Skiing either side of the French and Italian borders, in the silent presence of Mont Blanc and Rutor glacier, is both an emotional and breathtaking experience which you will never forget. La Thuile is a reference point for lovers of open-space skiing and is part Espace San Bernardo International Ski Area.

The ski resort of La Thuile, known by the Italians as “Little Siberia”, boasts the best snow conditions in the Alps. Skiing between Italy and France, with Mont Blanc in the background, is a wonderful experience, and the beauty of these places will fill your eyes and make them unforgettable. La Thuile is also a reference point for lovers of skiing in the great outdoors, as it is part of the Espacia international ski area in San Bernardo.

La Thuile ski resort

La Thuile ski resort is a large and prestigious ski resort in the Italian Alps. Its location is unique: it straddles two countries (Italy and France) on both sides of the Alps, so it receives snow from both directions. There are over 160 km of slopes, with a good mix of runs and the possibility of skiing in France as far as La Rosiere, all with a single ski pass.

The area is surrounded by alpine forests and glaciers. The town enjoys an enviable geostrategic position. It was once one of the busiest open mountain passes between Italy and France. In recent centuries La Thuile has lived off its mines and its streets still exude the flavor of a time and a population tied to the land and to metal.

The ski slopes of La Thuile

From a sports point of view, La Thuile offers 38 ski lifts of all kinds and 80 slopes covering 160 kilometers. There is one cable car, 18 chair lifts, 16 ski lifts and three ski tows. In addition, to guarantee demand, it uses snow cannons for a total of 35 kilometers of permanent slopes. The La Thuile ski resort is located at the summit of San Bernardo, at an altitude of 1,441 meters. It also has a maximum altitude of 2,652 meters, which allows it to have a ski slope of 1,200 meters.

Activities in the ski resort

In the La Thuile ski resort you can also climb the mountain, reach the summit and enjoy the splendid natural scenery and the view of the peaks. In the magical silence and among the white snows, alpine skiing and cross-country skiing in La Thuile are unparalleled and offer a wide range of excursions that guarantee pure, exciting and unforgettable experiences.

Immersing yourself in the woods, floating in the fresh snow, discovering enchanting villages and unexplored terrain: an emotion at every turn. From La Thuile and the small hamlets of Pétosan, Les Granges, La Joux, Buic and Villaret, there are several snowshoe itineraries of varying difficulty and length.

Sustainable development of the La Thuile ski resort

In La Thuile people love the mountains, they live in an environment of wild and unspoiled beauty, in a natural environment that only asks to be respected. Furthermore, La Thuile is a special place that they want to preserve for their own well-being and that of future generations, to contribute, as much as possible, to saving the planet and to guarantee better living conditions for everyone.

“We are so aware of this important responsibility that we have adopted an eco-sustainable approach in our company”, says the La Thuile resort.

“TO CONFIRM OUR COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY, WE HAVE RECENTLY OBTAINED CVA CERTIFICATION THAT 100% OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLIED IN 2017 COMES FROM A RENEWABLE SOURCE”.

A process that involves the rationalization of energy and water resources thanks to the use of a large water collection basin to guarantee programmed snowmaking and the use of two hydraulic turbines for the production of electricity, in addition to the photovoltaic system located in Les Suches.

Unforgettable experiences in La Thuile

Fly over the highest peaks in Europe and let your heart fill with joy! Enjoy the splendid and unique natural scenery of the Alps by helicopter and then descend along the slopes on an exciting and breathtaking journey, just you, the mountains and the freedom to run on the snow.

An experience to be had at least once in your life, La Thuile Heliski flies over Pointe Lechaud, Mont Miravidi, Mont Ouille, Mont Freudaz, Becca Bianca and Picco del Rutor, offering a wide range of ski slopes on both the French and Italian sides.

La Thuile in summer

The resort of La Thuile doesn’t stop in summer. It offers a multitude of activities including golf, tennis, fishing, horse riding, mountain biking and hiking: just because you’re in the mountains doesn’t mean you can’t have a swim! At an altitude of 2088 meters, during the summer, why not take a dip in the heated outdoor pool? You’ll be able to enjoy a truly magnificent view of the Rutor glacier.

You can also go rafting, which is not only wonderful, but promises to make your day fun and memorable. Ride the waves on special rubber rafts while admiring the lush vegetation and magnificent gorges at the foot of Mont Blanc. On the other hand, you can face the vertical, the impossible, a challenge and a line to follow, climb the mountain without fear!

Hotels in La Thuile

Montana Lodge & Spa *****

Located a 3-minute drive from La Thuile ski resort, Montana Lodge & Spa offers Alpine-style rooms and free access to the large spa with sauna and indoor pool. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. All rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, minibar and private bathroom. Breakfast is served daily. The restaurant serves regional specialties. Montana Lodge & Spa is 8 km from the thermal baths of Pre’ Saint Didier and a 20-minute drive from Courmayeur.

Hotel Re Delle ****

Hotel Re Delle is located at 2 km above sea level, on the slopes of the La Thuile ski resort, 8 km from the center of the village of La Thuile. In winter it is possible to ski directly from the hotel with great ease. The hotel is located on slope 7, near the Fourclaz ski lift. It has a veranda and the rooms are fully equipped. Free Wi-Fi is available. In summer, free on-site parking is available, while in winter snowmobiles are available to reach the hotel.

Chalet Eden ****

Surrounded by a lush forest, Chalet Eden is 200 meters from the Espace Piccolo San Bernardo cable car. La Thuile ski resort is 700 meters away. On-site parking is free, and rooms come with free Wi-Fi. Rooms are fully equipped. The organic restaurant Le Coq Au Vin is open every day and serves classic Italian cuisine and specialties from the Aosta Valley. The hotel offers ski lessons, massages and beauty treatments on request. The hotel provides a free shuttle service to and from the ski lifts.

Skiing in La Thuile: the highlights of this Italian resort

Located at an altitude of 1,441 meters, at the western end of the Aosta Valley, La Thuile offers a unique experience: skiing between Italy and France with a single ski pass. Together with La Rosière on the French side, it forms the Espace San Bernardo ski area, with 152 km of connected slopes and exceptional views of the Mont Blanc and Rutor massifs. Its combination of authentic Alpine charm, guaranteed snow, and Italian-French cuisine makes it a resort that is highly appreciated by both families and expert skiers.

Espace San Bernardo: two countries, one mountain

The domain extends between 1,200 and 2,800 meters in altitude, with 82 slopes (35 blue, 32 red, and 15 black) served by 38 lifts. Thanks to its northern orientation and the influence of Mont Blanc, La Thuile enjoys some of the coldest and most stable snow in the Aosta Valley, with a long season from November to April.

The Italian resort offers wide, long slopes, ideal for carving and long descents, while the French side of La Rosière stands out for its sunnier orientation and family atmosphere.

A resort with alpine character

Unlike other tourist destinations, La Thuile has retained its authentic village character. The quiet and well-kept center retains its stone houses, smoking chimneys, and serene atmosphere. Access to the ski area is directly from the village, allowing you to ski without the need for a car or long transfers. In addition, the layout of the ski area prevents overcrowding even in high season, thanks to its large size and balanced distribution of ski lifts.

Iconic slopes and unique experiences

Among the best-known slopes is the 3 Franco Berthod, a World Cup black run that descends to the village with technical sections and a maximum gradient of 73%. The blue and red slopes in the Chaz Dura and Belvedere areas offer 360° panoramic views of Mont Blanc, the Rutor and the French Tarentaise. La Thuile is also an exceptional starting point for freeriding and cross-country skiing, with itineraries to the Rutor Glacier and controlled off-piste descents.

Complementary activities

La Thuile is not just about skiing. It has snowshoe trails, sledding areas, winter hiking trails, and a wellness center with a spa and swimming pool.

Cross-country skiing is practiced at the Arly center, with 8 km of groomed trails winding through forests and streams. The resort also organizes events such as the Heliski Experience and ski nights under the stars, which are very popular with visitors.

Gastronomy and hospitality

La Thuile’s cuisine combines the best of the Italian and French Alps: Valdostan polenta, Savoyard fondue, Fontina DOP cheeses, Aosta Valley wines, and homemade desserts such as crostata di mirtilli. Refuges such as Lo Riondet and Maison Carrel are benchmarks for Alpine cuisine, with local products and a genuine mountain atmosphere. Après-ski is relaxed and elegant: sunny terraces, cafés with fireplaces, and live music on weekends.

Tips from the I Love Ski Community for skiing in La Thuile

1. Take advantage of the Espace San Bernardo

Cross into France via the Col du Petit Saint-Bernard and enjoy the difference in atmosphere between La Thuile and La Rosière.

2. Get up early to descend the Franco Berthod slope

The morning light highlights the curves of the valley and the snow is at its best.

3. Lunch at altitude

Stop at the Lo Riondet refuge to enjoy the best polenta in the valley and wines from Aosta.

4. Cloudy days are better on the Italian side

The wooded slopes of La Thuile maintain good visibility even in bad weather.

5. Guided freeriding

Book a guided trip to the Rutor glacier for one of the most spectacular experiences in the valley.