| resort altitude: | 1450m |
|---|---|
| ski area: | Espace San Bernardo |
| height at summit: | 2642m |
| marked runs: | 146km |
| snow park: | in La Rosiere |
| snow rating: |  |
| nearest airports: |
geneva 2 hours milan 3 hours turin 2 hours |
|---|---|
| rail: | pre san didier |
| beginners: | |
|---|---|
| intermediates: |  |
| experts: | |
| snowboarding: |  |
La Thuile, in Italy's Aosta Valley, ranks amongst the most popular Italian ski resorts. It has a reputation of being both friendly and affordable and can offer excellent facilities for children. It is also one of the few resorts in the world where skiers can cross an international border.
La Thuile has excellent skiing for all ability levels with north facing slopes, which along with its proximity to Mont Blanc, normally ensure good snow conditions. There's a range of passes to suit all needs and a variety of terrain which can cater for everyone from beginner to expert.
Like many great ski resorts nowadays, there is an on mountain TV system, with views of the different areas at the top of the mountain broadcast back to the base gondola station, along with constantly updated temperature and wind condition information - so it's possible to get a pretty good idea of conditions before you hit the top of the mountain.
For beginners there are two gentle nursery slopes right next to the Planibel complex at the base of the resort, these have their own drag lifts and are separate to the main ski area. Intermediates will enjoy the terrain the most, accessing the slopes via the ultra modern DMC eight seater gondola with an hourly capacity of 3000 people and then returning at the end of the day on the 6km (4 mile) long red back down from the Fourclaz chair. In the interim covering seemingly endless blues and reds that radiate out to the peaks of Le Belvedere and Chaz Dura. From there you have a variety of routes over to La Rosière which sometimes offers the sunnier skiing.
For experts there are 12 black runs, some of the steepest down through the woods above La Thuile itself. The runs are graded according to their steepest, with the best (worst?) a rather intimidating 72% plunge (although that steep bit is rather short and wide, so you can traverse it if you prefer to). An added bonus are the relatively safe and uncrowded off piste fields which tend to stay unskied for longer than at more crowded resorts on the other side of the border.
La Thuile also has an efficient heli-ski service by which it is possible to reach the snow fields of the Rutor glacier and Mont Miravidi.
Beautiful and spectacular hiking and mountain biking in the area. Other activities include white water rafting, horse riding, tennis and much more.
Winter activities include:
Summer activities include: