Possibly the best ski resort in the alps
Tignes, Val D’isere, Meribel, Courchevel, Les 2 alpes- just a few of the most highly rated ski resorts in France. However none of them, in my opinion, come close to the resort of La Rosiere!
La Rosiere is a resort that you will most likely have heard of. But for many it will never make it onto the list of possible destinations for your next ski holiday and just like you I was once the same.
I was thrust into La Rosiere through a previous job and I wasn’t overly pleased about my placement when I had the likes of Val thorens (europes highest ski resort) or Val D’isere (party capital of the French alps) right on my doors step. Although, it did beat my situation at that current time when I was based down in Bourg St Maurice- possibly the most boring, dismal place on earth. The only reason people go to Bourg St Maurice is for cheaper supermarkets or passing through to get to their resort of choice.
However I very quickly realised why La Rosiere never really got mentioned in passing conversation with fellow skiers/boarders alike. If you spend a week in La Rosiere you wouldn’t let anyone know about it either. La Rosiere at its busiest is as busy as Tignes at its quietest. I can’t recall a time where I have waited longer than two minutes for a lift and it also boasts some of the biggest snow falls of any resort in France due to its proximity to Mont Blanc.
The Village/History
La Rosiere sits at 1850m which is right up there with the big resorts. The town is split into two main parts La Rosiere Centre and Les Eucherts, both originally farming pastures a long way back. The first lift opened on 23rd December 1960(the polleta) and from then on the resort has grown and grown, with the link to Italy(La Thuile) opening in 1985. In the summer there is a golf course, Mountain Biking and the legendary St Bernard dog festival. These gorgeous dogs were traditionally used for mountain rescue in the days before skidoos and helicopters. They were introduced back in the 17th century and trained by local monks to rescue pilgrims in distress. In fact the last recorded instance of a Saint Bernard being used in a rescue was in 1955.
The Pistes
La Rosiere is part of the Espace San Bernado ski area which it shares with the Italian resort of La Thuile. Between the two resorts they boast 7 Green runs, 25 Blue runs, 31 Red runs, 13 Black runs. The link with Italy gives a whole new dynamic to your holiday. With La Rosiere being one of the few south facing ski resorts out there it has an incredible amount of beautiful blue sky days whilst its counterpart, La Thuile, is north facing and spends more time in the shade- this means you can always find the correct snow conditions to suit your style.
If this isn’t enough to get you booking your next trip to La Rosiere a new £14 million investment for the 2018/19 season sees two brand new express chairlifts built and a whole new area for more advanced skiing and off -piste junkies to get their fix.
Places of interest
If it’s crazy drinking sessions with the lads you’re after, you’re not going to find it here. However I do recommend paying a visit to Le Comptoir on a Wednesday evening for the infamous band night which is about the wildest things get in resort. They also serve up some epic burgers.
If you do pop over the border to La Thuile make the extra effort and ski into the village itself and take a small walk down the Main Street until you find a small pub/restaurant called La Cage aux Folles. I highly recommend the Mimi pizza and they also serve Guinness for a very reasonable price.
In summary
It’s snow sure, sunny, friendly, authentic, 2 countries in one pass and compared to most resorts very good value for money. The accommodation is modern and of good quality and the transfer from nearby airports isn’t too long.
This is why I believe La Rosiere is probably the best resort in the alps.
Pros
- The pistes are long and wide
- Ski in two countries
- Heli-Skiing available in italy(illegal in France)
- No Folie Deuce(No drunken idiots)
- Visit St Bernard Dogs(they are bred here)
- Very traditional
- Great food
- Beaufort cheese
Cons
- No Apres-ski culture
- Possible sun burn
- Not great snow at end of season(its so sunny)
Recommended by us
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