Learning to ski

Beginners have one of Europe’s best places to learn to ski in Oz en Oisans. Part of the massive and snow-sure Grandes Rousses /Alpe d'Huez ski area, Oz en Oisans offers world class skiing (220km of pistes). It has two gondolas (so no getting on and off of lift worries) that take you onto the higher slopes in no time: one goes to Alpette above Vaujany, where further beginner slopes are; the other goes in two stages to the heart of the Alpe d'Huez ski area. Oz-en-Oisans is traffic free and safe for children, a quieter alternative to Alpe d’Huez.

The chalets are a short walk from the poutran lift (even in ski boots!), with "green" runs accessible by a rolling carpet and easy drag lifts, ideally easy for beginners and slow starters. You can also take the either the Poutran or Alpette lifts to the beginner slopes of Alpe D'Huez or Vaujany respectively.

As one goes further up the hill the steepness increases, plus it is very wide. This broad stretch of beginner terrain is served by nine surface lifts and a gondola with a middle station for beginners to exit. Complimenting the excellent learning terrain, the area is surrounded by good dining options as well.

Overall at the resort there are 66 trails marked for beginners, as you improve you can ski back home on a choice of gentle blue or red slopes.

There are several choices for ski school or private lessons. Oz en Oisans has its own established ESF school with over 30 instructors. Group lessons are available for beginners through to good intermediates looking to improve. For the kids ESF offers a range of classes. For children as young as 4 years old ski lessons are a combination of ski fun, in an especially designed ski kindergarten area, complete with inflatable castles, with creche in the afternoon. For the older children ESF run the star system of ski lessons as your children's skiing ability catches up with your own.

There are also a number of private schools that offer an extensive range of ski lessons. We had good experiences with Barbara and Monica at VO coaching, also Oli and Seb at Stance Snow and there is also a family learn to ski option with Masterclass ski school.

The Grandes Rousses has many-sided slopes facing in all directions, so skiers can always find the best snow and conditions by simply following the sun and, with 300 days of sunshine a year, this should be easy! The skiing is spectacular with fantastic views all round from glaciers and forests to villages nestling in the valleys below. Resort wise, gentle runs and nursery slopes are a must for children (and adults!) learning how to ski. The resorts within the Grande Rousses ski area are well linked which means little walking with your skis. Ski boots and skis are heavy and children often get very tired even walking a few hundred yards from the apartment. Alpe D'Huez/Oz en Oisans is consistently rated five stars for beginners and with Chilled Mountain you are the closest chalet to the bubble lift in the resort.