Alpe d’Huez Sets Up For Winter
This winter, discover what mountain antics lie in store for skiers and non-skiers, young and old, at the alpine playground of Alpe d’Huez grand domaine Ski. Situated in the heart of the Grandes Rousses mountain range, less than two hours from Grenoble airport, Alpe d’Huez grand domaine Ski is home to the resorts of Alpe d’Huez, Oz-en-Oisans, Auris-en-Oisans, Villard Reculas and Vaujany which are all linked via the area’s lift network.
Ready for this winter, lift company SATA Ski has upped the fun with the addition of a new rollercoaster-style toboggan run and two new ‘fun zones’, suitable for beginner skiers, where adults will discover their inner child. Elsewhere, visitors can jump around on Auris’ bungee trampoline and get lost in the heart of nature on a Nordic walking trek in Oz.
Visitors staying in the smaller, traditional villages of Oz-en-Oisans, Auris-en-Oisans, Villard Reculas and Vaujany will enjoy the peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere whilst benefitting from access to 250km of pistes and 2,200m of elevation in the extended ski area. Those wishing to stay local can opt for an individual resort lift pass or ski in the connected Oz-Vaujany ski area while the more adventurous can ski all across from Vaujany to Auris-en-Oisans.
NEWS
On-piste developments
New four-season toboggan run in Les Bergers, Alpe d’Huez
Alpe d’Huez has constructed a floodlit toboggan run on a track (resembling a roller coaster) in the snow to maximise the mountain entertainment for families and friends whatever the weather. Located in the Bergers area, visitors will be able to hurtle along the 1km-long track throughout the year and, for the first time in France, it will be available with virtual reality goggles too.
One descent with virtual reality mask (with one person driving, the other wearing the mask) costs 14€. Two descents with virtual reality mask (so that riders can swap places) costs 25€. Single luge coaster (for one or two people) costs 7€ for one descent, 32.50€ for five, 60€ for 10, 90€ for 20 and 225€ for 50 without virtual reality mask.
Chez Roger – Roger the Shepherd’s new fun ski area in Les Bergers, Alpe d’Huez
Following the popularity of ‘Marcel’s Farm’ in the Signal area last year, Alpe d’Huez has added another fun ski area. A green slope has been transformed into a giant cool board area. Get ready to slalom and play leapfrog. Stand on the most "baaaa-tiful" slope in Alpe d'Huez.
Jack the Lumberjack’s new fun-piste in Les Bûcherons, Auris-en-Oisans
It’s not just Alpe d’Huez that has all the entertainment. This winter, make your way to the gloriously sunny resort of Auris-en-Oisans and discover the new fun-piste in the forest. Weave your way through the woodland down the blue ‘La Corniche’ run through the Bûcherons area, zig-zagging past the slope’s new sculptures, through tunnels and over the bumps.
New l’Enversin Cable Car – Oz-Vaujany
After 30 years of loyal service, the Enversin cable car that takes skiers from OZ to Vaujany has been dismantled. Construction of its replacement by BMF Bartholet is making great progress and it is intended to allow 1200 to 2000 people per hour to make the three-minute journey to the top. The cable car will comprise 15 cabins designed by Porsche and will bring increased modernity and comfort to the lift so skiers just need to enjoy the view on the way up.
The cable car station and its surroundings are also undergoing a complete renovation, inside and out, including the creation of an access ramp from the road, for easier access to the cable car platform, a new reception area for ski lifts, ESF and guides and, upstairs, there will be new premises for the commercial service of lift company SPL Oz-Vaujany. Everything will be finished in December 2017 to welcome skiers in the best conditions.
New freeride area in Villard Reculas
What was once a small agricultural mountain village connected to its neighbours by one small road – that was only accessible in the best weather conditions – is now a charming, traditional ski resort in Alpe d’Huez grand domaine Ski. Connected to Alpe d’Huez by just one lift, Villard Reculas allows for a more peaceful descent of the slopes, away from the hustle and bustle. Now, those wishing to escape even further, can explore the un-groomed areas of Villard Reculas when they take to the new designated freeride area in the forest.
Increased snow cannons in Villard Reculas
Villard Reculas’s snow front will be equipped with a new, more efficient snow cannons this year in order to produce better snow coverage.
Accommodation
A brand-new building for the Villages Club du Soleil in Oz-en-Oisans
From December 2017, Villages Club du Soleil will be welcoming holidaymakers in an all-new building with twice the capacity of its previous quarters. The residence, which is on its way to being classed with four stars, was designed with all-inclusive customers in mind. As well as respecting the mountain scenery with its architecture that combines stone and wood, the interior has a contemporary décor, comfortable furniture, bright and airy bedrooms, four kids’ clubs, a heated indoor pool and large well-being areas.
New 3* holiday village Les Cristaux
Located in the former building of the Village Club du Soleil, the hotel-restaurant-spa Les Cristaux will open its doors in December 2017. Managed by the Ternelia / Espaces Vacances group, this new 3* hotel, with a capacity of 160 beds, will offer a range of services so that guests can personalise their stay around their budget and desires. Ski passes, equipment and ski lessons can be added upon reservation if guests wish. After a long day on the slopes, everyone will benefit from the relaxation area which features a swimming pool, a sauna, a hammam, whirlpools and hydrojets.
Activities
Jump for joy in Auris
If skiers still have energy left after a day on the slopes, Auris-en-Oisans has a new bungee trampoline in the Place des Orgières, in the centre of the village. More information available at Auris Tourist Office 04 76 80 13 52- www.auris.fr
Big Air comes to Auris - February 2018– Auris-en-Oisans
For those who haven’t yet discovered it, Big Air is a discipline involving skiers or snowboarders down a hill while performing complex tricks and launching themselves off large jumps. It’s also open to beginners; the activity is complete safety. Coming to the small resort of Auris in February, Big Air is set to shake things up.
More information available at Auris Tourist Office 04 76 80 13 52- www.auris.fr
Ethnobotanical walk
Weekly during the winter season, join the organised 90-minute walk to discover the local plants that can be found growing wild during the winter time. Come and learn how to identify these plants, and how to use them as food or medicine.
More information at: Tourist Office 04 76 80 13 52 – www.auris.fr
Wild Cookery Workshop
In this 90-minute workshop, local ethnobotanist Caroline guides participants to make amazing rosehip jam. Return back to your holiday home with a jar of this delicious jam, extra-rich in vitamin C
More information at: Tourist Office 04 76 80 13 52 – www.auris.fr
Bob taxi for a gentle discovery of the resort
For beginners, non-skiers, and those with disabilities, Bob taxi is on hand to help them discover the ski area and allows them to experience new sensations of gliding. While passengers are comfortably seated in an armchair guided by two connected skis, the ski instructor drives the taxi and pulls them along. The beauty of Bob taxi is that non-skiers can still join their friends and family in a mountain restaurant to share a meal together on the terrace instead of being limited to the lower village restaurants.
Bob Taxi is also on hand to safely return party-goers to their accommodation after an afternoon spent at La Folie Douce
Priced from 105€ per person. Must be booked 2 hours 30 in advance at ESF Oz-en-Oisans 04 76 79 85 29 www.esf-ozenoisans.com
Try laser tag in Auris-en-Oisans
Visitors to Auris-en-Oisans can compete with or against their friends and family when a new laser tag space opens at the games room in February 2018
Try Nordic walking
Each Monday morning, the Tourist Office offers this increasingly popular activity that comes from the heart of Scandinavia. Poles in hand and walking at a regular pace in a natural, fluid movement, Nordic walking uses 90% of muscles so provides a healthy workout. Places are limited so holidaymakers must register in advance at the Tourist Office. Free activity, poles provided.
Oz-en-Oisans Tourist Office 04 76 80 78 01 – www.oz-en-oisans.com
Embark on a Nordic walking adventure
For those who have already tried Nordic walking and want to develop their technique, ESF offers a more advanced 3-day course for 75€ per person. Lessons take place on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and last 2 hours and 30 minutes. It’s an ideal way to discover the extent of the resort from a different perspective while gently toning the body. Equipment provided.
Oz-en-Oisans Tourist Office 04 76 80 78 01 – www.oz-en-oisans.com
Practise your skills at Vaujany’s snowpark
Situated in the area of Montfrais, and accessible by the Montfrais gondola, the snowpark is a fantastic place for discovering new tricks, jumps and jumps in a safe environment.
Learn the secrets of piste-bashing
At the end of the day, when the last of the skiers have left the slopes and night starts to fall, the piste-bashers assemble. As they compact and reprofile the snow, regardless of the weather conditions, their meticulous work ensures the safety and enjoyment of skiers the following day. Every Tuesday and Thursday, the piste-bashers open their doors and reveal their secrets to curious holidaymakers.
Free activity, booking required at the tourist office.
Oz-en-Oisans Tourist Office 04 76 80 78 01 – www.oz-en-oisans.com
Take a break from it all at Vaujany’s spa
From hydro-massage to hot stone massage and balneotherapy to reflexology, Vaujany’s spa area is the place to heal those aching muscles after skiing or, for non-skiers, to make the most of the peace and quiet on holiday.
Sunset skiing with the piste-bashers in Oz-en-Oisans or Vaujanay
Each Wednesday, skiers can set off on an unforgettable adventure. At the end of the day, they can take the last cable-car ride of the Dôme des Rousses lift and, facing the glow of the last rays of sunshine, can share a small picnic of mountain produce before descending the deserted runs. With just the piste-bashers for company, skiers can make the most of the calm, still setting and admire the pink mountain tops before reaching the resort centre.
15 € per person. Family discount of 12€ per person. (min 4 people). Register at the lift office. www.oz-en-oisans.com
Events
Oz turns 30
Oz-en-Oisans was the last of the French ski resorts to be created in 1988 thanks to the construction of the EDF dam at Grand-Maison and Verney. Respectful of the architecture in the surrounding hamlets of the Oisans area, the resort has retained its character and has taken care to integrate itself to the landscape at 1,350m of altitude, while being able to guarantee snow in winter. A quick connection to Alpe d'Huez (10 minutes), access to the highest peak of the area and a panoramic view that has been awarded three stars in the Michelin guide, all help to make this pedestrian ski resort a cozy base camp for summer and winter guests. Plus, being just 50 minutes from Grenoble, both local residents and those travelling from afar can easily get there.
Big Air comes to Auris - February 2018– Auris-en-Oisans
For those who haven’t yet discovered it, Big Air is a sports discipline involving competitors skiing or snowboarding down a hill while performing complex tricks and launching themselves off large jumps. Coming to the small resort of Auris in February, Big Air is set to shake things up!
Mountain Safety Day – Saturday 16 December– Oz-en-Oisans
Skiers can start the season with an educational day allowing them to learn all about safety in the mountains such as using mountain safety equipment to find avalanche victims.
From 9.30am on the snow front. Free.
‘Ice stars’ Ice Skating – Wednesday 27 December– Vaujany
The gala will feature talented international skaters performing on Vaujany’s ice rink. This international gala will be televised and broadcasted on French TV and Eurosport during the end of year holidays.
‘Pyramide d’Oz’ Mountaineering French Cup – Sunday 21 January– Oz-en-Oisans
Classified as one of the major French ski mountaineering events, La Pyramide d'Oz brings together the best French mountaineers. In addition to the fantastic show given by the athletes, this event is also an opportunity to try the sport free of charge on an adapted course, while being supervised by professionals. Loan of equipment possible.
http://pyramide.oz-en-oisans.com
French Curling Championships – 2 to 4 February - Vaujany
Vaujany will host the French Curling Championships at its ice rink in the resort’s sport centre.
Invictus Snow Rugby Games - 3 February - Oz-en-Oisans
See the largest ruck in the world on snow. With matches played from 11.00 – 15.00, it’s a rugby heaven for all.
For little ones : A rugby tournement for children aged seven to 12 years old (150 - 200 children)
Adults: Seven a side rugby tournament with around 150 players expected
‘Head in the Stars’ - 5 to 9 February – Oz-en-Oisans
Giant planetarium, sun watching, snowshoeing at night ... during all this week the stars will shine even brighter in the sky.
‘A moment of indulgence’ – 12 to 16 February – Oz-en-Oisans
Nothing like a week of snowy holidays to take care of yourself. Fitness, yoga, pilates, Nordic walking ... holidaymakers can choose whichever activity relaxes them the most.
‘The magic of Oz’ – 19 to 23 February – Oz-en-Oisans
Holidaymakers will be able to attend magic shows and enchanting close-ups, and can even participate in the initiation workshops offered by the resort.
‘Tantalise the tastebuds’ - 26 February to 2 March – Oz-en-Oisans
A true culinary journey awaits Oz’s holidaymakers: gourmet stroll, wine-tasting, culinary workshops.
‘Alternative ways to slide’ – 5 to 9 March – Oz-en-Oisans
On your marks, get set, go! Slide down the slopes on yooner, evo trikke, airboard, sledging in the night ... the main thing is to slip and have fun! Not to mention the traditional Mardi Gras carnival.
French cup of Telemark – 17 to 18 march – Auris en Oisans
For two days, Auris welcomes the best French telemark skiers for a special classic sprint race. It’s a superb spectator sport with slalom, jumps, loom turns and skating. This spectacular sport is a sight to see.
Nordic Days – Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 April 2018 – Oz-en-Oisans
After a successful first edition, Nordic Days will return to Oz at the start of April for a weekend of Nordic walking, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Holidaymakers will have the opportunity to try out these disciplines to appreciate another way to walk in nature or to challenge themselves on a course of 6 or 12 km. New this year: the Colour Party invites guests to the resort on Saturday where revelers can expect a barbecue and DJ set.
Oz-en-Oisans Tourist Office 04 76 80 78 01 www.oz-en-oisans.com
Female Ice- Hockey World Championships – 8 to 14 April – Vaujany
