The main destinations for snowsports enthusiasts in the Oisans are the large, commercial resorts of Alpe d’Heuz and Les 2 Alpes. But if you’re looking for something different from your snowsports holiday, the smaller villages have much to offer…

You can also access the pistes of the Massif des Grandes Rousses (which include Alpe d’Huez) from Vaujany, Auris, Huez, Villard Reculas and Oz en Oisans. The villages of Venosc and Mont de Lans are connected to the lift system and pistes of Les 2 Alpes.

If you prefer off-piste, the town of La Grave has a lift system but no pistes. All runs down the hill are un-marked, making this an international centre for freeriders. The routes here are also accessible from the top of Les 2 Alpes, weather depending.

Many of the other, smaller villages have trails for snow-shoeing and cross-country skiing and some have a few drag-lifts. If you pick one of these as the destination for your snowsports holiday, you’ll certainly have a very different experience to those heading to the major resorts!

For more information about the local villages, click here and for more on snowsports, click here