Sauze d'Oulx - introduction

Sauze d’Oulx – known affectionately as Suzy – is a resort in the Susa Valley in the north-western Italian Alps, very close to the French border.

Located on the western part of the Via Lattea (Milky Way), it is linked to the French pistes around Claviere and Montgenèvre and enjoys easy access to neighbouring Sansicario and Sestriere.

It used to be said that Sauze d’Oulx was first and foremost a party town. But its nickname of Ibiza-on-snow is so last century.

At the 2006 Olympic Games, it was the venue for the Freestyle events and, like the whole winter sports industry, the resort is maturing nicely, but without forfeiting its liveliness and still offers a few après thrills.

Its personality is still a little split, blending second-home owners from Turin with plenty of young Brits on a budget. The attractive old town is a tangle of cobbled streets, while the main part of the resort, close to the slopes, is modern and buzzes with bars festooned in English signs and widescreen sports channels.

It’s all good-humoured fun, and Sauze has a vast array of uncrowded slopes that are perfect for cruising, plus a great selection of both open and tree-lined runs which are great for all weather conditions.

The resort is also well-endowed with good restaurants, both off and on the mountain. After all, the Italians know that eating well is just as important as the skiing and boarding.

Highlights

• Good value, sunny resort
• Excellent for intermediate cruising with plenty of open tree-lined pistes
• Panoramic scenery
• Lively après-ski and a good selection of bars and eateries
• Easy access – the train station at Oulx is only 5km away
• The resort shuttle bus is free in 2009/2010

Lowlights

• Getting to the ski lifts involves a short walk or shuttle bus ride
• The piste map could be improved
• Nightlife may be too lively for some (though it’s easy to avoid)