La Rosiere Ski Resort, France

Overview of La Rosiere

La Rosiere ski resort is as rosy as its name suggests. Occupying some prime south-facing slopes at the end of one of the most exciting ski valleys in the world, La Rosiere might be smaller and quieter than some of its neighbours. But the resort's pleasant pistes and sunny disposition do not fail to delight (especially the kids) making it an excellent choice for both families and free-riders.

The San Bernardo ski area is made up of La Rosiere and Italian resort La Thuile, meaning it is one of the only French resorts able to offer heli-skiing. You could even get a history lesson on a La Rosiere ski holiday - this is the alleged spot that Hannibal marched his elephants through the Alps, the site that gave its name to those loveable giant St Bernard dogs and the setting for a stand-off between the Italians and the French during the Second World War. These days, most events take the form of winter sports competitions, with world-class events and competitions for children and juniors held annually.

La Rosiere ski resort is made up of two villages, the original La Rosiere Centre and the newer La Rosiere chalets of Les Eucherts, linked by a lovely level path through the trees, the free bus service or the pistes above. The locals are very passionate about their resort and all that sun keeps everyone in a good mood. The fine panoramic views that overlook three (yes, three!) of Europe's most iconic peaks - the Mont Blanc, the Monterosa and the Matterhorn - complete the picture. Skiing in La Rosiere definitely makes for happy ski holidays.

Keep reading to learn more about this resort and why to go on a La Rosiere ski holiday.

3 Things We Love About La Rosiere

1. Linked via ski lifts to the Italian resort of La Thuile, great for a delicious Italian lunch stop and plenty more runs to cruise down.
2. A quiet French resort with lots of wooded runs that tends to be very popular with families.
3. Compact ski area with loads of blue runs back into La Rosiere.

Skiing and Boarding in La Rosiere

Skiing in La Rosiere is lovely. The wide-open slopes near the top give way to wonderful wooded trails down at resort level and everywhere gets plenty of sun, yet still offers snow-sure ski holidays at 1850m. With 150km of pistes, the ski area is on the small and quaint side, but there are more than enough runs, plus some powdery off-piste to keep you busy.

If you’re new to skiing or like to take it easy, you’ll be pleased to hear that most slopes are not too steep and the resort is easy to navigate with uncrowded, well-marked and beautifully groomed pistes. High-speed chairlifts cover all the main pistes but snowboarders maybe moan about the lack of gradient and the reasonably high number of drag lifts (the long and flat Bellecombe drag should be avoided but it is possible to circumnavigate most others), but, before advanced boarders or skiers turn their noses up, it should also be noted that this is one of the only resort’s in France able to offer the ultimate rush of heli-skiing, thanks to the Italian link. There is also a snowpark, boardercross and skicross to show off on, or for a new challenge, try ski-kiting.

For beginners, there are easily accessible, high-quality nursery slopes in both La Rosiere Centre and Les Eucherts and nice blues above, especially from the top of the Roches Noires chair. Intermediates will enjoy the varied terrain and red after red across the three bowls. If you’ve always fancied heading off-piste or are looking to improve in the powder, the Zittieux area offers some interesting terrain which is patrolled but not piste-bashed – perfect for the budding extremist. Experts won’t want to miss La Thuile’s piste 3, which is dedicated to local hero Franco Berthod, hosts European Cup Downhill Competitions and plunges at up to 73% gradient down into the village or the 11km red run down from Chaz Dura (2579m) to La Thuile for some serious thigh-burn. Just don’t get stuck on the Italian side when the lifts close because it will be a long night.

Lift Passes in La Rosiere

The San Bernardo area is a perfect example of a resort having something for everyone. The Full area lift pass covers both La Rosiere on the French side of the border and snow-sure, north-facing La Thuille over on the Italian side. In each location, there are a range of pistes, tree runs and open expanses to suit all abilities as well as some great off-piste terrain.

Activities in La Rosiere

• Bowling - Really good family/friend fun and costs 8 euros plus another 2 for the shoe hire.
• Cinema - With an occasional English soundtrack
• Ice skating - Open from 3 pm.
• Snowshoeing - ESF run taster sessions. Or grab a walking map from the office de tourism and hire your snowshoes from Olympia and enjoy stunning views.
• Helicopter tour of Mont-Blanc - Departs from the bottom of the petit saint bernard in Italy.
• Parapente - 105 euros and worth every penny. Stunning views and amazing jump masters
• Off-piste sledging - Great fun for everyone. Departs from La Ros centre, timings with ESF or Evo 2
• Ice hockey taster - Thursday 6-7pm and costs 9 euros to try out ice hockey, run drills and get into a match.
• Ice hockey match - Wednesday evenings at 8.30pm. Here there is a great community atmosphere and audience participation.
• Local market - Thursday morning, enjoy local produce and sweet stands up in La Rosoire main village.

Après Ski in La Rosiere

• Le Flocon Sports on TV, bowling, pool, meals, occasional bands, excellent burgers and pizzas.
• Moo Bar Local bar with weekly pub quiz, great views.
• La Taverne du McKinley Quick service meals in ski gear.
• Bar Le 1850 Quiet wine bar with occasional live acoustic music.
• L'Accroche Coeur Stunning deck views with Saint Bernard dogs, best rosé in resort.
• Le Comptoir Terrace beer, wine & cocktail bar upstairs, live bands Wednesdays, DJs, themed evenings.
• Snack Bar Relais du Petit Saint Bernard Family-friendly, drinks in the sun near nursery slopes.

Places to eat in La Rosiere

• La Grange – A convenient family-friendly restaurant with a cosy rustic vibe. Great variety of food options for the whole family, pizzas, steaks, pasta, burgers and your typical Savoyard food.
• Flocon – Great steaks, pizzas, meat dishes, and massive salads. Try the vegan poke bowl or the bowling burger.
• Le Genepi – Traditionally French with raclette, fondues, and excellent wines. Family-run with superb service.
• Marmottes – Smaller, intimate version of the Genepi with tasty food and great atmosphere.
• Plein Soleil – Friendly French host, classic French dishes like fondue, tartiflette, and heated plates with a choice of meats. Great views from the conservatory.
• La Foyer – Fast and authentic Italian food, pizzas made in front of you, pasta dishes, and self-service daily options. Located between Chaz Dura and Chaz Dura Express lifts.
• Maison Carrel – Italian cuisine with stunning views and great service. Book in advance.
• Burger Bar – Great lunchtime spot with outdoor seating, good prices, and friendly service.
• L'Ancolie – Traditional French lunch or evening meal in a beautiful chalet-style setting.
• L'accroche couer – Wooden chalet interior with lounge seating and a fire. Enjoy an aperitif and fantastic food.
• Moo Bar – Burger bar.
• Taverna Coppapan – Extensive pizza menu and great service.
• Snack Bar du Relais – Lunchtime spot at the bottom of Roche Noir with great food and service.
• Roxi Bar – Hot chocolate and great sunlit location.

Family Features La Rosiere

• In-resort creches - These are available and take children from 3 years old. Ski lessons are also available as part of this.
• ESF - ESF have all the family activities, from marshmallow treats to the torch decent.