Winter activities in Oz-en-Oisans
Alpine Skiing and snowboarding
From Oz-en-Oisans, you have access to both "Domaine Oz-Vaujany" and "Alpes d'Huez Grand Domaine" with its amazing 250 km of runs, panoramic views, and stunning glaciers. Enjoy alpine skiing, snowboarding, or tele-mark skiing in a world class ski resort, famous for its snow and sun! Pic Blanc (3330m) is the highest point of the area, offering breathtaking views of the Alps including Mont Blanc, Mont Cervin and the Meije. For experienced skiers, the resort boasts 4 runs with a 2000 meter vertical drop... another attraction is the 16 km Sarenne, the longest black run in Europe. There are also plenty of gentle green runs for children, and a 'moving carpet' in the village for the little ones! Here are some useful links to prepare your stay!
Cross-country skiing
Oz-en-Oisans is also an amazing resort for cross-country lovers! Enjoy nature with this sociable sport, away from the crowds. From Oz-en-Oisans, take a ski lift to cross-country trails at 2100m of altitude. There, you will have access to 2 trails with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. In Oz, there are two routes to choose from:
- one 10km long, blue level (Boucle de Poutran), suitable for all ski levels.
- one 20km long, red level (Circuit des Lacs), a more challenging trail with an exceptional panorama
There are 55km of trails available in the Grand Domaine and in Oisans. More information on cross-country trails and equipment rentals.
Snowshoeing
If you want to hike in the winter, try snowshoeing! You can snowshoe on the trails, around villages or in secluded valleys, you can cover a lot of terrain with snowshoes and it's a great workout! Enjoy the snow, the scenery, and the silence..
We recommend you follow the markings provided by the resorts. The mountain territory is vast and unpredictable, so be careful. The resorts in Oisans provide freshly groomed or marked itineraries. Visit the Tourist Office to pick up a map and check current conditions.
Ice climbing
Oisans, a country of mountains, water and steep-sided valleys, is the kingdom of ice falls: around 600 have been listed in Oisans.
The ice-falls are located in 3 main areas :
- Alpe d’Huez / Oz-en-Oisans
- The Vallon du Diable near Saint Christophe en Oisans
- La Grave-La Meije.
Climbing an icefall is a unique experience, physically demanding, and beautiful with the amazing beauty of changing lights and colours on the ice.
Dog sledding
If you are a lover of dogs, you can discover the world of dog sledding in the beautiful forests of the resort, accompanied by a qualified musher. This is a great activity for a family or a group of friends. Two options: be in charge of your own team of huskies, or opt for a less physical outing, and ride as a passenger with a guide!
Snow tubbing / Sledding
Sledding is free of charge in the sledding area at the foot of the slopes, and the magic carpet offers an easy access to the sled run.
Snow Kiting
The "Kite Legende" school is located at the Hôtel les Glaciers. Bordering the Ecrins National Park, the Col du Lautaret and its 2057m guarantee good snow cover all winter. Beginners and advanced kiters can come and enjoy this fun activity, supervised by state qualified instructors who will help you progress in compliance with environmental and safety regulations. Snow kiting is sport powered by a kite, accessible to all, provided that they are in good physical shape and aged 10 years minimum (with parental authorization) and licensed by the FFVL (offered on site).
- Skis or Snowboard? Skiing is the easiest way to start the activity, for reasons of balance and stability.
- Equipment: the school provides all the kite equipment (helmet, radio, harness, kite), however you must provide your gliding equipment (ski or snowboard + accompanying boots).
More information on snow-kiting
Ice cave
Do your legs need a break from skiing? Take a break mid-week and visit the "Grotte de Glace" (ice cave). Situated at 2,700m and accessible via the Grandes Rousses lift, this ice cave was constructed by two mountain guides and its appearance changes every year.
Trapper evening
A special evening accompanied by mushers. Snowshoe hike at sunset, equipped with a harness and connected to hikers, Siberian huskies will accompany you throughout your walk in the great outdoors. You will then enjoy dinner cooked over the fire in the heart of the forest.
Other great outdoor experiences
On top of all the activities listed above, there is much more to be done in Oz-en-Oisans! To name just a few: torchlit descents, night skiing, skiing at sunset, Christmas and new year events. Contact the tourist office to learn more!
Indoor activities
For those of you who prefer to spend some time indoors, we've got you covered! There are several indoor activities in Oz-en-Oisans: for example visit of the snow factory, do a ski repair workshop, or spend some time at the EDF Hydrelec museum.