Posted on 14 October 2024
To know what La Rosière is known for, expect a discreet but famed delight. Sun-worshipping skiers with a fondness for Italian and French culture should consider the French ski resort, the gem of Haute-Tarentaise. La Rosière, which was developed on an old hamlet, has been linked to the nearby Italian La Thuile resort for over thirty years. This picturesque ski resort is in South-eastern France, in the commune of Montvalezan in the Savoie department, and sits at 1,850m (6,070ft) above sea level. Although it used to be off the grid of mainstream skiing tourism, more people are flocking.
What is La Rosière known for?
As part of the San Bernardo area, La Rosière village offers cross-border skiing with the Italian resort La Thuile, meaning homeowners can pop over for much and be back in time for apres skiing in just a day. The most Italian of French ski resorts also boasts an exceptional snow record, and sitting near Bourg-Saint-Maurice, it offers the Eurostar terminal and good road connections to Chamberry and Geneva Airport.
Sitting near the Italian border, La Rosière has been low-key for winter sports but this is changing. Guaranteed sunshine, community events, mountain views, and uncrowded open slopes and pistes also offer a different vibe to the nearby larger resorts, like Les Arcs, Tignes, or Val d’Isère. Its popularity continues to grow, with ongoing infrastructure investment, new lifts, and off-slope facilities.
Espace San Bernardo Ski Area
Since 1984, the San Bernardo Area has linked La Rosiere to La Thuile in Italy. As one of the Northern Alps’ best snowfall destinations, the ski season runs from December to April. Expect 96 miles of slopes, including 25 blue slopes and 38 ski lifts. In La Rosiere, seven high-altitude restaurants play the ultimate host for food and beverages, while in La Thuile, a staggering 16 refreshments and snacks are established. At the top of the slopes, there is also a picnic area.
The whole ski area of Espace San Bernardo, including La Thuile, is suitable for all skiers, whether beginner, intermediate or advanced. The slopes on the French side are gentle and long, whereas they are more challenging on the mountain’s north face in the Aosta Valley in Italy. Skiing in both France and Italy gives the ultimate unique skiing experience. Favourable weather offers sunny days and snow, and the resort is renowned among top ski resorts in the Northern Alps for snowfall.
Getting Out and About
The Moulins and Mont Valaisan chairlifts head to five red and black ski slopes here. As the highest point of the La Rosiere ski area, this is not for the faint-hearted. But those who do make it up are treated to amazing views of Cervin and Mont Blanc. If you like free-ride skiing, there is a black, ungroomed slope.
Otherwise, you might try the Freeride Mont Valaisan for off-piste skiing. Combine the sport with kiting, and you have a new, thrilling experience that uses the wind for movement. If you fancy trying snow kiting, use the Bellecombe I and II drag lifts to the Petit Saint Bernard pass at 2200 metres altitude.
The Petit-Saint-Bernard green course, with nursery slopes, is a perfect introduction for youngsters. In contrast, Petit Saint-Bernard Funcross, at the top of the red Marmottes slope, has other interactive features for kids that make skiing fun. To top it all off, end your day with refreshments and focused cheese in the Igloo village at 1900 metres.
Other winter activities include snowboarding, sledge, sooner, snowshoes and walkers, cross-country skiing, paragliding, snow kitting, dog sledging, ice diving, ice driving and even helicopter flights.
The Charming Chalet Style Village
One charming aspect of La Rosiere is the stone and wood traditional chalets in the centre of the resort, although there are new modern builds around one mile away in the new neighbourhood of Les Eucherts. Mountain traditions reign supreme in this alpine location, and the traditional village has beautiful south-facing views of Les Arcs and its close neighbour, Val d’Isère, a much larger resort. Club Med has a specific presence here.
Apres Ski and Facilities during Holiday Weeks
It is time to think about après ski and what the resort offers regarding socialising. Shopping is varied, with lots of groceries, food markets, and souvenir shops, which are ideal for when you prefer to dine at home. Additionally, plenty of shops will kit you out for equipment hire. Cafes and Italian coffee shops offer open sandwiches and various bars provide live music with an upbeat vibe and party atmosphere or have cosy and relaxed evenings.
The resort facilities are ideal for families, but couples and groups of friends also enjoy them. The resort is ideal during the summer and winter, and there is plenty to do, even for the non-skiers at your party. It will enchant you, and you will return time and time, making it a firm family favourite holiday destination.
Off the Slopes and During Summer
Thanks to favourable weather conditions, fantastic summer sports are abundant on offer.La Rosiere isn’t just about winter weather so enjoy a round or two of golf on the green slopes once the snow melts. Sitting at 2000 metres, the par 28., nine hole course, covers 10 hectares. Built in 1989 by Serge Héry and Philippe Fresnois and certified by the French golfing duration, enjoy a round-in among views of the Beaufort mountain chain. Designed for beginners and experienced golfers, it is home to the PARADiS Restaurant and its adjoining Clubhouse.
Getting There
Chambery-Voglans Airport is the closest airport, within a 1 hour and 45 minutes drive. Geneva may be the better option for foreign holidaymakers to fly into, but you can also catch the train from London.
Nearby Favourite resorts Nearby
Les Arcs – 50 minutes away
The French family resort of Les Arcs belongs to the Paradiski system, a large group of connected resorts, including the La Plagne area and 425 km of pistes. Five areas compromise 106 runs, 54 lifts and 200 kilometres of descent. The highest peak, the Aiguille Rouge, means the “Red Needle”, has a 7 km long piste. It’s easy to appreciate that Les Arcs’ reputation is for being an original French “mega-resort.”
As a friendly resort, Les Arcs is an excellent resort for families and has been recognised by Ski France with its Family Plus Mountain label. There are four villages in Les Arcs. The largest Arc—1800—is best for families, thanks to entertainment choices and varied restaurants. Traditional Arc 1600 provides serene atmospheres. Arc 2000, the furthest of the group, gives excellent access to the Paradiski area, while pedestrianised Arc 1950 has a kids’ club.
Les Arcs benefits sit near Vanoise National Park, with stunning natural beauty and wildlife during summer. During winter, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating, dog sledging, sledging, skijoring, and sightseeing in beautiful ice caves are the highlighted activities.
Val d’Isère – 50 minutes away.
Val d’Isère, part of the Espace Killy ski area, which it shares with nearby Tignes, offers high-altitude slopes, charming alpine architecture, and world-class facilities. The magical village, renowned for extensive terrain, features 300 km of pistes, and the resort’s long season, from late November to early May, is thanks to the high altitude and advanced snowmaking facilities.
Val d’Isère has hosted major international events, including the 1992 Winter Olympics. But despite its modernisation, Val d’Isère has retained much traditional alpine charm, featuring chalet-style buildings and a welcoming village atmosphere.
The distinct skiing atmosphere suits all levels, with access to the Espace Killy’s 300 km of slopes. A generation of skiers has enjoyed the gentle, wide slopes, while advanced skiers have tackled the challenging black runs, such as the Face de Bellevarde, used in the Olympic downhill events.
Thanks to the excellent snow cover, the resort offers fantastic off-piste terrain and world-class snowparks. This high altitude ensures exceptional snow conditions and year-round skiing on the nearby Grande Motte Glacier in Tignes. With slopes reaching up to 3,456 metres and extensive snowmaking capabilities, the resort guarantees excellent snow conditions from late November to early May.
The town sits near Bourg-Saint-Maurice, a charming alpine village and central transport hub with train and bus connections to Val d’Isère and other nearby resorts. Indeed, Val d’Isère is a world-class destination in the French Alps, offering high-altitude slopes, vibrant après-ski, and stunning alpine scenery.
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