whilst I have pre booked 8months ago!!

  So if you are coming to Sauze d'Oulx you will have a great time and your kids will love it too, but just contact Christine@skiinitaly.com and book all your extras direct with her, 12% cheaper nowadays is a lot of money especially with a family of 4

• March 06, 2010
  M Taylor from United Kingdom
  

  Went to Sauze d'Olux 21/02/10 to 28/02/10......
  My first time to this resort as an intermediate skier. Fantastic skiing conditions; the piste bashers really know what they're doing over there.

  Sauze d'Olux is mostly a red run resort and even the few blacks I'd really call reds. I went to all the resorts in the Milky Way: Pragelato Sestrieree, Sanscario, Clavier and a day trip to Montgenevre, in France. All fantasticly pisted but equally useless at signposting but as another reviewer says, it's hard to get lost.

  There is a nightlife to suit all be it going nuts for 25 pints to get a paddys t-shirt or a quiet beer in the many bars.

  A few things to be careful of at Sauze d'Olux:
  The lifts can shut at the first sign of bad weather (this is generally in the afternoons and will get as bad as 5 meter visibility), weekends are really busy with the locals but even then the longest I waited for a chair lift was 10 mins, the ski plod are always on the lookout for an off-pister which will cost you a few euros!

  Hotel Sauze is extremly close to the bottom of the runs and very convenient for this but it is halfway up the hill from the coach park and all the pubs, restaraunts and shops etc are in between. Not a bad walk but gets a bit boring if you make the trip a few times. The food was basic and you had to be quick at breakfast as they only made a certain amount of items such as boiled eggs. Dinners are good, they are set out as a 4 course with the first being a salad type bar, second a pasta dish (usually the bigger), your main then desert. Rooms were basic.

  All piste restaraunts were fantastic and great value although the day in France was extremely expensive so keep some euros for that.

  Which brings me onto money. I budgeted for about 10-15 euros for lunch and coffee etc and about 20-30 for beer vouchers in the evening.

  All in all, a very good holiday with fantastic snow all week and very sad to be home.

  I would and will go back to Sauze d'Olux again,
  Enjoy your trip and don't break a leg!

• February 23, 2010
  Tony Bolus from United Kingdom
  

  Went out to Sauze d'Oulx on 3rd Jan 2010, going back 7th March 2010 (3rd time to Sauze). Plenty of skiing for intermediates and beginners. Yes, the chair lifts from the Sportina to the top are antiquated, but you rarely have big queues and you can avoid them by using the Clotes lift to get over to The Bowl and other resorts.

  Yes, the signs are typically Italian and non-existent, but to be fair it's difficult to get lost unless you try to ski to France.

  The snow has been excellent, loads of powder, and yes, the resort runs get worn and busy, just like every other resort in Europe. If in doubt, ski high and get the Sportina chair back down to the bottom. It's now easy to get over to Sestriere and Sansicario. Use the rep guides, Crystal are particularly good (unlike the good old days).

  The apres-ski at Sauze d'Oulx is as good as Austria. Do the torchlight decent and have a game of football in ski boots - hilarious, but don't try to head the basketball, it hurts. Watch off-pisting as the mountain police were around and there is a 230 euro fine. People got warned but didn't get marched to the cash point! Enjoy!

• February 14, 2010
  martin kent from United Kingdom
  

  Arrived back on 14th Feb. Left in heavy snow fall at Turin airport after 1 hour delay. Sauz (Sauze d'Oulx) is a good resort but do not stay in Hotel Derby. It's a dump [Neilson ski] noisy, dirty, cramped and no food to mention apart from a hard roll with dried ham and stale breakfast cereal. If you like pizza, Per Bacco is a must in the corner of the car park square. If you like a fry up Paddy Mcgintys is a must: 8euro for a full English. If you like a kebab for lunch the Cabana kind near ski school Sportina is excellent. Wicked snow fall: 3ft in one day. Head to the bowl at the top for ultimate powder heaven. All in all, food is expensive as are the drinks, buy in the supermarkets and save a bomb. Go see for yourself. Have a fantastic time in Sauze d'Oulx, Italy.

• January 31, 2010
  Colin Bromley from United Kingdom
  

  Snow conditions were good on arrival at Sauze d'Oulx and lots more fell during our stay. We were sold a Milky Way pass which proved to be something of a joke as the link to Sestrierre was closed most of the time. Very few runs were pisted with little piste-basher action until Christmas Eve by which time we had been there four days.
  On Christmas Eve and Christmas night the pisteurs were out all night making lots of new runs ready for the Italian holidaymakers.
  Frankly, we felt cheated and we were far from alone in this.
  Additionaly, this year's changes to the ski lift arrangements meant that in poor conditions, the only way back from Sestrierre to Sauze (although only a green run) was hairy to say the least with a steep fall away on one side of a very narrow track.
  My strong advice, based on numerous years visiting Sauze (Sauze d'Oulx), is "Don't bother!" Try France instead where the lift systems are better and piste conditions well monitored and maintained.

• March 09, 2009
  Alan Hackney from United Kingdom
  

  Just got back from a week in Sauze d'Oulx, staying at the Hotel Sauze. Just like to say the conditions were fantastic; couldn't have been better. The hotel was great, food really good, staff really nice and freindly. Only downside was the bathrooms need a bit of up-dating, but this is a minor point. Prices on the piste for food and drinks at Sauze d'Oulx was reasonable despite the exchange rate. The pistes were really good, lift system was good enough, some are a bit ancient but in general they are adequate. The town was not as lively as expected, but this was not a problem as we were too tired to party due to the amount of skiing done over the 6 days. All in all, Sauze d'Oulx is excellent.

• March 02, 2009
  miker from United Kingdom
  

  Sauze d'Oulx is a lovely resort. The skiing is fabulous - there are so many interesting runs, especially back down to Sauze (several interesting runs with lots of side turnings and little off-piste opportunities) - a great resort if you are a good skier.
  The views are far better than typical views in French resorts (and I actually do like France). The view from the top looking into Sansicario is sensational - I have never seen anything better anywhere - you can see for miles, and it is almost always sunny and clear.
  I was there in Jan and again in Feb 2009, in stupendous snow. Most of the runs are not particularly difficult, but there are wonderful off-piste opportunities, for example directly below the Jouvenceau chair (a splendid detachable new high speed quad chair) where you can ski in the open or through the trees. You can spend all day going round on this on this one lift, if you have the energy to ski off-piste all day (although in nice snow, the piste run down to Jouvenceau is beautiful, and it goes for miles).
  Unlike Meribel where I also ski a lot, you can ski powder days after new snow at Sauze d'Oulx. In Meribel it is usually skied out within 1 day (all 600km of it). The condition of the piste is typically much better than the 3 Valleys, for the same reason. If you want a really good lunch, try the Sport Hotel in Claviere (marked on the piste map) - they lay out literally dozens of different dishes, both cooked and salads, and the prices are reasonable, especially by Meribel stratospheric standards. Overall, probably my favorite place to go.
  Downsides:
  No bumps on the piste at Sauze d'Oulx (not skied enough to bump up).
  I fly in with Ryanair - the world's worst airline.
  Some restaurants are poor (but some are excellent).
  Some of the lifts are old/slow e.g. the 2 man chairs out of Sportinia (please upgrade them). I never use those lifts - you can always avoid them.

• February 11, 2009
  Wayne from United Kingdom
  

  Just got back from fantastic week in Sauze d'Oulx. Been three times now and never disappointed.
  We got a bargain deal through Nielsen. Their reps were great and the whole trip was well organised. We stayed at cheap and cheerful Sayonara which was perfectly adequate with nice food.
  Snow conditions were the best ever although the visablity wasn't great a lot of the time.
  The Milky Way could do with some new lifts but the ski area is huge and you'll be hard pressed to cover more than two areas in a day.
  Runs are mostly easy reds but there's lots of opportunity to go off between the trees and have some fun. Go over to Mont Genevre for a day to find some slightly more challenging runs.
  The nightlife is great at Sauze d'Oulx even though you are likely to bump into the odd wasted Brit on a stag trip.
  If this is not your idea of fun, just head into the old town for nice restaurants and quieter bars. Go to Vagabondi for some excellent live music and dancing. Thanks Cpl Kiara.
  Unfortunately, the strong Euro does make beer and food expensive. Beers are mostly €5. Look out for happy hour deals as you get off the slopes at Sauze d'Oulx though; Villiage Bar is a good start. A great spot, if you get some sun, is Clotes Bar at the top of the first lift. Stop here for a Bombardino or a beer and free snack at the end of the day and soak up the rays before racing down to the Villiage bar at the bottom for that last bit of adrenaline.

• February 10, 2009
  Johnny T from United Kingdom
  

  Sauze d'Oulx is a great place. As a beginner I had some legwork to do. The last bit down into Sauze is more red than blue. Not to worry, the best money spent is a 5 euro weekly bus ticket to the Sportinia lift then 15 euros to leave your gear at the top. My fellows skiers were envious when they were humping skis and poles all the way up to the lift bottom in their boots every morning. Plenty of bars at Sauze d'Oulx and not a great deal of noise. Best value was Max's Cafe happy hour: 4.30 till 7.30 and ALL beers, not just the local lager, were 3 euros a pint. Hotel Relais Des Alpes was adequate for food if you like carvery style and nice buffet salads; 3 star is about right as ski resorts go. Had I made the grade from novice to intermediate I would have seen a lot more of the mountains. Suffice to say some of the instructors are more like tour guides than teachers and seem hell bent on getting you as far away form Sportinia as possible, regardless of your ability. That said the conditions were perfect with fresh deep snow and sunny days. I would certainly go to Sauze d'Oulx again.

• February 04, 2009
  Rob from United Kingdom
  

  Just got back from a brilliant week in Sauze (Sauze d'Oulx). I was surprised at the incredible variety of experiences listed here, so thought I'd add my own:
  + Friendly people on the mountains/resorts (the rudeness encountered on the day trip to the French resort of Montgenevre was enough to sell me on Italy for years despite my speaking French but no Italian)
  + Reasonably priced food on the mountain (€2.50 - €4 for a decent sized slab of pizza and €8 - €10 for a filling pasta/polenta main)
  + Cheap lift ticket compared to Alpine average (€170, but got mine for £130 through Nielsen)
  + No queues for most lifts except on weekends
  + Lots of gladed runs means the powder sticks around for a while if you're prepared to hunt
  - Slightly antiquated lift system in parts
  - Our chalet (Valentin) is a long walk from town c. 20 minutes
  - Difficult runs at the base make skiing out hard for absolute beginners
  - Not too many challenging runs without hitting the further flung resorts of the Milky Way
  - No park in Sauze (Sauze d'Oulx), and parks half built elsewhere early season. The only decent one seems to be in Sestriere, but costs an additional €15 a day.

  I really didn't find it pricey in town though. I wasn't there to go out and get wasted; that is most people's apparent bug-bear. Maguluf is good for that, leave the mountains for the skiers.

• February 03, 2009
  lee from United Kingdom
  

  Got back from Sauze d'Oulx on Sunday. It was the best ski holiday out of last 8. The food is very good. I stayed in hotel Miraville where the staff are brilliant. Paddys bar/queens lounge are very good; 4 euros a beer (buy 4 get 5th free.) Then go to the Cotton Club at 1am for some great music and fun. Skiing at Sauze d'Oulx is not really challenging but is very enjoyable.

• February 01, 2009
  Steve from United Kingdom
  

  Just returned from a week in Sauze d'Oulx. Stayed at the Gran Baita Hotel. The resort was excellent with great snow. Only small queues at the lifts with lots of varied runs to try. I did notice two lifts that looked past their best but the majority are fast and new. The hotel was excellent with great food, a good bar and comfortable rooms and the staff very friendly and helpful. I would recommend Sauze d'Oulx to anyone.

• January 31, 2009
  Matt from United Kingdom
  

  Just got back from Sauze d'Oulx and thought I would leave some info for the weary traveler.

  It might just be the current exchange rates, but it seems that this whole resort is a complete rip off. If you're going to this place on a budget be prepared to bring lots of cash because you will easily be paying between 4.50 and 6.50 for a pint. If you're thinking of going to the Beastros for lunch be prepared to spend around 10-15 Euros for pretty much nothing; my advice is to pack your own.

  As far as the skiing goes the place is not too bad, but Sauze d'Oulx itself is distinctly lacking in challenging runs; mostly reds that, in reality, are blues everywhere else in the Alps. That said you can get some nice speed by pointing it down most runs. This is of course not mentioning some very nice runs in Sestriere which will be hard to find anywhere else in the Alps.

  The lift system is pretty dated and slow with the connecting areas to Sansicario only being accessible via a rather steep button; definitely not one for the boarders. It is possible to get back from Sestriere without the use of the long old button but you will need to trade that for the very long, narrow and winding black run Treceire which eventually brings you back to the Jouvenceaux lift and from there it's a quick hop back to Sauze d'Oulx via Sportinia. This wouldn't be so bad if Treceire wasn't practically the only black run in the entire mountain range, and it was at least a consistent run. Unfortunately, there are uphill parts which are just not accessible to any boarder no matter how good they are (enjoy the walk).

  If like me you were looking forward to some nice park action be aware that it is illigal in Italy to do rails and kickers without a helmet, because of this there were a few sad faces in my group, luckily I don't go anywhere without my helmet. I would also warn that while there is supposed to be parks in all the resorts the Italians seem too lazy to actually make it in Sauze and it wasn't until the end of my trip that they had completed the Setriere park. This was most unfortunate because the park there was actually half decent with a wide range of kickers including some really knarly stuff. The Sansicario one which seemed to be the only one which had been made by the time I went out there was however, pretty limited.

  The people are generally quite pleasant and to be honest for the money you're spending should be. That said there were a few rude Italians in certain places who I think have experienced the less desirable type of British holiday maker. If you don't have half board then you are likely to spend a fortune on food, but there are several quant Itialian places out the way which are actually not to bad value for money wise. Of all the Brit places I would say the best value for money would be from Paddy Mginty's on the main drag up to the Clotes lift, you can pick up a pretty reasonable pub lunch from there.

  All in all I wouldn't recommend this place unless the snows impecable which is what is was when I went out there. If the snow hadn't been as good as it was then the whole place would have been a waste of time, effort and money so bare that in mind when you book your cheap holiday here.

• January 28, 2009
  Steph from United Kingdom
  

  Have just returned from an amazing week in Sauze d'Oulx.
  The lifts are slightly dated but they get you on the mountain to some amazing runs and I personally have seen worse in other resorts. The lifts get you all over the mountain and the links are simple to get to Sestriere (gondola) and Sansicaro. How about focusing on the lack of queues and lack of pushy Europeans you have on the lift system in Sauze d'Oulx, which you see in many resorts in Europe (France inparticular). There are a good choice of runs to suit beginners to advanced, even skiing the Olympic runs if you go over to Sestriere and Sansicaro. It has more choice of runs over the Milky Way than any other resort in Europe.
  The Sauze town is very pretty, there is a number of bars but it is definitely not a 'noisy' resort. There are things for everyone; quiet bars for a nice drink, small cafes and a few more lively bars as you get in the majority of resorts these days. We stayed in the hotel Gran Baita; 2 mintues walk from the hotel, lovely hotel and would go back today if I could.
  The snow this season is amazing. Locals said it was the best in 30 years. The slopes were pisted daily, so the slopes were pretty perfect most days. Prices on the slopes were only expensive due to the British pound being so weak (1euro=1 pound at the mo). Once it returns, it is a very reasonable resort and much cheaper than some we have experienced in the past.
  I would definitely go again and I think if you're debating the idea on going to Sauze, it's definitely worth it. Amazing slopes, lots to do, good food and reasonably priced. Hopefully see you in Sauze soon.

• January 08, 2009
  RICCARDO from Italy
  

  I'm Italian from Turin and have a second home in Sauze d'Oulx.

  Unfortunately, I agree with many comments about the situation of the lifts. If compared with those near France, of course, some lifts need updating for the apres-ski. Only bars are not enough. I often go to Montgenevre for the same reasons. Keep in mind that other services in France, like food, are very expensive .

  But believe me, pistes like Rio Nero, the top of Fraiteve or the 2000 in the middle of the tress are really difficult to find everywhere else.

  Sincerely, I think it's very funny complaining about a place according to the English who spend their holidays here. So, take any comment with a right consideration.

• January 01, 2009
  LESLEY from Afghanistan
  

  We are loving Sauze d'Oulx. Although there must be over 20 thousand people here for the New Year we have only a couple of times queued at lifts. Ok, maybe there are a couple of old lifts but the skiing is great, food the best and the people friendly and helpful. We are having a great time and will be back more than once this year with all this snow. Sauze d'Oulx is great.

• December 22, 2008
  Martin from United Kingdom
  

  Never again...
  Just got back from a nightmare trip to Sauze d'Oulx. A group of us went early in the season, they had received a massive amount of snow which got us all excited... until we realised that they hadn't prepared any lifts, any pistes or anything at all.

  I've been to about 11 or so ski resorts in Europe and Sauze d'Oulx and the surrounding area is the worst by far.

  The snow was amazing but that's as far as it goes. The whole ski areas lift system is the worst designed thing ever, skiing connecting areas is a nightmare and the runs are very limiting. The red runs are more like blues and we couldn't find a single challenging run. The lifts are mostly out of date and very slow.

  What lifts and pistes they choose to open close very early and the locals are very rude. The food and drinks prices are disgusting. The town is horrible; badly organised and a little bit of snow and the whole place shuts down. I imagine it's like being in war time Poland. The people running this resort should hold their heads in shame. Do not get a taxi - biggest rip off ever.

  I could go on about how bad this place is but all I can say is do not go here, it may be cheap but there is a very good reason for that. Pay slightly more and go somewhere half decent.

  All my trips to the French Alps have been far superior to my Italian trips, I will never be going skiing in Italy again.

  Read other reviews and see for yourself, especially those written by people who have been to other ski resorts.

• March 24, 2008
  Jimbo from Italy
  

  Just got from back from Sazue d'Olux, where we had good spring skiing and some powder skiing as well thanks to some snow overnight.
  The resort itself...from a skiers perspective:
  Many of the lifts are out of date and could do with a serious upgrade or replacement (still..better than the lift in Sestriere which injured 12 people this week....) The single man chair over to Sestriere is.,..character forming ! (it's one of those things you'll laugh about later in life, perhaps). Other lifts are two man, plastic chair affairs and quite slow.
  The pistes are not well signed at all and the piste map doesn't include basic information on it, such as where the restaurants are. Most of the runs we did were reds (managed to find one decent black) and were not taxing at all. I think the reds are really blues: nice for blasting down the slopes but not challenging. Beginners will be able to handle most reds with ease after a couple of lessons.
  It's an ok ski area I suppose, just badly sign-posted. The link with the Milky Way isn't great - one step up from a tight-rope really.
  The restaurants on the mountain are ok. Food is basic but reasonably priced (when compared to France anyway!) but where is the spag bol ?!!!!! It's all paninis and rolls. I expected really good pasta dishes but was disappointed. The Bombardino hot drinks are nice though !
  We stayed at Hotel Sauze which was (almost) ski-in / ski-out. The food in the hotel was very good. The rooms good although the one weakness was the bathrooms - they seriously need updating. Very friendly, helpful staff though.
  The old town in Sauze makes a pleasant change from the custom made concrete jungles of Val Thorens or Val d'Isere and there are some nice places to eat there as well. There are some typical Brit bars which we avoided.
  One place which is is SUPERB to eat at is Chalet Caprincorno, just up the slopes from the main lift out of town. Superb food, reasonably priced (~E15 for a main course) and great atmosphere. In the evenings you have to get there by skido - it costs E10 per person for the trip from near the bottom of the slopes and is well worth it - it's a great way to arrive at a restaurant !
  Transfer time of 1 hour from Turin airport was good.
  Would I go again ? Maybe..if the snow conditions were really good and I managed to find a good deal. I wouldn't pay more than £400 for a half-board holiday though (including flights) - there are better places to go for that sort of money (or for £50 more).

• March 12, 2008
  Jose from United Kingdom
  

  Steve, I totally agree with you. I was ripped off on my first day. Per Baco restaurant!! 8 slices of ham, a leaf of lettuce and 5 olive; 32 Euros. No way José! I said to them to phone the police straight away as I was not going to pay for it. They reduced the bill by 11 Euros....rude locals as well!

• March 11, 2008
  Steve from United Kingdom
  

  My goodness, is all I can say! I have never been to such a god awful hell hole in my entire life! The resort is full of the rudest locals and possibly the worst kind of Brits abroad you could ever meet! I now know why the package I bought was so cheap and I was kicking myself everyday since my arrival! Sauze D'Oulx is an out of date, abused, beaten up and 'long overdue a face lift' resort probably in the entire Alps. Don't get me started on the food and the pints that aren't even cold,fizzy or full!!! Be sure to take plenty of Euros as it is 6Euros for a bottle of Becks in some places, that is unless you manage to find an honest enough English barman who is prepared to honour the 'Happy Hour' prices as opposed to just charging you full price for more beers than he actually gives you. Pay for 9 get 7, when you only wanted 8 in a bar called the Grot...how appropriate! It seemed that everyone there was trying to fleece us for us much as possible! Despite my ranting there are a few good points:
  1. The Village (Bar), it does the nicest steaks and the staff are very friendly.
  2. Skiing in Sestriere was comparable to some very good resorts that I have been to. It's certainly more of a challenge than the 2 runs that were open in Sauze D'Oulx.
  Final note, watch out for the Brits and The Lounge (daylight robbery merchants). Perhaps if there had been more snow the ridiculous prices and desperately rude locals and tourists would have been diluted?

• March 10, 2008
  trish and eamonn from Ireland
  

  Back from a great week in Sauze, Feb 2008. Had been here four years ago and it was just as good as before. Stayed in a lovely homely, friendly hotel; Hotel Martin in Jovenceaux. It's about 1 mile from the centre but a bus can bring you up or Max, in the hotel, will bring you up at night ( all downhill on the way home). The ski hire is outside the door and the ski lift is about a four minute walk!
  The food was lovely and the atmosphere; great. The walk down each evening was brilliant, lots of apres-ski. I can't praise the resort enough. The snow was very good and the weather; lovely. Can't wait to go back.

• March 03, 2008
  Jose from Italy
  

  Just got back from Sauze. The resort is ok but would not recommend it to friends. The lifts are old fashioned and some of the Italian people could be nicer to tourists because if they carry on the way they are doing they might find that their slopes/hotels/apartments might be a bit emptier in the near future. The food was either excellent or poor. Cold lasagne, cold coffee, rotten lettuce and hard bread... Zias restaurant was fantastic but avoid Per Bacco as they tried to charge our group 32 Euros for a starter that included 8 pieces of ham, a large piece of lettuce and 5 olives. It's only when I said that they should call the police as I wasn't prepared to pay the full bill that they subtracted 11 Euros from the bill. still a rip off. If you need to use the internet go to the pool/table tennis shopping centre next to Hotel Derby. Do not go to the one next to the The Cotton Club as they rip you off and somehow charge you to register to use the internet??? Oh, my friend had a little accident on the Friday. I called the emergency services using the 112 number and was astonished to find out that the emergency services and local police could not speak a word of English. Unbelievable, considering most of the tourists there are English! Hotel Besson have a lovely spa facility and the Godfather restaurant is worth a visit as the owner is quite funny. Acceptable but definitely not going back. Austria next year. Forget Italy.

• March 01, 2008
  tom from United Kingdom
  

  I went to Sauze from Feb 3 to the 10. It snowed heavily on the first day which kept the snow great all week. There was off- piste everywhere unless the machines had been over it, and tree runs were fun. The gondola to Sestriere was open. Also, the run to Sestiere which hadn't been open in past seasons (someone tells me at the start of the run) was open too. Highly recommend going to Sestriere. The womens downhill or super G was on and we got a lift behind someone from the
  US ski team. Stayed in hotel Edelweiss which was good 'cause the lift is 100 meters down a run so you can ski down it, BUT this means you have to walk up at the end of the day which feels like trying to pull a Boeing 747 uphill. If you can go to France definitely go it's hell good. It's quite a walk from Jouvenseux to the main town Sauze but it's quite good. We saw Jakki Degg and Lisa Maffia around town.
  The skiing was class when we went, but looking at the reports now, it hasn't snowed since the first day I was there and I wouldn't be happy if I was there now. I would be worried to book there again in case of the snow, but that's a shame because it's a really good resort, five stars when theres been lots of snow.

• February 21, 2008
  marion scanlon from Ireland
  

  I've been skiing in Sauze for at least 6 years. My husband and I love it there. Last year we went to America to ski, the runs were fab. but the night life was really bad! Nothing like Sauze at all. We've stayed in Des Amie Hotel in Jouvenseux, Hotel Sauze, New Miravelle, and Raise des Alpes. Hotel Sauze is right at the end of the slopes and you can ski right up to the door. The staff are very friendly and the atmosphere is relaxed. Some people even come down to breakfast in their pyjamas. The food is excellent too. From here you can ski over to Sesterier, it's a beautiful day out, the scenery is fantastic.
  We're off to Sauze next Sunday, but at the moment the snow report doesn't look too good. I just hope it snows before we go.
  I'm really looking forward to it !!! 20.02.08