feefo five star review “Such a simple and complete service.” -View More

feefo five star review Book now for Winter 26/27 ski holidays in over 70 French Alps resorts.View More

Feefo Logo
ABTA
HEADER-Oz3300-2000px.webp
Resort Guide

Oz 3300

France | Grand Domaine

Compact, traffic-free village with access to the vast Alpe d’Huez ski area

Oz 3300, which used to be known as Oz-en-Oisans, is a small, friendly ski village set among a forest of fir trees above the village of Oz, offering a peaceful base with direct access to the vast Alpe d’Huez ski area.

It’s purpose-built (one of the last resorts to be built in the French Alps, in 1989), yet you wouldn’t necessarily know it from the attractive chalets and traditional timber and stone used in the apartment buildings.

The skiing in Oz 3300 is spectacular with fantastic views all round from glaciers and forests to villages nestling in the valleys below. With 250km of pistes on your doorstep, it combines excellent skiing for all levels with a calm, family-friendly atmosphere. This unique combination helped it make the Guardian’s list of the “best small ski resorts you’ve never heard of”.

Its compact, traffic-free centre makes getting around easy, making it a great choice for relaxed ski holidays without the crowds of larger resorts.

It’s also very accessible, just an hour from Grenoble train station, making a short transfer for those arriving by train.

Oz 3300 Quick Facts

  • Ski area: Grand Domaine
  • Resort height: 1350m
  • Resort top height: 3330m
  • Km piste: 250
  • Distance from Calais: 570 miles (8hrs 20)
  • Lift pass: ££££
  • No. of slopes: 111
  • Green slopes: 34
  • Blue slopes: 31
  • Red slopes: 29
  • Black slopes: 17
  • Beginners:
  • Intermediate:
  • Expert:
  • Boarders:
  • Freeride:
Highlights

Compact traffic-free village ideal for families and stress-free ski holidays

Direct access to 250km Alpe d’Huez ski area

Excellent intermediate terrain with long scenic cruising runs across area

Safe, sheltered beginner zones near village plus higher progression areas

Quiet atmosphere with limited nightlife but relaxed, friendly feel throughout

Valley location means good snow preservation but less direct sunshine

Resort

Everything you need to know about Oz 3300

Learn about Oz 3300 beyond the basics from the skiing in the wider Alpe d'Huez area to the village atmosphere.

  • Small, compact and easy to navigate with everything close together and walkable

  • Quiet, family-friendly atmosphere with very little nightlife

  • Traditional style despite purpose-built layout

A compact and calm village

Oz 3300 is one of those resorts where everything feels simple. The centre is compact, traffic-free and easy to get around, with lifts, ski school, shops and restaurants all within a short walk. This makes day-to-day life straightforward, especially for families or beginners finding their way around.

Although purpose-built, it has a traditional Alpine feel, with wood and stone buildings that blend into the forest surroundings. It’s far removed from the busier feel of larger resorts nearby.

Peaceful and family-focused

The atmosphere in Oz 3300 is quiet and low-key. It’s particularly well suited to families and those who prefer an early night over a lively après scene.

The traffic-free design adds to that sense of safety and ease, especially for children.

A practical base in the mountains

Oz 3300 works as a convenient base for skiing the wider Alpe d’Huez area. While the village itself is small, it’s well thought out, with essential shops, restaurants and facilities all nearby so there’s no need for buses or long walks after a day on the slopes.

One thing to be aware of is its valley location, which means less direct sunlight in winter. While this helps preserve snow conditions, it does give the resort a quieter, more understated feel, particularly when it comes to après-ski.

  • Direct access to Alpe d’Huez ski area with 250km of pistes

  • Strong intermediate terrain with good progression for all levels

  • Mix of tree-lined forest runs, high-altitude slopes and long descents

As well as the 53km of local slopes, two gondolas take you into the wider ski area. The Alpette gondola takes you up to 2050m, above the resort of Vaujany from here you can take another lift up to the Dome des Rousses at 2800m. The Poutran gondola (in two stages) takes you to 2100m just above the resort of Alpe d’Huez and into the heart of the ski area.

What helps makes the ski area so satisfying is the fact that its extensive slopes face in so many different directions, enabling skiers to always find the best snow and conditions. For instance, thanks to its tree-lined slopes, the terrain above Oz 3300 is ideal for when snow is falling.

The ski area is made up of four sectors; three in Alpe d’Huez and the Vaujany/Oz sector, which largely consists of north-west facing slopes. You can ski back home to Oz 3300 on a choice of gentle blue or red slopes.

Beginners

Beginners are well catered for in Oz 3300. There are nursery slopes right in the resort, making it easy to start learning.

As confidence grows, you can head up to higher areas with gentle beginner slopes like the top of the Alpette gondola or over to Alpe d’Huez, where there’s a wide range of green runs. You can ski back to Oz 3300 on the blue Les Chevreuils run. This range of options makes it easy to gradually explore more of the mountain without feeling overwhelmed.

Intermediates

Intermediates are where Oz 3300 really shines. The surrounding area is full of long blue and red runs, perfect for building confidence and covering distance.

You can head towards Vaujany, where there are blue runs in the Mont Frais area just off the top of the Alpette gondola, or into the wider Alpe d’Huez domain where you’ll be spoilt for choice with blues and reds. There is plenty of variety to keep each day different. The terrain is ideal for cruising, with wide pistes and varied sectors to explore.

Advanced

Advanced skiers have access to more challenging terrain across the wider ski area. The highlight is the Pic Blanc at 3,300m, where you can take on steep descents and long vertical runs.

The famous Sarenne run, at around 16km, is one of the longest black runs in the French Aps. It becomes a test of endurance as well as skill and has a 2000m vertical altitude difference. From another bucket list run from the top of the Pic Blanc, Tunnel, you can pick up a red run, Rousses, and join up with other reds all the way home to Oz 3300. There are also off-piste opportunities and demanding routes for those looking to push themselves.

Mountain fun zones

There are fun zones and freestyle areas within the wider Alpe d’Huez domain, offering options for those looking to try something different.

These include a kids’ snow parks and themed fun runs that are perfect for children, as well as more advanced snow park areas, adding variety to your time on the mountain.

Nordic skiing

Nordic skiing is available on two trails at 2100m altitude. The Circuit des Lacs is 20km long and Boucle de Poutran is 10km. Both are set in spectacular scenery.

  • A nice mix of low-key family-friendly and outdoor activities beyond skiing

  • Choice of relaxed or more adventurous mountain experiences

  • Access to daytime activities in Alpe d’Huez

Family-friendly activities

For activities beyond the slopes, there’s sledging, of course with two dedicated areas, and the tourist office organises activities throughout the week, helping keep younger visitors entertained. A weekly welcome meeting introduces visitors to the village and helps them discover what’s on during their stay.

Outdoor experiences

For those looking for something more active, there are options such as snowshoeing, Nordic walking and ice waterfall climbing. For a unique experience, snow yoga at 2100m has to tick a lot of boxes. Take a class surrounded by stunning mountain peaks and breathtaking scenery.

Guided experiences allow you to explore the forests and mountains in a different way, offering a quieter perspective compared to the main ski slopes.

Unique mountain moments

You can also enjoy experiences like sunset skiing from higher points in the ski area.

The variety available across the Alpe d’Huez domain throughout your ski day adds extra depth to your stay.

  • Small selection of restaurants and bars within walking distance

  • Quiet après-ski focused on relaxed evenings rather than nightlife

  • Good range of essentials for self-catered stays

Dining options

Oz 3300 has a handful of restaurants offering a mix of local Savoyard dishes and simple international options.

While the choice isn’t huge, it covers most needs, and everything is conveniently located within the resort centre. It’s easy to combine eating out with self-catering throughout your stay.

Après-ski atmosphere

Après-ski here is relaxed rather than lively. You’ll find a few bars for a drink after skiing, but the focus is on winding down rather than partying.

If you’re looking for a bigger daytime après scene, you can head into Alpe d’Huez, where you’ll find the famous Folie Douce, but most visitors enjoy the quieter pace back in resort.

Shops and essentials

The resort has everything you need for a comfortable stay, including a small supermarket, bakery and sports shops.

This makes it particularly convenient for self-catered holidays, with all essentials within a short walk. If you’re driving, it’s worth stopping lower down in a valley town to at one of the larger supermarkets if you like a wider choice.

Location

Oz 3300 location map

What3words: ///erasable.barbershop.shapeless
FAQs

Frequently asked questions about Oz 3300

Is Oz 3300 good for beginners? plus icon minus icon

Yes, Oz 3300 is a great choice for beginners. There are nursery slopes in the resort itself, plus additional green runs higher up. As you progress, you can easily access more varied terrain in the wider Alpe d’Huez area, giving a smooth and reassuring learning curve.

Is Oz 3300 good for intermediate skiers? plus icon minus icon

Oz 3300 is particularly strong for intermediates. The surrounding ski area offers a wide range of blue and red runs, perfect for building confidence and enjoying long cruising descents. The variety across the domain means you can explore something new every day.

Is Oz 3300 suitable for advanced skiers? plus icon minus icon

Yes, advanced skiers have plenty of options across the wider area. Highlights include the Pic Blanc sector and the famous Sarenne run. There are also steeper black runs and off-piste opportunities for those looking to challenge themselves.

How big is the Oz 3300 ski area? plus icon minus icon

Oz 3300 is part of the Alpe d’Huez ski area, offering around 250km of pistes. This includes a mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain across several linked sectors.

Is Oz 3300 snow-sure? plus icon minus icon

The ski area has good snow reliability, with high-altitude terrain and varied slope orientations helping maintain conditions. Its sheltered position and tree-lined runs also make it a good option in poorer weather.

Is Oz 3300 good for families? plus icon minus icon

Yes, Oz 3300 is very family-friendly. The traffic-free centre, compact layout and easy access to ski school and beginner areas make it simple to navigate. There are some nice low-key activities for children beyond skiing such as dedicated sledging areas.

Are lift passes in Oz 3300 pre-bookable? plus icon minus icon

Yes, lift passes can be pre-booked with us. This helps make your arrival smoother and allows you to go straight onto the slopes. There are also different pass options available depending on how much of the Alpe d’Huez area you want to ski.

Can I pre-book ski hire in Oz 3300? plus icon minus icon

Yes, ski hire can be pre-booked with us. This ensures your equipment is available on arrival and helps you get out onto the slopes quickly, particularly useful during busy weeks.

Can I pre-book ski school in Oz 3300? plus icon minus icon

We can advise on ski school but aren’t able to pre-booked with the ESF French ski school in Oz 3300. Lessons must be arranged directly with local providers. We’d recommend booking early to secure your preferred times, especially during peak periods.

Blog

A focus on Isère...

Find out about our best-loved resorts in the Isère region of the French Alps! The places to visit, the areas to ski, and the activities not to be missed.

Peak Retreats

|

29th Aug, 2019

Orange arrow

Blog

Discover Isère...and a resort for everyone

With four mountain ranges and 21 mountain resorts, Isère is France's third largest mountain destination. There really is a resort for everyone. We've put together some of our favourite spots and resorts in Isère, including some well-known names but also some you should definitely get to know!

Peak Retreats

|

6th Dec, 2024

Orange arrow

Blog

There's something in the ... Isère

There is nothing quite like heading to the mountains and switching off entirely while fully immersing yourself in the natural surroundings and recuperating. We have put together some of our favourite spots in Isère; great for a picnic, a totally Instagramable selfie or for just admiring the beautiful views!

Peak Retreats

|

14th Oct, 2021

Orange arrow

Blog

Top experiences in Isère this season

If you're looking for something a bit different to do whilst away on your ski trip then have a look at our top picks for the best experiences in Isère!

Peak Retreats

|

30th Nov, 2018

Orange arrow
Searching for your perfect ski holiday
Let's Encrypt Logo
Secure online booking with total financial protection