Auris-en-Oisans

Location

Auris sits on the edge of the Ecrins National Park, offering stunning views across the mountains.

More importantly, it’s directly linked to Alpe d’Huez via a short chairlift ride of around 10 minutes, opening up one of the largest ski areas in the Alps.

Access

It’s also just over an hour from Grenoble train station and a straightforward drive from Calais. The closest airport is Grenoble Alpes Isere, which is around an hour away. 

• Small local area (45km) plus full access to the Alpe d’Huez ski area (250km)

• Best suited to beginners and intermediates

• Strong advanced terrain available in the wider ski area

As well as having its own local slopes, Auris-en-Oisans is part of the wider Alpe d’Huez, ski area which links Alpe d’Huez, Vaujany, Oz 3300 and Villard Reculas.

With around 250km of pistes and a high point of 3,330m, it offers vast, varied skiing despite Auris’s small size.

Beginners

Auris is particularly well suited to beginners, the local area has a safe learning area and a selection of three gentle green and eight blue slopes to practise on.

You can also access a much larger network of beginner terrain in Alpe d’Huez, including extensive green runs, all easily reached from the resort.

Intermediates

Intermediates benefit from a mix of local slopes, where you’ll find eight red runs, coming down from an altitude of 2,176m, and the wider variety available across the Alpe d’Huez.area.

There is plenty of cruising terrain towards Alpe d’Huez, with easy blues alongside the green slopes above the resort. Around the Signal area, there is a good choice of blues and reds. Head towards Vaujany and Oz 3300 and you’ll find quieter, tree-lined slopes.

Advanced

While the local area is limited for advanced skiers, the wider Alpe d’Huez area offers more than enough challenge.

Highlights include the famous Sarenne run, one of the longest black runs in the Alps at around 16km, and dramatic descents with serious vertical from Pic Blanc at 3,300m.

If you’re keen to try ski touring, the ESF French ski school in Auris offers small group sessions where you’ll learn the techniques you’ll need and can practise with an instructor on hand.

• Family-focused activities both on and off the slopes

• Access to the wider activity offer of Alpe d’Huez

• Options for non-skiers

Snow activities

Auris offers simple but enjoyable activities like sledging and winter walks, ideal for families.

For something different, e-fat scooters provide a fun and unusual way to explore snowy trails or try riding down the piste at sunset on a Yooner (a sort of sledge with a seat and a single ski as its base).

Exploring the mountains

The resort’s setting offers scenic walking on a marked family-friendly trail through one of Europe’s highest spruce forests. You can also take the same route on snowshoes, take in breathtaking views across the surrounding peaks of the Ecrins National Park and look out for animal footprints.

Family fun

The tourist office put together an entertainment programme each week with free and low-cost activities often aimed at families. Look out for night sledging, shows and concerts, torchlit descents (at selected dates) and more.

You can also easily access the wider Alpe d’Huez area during the day for additional activities when you want more choice.

• Small but convenient selection of restaurants and shops

• Relaxed après-ski with limited nightlife

• Everything within easy walking distance

Restaurants and dining

Auris has a handful of restaurants and mountain dining options, offering a practical but limited choice.

For more variety in the day, mountain restaurants in Alpe d’Huez are easily accessible within minutes.

Bars and après-ski

Après-ski is low-key and family-oriented.

For livelier options for afternoon après before the slopes close, including venues like La Folie Douce, you can head across to Alpe d’Huez.

Shops and essentials

You’ll find a mini-market, bakery, sports shops and other essentials in resort, all close to accommodation.

Everything is designed for convenience, keeping the village easy to navigate.