LA ROSIERE, FRANCE

La Rosiere is a traditional French alpine village, offering fantastic snow conditions and a variety of runs for all levels of skier. Perfect for families, the sunny resort of La Rosiere is close to the Italian border and links with La Thuile. Children will quickly gain confidence on the quiet pistes while adventurous adults can take off for a day’s heli-skiing in Italy. 

The ski area currently boasts 160 km of pistes but will expand in winter 2018/19 as 2 new chairlifts serving 5 new pistes are created in the Mont Valaisan sector. The construction of new chairlift will create a new high point in the resort at 2800 m, guaranteeing  snow coverage from December to late April. Read more about the La Rosiere ski area expansion here.

Although the resort was purpose-built in the 1950s, it is charming with its authentically Savoyarde architecture – most buildings have been constructed with locally-sourced wood, slate and stone. The resort is on a smaller scale compared to the neighbouring Val d’Isere, Tignes and Les Arcs all located along the Tarantaise valley. Accommodation wise will generally be chalets, all located within close proximity to the slopes. The main village is fairly small but with everything you need and some accommodation and pistes are located in the small satellite village of Les Eucherts. The number of tourist beds in La Rosiere is much smaller compared to its neighbours Tignes and Val d'Isere so the slopes are very rarely busy. 

With 160km of well-marked pistes across the Espace San Bernado area, families should find there are plenty of runs to fill the holiday. Pistes higher up on the mountain enjoy sunny views whilst at resort level there are some runs through wooded areas. The nursery slopes are on the edge of the resort, from here beginners will graduate on to the wide, gentle blues above. Intermediates have the run of the area with most pistes classified as blues or reds; the lure of freshly made pizza is enough to draw many skiers over the Italian border for lunch.

Whilst there are not many black runs, experts will have an enjoyable holiday exploring the off-piste areas; those wanting to stay on pistes should head towards La Thuile for the more difficult runs and generally with the better powder. Freestylers of all levels can enjoy the La Poletta snowpark with obstacles graded green, blue and red, or something a little different try snow-kiting – similar to kitesurfing, you use a kite and the wind to pull you in any direction – even uphill.

The slopes in La Rosiere are generally fairly wide, interspersed with some testing reds and blacks, and are well suited to beginners through to competent intermediates on ski holidays in La Rosiere. Advanced skiers will find more challenging runs across in La Thuile. The children's facilities and ski schools are particularly good making, this a great resort for family ski holiday in La Rosiere.

Together both La Rosiere and La Thuile make up the Espace San Bernardo ski area. There are 306 snow making facilities over the joint 160km of pisted terrain for guaranteed snowfall over the couse of the season.

Evenings in La Rosiere are relaxed and quiet with a handful of bars and a number of restaurants, we recommend checking out Le Petit Danois and Le McKinley bars. The local tourist office puts on a varied programme of events throughout the week aimed at families, including a weekly torchlit descent with ski show and fireworks.

Other activities to do in La Rosiere:

• Tobogganing and sledging
• Snow-shoeing and walks
• Cross country skiing
• Paragliding and snowkiting
• Dogsledging
• Ice diving
• Ice driving
• Helicopter flights
• Ice skating
• Bowling
• Spa and fitness centre

Chambery Airport to La Rosiere is approx. 2 hours transfer
Geneva Airport to La Rosiere is approx. 2 hours 30 mins transfer
Grenoble Airport to La Rosiere is approx. 2 hours 30 mins transfer
Lyon Airport to La Rosiere is approx. 2 hours 30 mins transfer