Ski holidays are among the best popular types of vacations, and La Thuile is an unspoiled and attractive Italian resort in the Aosta Valley on the French and Switzerland borders that you would enjoy near the famous Mont Blanc. By car from June to October it is only two hours from Geneva, Switzerland, less than an hour from Chamonix, France, one hour from Turin, three hours from Genoa, and two hours from Milan. During the balance of the year the pass is closed to car traffic and becomes a ski run. This resort is also accessible by train and bus.
La Thuile, although in the northwestern Italian Alps, shares its ski area with a neighboring resort in France, La Rosiere. Together they can service over 50,000 skiers per hour with their 37 high speed modern lifts. You can use just a single ski pass to ski in both places. The ability levels of the 93 miles of 74 runs go from separate gently sloping ski areas (blue) and lifts for beginners, to intermediates (red). to 29 black (expert) runs that includes the Le Defi which has a pitch of 71% and appeals to the most adventurous of skiing enthusiasts who want a real challenge. There are also cross-country tracks. Over 300 snow-making machines can improve snow conditions if needed. The magnificent scenery in some of Europe’s highest mountains and around the lakes and waterfalls is an added feature.
Since France bans heli-skiing, skiers flock to the La Thuile area where they go up to the Rutor glacier’s summit at 11,437 feet or the Miravidi glacier at 10,009 feet and are led down by alpine guides. The season for heli-skiing goes all the way from New Year’s Day to the end of May, and the regular skiing season runs from the end of November to the end of April.
Winter sports include tobogganing, snowshoe hiking, ice climbing, mountain biking, fishing, and more. The children can enjoy a snow playground, a Miniclub just for them, and a carousel lift.
La Thuile is a combination of small old hamlets and a modern large complex with a Sports Club having an indoor pool, solarium, gym, sauna, a climbing wall, and squash courts. You will find a free ski bus service that travels around the area, so you can easily travel the six miles to the Pre-Saint-Didier spa center which has a Turkish bath, massage treatments, and warm water that rises from an artificial cave’s ground located at the bottom of a gorge.
There are approximately 30 eating places with a variety of cuisine such as traditional Italian with home-made pizza and pasta. There is also Tuscan, Tex-Mex, etc. Disco Pubs provide a place for a fun night life. Chocolat is a unique experience with its chocolate fondue and home-made ice cream. There are also eight mountain restaurants along the slopes.
You can choose to stay in a chalet in the old village that was originally a mining town. An evening walk can take you to some nice restaurants among friendly people.