FranceFebruary 8, 2023, by Isa de Laat

Tips for a winter sports holiday to Oz-en-Oisans, France

Conscious, Eat & Drink, Lists, Winter sports
France, February 8, 2023, by Isa de Laat

Tips for a winter sports holiday to Oz-en-Oisans, France

An authentic winter sports village where you don't have to travel the world, the opportunity to ski enough kilometers (preferably from your accommodation, hop straight onto the slopes) and do everything outside of skiing, that's where we come in. preferably for drawing when it comes to a winter sports area. Oz-en-Oisans in the Isère, in the southern part of the French Alps, is one of those winter sports areas that has it all together. No Schnapps during the après-ski (for that you have to be a few kilometers further in the Alpe D'huez), but spotting wildlife while skiing, impressive mountain peaks, rugged nature, glaciers, valleys and forests. Oh yes, and you can get there very quickly, because you can cover a large part by train.

In this list we give you tips on how to get the most out of your winter sports holiday in Oz-en-Oisains and tips on how to do this in the most sustainable way possible.

Oz-en-Oisans

Oz-en-Oisans

So Oz-en-Oisans, we understand that it didn't immediately ring a bell. That bell only started ringing for us when it became clear that Oz-en-Oisans is located in the middle of the large Alpe d'Huez ski area. Ah, that lesser-known village suddenly joins the big players. At first glance, Oz (as Oz-en-Oisans is also called) looks cozy and authentic. No high-rise buildings, as in some French ski areas, but chalets and small-scale hotels. Sledding kids around the slopes, walking elderly people and a few ski instructors (at least on schnapps), during the après-ski. It appears that families come to Oz more often.

From Oz-en-Oisans, a gondola drops you off in the middle of the Alpe d'Huez ski area. Of course, Oz-en-Oisans is a perfect area to rack up hours of kilometers (L'Alpe d'Huez has over 240 kilometers of slopes). But what we actually want to consider is that winter sports and skiing may no longer be as obvious in a few years as it is now. That is why in this article we focus on everything that Oz-en-Oisans has to offer, for when the quality of the slopes is not optimal and for those who want a winter sports holiday that is a little more sustainable, quieter and more natural:

Oz en Oisans is located in the Isère in the southern part of the French Alps and consists largely of high mountains. The impressive mountain peaks, rugged nature, glaciers, valleys and forests, you have it all there. In both summer and winter you can endlessly walk, mountain bike, climb and enjoy the peace and quiet. There are several mountain ranges in the department, including the Écrins, the Belledonne, the Vercors and the Chartreuse, all part of the Alps. The capital Grenoble was a European sustainable city in 2022 and can be reached by TGV train.

Waterfall hopping and ski touring

Waterfall hopping and ski touring

Waterfall hopping is something different than going from terrace to terrace. In the area you will find more than 600 waterfalls that are frozen in winter. Ideal for completing this in a sporty way. You can of course do this on foot, but it is even more fun to climb a frozen waterfall or go skiing along the frozen waterfalls.

So ski touring may sound a bit dull. But nothing could be further from the truth. Much better for the condition. And while you imagine your way up with your clothes (sliding and step by step), you enjoy all the beauty. Of course you do this guided.

Hotspots - catering industry

Hotspots - catering industry

And when we are in France, we secretly come for the good food. For that you also have to go to Oz-en-Oisans (and the surrounding area):

  • Monts et Merveilles: Patty and Serge conjure up the best dinner for you in your own chalet or apartment.
  • Adventure: lunch in the mountains? This is where you need to be. Fine dishes, grilled over a wood fire and all mountain specialties.
  • Le Timberlodge hotel: You won't get more chic than this in Oz. Nice hotel, nice bar and nice spa. What more could a person want after a day on the slopes?

Hotspots - accommodations

Hotspots - accommodations

There are not many large hotels yet and we really like that. A better idea is to rent a chalet and let Patty and Serge cook for you. Which chalets should you have? We summarize for you:

  • Le Sardonnier for groups of up to fifteen people.
  • Les Chalets de Pré Genty for groups of up to twenty people. With a wonderful view, jacuzzi and sauna and with a bit of luck also affordable.

Overview of accommodations? Okay, that's good. 

 

Even more peace? Yep, the mountain landscape always exudes something peaceful. But for the full package take another moment snow yoga together with Elodie

Growing

Growing

Travel and sustainability seem to clash considerably. Winter sports are no exception, in fact, they seem to be a culprit when it comes to sustainability (travel there and the lifts for example). Some tips:

  • Do not aim for 100% snow certainty, for example a low area ensures that snow cannons do not work overtime.
  • Travel by train. The train will take you in no time a lot closer to Oz. Your trip to your destination is responsible for 70% of the emissions of the entire holiday. Moreover, traveling with the The Thalys a lot more comfortable and faster.
  • Go for sustainable activities. With ski touring, for example, you (almost) do not use lifts.
  • Also separate your waste during winter sports and use energy and water sparingly.

 

 

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