Snowsure: 4.7
- Occasionally gets enough snow for skiing
- Is often closed due to a lack of snow
- Occasionally suffers from a lack of snow
- Rarely suffers from a lack of snow
- La Thuile is snowsure even in the poorest seasons
Visitor reviews for La Thuile Ski Resort
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(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
Latest
November 27, 2012
ERIKA from
Italy
ERIKA from
Italy
I’ve been in La Thuile many times.
Wonderful runs for all abilities, good weather, no queue for lifts.
In 2012 I stayed in Hotel Maison de Neige. Wonderful place overlooking La Thuile ski runs n. 7 and 4.
Guests can reach the hotel by snow trucks or snowmobiles supplied by the hotel and they have the luxury of waking up, having breakfast and going skiing when everybody else is still asleep.
Good indoor and outdoor wellness area.
April 25, 2012
Matt Johnson from
United Kingdom
Matt Johnson from
United Kingdom
I've been to La Thuile more times than I can remember now and not got a bad word to say about the place in relation to my personal interests.
When I was younger me and my younger brother would go with our parents. Now we are both older (21 & 26 years old) we still return usually on a yearly basis and even took a friend with limited skiing ability last time.
Me and my brother have been skiing many, many many times before and there's still runs that test us so if you're intermediate to expert there's plenty to test your skills with here.
At the other end of the scale we took my friend with us on our last trip whose only experience was 1 week skiing with the army and he equally fell in love with the place. Runs for everyone to enjoy.
We tend to stick more to the La Thuile side because the Long pulley lifts on the La Rosiere side are a drag (pardon the pun) and we've noticed that it's fairly busy over there compared to La Thuile where, as others have mentioned, you NEVER have to queue and quite often you get the mountain virtually to yourself.
A hush hush tip in my opinion would be to set off up the mountain early and get as high as possible then head to the fair left side of the mountain (far left as you look up the mountain). Over that side we usually enjoy the long variety of red runs for a good 2-3 hours before we even see any other skiers and the snow is of perfect standard on and off the piste. You can work your way back across the mountain as the day continues.
Only one or 2 bits of annoying flat that some complain about (red run 6 and the very long and boring red 7, I believe but that's from memory) red 6 is actually quite a good run that takes you from the gondola down to the bottom of the mountain, just keep your speed up when you access this run by going left immediately when you leave the exit to the gondola. It's not really a problem if you get even minimal speed up just a tight left hand turn that catches snowboarders out as it's flat for second. Red Run 7 is the only run I'd advise not to take depending on your interests. Very Long and once you're on it you're virtually stuck on it until near the end of it. Flat spots and such. Mostly used for the slower paced or people just wanting a mellow journey to the bottom looking at the scenery. (These people like my father will then complain at the bottom at how exhausting and long it was because there isn't much hill to it.)
I'm strictly a skier so my opinions are based purely on those who love to ski but I've visited with people who have snowboard before and as long as you pick your routes carefully as a boarder you will love it.
My brother snow blades the entire week and even though some reviews say there isn't much in the way of jumps recently they've made a new terrain park and we've always found plenty of jumps and runs that test skiers and snow bladers alike. Got lots of great jumps (and falls) on camera in La Thuile so don't think for a second that there aren't jumps and such.
As others have reported there is no or limited nightlife. I personally go skiing for the skiing not to get smashed. Hot summer holidays is what I'd pay for if I wanted that. There is, however, more than what most reviews give credit for in La Thuile. We usually catch a good dinner at one of the many friendly places to eat scattered around the village then return to the apartments area where there is decent bars/pubs to set up shop in for the evening.
The apartments are basic but for the price and location you cannot grumble. I love a hotel you can literally ski right up to and in La Thuile you can do just that. Get speed up and turn left at bottom of the slope outside the apartments and you can glide all the way to your door. Be careful of any people that may be about on the final slope though as these are learner slopes.
Turin airport is only a short bus ride away from La Thuile which is pleasing as there's nothing worse when you're tired after your flight than an uncomfy bus journey for hours.
Great views so make sure you take a camera up the mountain with you. You'll want to capture the views from various points on the mountain.
Advice would be to make use of the mini market in the apartments complex. There prices are similar to UK supermarkets and taking small nibbles and water up the mountain with you will cut costs massively.
The snow and weather is so good it's hard to complain about any of the conditions in La Thuile. The last two times I've been we've suffered a day of total white out. Which while this creates incredibly cold temps supplies lots of natural snow and for the brave among you, gives you a great challenge navigating your way down the mountain when you can barely see 2 yards in front of you.
Phone signals are usually good but we always have a walkie talkie on each of us as they are a life saver if you get split up from those with you.
The resort is highly underrated and that's just how I like it! Never any queues, quality snow, amazing variety of slopes for all levels.
April 02, 2012
andy from
United Kingdom
andy from
United Kingdom
Been to La Thuile in 2011 and 2012 and booking again for 2013 love the place!!, excellent skiing with 180km of ski runs and no queuing for lifts etc. Stayed in Plannibel Apartments self catering which are great. Downside is only one English news channel so load up your ipad before you go with films etc and use a scart adaptor for your ipad to make the evenings better especially if you have kids, that's what we did this year....I go to La Thuile for the skiing and not for the 'Nite life' as there is none ! Some good places to eat and my kids like it there. There is a massive arcade on the Plannibel which keeps them entertained while you can have a few drinks in the Kings Head pub ...and the supermarket on site is on a par or thereabouts with the UK prices....
March 16, 2012
Don from
United Kingdom
Don from
United Kingdom
La Thuile: an excellent resort in a backwater position.
The resort is hidden away up a valley in the Aosta Valley, I had been told that it was quiet with few queues and this was definitely true, we did not queue once all week, there are plenty of runs (180km) for all abilities and they are well prepared and maintained, the link to La Rosiere is good but the return on long drags: cold and boring.
The resort is very quiet, some would say dead, but that was the attraction for us, ski by day peace at night, there are a few bars but little else at night.
There is adequate shopping for self catering with a supermarket and smaller shops, better shopping is to be found down in the valley, there is a free ski bus in resort and also 3 times daily free bus to Courmeyer. The lift pass includes 2 days in other Aosta resorts.
La Thuile seems to be a resort of mainly apartments many of them owned by Italians who only use them at weekends, this may explain why it can be so quiet.
In conclusion if you want great skiing by day and quiet evenings this may be the place for you, if you want lively apres-ski it most certainly is not.
January 19, 2012
daniel
daniel
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 ! "
January 27, 2011
Edmond Nico from
Italy
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
USA - California
Eugene R Anderson from
USA - California
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
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
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
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.
Nearest