La Rosière Ski Holidays
"The ski area is excellent for beginners and intermediates with some great fun runs whilst the Mont Valaisan lift accesses more challenging skiing. Skiing to Italy is a definite highlight."
Jane Bolton, Product Director
La Rosière is a relaxed family-friendly resort that shares the Espace San Bernardo ski area with La Thuile, which is only a stone's throw away across the border in Italy. With an impressive altitude of 1850m on a sunny plateau in the Haute-Tarentaise valley, the resort offers a 180° "pinch-me" view of the valley.
The chilled-out vibe and beginner-friendly slopes make La Rosière ski holidays a perfect choice for families and anyone looking for a laid-back week in the snow. Known for its perfect mix of bluebird days and pretty much guaranteed snow all season long, it's often ranked in the top 10 French ski resorts for snow coverage.
Whether you're a beginner or an expert who lives for the winter, La Rosière has something for everyone. And when you've put your skis back in the locker after a tiring day on the hill, the resort offers a great selection of restaurants, bars and other fun activities to keep you entertained.
La Rosière mountain facts
The mountains within the La Rosière ski area offer an epic selection of slopes spanning elevations between 1850m to 2800m. The highest point in the ski area is the summit of Mont Valaisan, peaking at an awe-inspiring 2891m. And we've got good news... with over 60% of the ski area above 2,000m, you're practically guaranteed excellent snow conditions throughout the season.
La Rosière also has over 400 snow cannons to keep the surface fresh and provide extra cover when needed. The north-facing slopes towards the Aosta Valley and Italian border usually enjoy better conditions. While you're out playing on the snow, enjoy jaw-dropping views of Mont Blanc and Mont Pourri in the distance.
Snow conditions in La Rosière
La Rosière's ski season kicks off in mid-December and runs through to late April. Thanks to its altitude and good weather, the snow in La Rosière is pretty reliable, with snowfall reaching up to 340cm on average. While the snow depth can change as the season goes on (especially towards the end of the season), the resort usually gets solid coverage. The snow quality is great, too, with natural snowfall and snow cannons resulting in buttery-soft powder.
Why ski in La Rosière?
Where to start? There are so many reasons! La Rosière offers the unique experience of skiing right across the border into Italy. Imagine enjoying an authentic Italian lunch in La Thuile before skiing back to La Rosière in time for an evening of French fondue. Take us there now!
Here are a few more reasons why you should book a ski holiday to La Rosière:
- For anyone who's an intermediate or advanced skier, there's a fun selection of steep, north-facing runs on both sides of the border. The resort's main base, "Front de Neige", and its lifts are on the upper west side of the village, with another base over at Les Eucherts. Both spots are great for newbies, and the beginner-friendly slopes right above them make it easy for novices to find their ski legs.
- Most of La Rosière's ski area is above the tree line, with a great selection of slopes running down from the Italian border. The east side is the main skiing area, which offers easy access to epic red runs and fresh snow – perfect for intermediate skiers looking for a fun challenge.
- Newbies have access to three free ski lifts and an area of beginner-friendly green runs close to the Lievre Blanc and Clarines lifts. If you're new to skiing, this is the perfect spot for practising the basics before moving on to longer green runs and wider blue slopes.
- With 15 black runs, including the 3km Franco Berthod piste (one of the area's toughest slopes), La Rosière is an adrenaline junkie's playground. But watch out if you're new to the area and plan on exploring some of the jaw-dropping off-piste slopes – you'll want to get a guide to help you plot the best route.
Snowboarding in La Rosière
If you prefer speeding down runs on one plank instead of two, you'll find La Rosière is a 5-star resort for snowboarders. Here are some highlights.
- La Rosière's ski area has a beginner zone with a snow garden and magic carpet lift. The snow garden is perfect for kids and newbie boarders who want to learn the basics and build their confidence.
- Beginner snowboarders will find plenty of wide, flatter slopes throughout the resort. Feeling adventurous? Make a beeline for La Poletta Snowpark, which has a good mix of rails and kickers for trying out new tricks.
- For intermediate snowboarders, La Rosière offers an unbeatable selection of long, wide blue and red runs. There are also off-piste areas to check out, including some sweet runs in the Petit St Bernard area where riders can pit their wits and skill against the more challenging terrain.
- Advanced riders – try out the resort's black runs, off-piste zones, steep couloirs and tricky terrain in the Mont Valaisan area to put your skills to the test.
What accommodation is available when I ski in La Rosière?
There's a wide range of accommodation options, so discovering something that fits your taste and budget is easy. Our fully customisable La Rosiére ski holiday packages allow you to select anything from self-catered apartments to luxurious five-star residences.
All Accommodation in La Rosière
Ski Holidays in La Rosiere
Apres Ski in La Rosière
La Rosière has a more chilled-out, family-friendly vibe than a lot of other ski resorts in the French Alps – but that doesn't mean it's without brilliant bars and nightlife. Whether you're up for partying into the early hours or looking for a low-key pub to enjoy a few cheeky après-ski beers, you're bound to find somewhere to reminisce with friends after an epic day playing on the snow. Here are some of our highlights:
- Fancy a few beers after an epic day on the hill? Le Comptoir is a favourite for post-ski drinks and snacks. It's right at the bottom of the slopes, making it the perfect place to enjoy a quick pit stop before you head home to rest those weary muscles!
- In Les Eucherts, Via Ferrata is a popular holidaymaker hangout with a lively atmosphere and chilled-out dancing that goes on well into the early hours. The club sometimes hosts themed nights and early-evening events for kids.
- Moo Bar, located above the Burger Bar in the Balcons de La Rosière apartments, is another must-visit après-ski spot. It has a friendly feel that's great for evening drinks or cocktails, and, if you're lucky, you might be able to catch one of their legendary themed nights.
- La Grange is one of the oldest bars in La Rosière – and after all these years, it's still going strong. It's a lively spot with a great ambience and live music accompanied by a wide selection of beers, wines and cocktails that hit the spot after an exhausting day on the hill.
Facilities in La Rosière
With an indoor ski rink, cinema, spa, swimming pool and wellness centre, La Rosière has a wide range of facilities and amenities to make the most of. The resort also has hire shops, reputable ski schools, convenience stores and multiple ski pass pick-up points.
Facilities for children in La Rosière
La Rosière ski resort has excellent facilities for kids of all ages on and off the slopes. It's "Famille Plus" accredited, which means there is a range of facilities designed especially for children. As well as niche activities like sledging, snowshoeing, tobogganing and a big indoor ice-skating rink located in Les Eucherts, La Rosière also has nurseries and leisure clubs that provide a safe and fun environment. Parents can then enjoy a few hours of stress-free ski time.
Why choose a ski holiday to La Rosière with Erna Low?
- Experience and service: We offer all the trust and knowledge that comes with 90+ years to be exact! of snow experience.
- Incredible value holidays: Save on accommodation, food & drink, lift passes and equipment rentals with our La Rosière ski deals.
- Huge choice of accommodation: From cosy chalets to luxury hotels, we've got accommodation options to suit everyone.
- Customisable travel: Our 1000s of handpicked deals have been carefully selected to suit all tastes and budgets.
- Fully protected bookings: We’re ABTA members and abide by their Code of Conduct.
- 5-star Trustpilot reviews:We pride ourselves on our 5-star service, which is why 9 out of 10 of our clients would recommend us to friends and family..
La Rosière ski holiday FAQs
When is the ski season for La Rosière?
La Rosière's ski season kicks off in mid-December and runs until the end of April. The Espace San Bernardo is known for its fantastic winter weather, and thanks to its location near Mont Blanc, La Rosière is pretty much guaranteed consistent, high-quality snow throughout the season.
Is La Rosière a good ski area for beginners?
Yes, La Rosière is a 5-star ski resort for beginners and first-timers. The main beginner area is right in the centre of the resort and has several green and nursery slopes where novices can learn the basics. If you decide to rest up those tired muscles, there are loads of activities you can do off the hill – no skis needed!
Will advanced skiers enjoy a La Rosière ski holiday?
Absolutely! La Rosière has so much to offer advanced skiers because it has several challenging black and red runs across the whole ski area. If you're experienced and really looking for a thrill, you should make a beeline for the off-piste areas on the way down to La Thuile on the Italian side of the border.
How do I get to La Rosière?
Getting to La Rosière is pretty simple. The nearest airports are Geneva, Lyon and Chambery, and you can book direct ski transfers from there to the resort. Another option is to take the train to Bourg-Saint-Maurice and then hop on a bus or taxi, with regular shuttles running between the two. If you want more flexibility, choose a self-drive option.
Is La Rosière snow-sure?
Yes, La Rosière is famous for being a snow-sure resort. It boasts a higher-than-average snowfall compared to some of its larger neighbours. While snow conditions can vary throughout the season, La Rosière's altitude, favourable weather streams and north-facing slopes mean it benefits from exceptional snow quality. Plus, snow cannons are on hand to keep it deep and fresh.
What makes La Rosière a good option for a family ski holiday?
La Rosière is the perfect resort if you're looking for a family ski holiday you'll want to relive again and again. The resort is "Famillie Plus" accredited thanks to its fantastic child-friendly amenities. La Rosière also has a relaxed environment on and off the slopes, with several beginner-friendly runs and fun facilities that don't involve strapping two wooden planks to your feet!
What else does La Rosière have to offer outside of skiing?
La Rosière has plenty to keep you entertained on and off the slopes. With its amazing range of accommodation options, outdoor activities like snowshoeing, tobogganing and scenic walks, and facilities including a bowling alley and ice rink, you can see why groups of all sizes enjoy ski holidays in La Rosière season after season.
"One of my favourites, La Rosiere is a chocolate box village with beautiful woodland walks and stunning views. It offers excellent value, high quality accommodations and of course the skiing! Added bonus, you can ski to Italy, Parmigiana for lunch anyone?"
Rebecca Dodson, Sales Manager