La Rosiere Ski Resort, France

Overview of La Rosiere

La Rosiere ski resort is as rosy as its name suggests. Occupying some prime south-facing slopes at the end of one of the most exciting ski valleys in the world, La Rosiere might be smaller and quieter than some of its neighbours. But the resort’s pleasant pistes and sunny disposition do not fail to delight (especially the kids) making it an excellent choice  for both families and free-riders.

The San Bernardo ski area is made up of La Rosiere and Italian resort La Thuile, meaning it is one of the only French resorts able to offer heli-skiing. You could even get a history lesson on a La Rosiere ski holiday – this is the alleged spot that Hannibal marched his elephants through the Alps, the site that gave its name to those loveable giant St Bernard dogs and the setting for a stand-off between the Italians and the French during the Second World War. These days, most events take the form of winter sports competitions, with world-class events and competitions for children and juniors held annually.

La Rosiere ski resort is made up of two villages, the original La Rosiere Centre and the newer La Rosiere chalets of Les Eucherts, linked by a lovely level path through the trees, the free bus service or the pistes above. The locals are very passionate about their resort and all that sun keeps everyone in a good mood. The fine panoramic views that overlook three (yes, three!) of Europe’s most iconic peaks – the Mont Blanc, the Monterosa and the Matterhorn – complete the picture. Skiing in La Rosiere definitely makes for happy ski holidays.

Keep reading to learn more about this resort and why to go on a La Rosiere ski holiday.

3 Things We Love About La Rosiere

1. Linked via ski lifts to the Italian resort of La Thuile, great for a delicious Italian lunch stop and plenty more runs to cruise down.
2. A quiet French resort with lots of wooded runs that tends to be very popular with families.
3. Compact ski area with loads of blue runs back into La Rosière.

Skiing and Boarding in La Rosiere

Skiing in La Rosiere is lovely. The wide-open slopes near the top give way to wonderful wooded trails down at resort level and everywhere gets plenty of sun, yet still offers snow-sure ski holidays at 1850m. With 150km of pistes, the ski area is on the small and quaint side, but there are more than enough runs, plus some powdery off-piste to keep you busy.

If you’re new to skiing or like to take it easy, you’ll be pleased to hear that most slopes are not too steep and the resort is easy to navigate with uncrowded, well-marked and beautifully groomed pistes. High-speed chairlifts cover all the main pistes but snowboarders maybe moan about the lack of gradient and the reasonably high number of drag lifts (the long and flat Bellecombe drag should be avoided but it is possible to circumnavigate most others), but, before advanced boarders or skiers turn their noses up, it should also be noted that this is one of the only resort’s in France able to offer the ultimate rush of heli-skiing, thanks to the Italian link. There is also a snowpark, boardercross and skicross to show off on, or for a new challenge, try ski-kiting.

For beginners, there are easily accessible, high-quality nursery slopes in both La Rosiere Centre and Les Eucherts and nice blues above, especially from the top of the Roches Noires chair. Intermediates will enjoy the varied terrain and red after red across the three bowls. If you’ve always fancied heading off-piste or are looking to improve in the powder, the Zittieux area offers some interesting terrain which is patrolled but not piste-bashed – perfect for the budding extremist. Experts won’t want to miss La Thuile’s piste 3, which is dedicated to local hero Franco Berthod, hosts European Cup Downhill Competitions and plunges at up to 73% gradient down into the village or the 11km red run down from Chaz Dura (2579m) to La Thuile for some serious thigh-burn. Just don’t get stuck on the Italian side when the lifts close because it will be a long night.

Lift Passes in La Rosiere

The San Bernardo area is a perfect example of a resort having something for everyone. The Full area lift pass covers both La Rosiere on the French side of the border and snow-sure, north-facing La Thuille over on the Italian side. In each location, there are a range of pistes, tree runs and open expanses to suit all abilities as well as some great off-piste terrain.

Activities in La Rosiere

• Bowling - Really good family/friend fun and costs 8 euros plus another 2 for the shoe hire.  
• Cinema - With an occasional English soundtrack  
• Ice skating - Open from 3 pm.  |  
• Snowshoeing - ESF run taster sessions. Or grab a walking map from the office de tourism and hire your snowshoes from Olympia and enjoy stunning views.  
• Helicopter tour of Mont-Blanc - Departs from the bottom of the petit saint bernard in Italy.
• Parapente - 105 euros and worth every penny. Stunning views and amazing jump masters
• Off-piste sledging - Great fun for everyone. Departs from La Ros centre, timings with ESF or Evo 2
• Ice hockey taster - Thursday 6-7pm and costs 9 euros to try out ice hockey, run drills and get into a match  
• Ice hockey match - Wednesday evenings at 8.30pm. Here there is a great community atmosphere and audience participation  
• Local market - Thursday morning, enjoy local produce and sweet stands up in La Ros
• What's on - New issue every week, with new activities for that week coming out

Après Ski in La Rosiere

• Le Flocon -  Take the whole family to enjoy sports on T.V, Bowling, Pool, a good meal and the occasional band. Excellent burgers and pizzas and a great lunchtime spot in the sun too.
• Moo Bar - A favourite local bar in the resort. Pub quiz every week and plenty of space with great views and price.
• La Taverne du McKinley - Not bad for a quick service meal while still in your ski gear. Not the best in town.
• Bar Le 1850  - A quieter wine bar feel to this bar, but also occasional live music. Often acoustic.
• L'Accroche Coeur - Stunning views on a beautiful deck with the famous saint bernard dog and pals who wander around. The best rose in resort especially with the sun and backdrop to go with it.
• Le Comptoir - Enjoy a well earned beer out on the terrace or head upstairs to the wine and cocktail bar. If you're a music fan, there are live bands on Wednesdays, frequent DJs playing as well as regular themed evenings.
• Snack Bar Relais du Petit Saint Bernard - Perfect for families to have a drink in the sun at the end of the day. Located near the nursery slopes so children can play or sledge whilst the adults relax.

Places to eat in La Rosiere

• La Grange - A convenient family-friendly restaurant with a cosy rustic vibe. Great variety of food options for the whole family, pizzas, steaks, pasta, burgers and your typical Savoyard food.
• Flocon - Has a lot to offer such as great steaks, pizzas and meat dishes and a selection of massive salads that really hit the spot. Try the vegan poke bowl, for goodness and freshness. The bowling burger will satisfy the hungriest eater, while the meal deals allow you to play bowling before or after your meal at a reduced rate.
• Le Genepi - Le Genepi is the best and one of the oldest restaurant in the resort. It has an outstanding reputation. Traditionally French with an excellent selection of wines, raclette, fondues. Book up early as there is limited room especially on a Thursday when other chalets have their day off. Don't forget your shot of Genepi as a digestif at the end! With a great family-run vibe, superb service, Michel is an all-round charmer.
• Marmottes – A smaller more intimate version of the Genepi. Offering very tasty food and a great atmosphere.
• Plein Soleil - A French restaurant with a very friendly French host called Thomas. Great atmosphere with a great selection of classic French dishes such as the heated plate with a choice of meats to cook, fondue and salads and the Tartiflette which is our favourite. Take a seat in the large conservatory for excellent views across the valley.
• La Foyer – Fast and authentic Italian food. Watch as you pizza is made in front of you upstairs, or go downstairs for pasta dishes and a self-service option of daily dishes. Located in between Chaz Dura and the Chaz Dura Express lifts.
• Maison Carrel – Book in advance as this little gem is well worth a visit. Tucked away off a red run, this location offers great service, stunning views and amazing food. There are also Fur seats with stunning surroundings which allows you to really enjoy the Italian sun. A lovely building inside which is a surprise from the rather small outer. Well recommended.  |
• Burger Bar - Great lunchtime spot, with heaps of seating out in the sun. Great prices and friendly service.
• L'Ancolie -  A favourite amongst anyone who dines here. Beautiful decking for a great lunchtime spot. Conveniently located at the very end of Les Eucherts. Perfect for a traditional French lunch on the slopes or a perfect setting for an evening meal. Great service and food 10/10. The beautiful old chalet-style gives you an authentic French vibe.
• L'accroche couer - Beautiful wooden chalet interior with lounge seating and a fire. Enjoy an aperitif in the relaxing setting, then the staff will show you to your table when you are ready to order. A great family-run restaurant, with fantastic food. Higher prices but well worth it.
• Moo Bar - Burger Bar.
• Taverna Coppapan -  Great service and WOW what a pizza menu with great prices to match. Every topping you can think of, with a lemon cello to warm you up before you head back over to France.
• Snack Bar du Relais - Located at the bottom of the roche Noir, great lunchtime spot, in the sun with great food and fantastic service.
• Roxi Bar - Hot chocolate to die for. A great location in the sun.

Family Features La Rosiere

• In-resort creches - These are available and take children from 3 years old. Ski lessons are also available as part of this.
• ESF - ESF have all the family activities, from marshmallow treats to the torch decent.