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.

Voted one of the top resorts for Children

Aussois was rated by clients amongst Peak Retreat’s top 3 resorts for value for money in 10/11. It’s easy to see why when taking price of accommodation, lift passes, ski school, local bars & restaurants.

In our client’s own words:

“The resort has so much character and the locals are lovely and friendly”.

“A great resort for a first skiing holiday with children. Relatively undiscovered so very little queuing even in school holidays, a good choice of green/blue runs and fantastic value for money. Thank you for recommending it”.

Rated by Peak Retreats’ clients in 10/11 amongst the top 10 resorts that they would recommend a friend.

Follow the links below

Aussois Resort Opening Dates

Aussois ski area opens from 17/12/11 and closes on 13/04/2012

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 exc. Xmas and NY). On Saturday the service is provided by l’ile aux Croes garderie situated in heart of village. Open 08hr45 – 17hr. Parents must provide meals.

Open from 18^th December 2011 – 13^th April 2012.

Guide prices 11/12:

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.

The natural snow front benefits from some arrangements dedicated especially to the children:

-2 skilifts for beginners with green slopes

-a safe sledge area

a games area, reserved to children from 2 to 6 (loan of buckets and shovels at the welcome desk into the Maison d'Aussois), snowmen, snowball fights...

-picnic area at front de neige where parents can watch their kids

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

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

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

1 hour: € Child 7 - Adult € 8

1 lap: 2 €

Package 10 laps: 10 €

Snake Gliss (NEW!)

The Sport shopLéon Sports (Twinner - By Air - Snake Gliss) offers a new activity in Aussois:

The SNAKE GLISS:

a train of sleds (10 max) for unforgettable downhill rides and thrills!

2 course test, supervised by a professional

Discovery tour: 500 m descent (children from 12 years)

Sports experience: 1 150m descent (children from 16 years)

Ski pass or ticket for pedestrian and gloves/helmet mandatory

Reservation required with Léon Sports (opposite the lifts)
Phone: 0033 479 203 167
ratel.herve@wanadoo.fr

Prices 11/12:

Route Discovery

Adults and children: 12 € (From 12)

Sports experience

Adults and children: 20 € (From 16)

http://www.snake-gliss.com/stations/aussois.php (see for video)

Big Air Bag

Come test BIG AIR BAGat 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.

New for 2011:

1 springboard adapted to children and beginners

"AIR TUBBY": settle into a rubber ring and land smoothly on the big air bag!

Opening hours:

Monday, Friday and Saturday : from 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday : from 1.30 pm to 5.30 pm

Sunday closed

Prices:

1 jump: €1.50

3 jumps: € 4

5 jumps: € 6

Half day: € 20 (unlimited access)

week ticket: € 45 (unlimited access)

Compulsory parents authorization for children under 12.

Mandatory helmet (on loan).

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

Sled dog trips - Prices

(1/2 hour) : € 40 per adult ; € 30 per child under 12

Introducing to mushing -Prices

half-day : € 110 per person ; full day : € 180 per person

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. Course with lighting from 20hr30 - 22hr.

Devils Park

Adventure and cultural park among trees.

The Angel's Tyrolienne (zip wire): the highest of the region, 200m long and 150m high. Thrills guaranteed! Zip wire over a gorge!

New 2011 : the Giant tyrolienne 

Phone: 0033 (0) 6 28 23 38 47

Parc du Diable

La Place 73500 Aussois

http://www.parcdudiable.fr

Opening upon request for winter season:  Minimum 5 people

Prices 2011:

Adult: € 21 for half day, € 28 for full day

Children under 16: € 18 for half day, € 25 for full day

Younger children: € 15 for half day, € 23 for full day

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 18/12/10-15/04/11. Out of season, open every day. Sat/Sun/Bank hols open 9am-12pm and 2pm-5pm.

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

During the winter season, a free shuttle takes you down the village (Tompaz parking, caravanning, shops) to the lifts and the Tourism Office (Maison d'Aussois), every day and all through the day.

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

SKI AREA

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. Slopes are suited especially for beginners and low intermediates but high intermediates will find reds to hurl themselves down and some blacks too.

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

BEGINNERS

Beginner skiers have a good choice of slopes right on the snow front. There are a couple of nursery slopes served by some drags and then some longer greens and blue from the top of the main lift.

INTERMEDIATES

Above 2150m there are mainly red slopes with a few blues thrown in too.

EXPERTS

Experts have a good choice of red slopes above 2150m and a few blacks thrown in too. There is a long black from 2750m called Balmes which takes you back down to the snow front at 1500m (although the last bit links up to a green).

OFF-PISTE

Off-piste enthusiasts can ski powder snow at 3000m (Col des Hauts or Pointe du Fréjus), 1hr-walk, 1700m of descent.
www.guides-montagne.com

RESORT RUNS

The resorts runs are green, blue, red or black (although last bit of the black turns into a green) so no need to catch the chairlift down at end of the day.

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).

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 11/12 please see the resort guide panel on the top right hand side of the current page.

What’s new with the ski area for 11/12?

See AUSSOIS RESORT NEWS

Aussois Lift Passes

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

PRE-BOOK* your AUSSOIS LIFT PASS with PR

FREE PASSES!

FREE passes if born after 31/12/06 or seniors before 01/01/37.  *Proof of age will be required.

Note: Proof of age will be required for reduced price passes.

Other lift pass on offer (to buy locally in resort in Euros):

For complete beginners (adults and children):

“Beginner” pass – covers Charriere and Muliniere draglifts: €9/day

“Discovery” pass – covers Charriere, Muliniere draglifts and Cotes chairlift: €15.50/day

Aussois ski pass – ½ day and daily rates:

½ day - €22 children, €25 adults

Day - €20 children, €24 adults

Aussois Ski Schools              

PRE-BOOK* your Half-Day GROUP SKI/BOARD LESSONS

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

Group Ski Lessons

Times and Schedules (ALL TIMES TO BE CONFIRMED, SUBJECT TO CHANGES).

All ski lessons are Sunday-Friday.

Snowboard lessons are 5 half days from Monday-Friday or 4 half days from Monday-Thursday.

¹ SKI Competition (2hrs30): Adults, Children (6-14):

¹ SKI Piou Piou (2hrs30): Children (3-4):

² SKI (2hrs): Adults, Children (6-14):

LOW SEASON TIMES

³ SKI: Adults only:

⁴ SKI: Children (5-11) and Piou Piou (3-4) only:

SNOWBOARD times: High season 11.15 – 13.15, low season 2 hours in the afternoon. Please enquire.

Please note that lesson times are subject to change right until the last minute. Outside French school holidays the ski school reserves the right to cancel group lessons should numbers be insufficient. For peak periods (18/12-2/1, 13/2-13/3 & 9/4-24/4) we strongly recommend that you book as early as possible and in any case at least 6 weeks prior to the required dates. Morning lessons tend to get booked up first and therefore we may only be able to offer afternoon classes within 6 weeks of departure. In some resorts English speaking instructors may not always be available, particularly at peak times.

Aussois Individual Tuitions (11/12 prices, NOT pre-bookable)

Individual tuitions can only be purchased directly from the ski school. Peak Retreats cannot pre-book these.

Please note that prices are only an indication and are subject to change

Ski school Aussois contact numbers:

Aussois ESF: 0033 479 20 37 13

Ski Hire Aussois

Ski hire in Aussois prices start from £37 for children (skis and boots) & £54 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 €7.50 per day per adult, ½ day mornings €5.

Mountain restaurants in Aussois

L’Alpage, Le Montana, Le Panoramic

Big air bag in 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.

New for 2011 – area suitable for children and beginners. Plus “Air Tubby”.

Opening times:

Mon, Fri and Sat: 13h30 to 16h30, Tues, Wed & Thurs 13h30-17h30. Sunday closed.

Sometimes open at night.

Rates:

1 jump: 1.50 €

3 jumps: 4 €

5 hops: 6 €

You will need a lift pass to enter.

Parental consent required for children - 12 years

Mandatory helmet (on loan)

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

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

WILL BE PAYABLE LOCALLY.