The affordable paradise (or as the local's might say Paradiso Accessibile) of Sauze d'Oulx is still one of our favourite ski areas in Europe, but it does come with some outdated baggage. Our most recent trip to the Via Lattea was focused more on other ski areas, but we spent a little time in Sauze d’Oulx just to update ourselves. Sadly, not much has changed in the 3 years since our last visit. We say sadly because it still has that 70s time-warp kinda feel about it. The good bits are still great (terrain, affordability etc), and whilst we love the town of Oulx, the alpine village at Sauze d’Oulx is looking & feeling incredibly tired. Still well patronised by UK-based skiers & snowboarders (who call it Sow-zee) & with a few fun bars after hours, it has seen better days & feels in need of a refresh. The lift system too is outdated for such a major ski region, but as long as one gets up the hill at greater than skinning speed, who really cares!

With reconnaissance of the villages aside, we based our Via Lattea Italian sector in Sestriere this trip. As weird as it sounds, the gondola from there up to Monte Fraiteve summit, provides better access to the best alpine ski terrain in Sauze d’Oulx, than if you started in ………. Sauze d’Oulx. Am I saying that if one wants to ski or board the best bits of Sauze d’Oulx you should stay in Sestriere? The answer is a definite maybe. From Fraiteve, the alpine bowl under the Sauze d’Oulx Colo chairlift is amongst the best in the region and from there it is easy to get to everywhere else in that resort sector, so it is worth considering.

Regardless of everything, Sauze d’Oulx is still a wonderful place to start a Via Lattea ski safari. Straight off a train, short bus trip or taxi, then 400km of ski trails across 2 countries for a ski lift pass price so cheap one must wonder how the resort functions (they can’t seem to afford a lick of paint!). And as for the alpine village appearing a tad on the tired side, fresh snow makes everything look nicer, so you probably wont even notice as you quaff aperitifs, ski powder & eat too many pizzas in this affordable paradise.

You can see our thoughts on the pros and cons on the Sauze d’Oulx overview page and also see our European ski resort ratings regarding how we score it compared to other skiing areas.

There is some wonderful skiing at Oulx (or more accurately Sauze d'Oulx). The old town is a treat to stay in but avoid rooms too near the cobblestone main road as it can be noisy through the night. Tree skiing and general off-piste is excellent and freshies can be had days after the last snowfall. Lifts and piste are OK, but very pushy weekend lift queues at most of the lifts, poorly designed piste choke-points and lift exits at some locations let the mountain down.

The resort village of Sauze d'Oulx isn't the most inspired place but it is convenient and has all one will need for an extended stay. Great après can be had at the La Fountaine at the bottom of the quad in Jouvenceaux.

Snow quality was excellent as all of the resort is above 1500m, terrain is north-aspect and snowfall in this region has been reliable. The links to the broader Via Lattea give a huge amount of scope to explore far & wide, plus the lift price for all the Italian Via Lattea skiing of €37 (16/17 price) is exceptional value by world standards.

Easy to get to via car train or bus from Turin, Milan or Paris. Well worth a visit.............. during the week!