Snow-covered chalets with mountain peaks and a layer of mist in the Alpe d'Huez Grand Domaine.Snow-covered chalets with mountain peaks and a layer of mist in the Alpe d'Huez Grand Domaine.

A complete guide to Vaujany

Everything you need for your Vaujany ski holiday.
5th January, 2025
5 min read time

Perched at an altitude of 1,250 metres in the heart of the French Alps, Vaujany combines the charm of an authentic mountain village with the amenities of a modern ski resort. With direct access to the vast Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine ski area, this picturesque destination caters to skiers of all levels, from families and beginners to seasoned experts seeking new challenges.

We've put together this guide to help you plan your perfect Vaujany ski holiday. From its stunning location to its diverse ski area, snow history, and the best spots to eat, relax, and explore, this comprehensive guide has it all. Let’s dive in!

Vaujany, France - overview

  1. Where is Vaujany?
  2. Vaujany the resort
  3. Vaujany ski area
  4. Skiing in Vaujany
  5. Vaujany ski season dates
  6. Vaujany snow history
  7. Restaurants in Vaujany
  8. Things to do in Vaujany
  9. Vaujany après-ski, and nightlife
  10. Vaujany town map
  11. Practical information

Where is Vaujany?

Vaujany is located in the Isère region of the French Alps, overlooking the magnificent Grandes Rousses Massif and adjacent to the Alpe d’Huez ski area.

For a detailed view of Vaujany's location, you can explore it on Google Maps.


Nearest airport

  • Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (143 km)

Transfer time

  • Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (1hr 45 min)

Vaujany the resort

  • Resort altitude: 1,250 m
  • Permanent residents: Approximately 300
Vaujany seamlessly blends old-world charm with state-of-the-art facilities. Stroll through its quaint cobblestone streets and admire the traditional wooden chalets, historic bell tower, and local fountains. This picturesque village also boasts modern amenities, including a world-class sports complex, an Olympic-sized ice rink, and a contemporary leisure centre with a pool and spa. The village’s tranquil atmosphere makes it an excellent destination for families and those seeking a quieter ski holiday. For a truly immersive alpine experience, Vaujany’s local dining options and warm hospitality ensure a memorable stay.
                                                                                                           
ProsCons
Family-friendlyNo nursery slopes in the village
Excellent set of runs for intermediatesGets crowded during peak season
Authentic mountain villageQuiet compared to other resorts
Great off-piste terrain

Here is how Vaujany looks like

Preview of Vaujany ski resort showcasing a mountain restaurant

Watch Vaujany on YouTube .

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Vaujany ski area

  • Summit elevation: 3,330 m
  • Kilometres of pistes: 250 km (Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine)
  • Vertical drop: 2,210 m
  • Ski lifts: 84
Vaujany is part of the Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine, a world-class ski area renowned for its extensive terrain and exceptional snow conditions. The local Montfrais sector offers sheltered, sunny slopes ideal for beginners, while advanced skiers can take on the thrilling black runs and off-piste challenges.

Key highlights: At 3,330 metres, the Pic Blanc is the highest peak in the area, offering panoramic views and access to the famous 16 km black run, Sarenne.

Skiing in Vaujany

Beginners

The Montfrais area is a beginner’s haven, offering sunny, quiet slopes and a dedicated ESF ski school section for children. Beyond Montfrais, the gentle greens in Oz-en-Oisans and Alpe d’Huez provide ideal terrain for newcomers to build confidence.

Intermediates

Intermediate skiers will enjoy the variety of wide blue and red runs across the Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine. Don’t miss the Sarenne—it may be classified as a black run, but it’s manageable for most confident intermediates thanks to its long, gentle gradient and stunning views.

Advanced

For seasoned skiers, Vaujany offers an exciting challenge with steep black runs like La Fare and La Foret. The Tunnel on Pic Blanc is infamous for its moguls and steep pitch, while off-piste enthusiasts will relish the untracked powder near Montfrais and beyond.

Off-piste

Vaujany is a gateway to some of the best off-piste skiing in the French Alps. Montfrais offers accessible tree-lined descents, while Pic Blanc provides backcountry routes like the Grand Sablet. Guided tours are recommended for safety and to explore hidden gems.

Snowboarding

Snowboarders will love the snow park at Montfrais, which features jumps, rails, and boardercross tracks catering to various skill levels. For freeriders, the powder fields and wide runs across the Grand Domaine provide endless opportunities.

Vaujany ski season dates

The ski season in Vaujany for 2024/25 is expected to start on December 30th and run until April 21st, though dates may vary depending on snow conditions. If you're planning a ski holiday to Vaujany next winter, be sure to explore our Vaujany deals for the best ski offers available.

Vaujany snow history

Vaujany offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 36 cm and 31 cm of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 2.9 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases to 27 cm but occurs more frequently, averaging 3.1 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the second week of December, traditionally the snowiest week in Vaujany, with an impressive 47 cm of snow over 3.1 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days—when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 16 cm of snow over 2.4 days, perfect for softer snow under brighter skies.

                                                                                                                                                                   
MonthSnow amount (week)Snow days (week)
December36 cm2.9 days
January31 cm3.0 days
February27 cm3.1 days
March29 cm3.2 days
April16 cm2.4 days

(Ref: snow-forecast.com)

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Restaurants in Vaujany

Mountain restaurants

  • Bonsoir Clara: Renowned for its innovative menu blending traditional and modern flavours.
  • L’Ile D’Oz: A popular choice for hearty meals and stunning mountain views.
  • La Grange: Famous for its wood-fired pizzas at the Alpette mid-station.
  • Resort restaurants

  • IDA Restaurant: Fine dining with a gourmet menu at the Hotel V.
  • La Table de la Fare: A local favourite for traditional Savoyard dishes.
  • Le Chalet Gourmand: Known for its cosy ambiance and delicious regional fare.

Things to do in Vaujany

  • Ice skating
  • Swimming
  • Tobogganing
  • Dog sledging
  • Bowling
  • Cinema
  • The Maison de la Faune museum
  • Snowshoeing
  • Visit to the snow groomers' garage
  • Panoramic cheese fondue

Vaujany après-ski and nightlife

Vaujany offers a low-key après ski scene, and a quieter nightlife compared to larger resorts. Popular spots include Le QG Bar, and La Grotte de Yeti a popular late-night spot for drinks and music.

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Vaujany town map

Vaujany village map

Download Vaujany village map here

Practical information

  • T.O email: info@vaujany.com
  • T.O phone: +33(0)476807237
  • T.O address: 5 Place du téléphérique, Vaujany
  • Closed Saturdays and Sundays
  • For visa & passport travel advice, visit here

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