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Visitor reviews for La Thuile Ski Resort

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• January 19, 2012
  daniel from Jamaica
  

  La Thuile is a perfect example of the Italian lifestyle - beautiful runs, snow every time (if you go there now "Genuary 2012" you can find the best conditions of all the Alps), the view of Mont.Blanc, Cervino plus the resident Rutor are impressing and the connection with La Rosiere allow you to ski or snowboard for 180Km of runs and more beautiful off-pistes.
  Unfortunately, the natives are not able to promote their beautiful places and offer good accommodations and services at a reasonable price: no snowpark for kids and very poor night-life, a place where young people can only get drunk in the night outside at -15 degree ! Suggestions for very good food Restaurant La Pepita and La Creche. Final suggestion "even in La Thuile do not ride so fast than your guardian angel can fly ! "

• La Thuile Ratings

  Based on 6 votes. Vote

  Access: 4.0 (1) At least one overnight stop, (2) requires a whole day, (3) requires more than half a day – you may have time for a few turns (4) arrive by lunchtime and ski all afternoon, (5) there is a main airport within an hour of La Thuile.	Public Transport: 3.5 (1) There are no buses or taxis to La Thuile, (3) there are slow or infrequent buses / trains available, (5) getting to the resort is easy with frequent bus / train connections.
  Scenery: 4.5 (1) An ugly resort in a bland setting, (3) average mountain views and resort, (5) a spectacular setting and a beautiful / historic resort town.	Accommodation: 4.5 (1) No places to stay in/near La Thuile, (3) a few places to stay in the resort, (5) a wide variety of accommodation suitable to suit all budgets.
  Cheap Rooms: 3.7 (1) No budget accommodation available, (3) just one or two hostels so book ahead, (5) several cheap hostels and pensions available.	Luxury Hotels: 3.2 (1) No luxury accommodation available, (3) just one or two luxury hotels so book ahead, (5) several up-market hotels in La Thuile.
  Ski in/Ski out: 5.0 (1) The ski area is located far from any accommodation, (3) a free ski bus takes you to the ski area in a short trip, (5) Ski-in ski-out accommodation is available.	Childcare: 3.5 (1) There are no child care facilities at La Thuile, (5) the resort has excellent child-care facilities including at least one reasonably priced creche.
  Snowsure: 4.8 (1) Occasionally gets enough snow for skiing, (2) is often closed due to a lack of snow, (3) occasionally suffers from a lack of snow, (4) rarely suffers from a lack of snow, (5) La Thuile is snowsure even in the poorest seasons.	Snowmaking: 4.0 (1) La Thuile relies entirely on natural snow, (3) there are just a few snow cannons, (5) there are snowmaking facilities on all pistes.
  Snow Grooming: 4.8 (1) There are no snow groomers at La Thuile, (3) occasionally some pistes are left ungroomed and in a poor state, (5) all the runs at La Thuile are groomed daily.	Shelter: 3.0 (1) there is nowhere to ski when it is windy or visibility is bad and lifts often shut, (3) there are some trees for poor visibility but main lifts sometimes close, (5) La Thuile is mostly in forest where you can ski in flat-light and windy days, lifts rarely close.
  Nearby options: 4.0 (1) If snow conditions are poor at La Thuile, it will be poor everywhere nearby, (3) there are good alternatives within an hours drive, (5) other locations on the same lift pass provide a rich variety of snowsure ski conditions.	Regional rating: 5.0 (1) La Thuile usually has poor snow conditions compared to other resorts in region, (3) has average conditions for the region, (5) usually has the best snow conditions in the region.
  Lift Staff: 4.5 (1) The staff at La Thuile are rude or unhelpful, (5) lift staff at La Thuile are pleasant, cheerful and eager to help.	Crowds/Queues: 4.8 (1) the resort is always busy and there are usually long lift queues, (3) it is quiet apart from occasional weekends and school holidays, (5) it is uncrowded and lift queues are very rare.
  Ski Schools: 4.5 (1) No ski schools available, (2) one or two ski schools but local language only, (3) a few ski schools but book early for multi-lingual instructors, (4) plenty of ski schools and multi-lingual instructors available, (5) excellent ski schools with friendly multi-lingual ski instructors.	Hire and Repairs: 5.0 (1) Nothing can be sourced, not even ski-wax or ptex. (3) there are some ski shops but rentals need to be booked in advance, (5) good quality ski equipment can be purchased or hired and overnight repairs are possible.
  Variety of pistes: 5.0 (1) The ski runs are featureless and unvaried, (3) the ski runs are varied but not extensive enough for a week, (5) La Thuile has diverse and interesting pistes including forests and high alpine terrain.	Beginners: 4.8 (1) Beginners can only watch others ski and snowboard, (3) a few gentle slopes but beginners will get bored in less than a week, (3) Vast areas of gentle terrain.
  Intermediates: 4.8 (1) No intermediate terrain at La Thuile, (3) intermediate skiers will get bored after a few days, (5) vast areas of cruising runs.	Advanced: 4.3 (1) Nothing for advanced skiers and snowboarders, (3) enough steep terrain for a few days with some good offpiste, (5) Enough steep terrain and offpiste areas to entertain advanced skiers for at least a week.
  Snow Park: 2.0 (1) Not even a kicker at La Thuile, (3) average sized park quite well looked after, (5) huge park area and expertly crafted pipes, jumps and boardercross trails.	Off-piste: 5.0 (1) No off-piste worth mentioning, (2) off piste is out-of-bounds, (3) some varied offpiste that stays fresh for one or two days, (5) a vast array of off-piste routes that can stay untracked for several days.
  Cross-country: 3.0 (1) There is nowhere to go for cross-country skiing around La Thuile, (3) there are some cross country trails available, (5) the area features many spectacular and well maintained cross-country trails.	Luge/Toboggan: 2.5 (1) No designated luge or toboggan runs, (3) there are toboggan runs that open quite often, (5) La Thuile has long and well maintained luge / toboggan facilities suitable for all ages.
  Mountain Dining: 4.5 (1) Nowhere to buy food by the pistes, (3) some places to eat up on the mountain but they are often busy and expensive, (5) there is a variety of excellent mountain eateries right next to the slopes to suit all budgets.	Eating: 4.2 (1) Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. (5) A wide variety of places to eat and drink in the resort, from fast food to fancy restaurants.
  Apres-Ski: 3.0 (1) Nothing to do, not even a bar, (3) there are a few bars in the resort but nothing special, (5) clubs and bars stay open until very late and have a friendly atmosphere.	Other Sports: 3.8 (1) No sports facilities at all apart from ski lifts, (3) resort has just a small public swimming pool, (5) resort has all kinds of sports facilities, including a full-size swimming pool.
  Entertainment: 3.0 (1) Besides the snow and walking there is nothing to do here, (3) the non-skier will find things to do for few days but may become bored after a week, (5) the resort area is a fascinating place to visit, regardless of winter sports.	Winter Walks: 4.0 (1) Very limited walking and no snowshoe trails, (3) a couple of designated scenic walking/snowshoe trails, (5) extensive and diverse winter walking trails for all abilities.
  Ski Pass Value: 4.3 (1) A 1 week ski pass is overpriced compared to the number of lifts available, (3) the ski pass is averagely priced and covers a reasonable number of lifts, (5) ski passes are excellent value for money and cover a lot of lifts spanning a big area.	Value (National): 4.7 (1) Overall, La Thuile is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the country and not worth the money, (3) overall represents average value for money, (5) overall offers the best value resort in the country.
  Value (Global): 4.8 (1) Overall, La Thuile is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the world, (3) overall it offers pretty average value for money compared to resorts from other countries, (5) internationally the resort offers excellent value for money.

  Based on 6 votes. Vote

• November 29, 2011
  Filippo from Italy
  

  Sono stato a la thuile a febbraio 2011, ho dormito all hotel maisondeneige,
  Direttamente sulle piste da sci, incantevole svegliarsi la mattina nel silenzio e fare la colazione nella veranda, le piste sono ottime e per ogni livello.
  La neve e di buona qualità in particolare per Ski freeride,.
  Coprirsi perché fa freddo.
  Cosa eccellente tornare la sera in hotel per mangiare ,la cucina e di superba qualità .
  L afterski lascia un po' scarso.

• January 27, 2011
  Edmond Nico from Italy
  

  Snow conditions right now in La Thuile are superb. Even though there hasn't been any new snow for almost 3 weeks now snow depths are amazing and pistes are still dry and fluffy. Even skiers from close by resorts are driving in daily to come and ski on the fantastic runs that offer so much variety. All this is due to it's unique position in the Alps. To read more go to chaletalpina.it/october.htm

• December 19, 2010
  Eugene R Anderson from United States
  

  I skied from La Rosiere to LT (La Thuile) with all my gear on my back. Just skied Val d'Isere and Les Arcs. Took the Red train from AMS to Bourg. Was heading to Alagna. I booked a three day stay at a hotel there. Fell in love with the place. Stayed for another 6 days. It was like heliskiing with your own chair lift. Fresh tracks every run. I am a expert skier. I ski up to 100 days a year. Skied there between late March 09. and early April 09.
  The local Italians call it "Little Siberia", reason: the snow stays in good shape. All the heli guides that ski in the greater Mt. Blanc area say that the snow stays in better condition here than any other area. It is a bit windy at times for sure. When I was there the link to LR was closed for 4 days due to wind issues. The trees where the best. Not much night life though. The bottom of mountain is very steep, I love it.

• February 05, 2010
  David Francis from United Kingdom
  

  I have been to La Thuile 4 times now and will go back in the future. The first time I had ever been boarding was here. Back then as a beginner I found the blue slopes perfect for gaining my confidence and by the end of the week (with the help of the great instructors) I even managed to go to La Rossiere and back (damm those button lifts!!). For the more experienced skier you’ve to go down black 3, I'm told it's the steepest piste in Italy @ 71% - scared the hell out of me.
  We stayed at Chalet Alpine, the owners Debbie and Eddie are wonderful people and are very friendly. I'm puzzled why this place isn't more popular, great slopes, no waiting at lifts and a few good restaurants. If I had to fault LT (La Thuile) it would be the night life as there is only a couple of places to go, but that would be me just being picky . It's a little hidden gem (maybe not for long) and fully recommend going.

• February 03, 2010
  Paul Wilcock from United Kingdom
  

  We have just returned form an excellent weeks skiing in La Thuile. It was our first visit but friends we were with had been before and recommended it. The slopes were really quiet,the weather was virtually perfect. One day when it was a bit windy at the top the childrens instructor took them down lovely sheltered red runs on the village side of the mountain. The childrens instructor was excellent, very friendly, spoke good English and took us on lots of different runs as we followed along behind the children at a discrete distance during their lessons. The weather during the week was great with clear blue skies. La Thuile is a great place for families as it is quiet both on and off the slopes and the Italians were very friendly. There is little choice of bars and restaurants however. About 3 good restaurants and maybe 3 bars of averege quality. No real Apres-Ski either which my wife and I missed as we really like to have a beer/mulled wine at the end of the day and talk about events in a nice cosy bar.
  We stayed in the self-catering Plannibel apts and found them to be of usual ski standard. That is - a bit basic but we had a room with a nice view, comfortable beds and it was nice and warm. Furniture and utensils are basic. No kettle for example. No nice big mugs for a brew. However, overall we were quite happy with everything and they were better value than the 70's style Plannibel Hotel.
  All in all, a good holiday at La Thuile and we would go back.

• September 10, 2009
  Snowgoose from United Kingdom
  

  Been skiing in LT (La Thuile) for the past 6 years for long weekends. The resort is pretty well placed; about 2 hours drive from either Geneva or Milan (Milan flights tend to be cheaper and no tunnel toll).

  Always stay in Chalet Eden which has gradually been moving up market (which I think is a shame in some respects as it has lost some of its rural charm) and is now like a boutique hotel with some very quirky rooms. Staff are always really friendly and Stefano, the owner, is always willing to recommend a good local wine to have with the meal.

  The hotel does have a tendency to serve up at least one peculiar course over the weekend, for example: Donkey Ravioli. It was very tasty though.

  This resort is a little gem. I think that it is perfect for a weekend and is something a bit different from the French resorts that everyone tends to use for short trips. A full week in LT (La Thuile) would become boring.

  The best skiing is in LT with the front of the mountain in the morning and the back in the afternoon. I personally would not bother with the long red (to the right as you look up) around the mountain to the bottom as it is flat, boring and you need to pole.

  The trip over to LR is worth it just for the change of scenery and the fact that it does get more sun. However, the pistes are not as well groomed or looked after in LR as in LT. Also, a lot of the runs are short with drag lifts.

  LT (La Thuile) is quite often hit by high winds which close down the slopes above mid station. This leaves the blacks open at the base of the mountain but if you have a mixed ability group, it's not much use. In such weather conditions, if you have transport, jump in it and go an hour along the valley to Pila which sits in a bowl and does not suffer from high winds. This is best accessed from a cable car situated in Aosta, rather than taking the slow road up. This has saved our weekend on more than one occasion.

  As for night life, yes, this is a quiet resort but there are clubs and bars to be found if you are that way inclined (probably need to ask a local). But given that my group of friends and I are all starting to knock on a bit, it suits us perfectly.

• April 13, 2009
  Rob W from United Kingdom
  

  This is written from the perspective of a middle-aged, intermediate-standard snowboarder who went with his teenage son and a number of other families; staying self-catered in Planibel apartments from 4th April 2009 to 11th April (first week of Easter hols).
  We had a great time at La Thuile. The snow held up (although it could be a bit slushy lower down towards the end of the day). For families with a range of skiing abilities I'd say LT is ideal. Long, wide blues and reds with the occasional challenging narrow links in between. Our favourites turned out to be the long red 18 running into red 6 to take you back to the village.
  Although it was Easter and there were lots of school parties, the slopes were very quiet and almost deserted in places. The queues for the lifts were negligible.
  You can also ski over to La Rosiere for the snow park (I didn't do many pistes in LR so can't speak with authority on them.) On two occasions the weather was very cloudy in LT (La Thuile) but amazingly warm and sunny just over the hill in LR.
  You do have to get at least one long drag lift back to LT but even though I hate drags I found it easy enough.
  LT isn't the place to go if you want more challenging runs or a decent apres-ski or nightclub scene. Trendy young things would get bored pretty quickly.
  I saw only a few decent bars but if you're self-catered with kids that doesn't really matter.
  In comparison with the likes of Val D (Val d'Isere) or Verbier the prices on the slopes and bars aren't too bad and you can also get the local butcher in the Planibel complex to make up a lovely panino/panini sandwich which'll easily feed two people for 3 or 4 Euros.
  Incidentally, the Planibel rooms are fine. Not luxurious but clean, warm and comfortable.

• April 02, 2009
  Jimbob from United Kingdom
  

  We stayed at one of the Planibel residences at La Thuile. Runs were good, especially the red ones (4+7) which take you down to the bottem straight from the main cable car. Food was good, my appartment was good and the supermarket was equipped with everything it should provide. I am a very amature skier; it was my first time last year, and La Thuile is brilliant for beginners.

• January 05, 2009
  TonyJ from United Kingdom
  

  Just got back from La Thuile, staying over New Year 2008/9.
  We stayed at the Planibel Hotel (half board).

  Hotel - Rooms ok, not 5 star but perfectly adequate. Only one English TV channel (BBC World). Food was buffet style. Breakfast was very good, with hot and cold items - all you could possibly need was there. The evening meal was more of a lottery. the menu listed the items, but sometimes there were other things you did not have a clue about. Starts at 7.30pm, but be there by 8pm or some items will all have gone. You can usually find things you like.
  Big plus point - hotel next to slopes. Ski storage as well, so no lugging skis about or ski buses etc.
  Generally hotel good

  Slopes - snow was excellent. Lots of varied pistes for beginners and intermediates. Only a few drag lifts which is good for beginners. Food in restaurants not cheap - 3 euros for a can of coke, 4 euros for a plate of chips, 4 euros for a hamburger etc. Expect to pay over 40 euros for a simple meal for 4.
  Four main runs back to the village, reds 4 and 7, blacks 2 and 3. No blue run back, so beginners have to get the gondola down.

  Lifts - all good, with little queuing, despite the busy week. Some lifts are older and slower (La Combe, Chaz Dura), others are modern and quick (Chaz Dura Express, Bosco Express etc.)

  Overall, I'd definitely go back.

• February 19, 2008
  RichB from United Kingdom
  

  The best thing about La Thuile is its (un)popularity. We never had to queue more than 30 seconds for any of the chairlifts, including the first gondola in the morning. It was typical to go a 30 mins or so without seeing another skiier on the less popular runs. Overall, the ski area is pretty big, but advanced skiers/boarders will soon get bored of the runs leading to Chaz Dura, and if you're a beginner the only red run down to the resort can be tricky when icy.

  If the weather is kind then you can easily get across to La Rosiere for a bit of variety (personally, I think La Rosiere is the better ski area - snowboard parks etc are all in Rosiere so well worth the trip over there), but any amount of cloud/wind means you have to be a pretty good skier to get there as visibility can get very low. Getting back from Rosiere is a different matter... The only way back is via a 3km button lift, which for a snowboader like me is very tricky. I imagine skiers will be fine, but if you're a beginner/intermediate snowboarder then be warned - 3km is a long walk if you fall off!

  Overall, very good and worth a visit. I would return, but only when they've replaced that awful button lift with a chairlift.

• February 16, 2008
  Steve from United Kingdom
  

  A quiet resort with well cared for pistes. Tremendous views of Monte Bianco, Grand Jorasses and from the highest point, the Matterhorn (Monte Cervino). The journey to La Rossiere is wonderful with great pistes through a sort of no-mans land and sensational views - go early as the Rossiere pistes deteriorate in the sun by mid day. Best pistes are in La Thuile - the snow stays in good condition all day. Be sure to visit the Berthod restaurant on red 28, a superb Himalayan style sanctuary complete with Nepalese rugs and courtesy slippers. In the town, during the weekend evenings, the restaurants become fully booked so book ahead. During the week there is no problem. Aprés-ski is very limited. Very friendly locals. To sum up - sometimes on the mountain there won't be a soul to be seen for 10-20 mins despite being on the best prepared piste you can imagine - enjoy.

• January 27, 2008
  Ed Coyle from United Kingdom
  

  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.

• January 13, 2008
  jason murtagh from Ireland
  

  Just back from a week in La Thuile. Nice village, good selection of restaurants and bars. The nightlife is quieter than some resorts, but I went with a large group so we had fun anyway. Good selection of slopes for beginners to advanced. Black no 3 definately worth a try ! woohoo! You can also nip over the French side to La Rossier. Skiing is nice there too. Well worth a visit. I know my group are already planning a return visit to La Thuile. Ciao!

• December 21, 2007
  Nick White from United Kingdom
  

  Have been holidaying in La Thuile for nearly 15yrs. Has fantastic beginner slopes. I teach on these myself and has made La Thuile my favorite resort to teach at. The best restaurants are hidden in the old part of town down back alleyways.

  The night life isn't huge but you can have a good time, not spend a huge amount of money and meet some nice locals. Never had a problem with the language issues. Most shop keepers can speak basic English and will help you if you try and use Italian with them. Most also speak French

  I fully recommend this resort to anybody, especially families and large groups......you can make your own evening entertainment.

• March 19, 2007
  Ian Wickham from United Kingdom
  

  Just got back from a five night ski break to La Thuile. Not a lot of snow in the village but the slopes were in the best nick of the season. I agree with the guy below, Number 3 black was the steepest I have skied ( 73% gradient ). Not for the faint hearted.
  The resort was quiet but this break was without child, so with skiing all day all we wanted to do in the evening was to eat and sleep. Food prices varied between le brocole at 70E ( food great, service great, but not friendly !! ) and at 25E (yes, that price is for two) was La Grotta; low on presentation, high on value for money and they were really pleased to see us. Vino Rosso; three Euro's for half a litre !!!

• February 15, 2007
  David Collins from United Kingdom
  

  Went to La Thuile at the last minute and was not disappointed.
  There is little nightlife to speak of but the place is quite unusual in that it is definitely part of Italy - it'd be a good idea to brush up on your Italian. That's pretty cool when you can often find that there isn't much in the way of local influence.
  There is an excellent little restaurant on the corner at the bottom of the hill (get one of their fondues!).. and plenty of others to explore (and they seem to always want to give you some nice snacks with your drinks, which are pretty reasonably priced.
  The slopes are great - especially for beginners to learn on, there are also some nice reds and the 'c' black is one of the steepest I've seen - fun! There are many runs for the beginners to really get to travel about on without any fears. For example, go over to France and straight back on the 19..
  Queues did not seem to exist...in my week I never queued...not even once!
  Downsides:
  The place has little in the way of easy tree runs when there is bad weather so your beginners will be pretty unhappy.
  Mountain restaurants were pretty normal, just somewhere to eat...and leave!
  Nightlife is quiet.
  Some of the main lifts are slow, which is annoying.
  Well, have fun - and get over the back, there are some nice spots to play around on!

• April 01, 2006
  amanda from United Kingdom
  

  This is the second time we've been to La Thuile and its really a great resort. We chose to go their again as the nusery slopes are across the road from the hotel and the gondolas are only a 4 minute walk. The runs are extensive and my favourite were red run 7 which is about 11km long and red run 6 both allowing you to ski all the way back down to the village.

  The apres-ski is based around restaurants and bars which are inexpensive, but to be honest we were so tired after a full day of skiing that's all we needed.

• September 30, 2005
  Simon Rowe from United Kingdom
  

  I have visited La Thuile ant least once a year for the last 7 years.Staying at the excelent Chalet Alpina Run by Debbie and Eddy Nicco,just 4 minutes from the lifts.The area is fantastic,with something for everyone. Not a queue in site, and on the whole, reliable snow conditions. La Thuile is not the resort for late night partying, but the village has some good resturants and bars, and prices are much cheaper than France. You can still get a Pizza and wine for a fiver. La Bricole provides late night music and alcohol for the more hardy among you, while the Planibel Disco is busy at weekends when the locals arrive. For a good value meal try La Grotta or the Brasserie Du Bathieu with is very large portions!

• October 18, 2004
  Duvet from United Kingdom
  

  Stay at Courmayeur - drive across to La Thuile when you are tired of Courmayeur's crowded Gucci-infested slopes. Empty, varied slopes, great place for venturing off-piste for the first time, links with France. There are a couple of long slow chairlifts though - and not a lot of tree runs for those snowy days. Generally though - La Thuile rules!

• September 10, 2004
  Steve Skinner from United Kingdom
  

  1st time back to Skiing after a twenty year gap. La Thuile was brilliant, great Skiing, Great weather ( apart from the last two days, Complete white out, was unable to ski! even the Ski schools never came out on our last day!). Stayed in the Planibel Apartments and we were very satisfied, they were warm, clean and right on the slopes! Not the place to go if your a party animal! but Erics Bar kept us entertained all week!.........Cant wait to get back......Yes there are 21 of us going again next Feb 2005! Just a bit of advice for people who have'nt skied for a few years......do about 6 weeks exercises prior to going, I did and never really suffered...others on my group didnt ......and suffered! Ha Ha!

• March 19, 2004
  Laura Harris from United Kingdom
  

  La Thuile is great with some wonderful off piste and brilliant views. Its worth a quick trip over to La Rosiere as well just to say you have skiied two countries in one day. Most definitely worth a trip here.