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Espace San Bernardo Ski Holidays
There aren’t many ski areas where you can order your morning croissant in France and your afternoon espresso in Italy without ever taking your skis off.
Espace San Bernardo is one of those rare beasts. Straddling the Little St Bernard Pass, it links La Rosière in Savoie with La Thuile in the Aosta Valley, creating a seamless cross-border playground with a single lift pass.
It’s not a gimmick, either. This isn’t a token connection via one lonely drag lift. The link is properly integrated, meaning you can carve your way between the two countries as casually as you’d move between valleys in any large domain. That international aspect gives the area an energy that feels slightly different from your typical Alpine resort. There’s a sense of movement, of possibility. You’re not just skiing a mountain; you’re skiing a frontier.
Culturally, the blend is part of the charm. On the French side, you’ll find that familiar Savoyard warmth: wood-and-stone chalets, hearty mountain cuisine, and long lunches on sun-drenched terraces. Cross the ridge and Italy takes over with its effortlessly stylish hospitality, stronger coffee and an unshakeable belief that lunch should involve at least one perfect plate of pasta. It’s entirely feasible – and highly recommended - to ski to Italy for lunch and return to France for your final run of the day.
Cross the border to enjoy the wide open sunny slopes on the French side and then return to La Thuile for traditional Italian hospitality!
Rebecca Dodson, Sales Manager
Mountain Facts
Let’s have a look at the numbers, because they’re actually rather impressive once you dig in. Espace San Bernardo serves up roughly 150km of groomed pistes, which is that perfect ‘Goldilocks’ size - vast enough to keep things fresh for a full week’s holiday, but compact enough that you won't spend your entire trip simply trying to find your way back. The terrain kicks off at 1,190m down in La Thuile and climbs all the way to a lofty 2,800m at the top of Mont Valaisan; that kind of height gives the area some serious high-mountain clout and keeps the snow looking proper.
As for the runs, it’s a cracking mix: you’ve got 33 easy greens and blues, 35 reds for those who love a good cruise, and 14 blacks for when you’re feeling brave. It definitely hits the sweet spot for intermediates, but there’s plenty to keep everyone happy. Getting around is a breeze, too, thanks to 38 lifts - including some nifty high-speed chairs and a gondola - meaning the hop between France and Italy is nice and slick. You can cover some serious ground here without spending your morning staring at the back of someone’s helmet in a queue.
Snow conditions in Espace San Bernardo
The weather here is a bit of a winner, really, thanks to a rather handy microclimate created by its proximity to Mont Blanc. As weather systems roll across the western Alps, they tend to dump a generous amount of snow right here, giving the resort a well-earned reputation for being remarkably reliable. What’s truly clever, though, is how the two sides play off each other. Over on the French side, La Rosière is predominantly south-facing, soaking up every bit of sunshine going.
On a clear day, it feels positively Mediterranean - all bright skies and sun-drenched terraces - giving you that slightly smug satisfaction of skiing in a T-shirt come March. Meanwhile, La Thuile across the border is largely north-facing, which is the area's secret weapon; the colder temperatures keep the snow crisp, the powder stashes linger, and the pistes hold their shape beautifully well into the afternoon. With a season stretching from mid-December to late April and plenty of snow-making kit to back it up, it’s a cracking, high-altitude choice if you’re after a bit of snow security for your trip.
Skiing in Espace San Bernardo
If you’re an intermediate skier, you may want to get comfortable. This place was practically designed for you; the red and blue runs are wide, confidence-building and beautifully maintained. Long, sweeping descents let you settle into a rhythm and work on technique without feeling rushed or boxed in. It’s the kind of terrain where progression happens naturally. One day you’re cautiously linking turns; the next you’re carving arcs and wondering why you ever doubted yourself.
The San Bernardo run (No. 7) is a particular highlight. At around 11km (approximately seven miles), it’s a proper leg-burner with a satisfying vertical drop. It’s the sort of descent you’ll talk about over dinner, complete with exaggerated hand gestures.
For advanced skiers, La Thuile ups the ante. The Franco Berthod (Slope No. 3) is one of Italy’s steepest and most famous black runs. It’s unapologetically direct and has hosted World Cup races. This isn’t a gentle black with flattering signage; it demands respect. When it’s freshly groomed and grippy, it’s a joy. When it’s icy, it’s character-building.
And then there are the views. On clear days, the panoramas stretch towards Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa. You’ll find yourself pausing mid-run, ostensibly to adjust your goggles, but really to stare at the skyline and remind yourself that this is not a screensaver.
Ready to book your dream ski holiday? Call 0203 011 1222 to chat.
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Snowboarding in Espace San Bernardo
Boarders are far from an afterthought here. The terrain’s natural flow, particularly on the French side, makes for satisfying cruising with minimal flat spots.
The Poletta Snowpark in La Rosière is the freestyle hub, offering features for Green through to Red levels. It’s well-shaped, thoughtfully laid out and accessible without requiring Olympic-level bravery. Whether you’re learning your first small jump or refining spins, it caters without intimidation.
There are also dedicated boardercross courses, complete with banked turns and rollers. They’re addictive in the best possible way. You’ll tell yourself ‘just one more run’, and suddenly it’s 3.30pm, and your thighs are filing a formal complaint.
For those drawn to powder and adventure, the Mont Valaisan sector is where things get interesting. This area has opened up significant freeride potential, with deep bowls and varied off-piste terrain. Of course, proper avalanche awareness and equipment are essential, but in good conditions, it offers some of the most rewarding descents in the domain.
Accommodation in Espace San Bernardo
Accommodation on the French side leans into that classic Alpine aesthetic. In La Rosière, wood-and-stone chalets dominate the landscape, giving the resort a cohesive, traditional feel. Over in La Thuile, the vibe shifts slightly - there’s a mix of modern hotels and rustic Italian lodges. Whatever you’re looking for, our team is on hand to help you choose the perfect spot.
Things to do in Espace San Bernardo
Après-ski in Espace San Bernardo
Après-ski here isn’t of the table-dancing-until-dawn variety. It’s more terrace, sunset and a well-earned drink.
- Bar du Lac is a classic spot for something relaxed with a view. It’s ideal for that first exhale after a full day on the mountain.
- La Cage aux Folles in La Rosière brings a livelier atmosphere, with music and a bit more buzz. If you’ve still got energy left in your legs, this is where you’ll use it.
- Le Plan du Repos is a mountain-side favourite. A sun-soaked terrace, panoramic views and a drink in hand before that final run down – it’s difficult to improve on that formula.
- PARADiS – La Rosière adds a stylish twist, offering panoramic views and a festive atmosphere that bridges the gap between relaxed and celebratory.
- Over in La Thuile, Angela’s Cafè delivers that cosy Italian aperitivo experience. Coffee is taken seriously, and so are pre-dinner drinks. It’s more intimate, more local, and very easy to settle into for longer than intended.
Facilities in Espace San Bernardo
Both resort centres are well equipped with ski hire outlets and specialist shops, so whether you’ve forgotten your gloves or decided you urgently need new goggles, you’re covered.
Ski schools operate on both sides of the border, with multi-lingual instruction available. In France, ESF provides structured lessons for all levels, while Italian ski schools in La Thuile offer similarly comprehensive tuition. Free shuttle buses also connect the resort's different sectors, making it easy to move between accommodation and lifts without hassle.
There’s also the Espace San Bernardo app, which provides live lift status, weather updates and digital piste maps. It’s particularly useful in a cross-border area where wind can occasionally affect the link. A quick check can save you an unplanned international incident involving tired legs and closed lifts.
Facilities for children in Espace San Bernardo
La Rosière holds the Famille Plus label, an official certification recognising it as exceptionally family-friendly. This isn’t just a marketing flourish; the infrastructure backs it up.
The Club des Galopins offers dedicated childcare and early ski lessons, giving younger children a safe, structured introduction to the mountains. There are fun zones such as the Petit Saint-Bernard Adventure Trail, a forest-based run with playful features, as well as dedicated Funcross areas to keep older children entertained.
Beginner areas on both sides include segregated ‘Baby Parks’ with magic carpets, allowing first-timers to build confidence away from faster traffic. For families, it strikes a reassuring balance between fun and safety.
Why choose a ski holiday to Espace San Bernardo 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.
If you cannot find what you are looking for please contact us and we can help you build your package
Sking over to France for lunch or a crèpe is a highlight of staying on the Italian side of Espace San Bernardo.
Jane Bolton, Product Director
