Vaujany Ski Resort Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Visit
Vaujany is a traditional French Alpine village with fast, direct access to one of Europe’s largest interconnected ski areas. It combines the character and relaxed atmosphere of a mountain village with the skiing, lifts and facilities normally associated with a much larger resort.
Located in the Isère region of the French Alps, Vaujany sits at approximately 1,250 metres and is part of the Alpe d’Huez ski area. From the village, a high-capacity cable car carries skiers quickly into the main lift network, which extends as high as Pic Blanc at 3,330 metres.
This makes Vaujany an excellent base for families, groups and experienced skiers who want access to a large ski area without staying in a busy purpose-built resort.
We first discovered Vaujany in 2008 and have been helping guests find accommodation here ever since. This guide covers everything you need to know when planning your first Vaujany holiday.
Quick guide to Vaujany
- Location: Isère, French Alps
- Village altitude: Approximately 1,250 metres
- Highest skiing: 3,330 metres at Pic Blanc
- Ski area: Alpe d’Huez
- Pistes: Approximately 250km
- Number of runs: 111
- Ski lifts: 67
- Best suited to: Families, mixed-ability groups, couples and keen skiers
- Nearest major airport: Grenoble
- Accommodation: Primarily self-catering apartments and chalets
- Other facilities: Swimming pool, ice rink, bowling, cinema, childcare and restaurants
What is Vaujany like?
Vaujany is a working mountain village rather than a purpose-built ski resort. Traditional houses, old farm buildings and a historic church sit alongside modern ski infrastructure, restaurants and high-quality accommodation.
The village is built on a mountainside, so its different levels are connected by lifts, escalators and covered walkways. This makes getting around much easier than the steep setting might initially suggest.
Vaujany is quieter than central Alpe d’Huez, particularly in the evenings. There are still several places to eat and drink, but the atmosphere is relaxed rather than dominated by large bars and nightclubs.
It is therefore particularly well suited to families and groups who prioritise good skiing, comfortable accommodation and peaceful evenings.
Is the skiing in Vaujany good?
Yes. Vaujany offers direct access to the Alpe d’Huez ski area, with approximately 250km of interconnected pistes spread across Vaujany, Oz-en-Oisans, Alpe d’Huez, Villard-Reculas and Auris-en-Oisans.
The ski area reaches 3,330 metres at Pic Blanc and includes terrain for beginners, intermediates and advanced skiers.
From Vaujany, the main cable-car system provides rapid access to the Alpette and Montfrais sectors. From there, skiers can continue towards Oz-en-Oisans and the central Alpe d’Huez lift network.
One of the advantages of staying in Vaujany is that you can explore a very large ski area while starting and finishing your day in a smaller village.
Skiing for beginners
Beginners can take lessons through the local ski schools and practise on suitable nursery and progression slopes.
The Montfrais area is especially useful for families and less confident skiers. It has gentler pistes, places to stop and a relaxed atmosphere away from some of the busier central runs.
Complete beginners should arrange lessons before travelling, particularly during school-holiday weeks. You can find more information in our guide to booking ski lessons in Vaujany.
Skiing for intermediates
Vaujany is an excellent choice for intermediate skiers. The wider area has a large selection of blue and red pistes, making it possible to explore a different sector each day.
Confident intermediates can travel across the interconnected area towards Alpe d’Huez, Villard-Reculas and Auris before returning to Vaujany.
The long descents and varied terrain make Vaujany particularly appealing to groups who enjoy covering plenty of distance during the day.
Skiing for advanced skiers
Advanced skiers have access to steep pistes, high-altitude terrain and extensive off-piste possibilities.
The wider Alpe d’Huez area includes famous descents such as Sarenne, which runs from near Pic Blanc towards the valley. The Tunnel is another well-known challenge intended for strong, confident skiers when conditions allow.
There are also numerous off-piste routes around the Grandes Rousses massif. Anyone heading beyond marked and secured pistes should use an appropriately qualified mountain guide and carry the necessary safety equipment.
Can you ski back to Vaujany?
When snow and piste conditions allow, experienced skiers can return towards Vaujany using the long La Fare descent.
La Fare is one of the resort’s signature runs and provides a memorable end to the day. However, it is not suitable for every skier, and its opening can depend on snow and operational conditions.
Alternatively, skiers can return via the lift system. Always check the current piste map, lift status and final lift times before setting off for home.
Is Vaujany snow-sure?
Vaujany’s village is lower than some high-altitude purpose-built resorts, but its lift system provides access to skiing up to 3,330 metres.
This broad altitude range is important. When conditions are less favourable lower down, there is usually much more terrain available higher in the Alpe d’Huez area.
As in every mountain resort, snowfall and individual piste openings cannot be guaranteed. Visitors should check the official weather forecast, webcams and live lift information before and during their stay.
The main winter season normally runs from December until April, although exact dates vary annually.
Is Vaujany suitable for families?
Vaujany is one of the most family-friendly villages in the Alpe d’Huez ski area and holds the Famille Plus accreditation.
Its compact centre, childcare services and indoor facilities make it a practical choice for families—particularly when not everyone wants to ski all day.
The village’s sports and leisure facilities include:
- A heated indoor swimming pool
- A children’s pool and water features
- An indoor ice rink
- A bowling alley
- A cinema
- A media library
- A climbing wall
- Children’s activities and seasonal entertainment
Vaujany also has a children’s centre offering childcare services. Availability, ages and operating times can change, so arrangements should be confirmed directly before travelling.
Many of our apartments and chalets are within easy walking distance of the ski station, leisure centre and village facilities. This can make a considerable difference when travelling with young children and carrying ski equipment.
What is there to do apart from skiing?
There is plenty to do in Vaujany when you want a break from the slopes.
Popular winter alternatives include swimming, ice skating, bowling, walking and visiting the cinema. The village also runs a changing programme of family activities and entertainment during the season.
Non-skiers can use selected pedestrian lifts to reach mountain viewpoints and restaurants, subject to weather, lift operations and the type of pass purchased.
Because Vaujany is connected by lifts and covered walkways, non-skiers can move between much of the village without needing a car.
Where should you stay in Vaujany?
The best area depends on the size of your party and what matters most to you.
Accommodation close to the ski station is convenient for quick access to the lifts, ski school, shops and restaurants. Properties near the leisure centre are particularly useful for families and are connected to the upper village by escalators and walkways.
The lower and older parts of Vaujany can offer a more traditional village atmosphere and impressive views across the valley. However, it is important to check the exact location and access arrangements before booking because the village is built on a steep mountainside.
Apartments in Vaujany
Self-catering apartments are a good choice for couples, families and smaller groups. They range from compact two-bedroom properties to spacious apartments capable of accommodating larger families.
View our apartments in Vaujany.
Chalets in Vaujany
A chalet can work particularly well for extended families or groups of friends who want larger communal spaces, multiple bathrooms and facilities such as a fireplace, sauna or games room.
Before booking, consider:
- Walking distance to the ski station
- Access to escalators or village lifts
- Bedroom configuration
- Parking requirements
- Ski and boot storage
- Proximity to the leisure centre
- Whether linen and end-of-stay cleaning are included
Does Vaujany have restaurants and shops?
Vaujany has a selection of restaurants and bars serving traditional Alpine food, French cuisine, pizzas and more informal meals.
It is smaller and quieter than Alpe d’Huez, so booking a table is advisable during busy weeks. Opening days and hours can vary throughout the season.
The village also has shops for everyday essentials, a bakery and ski-hire services. Guests planning to cook most evenings may prefer to complete a larger grocery shop in the valley before arriving, then use the village shops for fresh bread and additional supplies.
Do you need a car in Vaujany?
You do not necessarily need a car once you are in the village.
The ski station, shops, restaurants and leisure facilities are linked by pedestrian routes, escalators and lifts. Many visitors arrive by airport transfer and spend their entire holiday without driving.
A car can still be useful if you want to visit supermarkets in the valley, explore neighbouring villages or travel independently outside lift-operating hours.
If you are driving, check whether your accommodation has reserved parking and make sure your vehicle complies with French winter-equipment requirements.
How do you get to Vaujany?
Most international visitors reach Vaujany through Grenoble, Lyon or Geneva.
Grenoble is normally the closest major airport. Lyon generally offers a wider range of flights, while Geneva can provide additional options from UK and international airports.
Journey times depend heavily on weather, traffic and road conditions, particularly on winter Saturdays.
The main options are:
- Private airport transfer: Usually the simplest choice for families and groups.
- Hire car: Provides flexibility but requires confidence driving on mountain roads in winter.
- Train: Travel to Grenoble and continue by transfer, bus or taxi.
- Driving from the UK: Popular with guests who want to bring more luggage or ski equipment.
Read our detailed guide to getting to Vaujany before arranging your journey.
When is the best time to visit Vaujany?
The best week depends on your priorities.
December
December offers the excitement of the start of the season and the Christmas and New Year holidays. Higher parts of the ski area are particularly valuable early in the winter.
January
January is often quieter outside the New Year period. It can be a good choice for adults seeking quieter slopes and better-value accommodation, although temperatures can be colder.
February
February is popular with families because of UK and European school holidays. The atmosphere is lively, but accommodation, lessons and transfers should be booked well in advance.
March
March often brings longer days and more opportunities to enjoy sunny terraces. Good skiing is normally available across the high-altitude sectors, while lower slopes can soften later in the day.
April
Easter can offer enjoyable spring skiing, especially higher in the ski area. Visitors should pay close attention to the season’s confirmed closing dates and live snow conditions.
Is Vaujany worth visiting in summer?
Yes. Although best known as a ski destination, Vaujany is also an excellent summer base.
The area is especially popular with road cyclists because of its proximity to famous Alpine climbs, including Alpe d’Huez, the Col du Glandon and the Col de la Croix de Fer.
Other summer activities include:
- Hiking
- Mountain biking
- Road cycling
- Swimming
- Via ferrata
- Visiting mountain lakes
- Family activities
- Exploring the villages of the Oisans
Summer lift operations and activity schedules vary, so check the official resort information when planning your stay.
Why book with Vaujany Ski Company?
Vaujany Ski Company has specialised in accommodation in Vaujany and Oz-en-Oisans since 2008.
Unlike a large international booking website, we know the village and the individual properties we offer. We can help you choose accommodation based on your group size, preferred location and holiday priorities.
Our collection includes centrally located self-catering apartments and larger chalets for families and groups. We can also help with local information covering ski hire, lessons, transfers and lift passes.
Browse our Vaujany accommodation or contact us for advice about finding the right property.
Frequently asked questions about Vaujany
Where is Vaujany?
Vaujany is a mountain village in the Isère department of the French Alps. It forms part of the Alpe d’Huez ski area and is reached by road through the Oisans valley.
What altitude is Vaujany?
The main village is at approximately 1,250 metres. Its lift system connects into the Alpe d’Huez ski area, which reaches 3,330 metres at Pic Blanc.
Is Vaujany part of Alpe d’Huez?
Yes. Vaujany is one of the villages connected to the Alpe d’Huez ski area, alongside Oz-en-Oisans, Villard-Reculas, Auris and Alpe d’Huez itself.
How large is the Vaujany and Alpe d’Huez ski area?
The interconnected Alpe d’Huez ski area has approximately 250km of pistes, 111 runs and 67 ski lifts.
Is Vaujany good for beginners?
Yes. Vaujany has access to beginner and progression areas, ski schools and suitable gentler terrain, particularly around Montfrais. Beginners should book lessons in advance during popular weeks.
Is Vaujany good for non-skiers?
Yes. Vaujany has a swimming pool, ice rink, bowling alley, cinema, walking opportunities and pedestrian access to selected mountain areas.
Is Vaujany a lively resort?
Vaujany has restaurants, bars and seasonal events, but its nightlife is relatively relaxed. It suits visitors who prefer a traditional village atmosphere to a large party resort.
Can you stay in Vaujany without a car?
Yes. Many central properties are within walking distance of the ski station and village facilities, with escalators, pedestrian lifts and covered walkways connecting different levels.
Start planning your Vaujany holiday
Vaujany offers an unusual combination: the atmosphere of an authentic Alpine village, excellent family facilities and direct access to 250km of skiing.
Whether you are planning a family holiday, a group ski trip or a summer cycling break, choosing the right property is an important part of the experience.
Explore our collection of Vaujany apartments and Vaujany chalets, or contact Vaujany Ski Company for personal advice from people who know the resort.