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Today there are some 1500 km of ski runs and trails set in a wonderful natural landscape. Try the runs for beginners, the extremely long off-trail routes through fresh snow or night skiing on illuminated slopes.
The resorts:
Cesana (1350m) is surrounded by rocky mountains covered with pine woods. The resort is part of the 'Vialattea' (Milky Way). You can connect via lifts to Claviere, Sansicario as well as the Monti della Luna (Moon Mountains). Cesana also hosts one of the Bobsleigh World Cup competitions, featuring both men's and women's races every January.
Claviere (1760m) is a small traditional village offering stunning scenery and overlooked by the imposing Mont Chaberton (3,131m). There is not much space for beginners apart from the pleasant, small nursery area at the centre of the resort. It is therefore perhaps more suited for intermediate skiers with its delightful tree runs. For more advanced skiers there are some good red runs as well as some inspiring off-piste.
Sauze d'Oulx (1509m) is one of the major resorts in this area with nearly 400km of runs plus many big open pistes offering fabulous natural landscapes at every turn. This resort is great for intermediates. The town itself has an attractive old centre with many restaurants and bars.
Sestriere (2035m) is the highest and probably one of the busiest resorts in this area. Created in 1934 by Giovanni Agnelli, the founder of Fiat, Sestriere was Europe’s first officially purpose-built ski resort. More recently, major improvements were undertaken for the 2006 Winter Olympics. Today it features skiing for beginners and intermediates as well as for those more experienced with long black pistes and Olympic standard slalom runs. There is easy access to the rest of the 'Vialattea' as it is linked by lift to Pragelato, Sansicario and Sauze d’Oulx.
Montgenèvre (1850m), on the French side, is well suited for beginners because of the many gentle slopes. There are also lots of intermediate runs as well as the chance for some off-piste skiing.
Ten great reasons for choosing the Val di Susa resorts:
1. Cesana has large varied ski terrain
2. Cesana is great for families and snowboarders
3. Claviere is pretty with stunning scenery
4. Claviere has an excellent snow record
5. Sauze d'Oulx has easy access to 400km of slopes
6. Sauze d'Oulx has plenty of après-ski
7. Sestriere is great for intermediates and experts
8. Sestriere is family-friendly
9. Montgenèvre is very good value
10. Montgenèvre has a new luxury hotel and apartments
Local Events:
30 November to 6 December 2009 at Cesana, Bobsleigh and Skeleton World Cup
7/14 December 2009 at Cesana, Skeleton Intercontinental Cup
11/17 January 2010 at Cesana, Bobsleigh and Skeleton European Cup
24–31 January 2010 at Cesana, Viesmann Luge World Cup
Local Food and Drink:
In 1997 the Val di Susa obtained the designation 'VALSUSA DOC', reserved for red wine and obtained from grapes such as: Avanà, Barbera, Dolcetto, Neretta Cuneese, whether used alone or together. Much of this wine is produced on terraced vineyards up to an altitude of 1000 metres. Liqueurs from this area are made from wild herbs and flowers. Amaro alle Erbe Alpine, Garus Susino, Genepy and Genziana are to name but a few.
The area is also famous for its cold cuts and meats such as Bondiola, made with beef and pork, the medium-coarse grained Salame Mica and Prosciuttello dell'Alta Val di Susa the only raw ham seasoned in Piedmont. Cheeses like Toma are ripened in caves, Brus, Murianengo and Tomino di Rubiana are other cheeses worth trying.
Getting there:
By Car:
From Milan: A4 Autostrada direction Turin, then A32 Autostrada direction Frejus.
From Turin: A32 Autostrada, exit at Oulx, then follow the signs to your resort. For example take the SP 214 from Oulx to Sauze D’Oulx, (83 km from Turin and 220 km from Milan) or take the SP 24 and 23 from Oulx to Sestriere.
From Turin airport: Look for signs for the Turin Tangenziale (ring road), follow through to the A32 Autostrada. Then take the A32 towards Bardonecchia and exit at Oulx. Take the S.S. 24 for Cesana Torinese, Claviere or Montgenèvre, followed by the S.S. 23 for Sestriere.
By Plane:
The most convenient airports to the Valle di Susa are Milan and Turin. The Aeroporto di Torino (Turin) is about one hour whilst the Milan airport of Malpensa is about two hours. Both are well served by major airlines and budget ones such as Easyjet and Ryanair.
By Train
From Turin Airport go to the station and take a train on the Turin to Bardonecchi line to Oulx. From there you can take a bus or taxi direct to Sauze d'Oulx and the other resorts.
By Bus
From Turin airport there is a service to Cesana, Oulx and Sestriere every Saturday and Sunday. For more information: Cavourese Bus Company
Written by Adrian Petersen
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