Auris-en-Oisans
Auris-en-Oisans is 215 km from Geneva Airport, a drive of about 2 hours 40 minutes via Chambéry, Grenoble and Bourg-d'Oisans, finishing on a winding mountain road. The route crosses the border into France just after the airport. It is a small, quiet station linked to the Alpe d'Huez Grand Domaine, and AirportsTransfers.ch can drive you to your accommodation door.
- Distance from GVA: 215 km
- Drive time: about 2 h 40
- Border crossing: Switzerland to France
- Ski area: Alpe d'Huez Grand Domaine
- Suits: families and skiers wanting a calm base with big-area access
Driving from Geneva Airport to Auris
The route takes the A41 past Annecy and Chambéry to Grenoble, then heads into the Romanche valley towards Bourg-d'Oisans. Near Bourg-d'Oisans, the mountain road climbs above the valley to the station of Auris-en-Oisans, perched on a sunny balcony with views over the Oisans peaks. Depending on conditions, the final climb can be reached either via Le Freney-d'Oisans or via La Garde on the Alpe d'Huez road.
The mountain roads to Auris are narrower and twistier than the main Alpe d'Huez road, so they require care in snow, and winter equipment is compulsory. As with the rest of the Oisans, the Romanche valley road is busy on winter Saturdays, so plan arrival and departure outside peak times if you can.
Skiing from Auris in the Grand Domaine
Auris is linked by lifts to the Alpe d'Huez Grand Domaine, one of the larger ski areas in the French Alps. From the station, you can ski over towards Alpe d'Huez and on to the rest of the domain, including the high slopes towards the Pic Blanc and the links to Oz-en-Oisans and Vaujany.
The station grew up on the mountainside above the old village in the second half of the twentieth century, and it has remained small. Auris's own slopes are largely tree-lined, which makes them pleasant in snowy weather and poor visibility, with a good number of blues and reds that suit families and intermediates. Being a small station, it is often quiet, with short lift queues, while the bigger, busier slopes are only a lift ride away. Off-piste is available elsewhere in the domain, but always with a qualified guide.
The station and its atmosphere
Auris-en-Oisans is a modest station of apartments and chalets, set above the old village of Auris. It is a calm place, with a small number of shops, bars and restaurants, attracting families and those who prefer a peaceful base to a lively one. Many accommodations are close to the slopes, allowing easy ski-in, ski-out access.
Views across the Romanche valley to the Écrins massif are a highlight. For non-skiers, there are snowshoe outings, winter walks and sledging, and the larger facilities of Alpe d'Huez are a short drive or lift ride away. Because the station is small, self-catering visitors often stock up in Bourg-d'Oisans on the way.
Bourg-d'Oisans itself, the small market town at the foot of the climb, is the commercial centre of the valley, with supermarkets, outdoor shops and a mineral museum reflecting the area's geology. It is a practical stop on both the outward and return journeys.
When to go and practical tips
The season typically runs from December to April. January and March are often quiet and pleasant; February brings French school holidays and fuller slopes. Auris's sunny position makes it pleasant in midwinter, but lower slopes can soften by the afternoon in spring.
- Consider a supermarket stop in Bourg-d'Oisans on the way up; mention it when booking.
- Declare skis and snowboards so the vehicle has enough room.
- Check the last lift times back to Auris when skiing elsewhere in the domain.
- Request child seats when booking if travelling with young children.
The return journey
On departure day, allow the full 2 hours 40 minutes plus a buffer, as the Romanche valley road can be slow on Saturdays and snowy weather slows the descent. Aim to arrive at Geneva Airport two hours before your flight. We will contact you if conditions suggest an earlier pick-up.
Because Auris is reached by narrow roads, it helps to give us the precise address of your accommodation and any access notes from your host, such as where vehicles can stop to load luggage. Your chauffeur will then plan the approach and arrive at the right place on time, even in snowy weather.
Booking a transfer to Auris-en-Oisans
AirportsTransfers.ch shows a fixed price per vehicle before you pay, with secure online payment by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Your chauffeur follows your flight and meets you in arrivals holding a sign with your name, waiting if you land late. Families with skis usually choose a Mercedes V-Class, which carries up to seven passengers and ten bags; a Sprinter minibus is available for larger groups. Child seats are available on request, and skis should be declared at booking. Call or WhatsApp +41 78 346 56 77, any time of day.
