Are you looking to go skiing in the Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine and don’t know where to stay? How about Oz-En Oisans or Vaujany? Both ski resorts are linked by several of the 85 ski lifts that serve the massive ski area, which gives you access to 250 km of groomed skiing across 120 ski runs. Like the Alpe d’Huez ski resort, Oz-En Oisans is located directly on the slopes, while Vaujany is a little further down the mountain in a valley.
Vaujany is a traditional French village and Oz-En Oisans is a car-free village in the Oisans Mountains of the Isere region. While they are not as famous as their big sister resort Alpe d’Huez they should not be overshadowed by her. They still offer the same world-class skiing with fewer crowds in a more relaxing atmosphere.
Why ski Vaujany and Oz-En Oisans
After staying in both of these resorts during my ski trip to France, I asked why I hadn’t been here before. The people in Vaujany were warm and friendly, plus the accommodation, service, and facilities were of the highest of standards, especially at my hotel, Le V de Vaujany Hotel.
Oz-En Oisans has direct access to the slopes and you are able to get to either Vaujany or Alpe d’Huez by a quick cable car. Then it is easy to ski back in the afternoon on the blue and red slopes, like in Val Thorens.
Overlooking Alpe d’Huez while skiing in Oz-En Oisans
Vaujany Ski Resort Village
Vaujany is a charming French village located at an altitude of 1125m and is just over an hour’s drive from Grenoble. It has a permanent population of 350 and receives more than 300 days of blue skies each year. Vaujany has been able to cleverly evolve without taking away from its heritage, authenticity and French-style architecture. It reminded me a little of the Chatel ski resort village.
There are dedicated escalators that allow pedestrians to move between levels in the resort while carrying their skis or boards. As well as an underground car park with direct access via a lift to the main Vaujany station. There is also an aquatic centre featuring an ice-skating rink, a swimming pool, and much more. If you get a 6-day ski pass, you get free entry to the leisure centre during your winter holiday.
Oz-en-Oisans Ski Village
Oz-en-Oisans is a car-free ski resort just like Avoriaz in the Portes du Soleil. It sits at an altitude of 1,350 meters (4,429 ft), not too far from Alpe d’Huez, and offers some impressive views of the Belledonne range. Unlike other car-free resorts, Oz-en-Oisans does not have any purpose-built high-rise buildings catering to the masses. Instead, they have chalet-styled buildings no more than a few storeys high.
Due to its position on the mountain, the morning and afternoon shade help preserve the snow cover and quality. Giving you better conditions when skiing and less slush, especially in Spring. If you are driving, there is an underground car park and an open-air car park further down the mountain, so as not to interfere with the Oz-en-Oisans setting.
The Eau d’Olle Express gondola now links the village of Allemond below to Oz-en-Oisans, taking only 8 minutes. Meaning you have more options regarding places to stay. It even allows you to drive up for the day, leave your car at Allemond, and go skiing.
Skiing down towards Oz-En Oisans Ski Resort in Spring, Alpe d’Huez, Grand Domain
Ski pass options
Oz Vaujany ski pass
You have two options for ski passes: the Oz Vaujany ski pass or the Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine ski pass. Those unlikely to venture far or learning to ski should get a pass just for the Oz-Vaujany. For intermediates and advanced skiers, the Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine pass is a much better option.
Included with a 6-day or longer ski pass is one entrance to the swimming pool and ice rink in Vaujany village. Family ski passes (2 adults and 2 children) are also available for 6 days or more. Here is the Oz Vaujany website with the ski passes and prices for the season.
Alpe d’Huez ski pass
When you purchase an Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine pass, it includes access for 2 days to Les 2 Alpes, 2 days to Serre Chevalier, 2 days to Puy Saint Vincent, 2 days to Montgenèvre and 2 days to Sestrière. Here is the official site to check out the prices for Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine ski passes for the season.
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Skiing over in the Alpe d’Huez part of the Alpe d’Huez Grand Domain ski area
Oz-Vaujany Skiing Area
- 2 Ski Resorts – Oz-en-Oisans & Vaujany
- 53 km of piste
- 30 Pistes ( 6 Greens, 12 blues, 10 reds & 2 blacks )
- 20 ski lifts/gondola
Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine Ski Area
- 5 Ski Resorts – Oz-en-Oisans, Vaujany, Aple d’Huez, Auris-en-Oisans & Villard-Reculas
- 2 Ski Villages – Huez 1500 & Maronne 1450
- 250 km of piste
- 135 Pistes (42 Greens, 37 blues, 42 reds & 42 blacks)
- 68 ski lifts/gondola
Vaujany Snowpark
There is a snowpark near the Montfrais chairlift on the Vaujany side, which is great for beginners and intermediates. For the more advanced, you have the larger snowpark at the Alpe d’Huez ski resort, next to the Jeux chairlift. The snowparks have an automatic filming system, where Skiers and snowboarders can log in with their ski pass. Then do your best trick and watch your video on the big screen. Please remember to always wear a helmet when in the snowpark.
Skiing in Oz Vaujany
Confident skiers should check out the legendary Sarenne, the world’s longest Black run at 16 km, or Le Tunnel, which runs through a steep tunnel carved into the rock. Both start at Pic Blanc (3330m) and descend via the Gorges de Sarenne (1510m).
Once you are at the top of the Poutran 2, you will not only have amazing views but also be in the centre of the Alpe d’Huez Grand Domain ski area. From there, you can go to Pic Blanc 3330 and ski down, crossing the black and red pistes. If you are looking for something a little easier, head up to La Blanche 2700 and ski both the red and blue pistes down.
Skiing in the Oz-Vaujany part of the Alpe d’Huez Grand Domain area
Skiing to the Vaujany ski station
Vaujany ski station is connected to the Alpe d’Huez Grand Domain area and is easily accessible via cable cars and gondolas. From Vaujany village, you have two options for reaching the ski area: the Vaujany-Alpette cable car or the Villette then Monterais gondola. If you’re eager to ski solely within the Vaujany area, take the 8-seater gondola to the area known as Montfrais.
Montfrais ski area has a variety of greens, blues, and red pistes. It is also where ESF Vaujany Ski holds its ski school classes for children and beginners. On your way back, confident skiers can take the la fare black piste, which takes you straight back to the Vaujany ski station. For the more intermediates, you can take the Vaujanlate red piste that finishes at La Villette. Then, from there, you can easily take the Villette cable car to the village.
Skiing to Oz-en-Oisans ski station
Oz-en-Oisans ski station is even more accessible to the Alpe d’Huez Grand Domain ski area. The L’Alpette gondola will take you towards Vaujany, while the Poutran 1 and Poutran 2 will take you towards the Alpe d’Huez ski resort. On your return, you have a couple of options for skiing back: the chevreuils blue piste, Alpette, and I’olmet red pistes that combine into one or the roche noire black piste.
Personally, the Alpette and I’olmet red piste were my favourites because you get to ski right next to frozen waterfalls. The beginner’s and children’s ski areas are right next to the ski village, and you can easily walk there. Carpet lifts and drag lifts service the area.
Skiing with Luc from the ESF Vaujany ski school
Cross-Country Skiing in Oz Vaujany
The lifts in the Oz-Vaujany area give you easy access to two country skiing circuit trails at 2100 m. There is a 10km Boucle de Poutran and a 20km Boucle des Lacs, both offering stunning views. The best way to get to the circuit trails from Oz is the Poutran and Poutran 2 cable car. Across the entire Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine Ski Area, there are 50 km of Nordic ski trails.
Night skiing in Oz
Night skiing takes place at Oz en-Oisans ski resort on the Olmet and Clos du Pre green slopes. It occurs every Wednesday from 6.30 pm to 8 pm, from December to March. During school holidays, the night ski session is preceded by a torchlight parade led by children. Remember to wear thermals (base layers) to keep warm during the night, when temperatures drop, especially at high altitude.
Sunset skiing in Vaujany
While there are no lit-up slopes for night skiing in Vaujany, you can try sunset skiing. Every Tuesday evening, you can descend from the Dome des Rousses with the ski patrol to Oz-en-Oisans or Vaujany ski resort. As you watch the sunset, you are provided with local and regional products to enjoy before descending. A good level of skiing is mandatory.
Ski Instructors & ESF ski schools
There are a couple of different ski schools in Vaujany and Oz; however, the ESF ski school is a great option. The instructors are good, and they have dedicated ski areas in Oz-en-Oisans and Vaujany ski resorts. ESF teach all levels of alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and off-piste skiing. They also offer snowshoeing and guiding, all of which can be booked online.
Make sure you wear a ski helmet. You can either rent one from Oz Vaujany or purchase one online.
Beginners skiing area Vaujany
The ESF Vaujany meeting point is located near the information centre and ticket office at the Villette gondola and the Vaujany-Alpette cable car. The learning ski area is located in the Montrais area, just at the top of the Montrais gondola, which parents can easily reach if they are not skiing. Booking and information here for ESF Vaujany ski school.
Beginners ski area Oz-en-Oisans
The ESF Oz-Oisans office and meeting area are in the centre of the village near the ski hire shop. The children’s and learning area is next to the village, near the bottom of the Poutran 1 cable car. Booking, pricing, and additional information are available here on the ESF Oz-Oisans ski school.
Station-d’Oz-en-Oisans Pic By Reves Provided by Oz Tourism
Restaurants in Oz & Vaujany
There is no shortage of mountain restaurants where you can eat in both Oz and Vajuany when skiing. In Oz en-Oisans, you have La Potee Oz Restaurant in the centre of the village. If you want something on the slopes, head to L’Aventure, which not only has great food cooked on an open fire but also has great views from the balcony of the Poutran slope.
In Vaujany, I recommend either Le Chalet Gourmand, which makes delicious woodfire oven pizzas or the amazing fine-dining restaurant IDA. On the ski mountain, check out Le Vaujaniat for amazing burgers. It is located near the beginner’s and children’s ski area. A little further up the slope is Les Airelles, an altitude restaurant with a huge terrace (great for spring skiing) that serves typical Alpine food like pasta, salads, etc.
Hamburger Le Vaujaniat, altitude restaurant, Vaujany Ski Resort
Non-Skiing Activities in Vaujany & Oz
There is a wide range of non-ski activities in Vaujany and Oz for those not skiing and for those seeking a break from the ski slopes. Some of these winter activities include dog sledging, ice climbing, Nordic walking, snowshoeing, or even “Snowga”, yoga on snow. How about trying tandem paragliding in Alpe d’Huez in the summer?
Here are just a few of the things I did in Oz and Vaujany.
Panorama Pic Blanc
On a clear day, head up to Pic Blanc, the highest peak in the Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine area at 3330m. It offers amazing panoramic views across 1/5 of the French territory. Some of the mountains you will see are Mont Blanc, Grandes Jorasses, Grand Combin, Cervin, and Grand Paradis. It reminded me of the views of Mont Blanc from La Clusaz Ski Resort.
The Pic Blanc is the starting point for the famous longest black run, the Sarenne (16 km), and Le Tunnel.
Vaujany Village Museum
Vaujany Muséum is a modern museum in the village centre near the main gondola. It offers interactive experiences such as multi-sensory exhibits featuring animals and nature. You can learn about Vaujany’s history and how it has expanded over the years. It even has a flight simulator that takes you over the Isère mountains. Not only is it free, but it is a great place to take the family.
La Grotte de Glace
One of the top things to do with families in Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine is visit The La Grotte de Glace. A high-altitude ice cave with creative sculptures and snow carvings. Situated at 2700m, you can get there via the Poutran lift, and then the DMC2 lift. Each year has a different theme, and when I went, it was United States landmarks. It is free to enter and is open daily from 9 am – 4 pm during winter.
One of the things to do is visit La Grotte de Glace in the Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine area
Spend a couple of days in Grenoble
Grenoble is only a short distance from Vaujany and Oz-en-Oisans. Hence, it is nicknamed the capital of the French Alps. While most travellers use Grenoble as a stoppingover on their way to the ski resorts, the city has so much more to offer. Here is a fantastic itinerary to help you get the most out of Grenoble.
There is a regular shuttle bus that runs between Vaujany and Grenoble. It usually takes about one hour to drive the 33 miles on a good day. Another great resort close to a major city is St Johann near Salzburg.
Vaujany Hotels – Hotel Le V de Vaujany
I stayed at the luxurious Hotel Le V de Vaujany while skiing in the Huez Grand Domaine. It is ideally located, just a few minutes’ walk away from Vaujany’s main gondola and ski lifts in the heart of the village. The hotel has 25 spacious rooms, including 4 senior suites. Most of the rooms had south-facing balconies offering views of the Vaujany village and the surrounding mountains. I loved my room, and the bed was unbelievably comfortable.
On the hotel’s top floor, the Pure Altitude spa takes advantage of the views, offering a pool, sauna, and Nordic hot tub. At ground level, there is a bistro-style restaurant, a lounge bar, and an outdoor terrace. The hotel’s ski rooms are next to the Vaujany ski lifts, so you don’t have to carry all your equipment.
Hotel Le V de Vaujany makes you feel like it is your home away from home, and that’s exactly how I felt as soon as I stepped inside. You can check prices and availability for the winter season.
Bar area of the Hotel Le V de Vaujany, France
Tips for skiing in Vaujany & Oz ski resorts
Back before 4 pm: Make sure to ski back to your side of the resort before 4 pm, when skiing in the wider Huez Grand Domaine. As you don’t want to get stuck once the lifts close.
Ski hire Vaujany: The best place to hire skis is at Vaujany station, where the main ski lifts are. This is the same for ski hire in Oz.
Apres ski: Neither resort is known for having a big apres ski season. However, if you want a drink after skiing, you have Le QG in Vaujany and Le P’tit Verre d’Oz in Oz-en-Oisans.
Public parking: Both ski resorts offer free public parking in non-covered areas. There is undercovered parking, with limited spaces and a small fee at both locations.
Weak Wi-Fi single spot: Wi-Fi in Oz is not great, and I struggled to get the internet there, even in restaurants. I suggest getting an eSIM like Airalo’s that covers France.
Ski resorts within France
Discover these lesser-known ski guides and itineraries for French ski resorts below:
- Sainte Foy Tarentaise Ski Resort Guide, France
- Best activities to do in Pays de Gex, Monts Jura, France
- Saint Nicolas De Véroce Saint-Gervais Ski Resort
Have you skied the Oz-en-Oisans ski area in Isère, France, before? Were you aware that it was part of the famous Domaine skiable ski area?
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Cover picture provided by Oz-En Oisans tourist office
Disclaimer: Even though I was a guest of both Vaujany Tourism and Oz en Oisans Tourism. All views are my own and based on my own experience.
Skiing links and resources for Vaujany & Oz
- Hotels and Chalets for Vaujany, available here, on booking.com.
- For additional information on the Isére region, here is the tourist site
- Here are some other fun activities you can book for the Isére region.
- Book a car hire from Lyon to the Isére ski resorts of Oz & Vaujany
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