Family Snowboarding Adventure in the Italian Alps

As a family of four, we set off on an unforgettable winter adventure to the Italian Alps to experience snowboarding for the first time. This trip combined quality time with family, the excitement of trying something new, and the stunning beauty of the mountains. From London Stansted to Turin and onward to Sauze d’Oulx, our journey was full of fun, challenges, and lessons learned along the way.

December 31st: Arrival in Turin and New Year’s Eve

We began our trip with a flight from London Stansted to Turin on December 31st. The festive energy in Turin was palpable, but we chose to spend the evening at home with family, celebrating New Year’s Eve in a cozy and warm atmosphere. Surrounded by loved ones, delicious food, and the promise of a new year ahead, it was the perfect way to kickstart our adventure.

January 1st: Heading to Sauze d’Oulx

The following day, we packed our gear and left for Sauze d’Oulx, a charming alpine town nestled in the Via Lattea (Milky Way) ski area. The scenic drive into the mountains was breathtaking, with snowy peaks and winding roads leading us to our destination.

Once we arrived, we checked into our accommodation and explored the town. Sauze d’Oulx has a lively yet relaxed atmosphere, and we immediately fell in love with its cobblestone streets, welcoming locals, and inviting cafes.

January 2nd–5th: Snowboarding Adventures

For the next four days, snowboarding was the highlight of our trip. We purchased daily ski passes for the adults (£50 each) that gave us access to the entire ski area, while for the kids, we opted for return tickets to Sportinia at £18 each for the first three days.

The kids took lessons every day, costing £55 an hour, and the instructors were phenomenal. Their patience and expertise made a huge difference, and by the third day, our 8-year-old was confident enough to take the skylift and explore higher trails in the mountains. It was a proud moment for all of us!

On the last day, we discovered a cheaper option called the Snowpass for £41, which allowed for three skylift rides. It was perfect for us as beginners, as we didn’t need unlimited access to the lifts. This little tip is one we’ll remember for future trips.

To make things easier during our trip, we used Revolut to pay in euros. The app’s excellent exchange rates and hassle-free transactions made managing our spending simple and cost-effective, whether paying for ski passes, lessons, or meals.

Unfortunately, there wasn’t as much snow as we’d hoped, but the experience was still magical. The kids’ excitement, the thrill of learning, and the spectacular views more than made up for it.

Sauze d’Oulx Highlights

Beyond the slopes, Sauze d’Oulx itself was a highlight of the trip. The town is a delightful mix of traditional alpine charm and modern amenities. We enjoyed exploring the local bars and indulging in thick, velvety hot chocolate every single day—it was some of the best we’ve ever tasted! The warm, rich chocolate was the perfect treat after hours spent on the snowy slopes.

The atmosphere in the town was warm and inviting, making it easy to relax and enjoy every moment. Whether strolling through the streets or chatting with locals, we felt a true connection to this beautiful place.

January 6th: A Lesson in Alpine Travel

On our way back to Turin, we faced an unexpected challenge: the diesel in our car froze due to the cold temperatures. This was a lesson we hadn’t anticipated, but it turns out that there’s a special type of diesel designed for extremely cold conditions.

While waiting for emergency support, we reflected on how much we’d learned during this trip—not just about snowboarding, but also about traveling in winter weather. It was a minor setback that turned into a story we’ll tell for years to come.

January 7th: Returning Home

Our weeklong adventure ended as we flew back from Turin to London Stansted. Tired but happy, we returned home with a treasure trove of memories and stories to share.

Reflections

This trip to the Italian Alps was a perfect mix of family time, new experiences, and valuable lessons. Snowboarding as beginners was both challenging and rewarding, and seeing the kids gain confidence on the slopes was a highlight of the journey.

Despite the lack of snow and the car trouble, we wouldn’t change a thing. Traveling always comes with surprises, and it’s these moments that make the experience even more memorable. Sauze d’Oulx left a lasting impression on us with its beauty, charm, and welcoming atmosphere.

For families looking to try snowboarding or simply enjoy a winter escape, the Italian Alps offer a fantastic mix of adventure and relaxation. And for anyone traveling in the cold, don’t forget to check your car’s fuel—lesson learned!

And one final tip: if you visit Sauze d’Oulx, make sure to try the hot chocolate—you won’t regret it.

Here’s to more family adventures and snowy mountain escapes in the future!