The Ski Resort
La Rosiere is situated on the French side of the Petit St Bernard Pass and is linked with La Thuile in Italy as part of the Espace San Bernado ski region. This link allows you to ski France in the morning and then pop into the pretty village of La Thuile in Italy for lunch in the afternoon.
Both ski resorts are particularly well suited for intermediates skiers although the advanced skiing is more limited in the Espace San Bernado ski region. For beginners the skiing is reasonable, but can be a little daunting at times for nervous beginners and here at Chalet Ski holidays we would consider La Rosiere best for intermediates as a consequence.
In terms of La Rosiere as a resort, whereas its Italian neighbour La Thuile is a very traditional Alpine village (skiing came after), La Rosiere is purpose built. In recent years it has certainly grown in popularity with family ski and mixed ability groups who have really taken to its ski convenience and the large array of reasonably challenging red slopes. But its not just the red runs and the fact that a large proportion of the ski chalets are within 200m of the ski slopes and lifts (there are exceptions so check and choose carefully your ski chalet nevertheless). Overall with the odd eception, the attraction of Les Rosiere is its total convenience with everything being on your doorstep; bowling, the ice rink, cinema, the swimming pool, bars, restaurants, you name it all just a stones throw away.
The ski chalets in La Rosiere are also a great selling point too, reasonably priced, modern and tastefully decorated inside and on the outside built in local stone and wood. Whilst La Rosierre is not in our opinion the most attractive ski resort in the Alps (it lacks some character of course being a modern ski resort), here at Chalet Ski holidays we still consider it pleasant on the eye and very well developed (there are certainly no high rise monstrosities here). Its nightlife is not spectacular however but is pleasant and there is enough to please most skiers, but generally it is relatively quiet and not ideal for the hardened party crowd.
In summary, La Rosiere is a therefore a fabulous ski resort for intermediate ski groups and we feel at Chalet Ski it is very well priced too. We would have no hesitation highly recommending it to any ski group where the skiers have skied a few weeks, but are not at this stage looking to plunge down steep couloirs.
Worth Knowing
The Espace San Bernado pass gives access to skiing in France and Italy. The Foehn wind that prevails the French side can produce vastly different snow conditions and weather (as is the case in nearby Courmayeur and its neighbour Chamonix). One side might recieve a large snowfall whereas the other might recieve virtually nothing. Choose also carefully in times of bad weather which side you ski. It is a strange piece of nature that has to be seen, but one side can be in thick cloud and even snow, when the other is basking in sunshine, so try to use the weather to your advantage. Also be prepared if crossing from one side to the other that a sunny day in France could be a very cold and cloudy day in Italy.
In terms of getting to La Rosiere, two Eurostar trains a week depart St Pancras and arrive in Bourg St Maurice just 45 minutes away (one overnight leaving late Friday and arriving early Saturday with the second departing Saturday morning and arriving Saturday evening). These trains of course also depart Saturday back to St Pancras, one in the morning and the second in the evening (the latter traveling overnight).
Off Piste Skiing
La Rosiere is not a great off-piste resort unless you are willing to really work for it. There is skiing in between the runs but avalanches are not uncommon and explore with care.
Within reasonable reach is the Combes des Moulins with relatively gentle slopes but still should be treated with caution as they are not without risk. The Mont Valezan can be climbed on ski touring skis but it is some hike of several hours and whilst the reward is some great snow, its hardly an off-piste day I would recommend to Chalet Ski holiday makers unless you really are very fit and prefer to climb more than ski.
Ski School
ESF are the main ski school in La Rosiere. Other ski schools of note are Evolution 2 and Elite Ski.
Snow Boarding
La Rosire is a ski resort best suited for intermediate snowboarders although some areas can be a little flat. There are parks both on the French and Italian side that are very popular.
Pros
High altitude
Great for intermediates
good for intermediate family ski holidays
Ski France and Italy
Cons
Limited apres-ski
Limited for beginners
Ski Resort Map
Ski Piste Map
Getting Around the Ski Resort
La Rosiere is a small purpose built ski resort with all chalets close to the lifts and shops, bars, restaurants and amenities a very short walk away.
Activities Outdoor
There is a cinema, an indoor ice rink right in the centre of La Rosiere, a swimming pool and indoor bowling. Other activities include Speed Riding (similar to paragliding but closer to the ground and skiing at the same time) and Kite skiing (using power kites).
View La Rosiere - Espace San Bernado in a larger map