Sauze d'Oulx Information

Apres-ski

Its reputation for rowdiness may be long gone, but Sauze d'Oulx is still one of the livelier resorts in the Alps.

At the base of the slopes, Ghost (tel: +39 329 292 6904) is usually busy as the lifts close and stays that way due to happy hour. Max Bar Di Gorlier Massimo (tel: +39 0122 859 751) also has a happy hour and offers free Wi-Fi.

The vaulted Wine Bar Gran Trun (tel: +39 0122 858 585) has a wide selection of plonk, whilst Paddy McGinty's Irish pub (tel: +39 0122 858 119) is an institution that's invariably rammed. There are also three places for late-night dancing, including the hedonistic Disco Club Il Bandito (tel: +39 339 127 6929) which has owners, staff and DJs from Ibiza.

Eating out

Sauze d'Oulx has a lively, foody reputation with the three dozen or so restaurants constantly trying to outdo each other on service and food quality. Most family-run and prices are generally reasonable too.

Of the Italian eateries, L'Ortiché (tel: +39 0122 850 329; www.ortiche.com) has a good selection and regular specials, including a great truffle risotto. British-run Del Falco (tel: +39 0122 850580; www.delfalco.com/en) also scores highly in all respects.

La Griglia (Via Colle Bourget 24) is one of the best pizzerias, but for homemade pasta Sugo's (tel: +39 0122 850 344) is hard to beat.

For fine dining, the intimate Naskira Restaurant (tel: +39 0122 850 273; www.chaletilcapricorno.it) seats 30 in front of an open fire and cooks imaginative, modern dishes using seasonal produce.

Resort Information

Beyond the slopes

Sauze d'Oulx is a traditional ski resort with a limited selection of things to do besides skiing and snowboarding. Off-slope activities here include a cinema, an ice rink and a sports centre. There's also a games room if you really get stuck. Saunas, massage and other wellness facilities are available in the resort's larger hotels.

Easy access to the other resorts in the Via Lattea opens up a range of additional activities, from ice driving in Pragelato to tobogganing in Montgenèvre.

Family fun

The Dumbo Kindergarten (Via Cristina Odiard), located close to the resort centre, accepts young children from toddlers to age six. Children must be booked in by at least 1700 the day before they are due to attend.

Older children can join lessons offered by the Scuola Sci & Snowboard Sauze Sportinia (tel: +39 0122 850 218; www.scuolascisauzesportinia.com) from age four. There's a beginners' nursery slope at the base of the Clotes chairlift, but most teaching takes place at the Sportinia Plateau.

Off the pistes, Sauze d'Oulx has more limited attractions, but there is a sports centre with a number of family-friendly activities.

Retail therapy

Around half the shops in Sauze d'Oulx are sports retailers, a quarter are grocers and the remainder sell photography, furniture, gifts and newspapers. Among these, Arnica Erboristeria Profumeria (tel: +39 0122 858 596) sells perfume and local products, while EI Roet Merceria (tel: +39 0122 858 045) is one of the better gift shops.

Foodies should explore the regional specialities sold at Pasticceria Gally (tel: +39 0122 858 028) and L'Argurensie (tel: +39 0122 859 740). There is also a weekly market selling locally produced goods.

Splashing out

Book in for a full day of spa treatments in the wellness centre of the Grand Hotel La Torre (tel: +39 0122 859 812; www.grandhotellatorre.it). This might include hydro massage or spells in the tepidarium and hammam, all of which should ease any post-ski niggles.

Hotels

Although the village has an attractive centre with narrow, winding streets, the accommodation in Sauze d'Oulx is mostly made up of block-like hotels and the occasional chalet. The hotels tend to be more on the basic side, with the majority rated either 2- or 3-stars. There are also a couple of 4-star options for those looking for a touch more luxury.

Luxury

Moderate

Cheap