Hi all. I'm new to this forum so I apologise if I've put this in the wrong place!
I'm also new to skiing and am heading to the Hotel Derby in Sauze D'Oulx this Sunday for my first trip, solo too! I can't wait.
Anyone had any experience of this hotel and resort? Some of the reviews I've found are either vague or very old.
Any info or comments? I'm trying to learn as much as I can before I get there so I don't waste any time, this includes best places for a little après ski!!
Happy skiing
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Hi, Not stayed at the Derby but you are in the centre of town in a great spot.
You have a 200m walk uphill in the morning to the Clotes chairlift, which maybe where your ski school will start or it could be or it could be up the lift to 'Sportinia' where other schools meet.
You are going to have a great 1st time skiing but make sure you get plenty of help/info off your tour rep as they do tend to think everybody knows what they mean by vaguely pointing in the direction of whats being asked or reel off a load of insider directions... "its easy, take the sixer upto the platuex then traverse towards the olympic run.....". They are paid to help you so get good useful info off them.
Plenty of Apres all around you, Ghost Bar as you come back to Clotes in the afternoon, Paddy McGinteys and Mirravallino as you walk down and Caffe della Seggiovia at the town square/triangle. Plus loads more !
Have a look at Sauzeonline.com for more info from an English guy.
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Welcome to Snowheads!
There's a current thread on Vialattea conditions (which you probably know is the whole connected area comprising of Sauze plus at lease 5 other medium sized resorts)
There's a daily bulletin (also downloadable) at https://www.vialattea.it/Multimedia/Bollettino which shows more info - yu probably don't need to worry about the inter resort links that are sometimes disrupted by wind but I'd imagine Sauze is a great place to learn!
Where comfy footwear on arrival, there is a 10-15 minute uphill walk from the drop off ( your cases are taken up)
The ski bus is not free-range buy a weekly ticket if needed (the Clotes lift is close, but if you need the Sportinia lift it is a fair walk carrying skis)
Agree with the night life suggestions. Try karaoski at the miravellina great fun after a few drinks.
Don't be scared to try runs - they tend to be overgrazed. Depending on your ability don't miss the Olympic black in Sansicario from the top of Sauze. More a red and great fun.
Watch the lift closure times it takes longer than you think to get back from the top of Sauze as one of our party found out last year meaning a bus from Sestriere to Oulx in the valley and back up again!
Enjoy!
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Welcome to Snowheads!
There's a current thread on Vialattea conditions (which you probably know is the whole connected area comprising of Sauze plus at lease 5 other medium sized resorts)
There's a daily bulletin (also downloadable) at https://www.vialattea.it/Multimedia/Bollettino which shows more info - yu probably don't need to worry about the inter resort links that are sometimes disrupted by wind but I'd imagine Sauze is a great place to learn!
The Derby is very close to the main square (drop-off point), which is good for arrival/departure ; but means a good walk to the lifts. Try and find a place where you can leave your skis/boots overnight (it is a long time since I visited, cant remember where I left mine....)
Sauze is on Google Street view, so you can practice the walk !
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
The Derby was always a great middle of road pub in all the senses. Seem to remember it always had some right cracking bar maids. I'm sure you will have a great time.
After all it is free
After all it is free
Thanks for all the advice; I especially like the bit about understanding the lingo and making sure I ask for help.
Probably a silly question, but what does "overgrazed" mean in relation to a slope?
I have taken lessons all year on my local dry slope and have invested in my own boots so I think I have the basics down, I've just never been on snow. Although in all honesty, I'm equally looking forward to the apres as much as the skiing. I'm not a very confident person so I've challenged myself to talk to as many people as possible and only go to my room when I can't keep my eyes open anymore...or I have company!!! I'm definitely going to try as many runs as is safely possible, and maybe I'll even give Karaoski a go!!
I think you can leave your gear at the Clotes lift but I'll have to double check this.
Thanks again, and any other comments will be greatly received.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
@Karmitkurmit, without wanting to point out the bleedin obvious, the big difference between a dry slope and the real thing is that real snow is so much more slippy, I remember taking my kids on their first ski holiday after their lessons on the dry slope and they could not believe the difference between the two surfaces. Just remember this when putting on your skis for the first time. Sorry, haven't been to Sauze, but Sestriere was great.
Have a blast it will be brilliant.
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
@Karmitkurmit please tell us you're getting some lessons. It's really quite different on snow
PS "overgrazed" is not standard lingo - in fact after 30 plus years sking thats the first time I've ever heard it. From the context I'd say "No powder snow, well bashed and probably quite a few people"
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
Oops
I meant over graded (I blame auto correct)
Meaning that many reds are closer to blues, and blacks closer to reds.....
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
@skitrack, Wrote -- "...Karmitkurmit please tell us you're getting some lessons..."
Plus one on this : as you are 'going solo' it will give you some to ski with (possibly socialise with..) ; a chance to see parts of the mountain you might not visit on your own..
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
Ahhhh, that makes more sense! I had visions of skiing cows eating all the snow!
Thanks for the update. That's good because a lot of them are red.
You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
I'm not taking lessons out there, as stupid as that may be, but I'm quite happy just to find a little slope and give it a go.
To be honest, the dry slope was a pain when it was too dry and "sticky". Even my instructor said that turning was a lot easier when it was wet or on snow so hopefully he was right.
I'm going to head to Sestriere if I can get there, and possibly one or two of the other resorts just to have a look around.
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Head up to sportina and go on the nursery slope to get you legs on snow. Then head up and take the blue (can't remember the number sorry). down to sportina through the trees. Great little run to again find ya legs on snow. Current conditons at sportina and up are great atm according to James snow reports (Facebook sauzeonline) because you havent skiied on snow I'd hold off going Sestriea till you really are competent on snow. The trip back can be quite daunting when you come of the cable car. As long as the snow stays sauze/milky way is a great ski area.
Last edited by Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name: on Wed 3-01-18 14:37; edited 1 time in total
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
Karmitkurmit wrote:
I'm not taking lessons out there,
TAKE LESSONS! There's no shame in taking lessons, Admin takes lessons and he's possibly the best skier on here. It'll give you someone to practice with, drink with. If you go off on your own you'll almost certainly find yourself at the top of a slope beyond your capability and no download capacity. Please take lessons.
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Both Sestriere and Sansicario easy to get to from the top, but a steepish run back from the top of Sauze, so allow yourself time to get home.
If you are happy to start with one or two slopes to start with, get up to the bowl at the top of Sportinia where the are good, high blues and easy reds to enjoy and let us know how you get on. Out there in 3 weeks, can't wait!
Looks as though there will be plenty of weather there this weekend so take care!
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
I've been studying the Piste map but it's a little hard to read once printed off, so thanks for the advice on where to head. I'll think about some lessons, although I'm heading out Sunday so possibly a little late now. I was actually getting to the point of being quite proficient on the dry slope, well into parallel turns, so I'm hoping that it's just a case of getting used to the different surface. I'll make sure I keep as far away from people as possible while I'm practicing; I don't mind hurting myself but I don't want to ruin someone else's holiday too!
I'm gonna try the baby slopes first but then head to the Clotes blue (number 52 I think) and just repeat until I'm confident.
I hope you enjoy it too Marjon, I wish I'd booked two holidays now!! I almost booked one to the Grand Massif yesterday but it's getting a little expensive now. Anyone been there?
Lessons aren’t just about skiing - you also learn about how vastly different a mountain environment is to a dry ski slope and how to find your way around. You may well feel very comfortable on the nursery slopes and make great progress, but heading up a lift you’ve never used before, on your own could prove to be an unenjoyable rather than exciting experience.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
@Karmitkurmit, do yourself a favour and take at least a couple of private lessons. Yes, it is not cheap. However, your enjoyment level and safety will be much higher after lessons. And as a beginner you will avoid bad habits.
Plus one here for lessons. Even if it's just a couple of privates at the beginning of the week. Having no lessons is the falsest of false economies.
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
ANother +1 on lessons. I first started skiing when I was 12 - 30 years ago. Had lessons every year until I was 18, have skied most years since and still book at least 1 private lesson when we go out.
After all it is free
After all it is free
Sauze is fairly cheap for lessons, worth every penny.
Piste 11 from the top to the glass fronted restaurant is my tip. When you reach the restaurant hang a left to go to Sportinia or right for a lift back to the top. It's a great piste to get some experience as it's wide and not too steep. Piste 12 is a bit steeper but even wider at the top, ski down to Cicci's house (?) for epic Hot Chocs and the lift back to Sportinia.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
Seanyb74 wrote:
Sauze is fairly cheap for lessons, worth every penny.
Piste 11 from the top to the glass fronted restaurant is my tip. When you reach the restaurant hang a left to go to Sportinia or right for a lift back to the top. It's a great piste to get some experience as it's wide and not too steep. Piste 12 is a bit steeper but even wider at the top, ski down to Cicci's house (?) for epic Hot Chocs and the lift back to Sportinia.
Ahhh yes great run down and as you said very wide.
Karmitkurmit that whole are from bowl down to Sportinia is lovely skiing and the views are to die for. My first ski trip was to Sauze in 2012 I didn;t have lessons and on my first morning there my so called friends took me down red 8 I believe. While it is quite short it is steep esp for a first timer, leg sliced open on a ski and stretchered down. Mates at the bottom cams out laughing there tits off at me but was one of the best time's I've ever had and never regretted going. Will say going from a slope in the UK to the mountain is well scary, both my girls weree slope ready at MK xscape but once on the mountain they lost nearly all what they learnt. Now tho they are great little skiiers.
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
I would definitely opt for group lessons to meet people (as well as the obvious that we all need lessons). You don't need to go in a beginners group and you should be able to hook up when you get there.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
Why do so many people think that skiing is like driving, you get a handful of lessons and you pass a test and just do it.
Skiing aint like that, to get the most out of this sport lessons (lets call it coaching) are a must.
You only have to watch a slope for a few minutes to watch skiers go by and you can tell right away who has had a lot of coaching and who has just been shown how to do it by their mates.
The main thing you get out of coaching is you don't have to think.
You are guided in your technique, you are guided around the mountain at the right level for your ability, you are in good company.
You are probably taken down runs that you may not have been confident enough to try on your own.
Confidence is such an important part of skiing, but if you get it knocked out of you at beginning of the first day ... its going to spoil your whole holiday.
Ooops sorry I seem to be ranting.
But I do take lessons still at every opportunity and I've only been doing it for more that 40 years.
Wellcome to the forum @Karmitkurmit and I do hope that you'll have a great time whatever you do
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
I stayed at the Derby a few years ago. Its pretty basic but if you're not going to be in the room much then its perfectly acceptable. Breakfast is of the basic cheese/meats variety. The bar downstairs is good in the evenings. Make sure to play a game of 'log' in there (we even got the Senegalese looky looky man involved in a game!). Enjoy Sauze, its a fun resort. If you're travelling alone then don't worry cos you'll meet people in the hotel/ski class/bar/coach transfer! I did it a couple of years ago, had a great time
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
@Karmitkurmit, Lessons there are very affordable, especially compared to most French resorts. Try to get a one to one or two lesson with an old local instructor called Osi. You'll find him at the ski school hut (well, two huts next to each other) up at Sportinia. He is superb.
FAQ
Poster: A snowHead
I'm definitely going to try as many runs as is safely possible, and maybe I'll even give Karaoski a go!!
I had visions of skiing cows eating all the snow!
