Situated at one end of the lift-linked Milky Way, Sauze is one of the bigger and more popular resorts in the 440km ski area. Sauze has been reinventing itself over the last decade or so: it has shaken off its 80s image as a haven for the worst excesses of British lager-louts abroad. This charming medieval village – at least one half is charming and medieval – now appeals to families as well as party-goers: walk into one bar and you’d see seasonaires chugging cement mixers – a nauseating cocktail of baileys, lime and gin – and down the street you’d find waiters decanting bottles of fine Barolo – the local Piedmontise wine. The skiing is all things to all people. While Sauze is largely an intermediate’s dream, as part of the wider Milky Way (400km), it offers Olympic downhill in Sestriere and small-resort charm up the road in Claviere.
For an unforgettable day on the mountain, catch the first lift up to Sportinia at 9am and ski all the way across the Milky Way to France (Montgenevre) for a tartiflette lunch, before skiing all the way home for free aperitivos at the Mira Bar (olives, pizza and bruschetta). Don’t leave Sauze without tasting a bombardino – a favourite Italian drink with hot advocaat, brandy and whipped cream.
Breakfast
Albergo Assietta (+39 0122 850180) is located in the village square and is open from early morning serving great coffee and croissants. Takeaway or sit out on the terrace
Paddy McGinty’s (+39 0122 858119) is the place to go for a great value, big British fry-up on your way to the slopes (located very close to the Clotes chair).
Lunch
Ciao Pais (+39-0122 850280) This traditional mountain eatery in the woods above Sauze serves delicious local dishes include antipasti starters such as chestnuts in balsamic vinegar and warm red peppers with anchovies. Eat lunch outside on the sun terrace.
Sugo’s (+39-0122850861) Pasta-lovers, head to Sugo’s in the old town where you’ll find delicious, reasonably priced fresh pasta dishes cooked to order. Sit outside on the terrace or in the warm, pine-clad interior.
Dinner
La Griglia (+39-0122850344) Serves excellent pizzas in a wood burning stove, as well as a full menu of pastas and other typical Italian dishes.
L’Ortiche (+39-01220850329) This is the place to go for fine Italian cuisine such as pheasant stuffed with foie gras or the beautifully cooked Black Angus Steak. You can also eat less fancy food like pizza and pasta.
Apres-ski
Straight off the slopes, head to Ghost Bar, a lively spot for snacks and happy hour. Mira Bar is the place to go for live sport and après-ski snacks. Then head on downhill to the New Cotton Party Bar – one of the liveliest bars in town with live music, drink promos, DJs, and late-night opening hours. Before dinner, the Caffe della Seggiovia is a wine bar and the best place to sample the Italian aperitivo scene. For relaxing drinks in front of an open fire, head to The Derby Bar with its great selection of skiing/boarding videos.
Corso Novara 96, 10152 Torino
I 10050 Winter Olympics, Piemonte
Italy