Hotel Villa Cary

Sauze d'Oulx sits at 1,509m on a sunny spot above the Susa Valley, just an hour from Turin. And it’s close enough to make a day trip tempting too, whether you fancy exploring the city’s Baroque streets, visiting the Egyptian Museum or simply stopping for an espresso and some of Turin’s famous gianduja chocolate.

Back in Sauze, you’ll find an authentic Italian mountain village, with winding cobbled streets, a historic old town and locals who have been welcoming visitors for generations. There’s a real sense of village life here, with fantastic food, a lively après scene and plenty of Italian charm to enjoy once the skis come off.

The Via Lattea, or Milky Way, gives you 400km of skiing to explore. Sauze is a favourite with intermediates, thanks to its long, tree-lined runs and wide, open pistes that are perfect for cruising. Improving beginners have plenty to enjoy too, with gentler slopes to find your ski legs before heading further afield. Most of the slopes are north and west-facing, helping the snow stay in good condition, with snowmaking as a useful back-up.

And when you fancy exploring a little further, there’s plenty within reach. Ski across to Sestriere, Sansicario and Claviere, or spend a day over the border in France. Your lift pass includes a day in Montgenèvre, and every Thursday our Inghams Destination Expert organises a dedicated coach, so all you need to think about is where to ski first. There are three ski areas to discover, including the slopes around Chalvet and the new high-speed gondola on the Eagles Rock run. Make time for lunch at La Terrasse too before heading back to Italy.

You can mix things up again with a day in Bardonecchia, also included with your lift pass. It adds another 100km of pistes to choose from and is just 15 minutes from Oulx by train, making it an easy day out during your week.

With 400km of the Via Lattea to explore, plus days in Montgenèvre and Bardonecchia included, your lift pass goes a long way here. And the good value continues off the slopes, with eating and drinking out refreshingly affordable compared with many Alpine resorts.

And when the skis come off, Sauze has plenty to tempt you back into the village. Wander through the old town, settle in for some Piemontese cooking or join the locals for aperitivo before seeing where the evening takes you. Friday nights are particularly lively, but there’s just as much to enjoy if a long dinner and a glass of local wine are more your thing.