Aussois: Ski Area, Hiking Trails and Culture

Aussois can be explored from several perspectives: as a village in the heart of Vanoise National Park, with seasonal mountain activities, trails and cultural sites. When planning your stay, it is worth keeping the conditions for activities in mind: depending on the activity, the season, weather or current access conditions may be relevant. If you are looking for a hotel in Aussois, you can start by considering which aspects of the village matter most for your travel dates.

Nature and trails in Vanoise National Park

Fauna and flora are protected in Vanoise National Park. On the edge of the park, the Plan d’Amont and Plan d’Aval reservoirs lie in a relatively unspoilt setting and are considered easily accessible. Plan d’Aval is also a public fishing lake stocked with rainbow trout.

In summer, the park’s core zone can be reached from Aussois by the Grand Jeu chairlift. You can also drive or mountain bike along the dam road to the Plan d’Amont car park. Access options may vary depending on the season and operating conditions; check the conditions before setting out.

The Aussois alpine ski area offers slopes of all difficulty levels between 1,500 and 2,700 metres in altitude and faces south. Opening dates and operations depend on the season. When comparing activities in the area, it is also useful to consider how long the trails take: the marked circular route to the Plateau des Arponts is seven kilometres long and involves 400 metres of ascent. Check route details locally before setting out.

The Via ferrata du Diable consists of seven independent sections, ranging in difficulty from easy to very difficult. The full loop, including all seven sections, is listed as 3,760 metres long and takes six to eight hours. Use is weather-dependent; check conditions in advance. The Monolithe Nordic area offers several trails for walkers and snowshoers, starting from La Croix on the edge of the village. Seasonal access depends on snow conditions.

Forts and traces of history

You can reach the forts of Esseillon from the village on foot or by car, parking at Fort Victor-Emmanuel. The road is closed in winter; access from Aussois is then on foot or by snowshoe. Weather, restoration work and safety conditions can affect access, so check current conditions before your visit. Three of the five forts can be visited independently or as part of a guided tour.

The Espace des gravures rupestres is located inside Fort Victor-Emmanuel. It is open free of charge in summer and features casts, videos and a light installation resembling a cathedral. Check seasonal access information before your trip. There is also an archaeological site outside the fort grounds: the Parc archéologique des Lozes is about two kilometres outside the village and offers a walk to glacier-polished rocks bearing prehistoric traces.

Church, museum and land art

The Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption stands in the village centre. It was built in the 12th century and extended and altered in 1648. The interior has a Baroque character, and its choir screen is considered one of the finest in Savoy. The church therefore brings together the village’s long building history and particularly notable features.

The L’Arche d’Oé agro-pastoral museum offers guided tours on the history and development of Aussois and life in the village in the past. As tour dates vary by season, check them before your trip. Another way to experience the landscape and art is the Sentier des sculptures: this land art trail features trees shaped by Serge Couvert, a sculptor from Aussois.

The La Buidonnière leisure complex includes a building with a swimming pool, sauna and wellness area, as well as a pump track, tennis courts, mini golf and other leisure facilities. Facility availability varies by season. This offers a range of options for a stay: mountain sports and trails alongside historic sites, a museum, art and leisure facilities, with seasonal and access conditions to consider when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Saint Francois Longchamp, Le Bettaix, Saint-André, Le Pré, Peisey-Nancroix, Montagnole, Queige, Belmont-Tramonet.

For the broader travel overview: Savoie.