Aussois

AUSSOIS SKI AREA

Aussois is a great family resort. It has 10 lifts serving 55km of piste and is best suited to beginners and intermediates looking for easing cruising runs amid spectacular scenery. However, experts will find something for them too. Usually, the lift pass company allow you to ski 1 day in La Norma, Valfréjus and Val Cenis with purchase of a 6+ day pass.

Although there aren’t a large number of pistes, the 1250m (4,100ft) of vertical drop from top to bottom and the varied terrain provide considerable diversity. The slopes are especially suited to beginners and low intermediates, but high intermediates will find red runs to hurl themselves down - and some black runs too.

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

AUSSOIS SKIING

AUSSOIS BEGINNERS

Beginner skiers have a good choice of slopes right by the village. There are a couple of nursery slopes served by some draglifts and some longer green runs, and a blue piste from the top of the main lift. 

AUSSOIS INTERMEDIATES

Above 2150m there are mainly red slopes with a few blue ones too.

AUSSOIS EXPERTS

Experts have a good choice of red slopes above 2150m and a few black runs too. There’s a long black trail from 2750m called Balmes which takes you back down to village at 1500m (although the last section links up with a green run).

AUSSOIS OFF-PISTE

Off-piste enthusiasts can ski powder snow at 3000m (at the Col des Hauts or Pointe du Fréjus). A one-hour hike opens up 1700m of descent.

AUSSOIS RESORT RUNS

The resorts runs are green, blue, red or black (although the final section of the black run turns into a green) so there’s no need to catch the chairlift down at end of the day.   

Aussois Ski Hire

Pre-book your Aussois ski hire with Peak Retreats.

To download the ski extras form, see 'Helpful links' further down the page.

Please note, these Pound Sterling prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.

Special offers: *7 days for the price of 6.  Free Skis/snowboard & boots (Blue/Red) for party leaders of groups of 10 or more all taking equipment. 1 Free helmet per child aged 6 and under for every adult booking skis or snowboards & boots (must be under same booking reference and requested on form above). Other duration prices on request - Cross Country ski prices on request.

Find out more about Peak Retreats ski hire

Aussois Ski Passes

Pre-book your Aussois lift passes with Peak Retreats. Find out more about Peak Retreats ski passes

To download the ski extras form, see 'Helpful links' further down the page.

Please note, these Pound Sterling prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.

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

If you wish to book only half day or a day pass, or perhaps a few days consecutive or non-consecutive (Peak Retreats usually only pre-book 6+ days passes), then these can be bought in resort at the lift pass office, in €'s. This may suit those who only ski a few times during the week or who only want to ski the immediate local area rather than the full area (there are usually various lift passes on offer that cover different parts of the ski area). Each resort usually has a beginner's pass too which covers a small area in which to learn, which may be all you need for a few days as a beginner (some areas are even free). Prices can be found on the tourist office website if you need a guide.

Beginner pass - snow front lifts only

Aussois Ski School

Aussois group ski school

Pre-book your Aussois group ESF ski school with Peak Retreats. Find out more about Peak Retreats ski school

Group ski school for children is available to book from 3 years to 11 years, in Aussois, with Peak Retreats. 3-4 year olds will go into the Piou Piou lessons. Children can learn to snowboard from 10 years+.

For ski school times and prices, please download the ski extras form from the 'Helpful links' further down the page. Please note these are just guiding prices. Please call us for the latest prices.

Ski School: 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 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.

We cannot always guarantee that prices will be cheaper than in resort. When ski packs prices are calculated, the currency is bought at the exchange rates that apply at the time. You can be assured that once you have booked your extras, if the pound depreciates, you will not be charged more for your ski packs, enabling you to budget for your holiday in advance.

Aussois private lessons (not pre-bookable, book direct):

Individual tuition can only be purchased directly from the ESF ski school. Peak Retreats cannot pre-book these. Private lessons usually start from 2 years old and have no maximum age.

How to book:
You can book online with ESF Aussois or contact them by phone on 0033 479 20 37 13. It is advisable to book before you go and in good time as instructors get very busy, especially in Peak times.

Prices vary from resort to resort but are around €40-80 per 1 hour lesson for 1 or 2 people (the more people you have the cheaper it usually is so you can split the cost). Most resorts offer a choice of 1 hour, 1.5 hours or 2 hour lessons. These may be in the morning or afternoon and are usually at select times. If you only fancy just one private lesson, this is usually fine. Otherwise, you can book a course of private lessons over as many days (consecutive or non-consecutive) as you'd like. However, it is more cost-effective to book group lessons for the week (which we pre-book).

Aussois non-skiing childcare (not pre-bookable, book direct)

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

Maison des Enfants 
The nursery welcomes children from 6 months to 6 years. Large terrace, outdoor games, entertainment ... Meals from 12 months and having a diversified diet. Reservation recommended for babies (6-18 months), limited places. Open daily 08.30am-5.30pm.

Heath books needed.

How to book:
Please contact them direct for prices and to book. It is advisable to book before you go and in good time as spaces get filled quickly, especially in Peak times.

Maison des Enfants
0033 4 79 20 22

Top winter activities in Aussois!

Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable.

Snowsport activities:

Cross country skiing
The cross-country area of the Monolithe 1500 to 1600m is located between Aussois
and Sardières (4 km from Aussois).
Open from December 22nd December 2018 to 31 March 2019 (according to snow conditions)
Well South exposure but also good snow, the Monolithe area will charm you!
From the village, all level slopes run through clearings and forests. Departure from La Croix (800m outside Aussois in direction of Sardières) or at Sardières from the Chalet nordique (better for beginners).

Dog sledging
Try a once in a lifetime experience this winter. Discover the pleasure of being pulled by several dogs while contemplating the amazing scenery. Departure from the Parc des Lozes in Aussois.

Big airbag
Jumps on an air cushion. From 8 years on the ski area.
From beginner to advanced, ski or snowboard and receive yourself on a huge air mattress. For maximum sensations in complete safety. Minimum level 3 star. At the arrival of the Grand Jeu chairlift. Free access.

Ice climbing
Try ice climbing with a guide! Ice climbing is really similar to rock climbing. You must bring high mountain boots (rigid soles).

Nordic walking
Nordic walking is a sports practice from cross-country skiing. Coming from Scandinavia, from Finland precisely, she is part of everyday life in this Nordic country. The use of specific sticks improves the cardiorespiratory system. In addition, it works 85% of the muscle chain. Less traumatic than running, healthier than indoor sports since it is practised in nature, Nordic walking, accessible to all, is a complete sporting activity to get fit.

Outing to see the ibex
Hiking with a mountain guide to discover the ibex of the Vanoise National Park.

Snake gliss descent
A train of sledges for raids guarantees unforgettable sensations. 2 courses: 1 150m 500m and descent supervised by a professional. Ski pass or ticket required pedestrian, gloves, boots and insurance.

Snowscoot
Snowscoot is a sport that is played down in the same environment as skiing and requires a skier pass. Its practice is allowed everywhere on the Aussois ski area. It consists of a frame and two similar boards snowboards, a fork and a handlebar for guiding the front board. The back plate is attached to the frame.

Snowshoe day-outing in Vanoise
Snowshoeing in the shelter of the Dent Parrachée 2511m in the Vanoise National Park. Means easy ride / without special training (crossing + down). Nevertheless, request to walk about four hours at a slow pace. Registration at the French ski school. Varied output, mountain landscapes and passing through the forest. One of the few outlets really away from it all, a passage in the pure silence of the mountains. Opportunity to see chamois. Chairlift Armoise at 2610m altitude.

Snowshoe evening outing
Snowshoe night out with a mountain guide. In the evening, mulled wine / hot chocolate.

Yooner
The Yooner is a gliding on which you sit leading down the tracks making improved edging. To use the lifts, practitioners must have a valid skier ski pass. Lifts Aussois accessible with yooner:
Chairlift Grand Jeu - Chairlift Armoise.

Fat bike
Electric fatbike rental: bicycle equipped with large tires that allow you to ride on snow. Daily from Sport 2000

Boardercross rail park
Suitable for recalling the feeling of the boardercross! A winding and bumpy path, specially designed for snowboarders are in place next to the track of Bellecôte Accès libre. Free access.

Other activities:

Adventure parc du Diable
Discover new winter sensations with the zip lines! From the smallest to the longest (230m long and 150m high), two hours of activities for all in small groups.

Paragliding tandem flight
Discovery flights, descent, prestige to realize your dream of Icarus accompanied by O2 paragliding. Ruiz Paulo, professional youth and sports graduate, will accompany you and guide you to realize your dream of Icarus or to reiterate a flight but this time, of duration, for an aerial hike. The little extra O2 Paragliding: the ULM!

Snow tubing
For families or friends, this activity can share magical moments and beautiful slides during the daytime and in the evening on the trail of La Dotta in the village. Snowtubing is a winter sport that is practised in a buoy. To reach the departure, use the ski lift. Arriving at the top, it picks itself, you'll just choose the downhill track and let you glide safely to the top of the buoy.

Around the Esseillon Forts
Follow the route patrolled by the soldiers garrisoned at the Esseillon forts, an intimidating barrier built by the kingdom of Piedmont Sardinia at the beginning of the 19th century to dissuade the French from invading. Informative signs explain all the construction secrets behind this marvellous building, the only one of its kind in France. From Fort Victor-Emmanuel, head up past Fort Marie-Christine to Fort Charles Albert. After crossing the stone quarry, visit the Sardinian cemetery. The path then goes above the hamlet on its way to the limekilns, the slate quarries and the Devil’s Bridge (Pont du Diable). After exploring the Marie-Thérèse Redoubt, go back up through Fort Victor-Emmanuel. Leaflet with the route marked: free from the tourist office. Accessible with snowshoes during snowy periods and depending on weather conditions.

Library
Discover the multitude of books in the village library: newspapers, novels, children's books, comics, magazines, books ... mountain loan books. Free of charge.

Please note: All the above information is for information only. For the most up-to-date information please visit the resort tourist office website. All prices for activities are in local currency (€ Euros) and are bookable and payable locally in resort.

Aussois Tourist Office

Tourist Board - Maison d'Aussois - 73500 AUSSOIS
Phone: 0033 479 203 080 - Fax: +33 479 203 700 - e-mail: info@aussois.com

Resort News

NEW 2016 – Maison des Enfants – new area dedicated to children

Located in the existing area dedicated to children, this new Children’s house is a new space for hosting the children from 3 months to 12 years old.
For the younger, the Halte-Garderie offers amenities throughout the year with restaurants and layers provisions etc.
For the older, many activities with ESF and the tourist offices are organised.

Open every day
From 19/12/2015 to 29th of January 2016 and from 2nd April to 15th April 2016 : 8.15am to 5.30pm
And from 30th January 2016 to 1st April 2016 : from 8.15 to 6pm.

Contact: +33 4 79 20 22 93
maisondesenfants@aussois.com

Aussois Après-ski, Bars & Restaurants

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!

Altitude restaurants in Aussois

Le Panoramic (2150m)

Le Montana (2150m) 
Le Montana has great views and a friendly atmosphere. The menu includes many meat dishes; all the local specialities, such as the tartiflette and raclette; and their own burger, the MacMontana XXL. The latter is a large piece of high quality mincemeat between two large pieces of bread, with melted reblochon and raclette cheese, blueberry mustard, grilled speck, onions, tomatoes and gherkins. The Mac Montana XXL is served with fries and costs €16.
www.chalet-montana.com

L’Alpage (2400m)

Le Refuge (1760m)

Aussois restaurants

L'Etagne

Bar-restaurant, specialities

Le Tou Schuss

Take away, fast food

Le Soleil

Restaurant-Gastronomy

La Cave du Père Fressard

Bar-Tapas from Savoie

La Grignott

Take away, fast food

Fort Marie-Christine

Traditional and regional cooking

Le Delta

Bar-Pizzeria-Restaurant

Le Barillon

Specialities of Savoie

La P'tite Bouffe

Crêperie-pizzeria-specialities of Savoie

Les Bouquetins

Bar-Restaurant-Pizzeria

The Cosy Bar

Bar, tapas, fast food

Les Mottets

Bar-restaurant-icemaker-specialities

L'Avalanche

Bar-Crêperie-Restaurant

Aussois Amenities

Aussois is served by a range of amenities including: mini-supermarket, bank with cash point, laundry, bakery, fromagerie, butcher/delicatessen, hairdresser, regional specialties, several sports shops, doctor.

Getting to Aussois, France

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). 

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

Public shuttle bus transfers from airport

Lyon Airport - Aussois via Modane (www.lys-altibus.com). 

Chambery Airport - Aussois via Modane (www.lys-altibus.com). 

Aussois Airport Transfer

For pre-bookable private transfer rates with Peak Retreats, view here. 

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 VALFREJUS: 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.

Aussois Opening Dates

Aussois ski area is open: 14/12/19 17/04/20.