![[EL_Header_Close]](https://cdn2.ernalow.co.uk//images/icons/_Other/Icons_XMark_50Navy.webp){kind=icon}
La Thuile Ski Resort
La Thuile is a quiet, old mining village snuggled in the Aosta Valley in Northern Italy. Bordered by both France and Switzerland, La Thuile, along with La Rosiere, forms part of the Espace San Bernardo, a recognised ski area that stretches across France and Italy. It is a picturesque village surrounded by stunning beauty further enhanced by the majestic vies of the Monte Rosa, Matterhorn and Mont Blanc mountain range. Recent developments to the resort have seen it steadily grow and emerge into a very attractive ski resort with quality bars, restaurants and accommodation choices across the village. Despite the recent developments, the resort still maintains its old Italian charm. On arrival at the resort, La Thuile exudes a warm and welcoming feeling across the village. Full of character and tradition, the resort is unpretentious and authentic.
Great skiing on both the Italian and French side, La Thuile is a perfect option for cross-border skiing.
Rebecca Dodson, Sales Manager
La Thuile mountain facts
La Thuile holds a pivotal position within the formidable Espace San Bernardo, a vast international domain spanning Italy and France. This immense network boasts 160km of meticulously prepared ski pistes, seamlessly connecting its various sectors. The entire area is efficiently served by 38 modern lift installations, ensuring swift and smooth transit throughout this extensive domain. The terrain spans a significant altitude range, from the village base at 1,441m up to a considerable 2,612m on Mont Valaisan, offering substantial vertical descents and diverse high-alpine exploration. La Thuile's slopes are predominantly north-facing, providing superb snow preservation throughout the season.
Snow conditions in La Thuile
The snow in La Thuile is exceptionally dependable, largely due to its substantial elevation and the favourable north-facing exposure of its primary slopes, which helps preserve snow quality throughout the season. The resort's geographical position within the vast Espace San Bernardo also ensures it benefits from consistent natural snowfall. Should the natural flakes require assistance, an extensive network of modern snow-production systems efficiently blankets the crucial runs. This combination of natural advantages and meticulous upkeep guarantees a superior snowpack is maintained from the season's beginning, often providing fantastic conditions right through to the end of April.
Skiing in La Thuile
The Espace San Bernardo ski terrain presents a mixed bag of exciting skiing opportunities across both resorts of La Thuile and La Rosiere. It has a bit of everything from open-bowl skiing to treelined runs and north and south-facing slopes. Both resorts share 150 kilometres of slopes which peak at up to 2,800 metres altitude and are serviced by a network of 38 lifts across 85 runs in total.
Beginners will find a good choice of ski schools and nursery slopes at La Thuile. There are two easy slopes at the resort level which can be accessed via travelator carpet. There are additional nursery slopes located further up at Les Suches (2,200 metres). After confidence is built on the nursery slopes, beginners will find easy blues to progress unto at Les Suches. There’s an easy wide-open blue just below Gran Testa at 2,379 metres which is the perfect test for beginners.
There are is an exhaustive list of reds and blues perfect for intermediates on La Rosiere, which is a popular destination for skiers in La Thuile however, there is a long 11-kilometre run which is perfect for intermediates that runs down the Petit San Bernard pass.
Advanced skiers will be pleased to find a few challenging blacks more suited to their ability at the Col de Forclaz as well as several off-piste opportunities nearby however, there are some proper challenges in La Thuile. The “Runway 3” or “Piste 3 Franco Berthod” is a very steep black run that is considered to be one of the most difficult slopes in the Italian Alps due to its 76% maximum slope which is usually further made difficult by the hard and often snow on this run. This run has snow sporting history as it has previously been part of the World Cup Downhill run. There are other tree-lined black runs that lead straight back to the village such as the Diretta and Muret. Even though La Thuile is generally seen as a haven for beginners and intermediates, advanced and expert skiers can still get a decent adrenaline rush on some of the black runs mentioned. Additional off-piste opportunities can be found on the Rutor glacier and further down at the wooded terrain bordering piste 4, eastward of the Chalet Express. As always, we would strongly recommend hiring a local guide when exploring off-piste terrain.
Snowboarding in La Thuile
![[EL_AltText_Landing1]](https://cdn2.ernalow.co.uk/images/landing/vkw96SKR.jpeg)
There are up to 2 snowparks in the Espace San Bernado ski area, one of which is at La Thuile and the other at La Rosiere. It comes fully equipped with the usual obstacles such as kickers, boxes and rails.
Freeriders can find a few black runs at La Thuile including the Diretta and the Muret. The terrain is well known to pose a challenge to any There are also a significant amount of off-piste opportunities in La Thuile and La Rosiere.
Important notice for learners and early beginners. If you have moved on from the nursery slopes at the resort and are further up at Les Suches, it may be too much of a challenge to ride back to the resort due to the steepness of the slope, so you may be better of taking the cablecar back down.
What accommodation is available when I ski in La Thuile?
Accommodation options in La Thuile range from cosy, family-run establishments to more modern residences, suiting various preferences and group sizes within this tranquil Alpine setting. We’ve handpicked our favourites to make choosing a bit easier for you.
Ski holidays in La Thuile
Après-ski in La Thuile
The après-ski scene in La Thuile is distinctly relaxed and wonderfully low-key, delivering a calm and social atmosphere that focuses on quality time and local flavour, offering a welcome contrast to more boisterous resorts.
- La Buvette offers a perfect spot for an initial post-ski drink, known for its cosy atmosphere and great location at the bottom of the gondola.
- The Bar Berthod is another popular spot. Great for an aperitivo, it’s one of several cosy bars scattered around the resort.
- Bar du Lac is a local favourite, known for its friendly, unhurried atmosphere and excellent selection of drinks.
- For a taste of live music in a spirited yet comfortable setting, The Village Pub is a popular venue.
Facilities in La Thuile
La Thuile offers a superb range of amenities, all crafted to enhance your ski trip. Top-tier ski and snowboard rental shops are conveniently spread across the village, offering the latest gear and expert boot fittings. The resort's reputable ski schools provide proficient instruction, with lessons available for all skill levels from experienced, multilingual guides. Securing your Espace San Bernardo ski pass is simple: it grants you seamless access to the entire cross-border domain.
Beyond the slopes, a wide selection of local treasures awaits. The village has delightful traditional shops selling local goods, Aosta Valley produce, and high-quality sportswear. Dining options are vast, from authentic regional specialities like polenta and hearty fondues to exquisite fine dining. There are also charming cafes for a midday pastry and coffee. The resort also has a few spots with heated swimming pools, offering a fantastic escape for unwinding and enjoying some non-skiing exercise.
Facilities for children in La Thuile
La Thuile is dedicated to families and offers a superb range of facilities designed to entertain and support young skiers. The resort's ski schools are well-known for their expertise, with caring instructors who specialise in introducing kids to snow sports through engaging games and age-appropriate lessons. Secure learning areas on the gentler slopes near the village feature moving carpets and fun obstacles, creating an ideal setting for beginners to learn without pressure.
Beyond the pistes, there are plenty of exciting options for children. Children can enjoy the local ice skating rink, thrilling sledging runs, or explore various play areas throughout the village. The resort’s sports centre and indoor pool are a perfect choice for some splashy fun, and many hotels or residences also have dedicated games rooms for a bit of indoor entertainment. The ubiquitous Italian family culture ensures children are greeted with genuine warmth in restaurants and public places, making every meal out a relaxing and enjoyable occasion. This wonderful mix of child-focused amenities guarantees a rewarding and secure holiday for all ages, perfectly blending thrilling mountain adventures with genuine family time.
Why choose a ski holiday to La Thuile with Erna Low?
Incredible value holidays: We’ll beat any competitor’s price, giving you the best value for money.
Huge choice of accommodation: Choose from bargain breaks, 5-star premium deals and so much more.
Customisable travel: We specialise in fully customisable ski holidays; offering a wide range of options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Fully protected bookings: We’re ABTOT and ATOL members and abide by their Code of Conduct.
5-star Trustpilot reviews: We pride ourselves on the service we provide, which is why out of 10 of our clients would recommend us.
I loved that some of the restaurants in La Thuile can pick you up from the bottom of the piste so you can have a fantastic Italian lunch.
Jane Bolton, Product Director
