On the mountain

The best thing about La Thuile’s ski area is its tendency to remain blissfully uncrowded. All runs are above the resort, with plenty of pistes coming back through the trees to the village. Many slopes are north- and east-facing, which means snow stays in good condition, although if it’s sun you’re after, the ski link to La Rosière in France takes you to the other side of the mountain where certain slopes are bathed in sunshine more often. Indeed, the link to La Rosière adds great diversity to the overall ski area here, ensuring that all levels of skier and boarder are catered for. Across both areas there are some superb off-piste hotspots to dive into, too.

Apart from the local and cross-border ski passes, you can opt for the Aosta Valley pass which covers 800km of terrain served by nearly 200 lifts in over a dozen ski areas, including Cervinia (linked to Zermatt), Pila, and Courmayeur, which is a 30-minute bus ride away and itself linked to Chamonix (a lift pass there would be an extra cost).

Many of the Aosta Valley’s resorts are best for intermediates, and La Thuile is no exception. But with some serious vertical through the trees for real experts, good nursery slopes and great blues for beginners, and the whole of La Rosière’s slopes to tackle too, the ski area overall has much offer to all levels of skier and snowboarder.

Beginners  |  Intermediates  |  Advanced/experts  |  Snowboarders and cross-country skiers

With high-altitude slopes, a good snow record, north-facing terrain and a general lack of crowds, the opportunities to ski off piste are quite superb in both Thuile and La Rosière. Those looking for a real adventure can book a heliskiing expedition with exceptional value for money compared to elsewhere in the world. More on off-piste and heliskiing >>

There are 60 instructors at the La Thuile ski school offering lessons in all disciplines: telemark, carving, snowboard, Nordic, and naturally classical downhill or Alpine. Both group and private lessons are available.

Rutor Alpine Guides arrange heliski trips for intermediate and advanced skiers aswell as off-piste and freeride ski clinics.

Dog sledding and snow shoe excursions are available and there are some scenic cross country trails and cleared walking tracks. There is also a natural ice skating rink.

There are several tasty places to choose from in La Thuile, and of course more on the La Rosière side, too. From four courses at Maison de Neige, to speedy service at Riondet, you’ll normally find something to please. Table service is available at Maison Carrel on run 6, and at The Clotze at the bottom of the Chalets chairlift. For self-service, there’s Mélèze which serves up generous portions at a good price. The Off Shore has African décor, while Restaurant Berthod is a Himalaya-themed sanctuary complete with Nepalese rugs and slippers for every diner.

Generally, La Thuile is favoured by families, with good nursery slopes and easy blues to progress to. Kids under six go free on the nursery slope in the village near the ticket office. Children aged 4–12 years can join the Mini- club per Bambini based at Planibel, which has a snow garden for the younger ones to enjoy. The Club is free and operates for 3 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the afternoon.