La Rosière 1850 is one of my all-time favourite French ski resorts, combining high-altitude, snow-sure skiing with sunny south-facing slopes and spectacular mountain views. Linked across the Petit Saint-Bernard Pass to La Thuile in Italy, the Espace San Bernardo offers 156 km of pistes reaching from 1,200 m to 2,800 m – and the rather special possibility of skiing to Italy for lunch.
La Rosière has an enviable snow record, with its altitude and regular snowfall helping conditions stay reliable well into the season. Its south-facing orientation means you can soak up the sunshine in the later months, while its wide, approachable pistes are particularly good for beginners and intermediates. Lift queues are generally manageable, even during many of the busier weeks.
Over on the Italian side, stronger skiers can tackle La Thuile’s famous black runs, including the challenging Franco Berthod piste. La Rosière is also unusual among French resorts in offering access to heli-skiing over the border in Italy, opening up even more terrain for experienced skiers. The French ESF ski school has an exceptional reputation here with English speaking instructors and it’s one of few resorts to offer Heli-skiing over on the Italian side for strong intermediates and above.
Families are particularly well catered for in La Rosière. The resort holds the Famille Plus Montagne label and has dedicated areas and activities for children both on and off the slopes. The Family Park, Fun Park and Boardercross add something different for more confident youngsters, while beginners can enjoy gentle learning areas and the Petit Saint-Bernard green run through the trees.
Why You Will Love It: La Rosière is traditional, high-altitude, snow-sure and wonderfully family-friendly, with spectacular panoramic views and skiing for all abilities. Add the chance to ski across to Italy for lunch and it has something genuinely different. I lived here for 11 years and loved it!
Although less well known than neighbouring resorts such as Les Arcs and Val d’Isère, La Rosière has developed considerably in recent years while retaining its traditional French feel. One of the things I love most is the view: from resort level you can look right across the Tarentaise Valley towards Les Arcs, Sainte Foy, Val d’Isère, Tignes, Bourg Saint Maurice, Aime and Moutiers. Head higher and the views become even more impressive, with Mont Blanc visible from the Panoramic Experience footbridge at the top of the Fort chairlift.
La Rosière has two main areas, La Rosière Centre and Les Eucherts, connected by a pretty forest path known locally as ‘Narnia’. Both have their own shops, bars and restaurants, with accommodation ranging from traditional chalet-style properties to modern apartments and hotels. The two areas have slightly different characters but are easy to move between, giving the resort plenty of choice without losing its friendly village feel.
There’s plenty to do away from the pistes too. Five marked and maintained snowshoeing routes can be explored independently, with further guided options available, and there’s also a 5 km winter running trail. For something completely different, try the X-Treme Luge, while other activities include bowling, ice skating, paintball and laser tag.
