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Hidden gemLuxury resortsTraditional charmOff-piste skiingHidden gemLuxury resortsTraditional charmOff-piste skiingHidden gemLuxury resortsTraditional charmOff-piste skiingHidden gemTucked into a quiet corner of the French Alps, Vaujany is a traditional Isère village that sits at 1,250m and serves as an entrance to the expansive Alpe d'Huez Grand Domaine. While Alpe d'Huez draws the crowds, Vaujany keeps things low-key as a proper working village with stone-roofed chalets, a weekly market, and a pace that reflects generations of mountain life. The atmosphere suits skiers after serious terrain without the purpose-built resort bustle.
The skiing credentials are impressive. A state-of-the-art cable car whisks you from the village up to 2,800m in minutes, unlocking 53km of local pistes plus the broader 250km network shared with Alpe d'Huez, Oz-en-Oisans, and Villard-Reculas. The terrain offers long descents, wide-open bowls, and glacier skiing on the Pic Blanc at 3,330m, which favours intermediates and above, although beginners have dedicated zones and gentle slopes to learn on. With north-facing slopes above that hold snow well and a season running early December through mid-April, conditions stay reliable.
Off the mountain, Vaujany keeps things modest and authentic. It's a small village where you'll recognise faces at the boulangerie by mid-week. Facilities punch above their weight, including an impressive sports centre with pools, spa, ice rink, and fitness options. The dining scene is intimate rather than extensive, with a handful of restaurants serving proper Savoyard fare and memorable mountain-fresh produce.
Check out Vaujany ski deals to start planning your trip.
Tucked into a quiet corner of the French Alps, Vaujany is a traditional Isère village that sits at 1,250m and serves as an entrance to the expansive Alpe d'Huez Grand Domaine. While Alpe d'Huez draws the crowds, Vaujany keeps things low-key as a proper working village with stone-roofed chalets, a weekly market, and a pace that reflects generations of mountain life. The atmosphere suits skiers after serious terrain without the purpose-built resort bustle.
The skiing credentials are impressive. A state-of-the-art cable car whisks you from the village up to 2,800m in minutes, unlocking 53km of local pistes plus the broader 250km network shared with Alpe d'Huez, Oz-en-Oisans, and Villard-Reculas. The terrain offers long descents, wide-open bowls, and glacier skiing on the Pic Blanc at 3,330m, which favours intermediates and above, although beginners have dedicated zones and gentle slopes to learn on. With north-facing slopes above that hold snow well and a season running early December through mid-April, conditions stay reliable.
Off the mountain, Vaujany keeps things modest and authentic. It's a small village where you'll recognise faces at the boulangerie by mid-week. Facilities punch above their weight, including an impressive sports centre with pools, spa, ice rink, and fitness options. The dining scene is intimate rather than extensive, with a handful of restaurants serving proper Savoyard fare and memorable mountain-fresh produce.
Check out Vaujany ski deals to start planning your trip.
Skiing and snowboarding from Vaujany is expansive, with a lift system that connects you directly into the Alpe d'Huez Grand Domaine, and terrain that unfolds across multiple peaks and valleys with genuine variety. For those who like to cover ground, a full day can take you across multiple villages without repeating a lift.
The mountain has distinct personalities, depending on where you head. The Vaujany sector favours longer, more sustained runs with a north-facing aspect that preserves snow quality. Across on the Alpe d'Huez side, terrain opens up into wider bowls and the famous Sarenne run, which is one of the longest black pistes in Europe. On a clear day, you can see from Mont Blanc to the Écrins massif with views that make your coffee stops feel memorable.
Vaujany has a dedicated beginner zone right at the village level, with gentle slopes, magic carpet lifts, and a relaxed atmosphere away from fast traffic. The nursery area is perfect for first-timers building confidence, and the ski schools operate directly out of this zone. Once you feel comfortable progressing to real runs, there are green and easy blue runs higher up the mountain to easily transition on to.
That said, complete beginners should know that Vaujany's main terrain is accessed by cable car, and returning to the village requires some ability. The lower slopes are ideal for learning, but the broader ski area suits those ready to progress beyond the nursery stage. It works well for groups with mixed abilities, since beginners can stay lower while more confident skiers explore higher.
WeSki insider tip: The beginner area in Vaujany village is sheltered and sunny in the mornings. Book early lessons to make the most of soft snow before it gets tracked out.
Intermediate skiers will find plenty to keep them occupied for a week at Vaujany. Blues and reds across the Alpe d'Huez domain offer long, well-groomed runs with genuine variety. You'll have everything from cruisy motorway pistes to more technical terrain to practise skill and gain experience. The run from Pic Blanc down towards Vaujany is a particular intermediate highlight, with over 2,000m of vertical that provides diverse snow conditions and stunning scenery throughout.
From Vaujany, it's easy to explore the Signal de l'Homme sector for quieter runs, or head across to Oz-en-Oisans for tree-lined skiing when visibility drops. The lift system moves efficiently, and with the Alpe d'Huez crowds concentrated elsewhere, you'll often find emptier pistes on the Vaujany side. Confident intermediates ready to push themselves can start dipping into the easier blacks here without feeling out of their depth.
WeSki insider tip: On powder days, head to the Signal sector early. The north-facing runs hold fresh snow longer than the sunny Alpe d'Huez side.
Vaujany's position gives advanced skiers direct access to some of the most compelling terrain in the Alpe d'Huez domain. When conditions allow, the Pic Blanc glacier at 3,330m is a steep, exposed, and genuinely challenging option. The Tunnel run from the summit is a rite of passage when visiting the area, with a narrow couloir that drops into a long, sustained descent featuring variable pitch and snow. It's not for the faint-hearted, but it's why experts come here.
For those who want to push their limits while avoiding crowds, Vaujany delivers. Beyond the marked runs, Vaujany's off-piste potential is significant. Accessible with a guide, the terrain between Vaujany and La Grave offers genuine backcountry adventure. The Grandes Rousses massif holds multiple itinerary routes and freeride zones that see far less traffic than comparable terrain in the Three Valleys or Chamonix.
WeSki insider tip: Hire a local guide for the off-piste between Vaujany and Pic Blanc. They know where the snow stashes and can access terrain that's impossible to find alone.
Vaujany works well for snowboarders who prefer natural terrain over park features. The wide-open bowls and long descents suit freeriders, and the lift system is almost entirely made up of gondolas and chairs, so you won't have many drag lifts to navigate. The terrain park over on the Alpe d'Huez side is accessible via the connecting lifts, with jumps, rails, and a half-pipe for boarders who want structured freestyle features.
The off-piste around Vaujany tends to be underrated and uncrowded, but you'll want to take a guide, as the route-finding is complex. North-facing couloirs beneath the Pic Blanc hold powder long after a storm, and the terrain between the Vaujany and Oz sectors offers multiple untracked lines. For a serious day out, the descent towards La Grave via the Col de Sarenne is a legitimate backcountry adventure.
The ESF ski school Vaujany operates in the village, with group and private lessons for all ages and abilities. English-speaking instructors are available, and the typically small class sizes mean you'll get more individual attention than in busier resorts. Several independent instructors also offer private guiding for those wanting tailored tuition or off-piste sessions.
The main terrain park here is located on the Alpe d'Huez side of the domain, which is easily accessible from Vaujany via the lift network. It features jumps of varying sizes, rails, boxes, and a half-pipe, with regular shaping to keep features fresh. There's also a smaller beginner zone for those learning freestyle basics.
Vaujany has a strong reputation as a family destination, with the facilities to back it up. A combination of good ski access, excellent amenities, and a genuine village atmosphere makes it work particularly well for mixed-ability families. The scale feels manageable too – kids can safely explore, and everything is within walking distance.
For younger children, the ESF runs a ski kindergarten and children's club with snow gardens, games, and gentle progression on the nursery slopes. Teenagers have the broader Alpe d'Huez terrain to explore, including the terrain park and some genuinely challenging runs to test themselves on.
There's plenty to keep everyone entertained off the slopes without needing to leave the village. Vaujany's sports centre is free to all guests, and includes swimming pools, a spa, ice rink, bowling alley, and climbing wall. Parents get time to themselves when kids are in ski school, with spa facilities providing proper relaxation rather than token gestures. Evenings here are relaxed, and restaurants welcome children without relegating them to a kids' menu corner – the village isn't a party resort, which suits families perfectly.
Vaujany's compact size belies the range of activities available. The village has invested significantly in infrastructure that benefits rest days and non-skiers alike, and the result is a resort where time off the slopes becomes a part of the holiday everyone looks forward to. The setting, surrounded by the Grandes Rousses massif, provides a dramatic backdrop for whatever you choose to do.
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Vaujany offers a solid range of winter activities that make the most of its alpine setting:
For days when you want to rest your legs or the weather closes in, Vaujany has plenty to keep you occupied away from the slopes:
Dining in Vaujany is intimate and authentic rather than flashy. The village has a handful of restaurants serving traditional Savoyard and French mountain cuisine, with locally sourced ingredients and a focus on hearty portions that fuel long days on the slopes. For fine dining, Alpe d'Huez is a short journey away, but Vaujany's options hold their own for quality and atmosphere.
WeSki insider tip: Try the tartiflette – a bubbling dish of potatoes, reblochon cheese, bacon, and onions. It's the quintessential Savoyard comfort food, best enjoyed with a glass of local Mondeuse wine.
Vaujany's après-ski is relaxed, which suits the resort's family-friendly character perfectly. This is a place where you'll find sociable bars where locals and visitors mix over vin chaud and local beers. The pace allows for conversation, and the atmosphere tends towards warmth rather than wild all-night partying.
Vaujany's charm lies in its quieter approach. You can expect a few drinks after skiing, dinner with the family, and perhaps a nightcap by a fire. For those wanting livelier evenings, Alpe d'Huez is a short taxi or bus ride away with a more developed nightlife scene.
Après-ski spots to know:
Accommodation in Vaujany is spread across the compact village, with most options just a few minutes' walk of the cable car. You'll find a mix of hotels, apartments, and catered chalets, with an emphasis on quality rather than quantity. Hotels tend to be family-run with a personal touch, while apartments and chalets suit groups wanting more space and independence.
The village layout means everything is close to the lifts, and even properties at the edge of the village are a short walk or ski-bus ride away. The quieter location compared to Alpe d'Huez means accommodation often represents better value, and the free sports centre access is a genuine bonus.
The Alpe d'Huez Grand Domaine ski pass covers the entire linked area including Vaujany, Oz-en-Oisans, Alpe d'Huez, and Villard-Reculas, with over 250km of pistes across multiple peaks. A more limited Vaujany-only pass exists for those staying local, but most visitors opt for the full domain pass to make the most of the connected terrain.
Check for family and multi-day pass options when booking your Vaujany ski holiday package through WeSki to find the best fit for your trip.
Several ski shops in Vaujany village offer equipment hire, from beginner packages to high-performance gear. Most shops are near the cable car station, making collection and drop-off convenient. Booking in advance is recommended during peak weeks, and many shops offer boot fitting services to ensure comfort throughout your holiday.
WeSki partners with SkiSet shops in Vaujany, letting you add equipment to your package and collect on arrival. Browse Vaujany ski deals to build your perfect trip.
Vaujany's compact size makes it genuinely walkable, with most accommodation, restaurants, and facilities within a few minutes of the cable car station. The village operates a pedestrian-priority approach in the centre, keeping traffic minimal and the atmosphere relaxed.
A shuttle bus runs regular loops around the village and connects to the outlying areas, making it easy to get around even in ski boots. In the evenings, the bus service continues until late, so getting back from dinner doesn't require a taxi. For trips to Alpe d'Huez or further afield, local taxis are available and some accommodations offer shuttle services.
Vaujany is accessible from several major airports. Grenoble is the closest at around 60km, while Lyon Saint-Exupéry sits approximately 150km away with a wider range of UK flight connections. Geneva is another option at roughly 200km, offering excellent flight choice and transfer routes.
The drive from any of these airports follows well-maintained mountain roads, with the final approach winding through the Romanche valley. Train travellers can reach Grenoble by TGV from Paris and arrange onward transfers from there.
WeSki offers car rentals from the airport as well as private transfers to Vaujany. Add them to your Vaujany ski holiday package for seamless door-to-door travel.
Vaujany works for beginners, but with some caveats. The village has a dedicated nursery area with gentle slopes and quality instruction. However, the main mountain terrain is accessed by cable car and requires some ability to return, so complete beginners will spend their first days on the lower slopes. Once you've progressed to confident green and blue skiing, the broader Alpe d'Huez domain opens up with plenty of progression terrain.
Vaujany offers access to the same ski domain as Alpe d'Huez but with a very different character. Where Alpe d'Huez is a large, purpose-built resort with extensive nightlife and amenities, Vaujany is a traditional village with a quieter, more authentic atmosphere. The skiing is equally good from either base, but Vaujany typically sees fewer crowds and offers better value accommodation. Families and those seeking a relaxed pace tend to prefer Vaujany.
Vaujany is excellent for families. The free sports centre with pools, ice rink, bowling, and spa gives children plenty to do off the slopes. Its village is safe and walkable, ski schools cater well to children, and the restaurants welcome families. The quieter evening scene means early bedtimes aren't disrupted by party noise, and the range of activities suits mixed-ability groups where some may want rest days from skiing.
Snow reliability in Vaujany is generally good. The ski area reaches up to 3,330m on the Pic Blanc glacier, ensuring high-altitude snow throughout the season. North-facing slopes above Vaujany hold snow well, and the resort benefits from extensive snowmaking coverage on key runs. The season typically runs from early December through mid-April, with the best conditions usually found from January to March.
Off-piste opportunities around Vaujany are excellent and often overlooked. The terrain between Pic Blanc and the valley offers multiple couloirs and open faces, while the north-facing aspects hold powder well. For serious freeriders, guided routes towards La Grave provide genuine backcountry adventure. A relative lack of crowds compared to more famous freeride destinations means untracked lines are easier to find after a storm.
Most visitors to Vaujany appreciate the quieter pace as part of the resort's charm, with a nightlife that's relaxed rather than rowdy. You'll find pleasant bars for après-ski drinks and convivial evenings, and this isn't a party resort. The atmosphere suits families and those who prefer conversation over clubbing. For livelier nights out, Alpe d'Huez is a short taxi ride away with clubs and late-night bars.
Non-skiers have plenty to do in Vaujany. The free sports centre offers swimming, spa, ice skating, bowling, and fitness facilities. Non-skiers can ride the cable car for panoramic mountain views and lunch at altitude. Snowshoeing, winter walks, and day trips to Grenoble provide further options. Its village atmosphere is pleasant for simply relaxing, browsing the market, and enjoying mountain life at a slower pace.
Val Thorens - La Plagne - Chamonix - Tignes - Avoriaz - Val d'Isère - Méribel - Les Arcs - Les Menuires - Courchevel - Flaine - La Clusaz - Serre Chevalier - Samoëns - La Rosière - Montgenèvre - Val Cenis - Megève - St Martin de Belleville - Isola 2000 - Risoul - Valmorel - Les Gets - Morzine - Les Deux Alpes - Alpe d'Huez - Sainte Foy Tarentaise - Saint Gervais les bains - Châtel - Les Houches - Les Sybelles - Les Carroz - Les Contamines-Montjoie - Les Orres - Les Saisies
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