La Thuile, Italy

Ed Coyle from UNITED KINGDOM writes:

Just returned from an excellent week at La Thuile where the snow was first class, weather clear, save for one midweek day which enabled the snow to be refreshed. During the week the place is empty with no queues and even at the weekend local Italians appear to favour the more fashionable Courmayeur, 10 Kms away. I have visited 4 times in good and bad weather and never been disappointed. It can be very windy up top , but early intermediates can find safe ways ( 'variantes') down the tree-protected black slopes back to the resorts - just follow the lines of small children following their instructors. Linked to La Rosiere in France - but I advise particular care for all on that resorts old style metal pole tows - particularly caution recommended to men whose families are not yet complete.
It is a quiet town, made up of 7 smaller villages. It is starting to develop as awareness of this undiscovered gem widens. Thankfully, the new developments are more in tune with the local traditional style. For self caterers, not a lot of restaurant choice and prior reservation would be wise near the weekend. A particular favorite is La Grotta, a charming, efficient family restaurant selling excellent traditional Italian food at very good value. Full of the French at lunchtime when the La Rosiere link is open - and they know about matters culinary.
One problem is that the ski school does not have an abundance of instructors whose English has the precision necessary for successful tuition.

2008-01-27