Maurienne Valley - Aussois

Despite concessions to modern tourism, Aussois has managed to retain its traditional appeal and makes an ideal base for anyone wanting to combine a ski holiday with the ambience of timeless rural France.

The colourful Tuesday market in Aussois offers mouth-watering local specialities such as goats’ cheese and homemade bilberry tart.

The autoroute and the TGV station (4hrs by train from Paris) are only a ten-minute drive away from Aussois.

Non-skiing activities in Aussois include snowshoe wildlife safaris, paragliding, and ice-climbing. Explore the surrounding plateau by dog-sled or try tubing – tobogganing on mini inflatable rafts. Don’t miss a visit to the Fort Marie-Christine esseillon forts, one of a chain of 19^th century military fortifications along the mountain range here that has been converted into a gourmet restaurant. 

Aussois was featured in The Telegraph's 'The 100 Best Ski Holidays 2009’.

See article.

Follow the links below

Aussois Resort Opening Dates

Aussois ski area opens from 18/12/10 and closes on 15/04/2011

Why Aussois?

·          Traditional, peaceful and uncrowded village with fair altitude – great value for money

·          In a superb setting on the edge of the Parc National de la Vanoise

·          Easy access to other resorts – Orelle, backdoor into the Trois Vallées – is a 20-minute drive away.

·          Wide choice of non-skiing activities and entertainment

Childcare in Aussois

Aussois has acquired the Famille Plus label for its childcare facilities. Please view here for more information on the Famille Plus label.

The day care center “Les Pitchouns” – At the foot of the pistes in Aussois, the center will take young ones (3 months – 5 years), from Sunday to Friday (closed Saturdays). Open 08hr45 – 17hr. Parents must provide meals.

Guide prices 09/10:

Not pre-bookable through Peak Retreats

Tel: Maison d’Aussois +33 4 79 20 30 80

Reservation obligatory 24hrs in advance for ½ day maxi and day maxi.

Childrens Ski Lessons in Aussois

Children can ski from 3 years old in Aussois with ESF Club Piou Piou.

Peak Retreats can pre-book this. See here for details.

Activities in Aussois

NEW TO AUSSOIS WINTER 09/10!

Sport Sliding fun, Snow tubing, a sort of inflatable raft, takes place inside the village on the track of Dotta under the church.

After a lift along a rope tow, two slides with real banked curves are available for maximum pleasure and sensations.

Daytime and evening With family or friends, please discover this new sport!

Open every day except Saturday from 14h to 22h

Winter 2009/2010:

1 / 2 hour: € 4 for children - adult 5 €

1 hour: € Child 7 - Adult € 8

1 lap: 2 €

Package 10 laps: 10 €

Snowshoeing in Aussois:  Observe the chamois and the wild scenery ...

Level 1 accessible to all, level 2 for more trained walkers.
Half-day:c €19* Day: c €30* (*equipment & passes not included in the prices)

Information and enrolment: MOUNTAIN GUIDES - 73500 AUSSOIS

Tel +33 479 20 32 48 - Fax +33 479 20 31 16

Dogsledging in Aussois ‘Husky Adventure’ organizes dogsledging outings, learn to become a musher, go on raids or ‘Croc Blanc’ tours: a foretaste of the distant north in Vanoise. Information and reservations: Husky Adventure, Christophe Caron Tel/Fax +33 479 20 41 24

http://husky-adventure.net/anglais/indexang.html

Via Ferratain Aussois(Half-way between climbing and walking, a high sensations activity accessible to all – With 6 stages and a total length of 3460m Via ferrata du Diable is the longest in France. Definitely worth a try if you have what it takes. The total course around the stunning Esseillon forts takes 6 to 8 hours … ½ day: from about €35/ pers. depending itinerary (equipment included).

Information and enrolment: MOUNTAIN GUIDES - 73500 AUSSOIS

Tel +33 479 20 32 48 – Fax +33 4 79 20 31 16 

Other activities in Aussoisinclude Photo safaris (Observe the bouquetins (ibex)... Easy mountain walk, accessible to all), paragliding, indoor climbing wall, ski-mountaineering, boarder cross, ice-climbing, museum, library but also Skiing shows by night with the resort's professionals, classical music concerts in the church, cinema shows, various exhibitions, visit of the local craft shops, of the church, of the Aussois museum.Festivals under the starry nights of winter: skiing shows by night with the resorts’ professionals. Each day and all throughout the season Aussois have put together sports, cultural or artistic activities that will make your stay more enjoyable.

Luge

Piste de Luge <Front de Neige>

This piste is ideal for young children. It is part of the Front de Neige (green pistes, jardin des neiges, ski schools, garderie). 2 courses are reserved for 2-6yr olds. South facing, defined and secure area and lighting between 20hr30 - 23h.

Piste de Luge <La Dotta>

This free space is at foot of the church in the centre of the village of Aussois. More of a technical course with lighting from 17hr - 22hr.

Parapente

€70 for 1100m and €60 for 600m.

Contact Antipodes Claire and Zébulon – 00 33 607 12 25 34

antipodes@wanadoo.fr

Walking with donkeys

Near the central fountain in Aussois.

In a atmosphere, Kids can enjoy a ride on a donkey surrounded by our friends long eared friends: Quick, Calin, Dreamer and their buddies.
Around a hot chocolate (offered by the Office de Tourisme) Come and share this experience with family ... to keep the wonderful memories ... smiles, hugs and pictures!

Tariff: 4 €

Visit this winter (no reservation), all Fridays from 17h30 to 19h.

Eating Out and Après-Ski in Aussois

Bars,restaurants, disco, shops

A must try during your stay is the restaurant in the fantastic setting of XIXth century Fort ‘Marie-Christine’, with menus from only c €14, it offers excellent value for money, and was praised by the famous Gault et Millau guide. Italians even make the journey just to eat there!

Other amenities in Aussois

Mini-supermarket, bank with cash point, laundry, bakery, fromagerie, butcher/delicatessen, hairdresser, regional specialties, several sports shops, doctor.

All the above information is for information only. For the most up-to-date information please visit the resort tourist office website

Aussois Tourist Office

Tel +33 479 20 30 80

www.aussois.com

Open from 9hr-18hr from 20/12/08-17/04/09, everyday except Sats, Suns and bank holidays where 9-12 and 14-18hr.

Accessto Aussois                  

By Road: Driving distance from Calais to Aussois 583 miles (approx 8hrs 25)

From Calais, take A26 Motorway towards Reims and Troyes, then Dijon, Lyon, Chambéry. Follow the A43 Motorway to Modane. Aussois is 7km (10 minutes) from the motorway exit at Modane.

By Rail:

Modane (4hrs from Paris by TGV). From the station, Alpe Taxi Transport Aussois Mr Richard Torchala Tel +33 479 05 03 23 / +33 611 33 41 42 e-mail rtorchala@aol.com, or Transavoie coaches.

Airports:

Chambéry is 118km from Aussois (1 hour)

www.chambery-airport.com

Turin is 125km from Aussois (1 ½ hours)

www.aeroportoditorino.it

Grenoble (St Geoirs) is 185km from Aussois (1 ½ hours)

www.grenoble-airport.com

Geneva is 197km fro Aussois (2 hours)

www.gva.ch/en

Lyon Saint-Exupéry is 196km from Aussois (2 ½ hours)

www.lyonairport.com

Getting around Aussois and nearby areas

An internal shuttle bus in the village is available throughout the winter season, from December 20, 2009 to April 16, 2010. For better preservation of the environment, this shuttle is free and runs daily from morning to evening. We encourage you to borrow and to limit the use of your vehicle in the village streets.

Interbus routes to nearby ski areas

• Bus for ORELLE : On Tuesday

Departs Aussois 9h15 and returns Orelle at 17h30.

• Bus for LA NORMA : On Wednesday

Departs Aussois at 9h30. Return to La Norma at 17h30.

• Bus for VALFRE JUS : On Thursday

Departs Aussois at 9h30. Return at 17h45

Your place on the bus must be booked before noon, the day before your departure, AT THE LATEST at the tourist office.

Tariff: 6,50 € per person.

Access Plan

Aussois France

Click on maps to enlarge

Resort Map

Aussois France

A 6-day pass allows a day’s skiing to explore Val Thorens and the Trois Vallées via the Orelle cable car.

Nordic skiers will find the 30km of prepared trails suited to all levels. 

Although there are not a large number of pistes, the 1250m (4,100ft) of vertical drop from top to bottom and the varied terrain provide much diversity.

Off-piste enthusiasts can ski powder snow at 3000m (Col des Hauts or Pointe du Fréjus), 1hr-walk, 1700m of descent.
Cost: c. €50/person/day - Tel +33 479 20 32 48 or

www.guides-montagne.com

Every Thursday evening from 9-10 pm Aussois has night skiing - opposite Flocons d'Argent.

Other easily accessible domains:

La Norma and Valfrejus are about 15-20 minutes drive.

For more advanced skiers, Orelle is about 30 minutes drive away. The cable car will take you to the top of Val Thorens and the 3 Valleys (the world’s largest ski area). All you need is a ski pass extension (Val Thorens c €17.50 extra, full 3 Valleys c €25).

New this winter at AUSSOIS!

Come test BIG AIR BAG at the foot of the slopes!

Beginners or experienced, the structure is ideal for make jumps safely.
Just do it ... and be happy!

The big air bag is a variation of fall cushion, used in the world of stunt work. It is behind a springboard for the snow fall is cushioned.

Opening times:

Monday to Saturday: 13h30 to 16h30, Sunday 10hr – 16hr

Sometimes open at night.

Rates:

1 jump: 2 €

3 jumps: 5 €

5 hops: 8 €

10 jumps: 15 €

Card week: 42 €

season pass: 99 €

You will need a lift pass to enter.

Parental consent required for children - 12 years

Aussois Lift Passes

Save Time in resort and budget ahead by pre-booking lift passes. See below for prices.

PRE-BOOK* your 6 Day Aussois Lift-Pass with PR

There is a €3/pass deposit for hands-free pass to pay on site (can be re-used). This deposit will be refunded in cash to you when you hand back your pass at the end of your stay.

FREE passes if born after 31/12/04 or before 01/01/35.  *Proof of age will be required.

INTER-RESORT SHUTTLE (from Aussois)

Shuttle for LA NORMA
Only Wednesday. Leaves Aussois at 9.30 a.m. Leaves La Norma at 5.30 p.m.

Shuttle for VALFREJUS
Only Thursday. Leaves Aussois at 9.15 a.m.  Leaves Valfréjus at 5.45 p.m.

Shuttle for ORELLE
Only Tuesday. Leaves Aussois at 9.15 a.m.  Leaves Orelle at 5.30 p.m.

Compulsory before 12 noon the day before at the Maison d'Aussois reception. Price: € 6 per person return

AUSSOIS PISTE MAP

To see the Aussois piste map for 09/10 please see the resort guide panel on the top right hand side of the current page.

What’s new with the ski area for 09/10?

See AUSSOIS RESORT NEWS

Aussois Ski Schools             

PRE-BOOK* your Aussois Group Ski/Board Lessons

Please note that a booking fee of £9 per party will be charged

Group Ski Lessons

¹ SKI HIGH SEASON (19/12-4/1) & (6/2-7/3): Kindergarten Mornings 9.00-11.00, Afternoons 14.00-16.30 (19/12-4/1) or 14.30-17.00 (6/2-7/3), Children/Adults Mornings 9.00-11.00 or 11.00-13.00, Afternoons 14.30-16.30 (19/12-4/1) or 15.00-17.00 (6/2-7/3).

2 SKI LOW SEASON (Other Dates): Kindergarten Mornings 9.30-12.00, Afternoons Beginners and Oursons ONLY 14.00-16.30 (Only 30/1-6/2 & 8/3-21/3). Children Mornings 9.30-12.00, Afternoons Beginners and Oursons ONLY 14.00-16.30 (Only 30/1-6/2 & 8/3-21/3), Adults Mornings ONLY 10.00-12.00

3 Snowboard is 2 hours/day, Mon-Fri 11.00-13.00 during high season, Mon-Thurs in afternoon for other dates.

ALL TIMES TO BE CONFIRMED, SUBJECT TO CHANGES

ALSO AVAILABLE:

6 Competition Level Lessons: 19/12-04/01 & 06/02-08/03 (11.00-13.30) = £96;  Easter Week (03/04-17/04) = £87 (09.30-12.00)

Times to be confirmed

Aussois Individual Tuitions (09/10 prices, NOT pre-bookable)

Please note that individual tuitions need to be booked directly through the ski school.

Prices shown are indication only and are subject to change

Ski Hire Aussois

Ski hire in Aussois prices start from £35 for children (skis and boots) & £49 for adults (skis and boots) for 7 days. View here for Aussois ski hire prices

Aussois Cross-country ski

The northern area of "Monolith" offers 30 km of tracks between Aussois and Sardières:

1 red run 15 km (between the two villages)

2 green slopes

1 blue

1 variant (through the forest)

All tracks are tagged and tracked for skating and the alternative.

From €7 per day per adult.

Mountain restaurants in Aussois

L’Alpage, Le Montana, Le Panoramic

*ALL PRE-BOOKABLE EXTRAS ARE PAYABLE TO PEAK RETREATS IN STIRLING PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. PRICES ARE IN £.

ANYTHING IN EUROS (€) WE ARE UNABLE TO PRE-BOOK AND

WILL BE PAYABLE LOCALLY.