About La Rosière

  • Altitude: 1100mm
  • Total Lifts: 40
  • Pisted Area: 152kmkm
  • Average Snowfall: 7.56m
  • Green: 8
  • Blue: 27
  • Red: 38
  • Black: 18

La Rosière is one of the French Alps’ best-kept secrets: a sunny, family-friendly resort with an international twist. Perched at 1,850 m in the Tarentaise Valley, opposite Les Arcs and La Plagne, it is part of the unique Espace San Bernardo, a cross-border ski area that links France with Italy’s La Thuile. Together, they offer 160 km of pistes stretching over two countries — one of the few ski passes where you can enjoy croissants in the morning and pasta for lunch.

The resort has a strong reputation for family skiing and value, thanks to wide pistes, excellent ski schools, and the Famille Plus label. But it’s also a growing favourite for adventurous skiers, with heli-skiing from the Italian side, powder fields, and increasingly modern infrastructure. Add in its south-facing slopes — which bathe the village in sunshine for much of the day — and you have one of the most welcoming, versatile resorts in the Tarentaise.


Skiing & Snowboarding

La Rosière’s skiing is defined by its variety and international reach.

  • Beginners: Wide nursery slopes at the village level and gentle greens on the sunny slopes above make it one of the best places in France to learn. Dedicated learning zones and excellent ski schools build confidence quickly.
  • Intermediates: This is paradise for intermediates. Long, sweeping blues and reds stretch across the French side, while the run over the Petit-Saint-Bernard Pass to Italy offers a true sense of adventure. The descent into La Thuile is long and scenic, winding through alpine landscapes into the Aosta Valley.
  • Experts: For advanced skiers, the highlight is the off-piste. La Rosière has a reputation as a powder pocket, with north-facing terrain holding snow well. Guided routes towards the Italian side open up serious descents, and heli-skiing from La Thuile is a unique option rarely found in France. Black pistes like Écudets add on-piste challenge too.
  • Freestylers: The Snowpark du Poletta has lines for different levels, while natural terrain features across the border keep things playful.

With slopes up to 2,800 m and extensive snowmaking, snow reliability is good, while the south-facing French side ensures plenty of sunshine.


Ski Lift Passes (2024/25 Season)

La Rosière lift passes cover either the local French slopes or the full Espace San Bernardo.

  • La Rosière-only pass (70 km): ~€52/day | ~€265 for 6 days
  • Espace San Bernardo pass (160 km, France + Italy): ~€59/day | ~€295 for 6 days
  • Child (5–12): ~25% reduction
  • Under 5s: Free

Deals:

  • Family passes offer discounts.
  • Beginner passes available at lower cost for village lifts.

Full details at the La Rosière ski pass page.


Resort & Infrastructure

La Rosière has invested significantly in recent years. New lifts such as the Mont-Valaisan sector gondolas have opened up higher, steeper terrain, giving the resort a more well-rounded offering for advanced skiers. Snowmaking covers the key runs, ensuring good conditions even in lean winters.

The resort is compact and easy to navigate, with most accommodation offering ski-in/ski-out convenience. The cross-border link to La Thuile is a real highlight, though skiers should check weather conditions: the pass can close in high winds.


Accommodation

La Rosière blends modern residences with Savoyard charm.

  • Budget: Self-catered apartments and family-run guesthouses in the village.
  • Mid-Range: 3★ and 4★ hotels and chalet-style residences with wellness facilities.
  • Luxury: Recent high-end developments such as the Hyatt Centric La Rosière bring stylish design, spas, and ski-in/ski-out access. Catered chalets and premium apartments offer alternatives for groups and families.

Accommodation here is generally good value compared to Tarentaise neighbours like Val d’Isère or Courchevel. Browse options via the official La Rosière accommodation page.


Dining & Après

La Rosière’s dining scene mixes hearty Savoyard classics with Italian flair. Expect fondue, raclette, and tartiflette on the French side, and authentic pasta and pizza when skiing into La Thuile.

On the slopes, restaurants like Le Plan du Repos and La Traversette serve traditional mountain fare with sun terraces. In town, cosy restaurants such as L’Antigel and Le Flocon are local favourites.

Après-ski is relaxed but sociable. Bars like Le Comptoir and Moo Bar host live music and cocktails, while family-friendly venues keep things lively without being wild. Those seeking a more vibrant après scene can head to bigger Tarentaise neighbours, but La Rosière’s atmosphere is welcoming and convivial.


Non-Skiing Activities

La Rosière caters well for families and non-skiers.

  • Ice skating rink and bowling in the village.
  • Snowshoeing trails and cross-country skiing in the forests.
  • Paragliding flights over the valley.
  • The Spa La Rosière for relaxation and wellness.
  • Weekly family activities, torchlit descents, and cultural events.

Its sunny orientation makes it an enjoyable resort to simply relax in, even for those not skiing.


Village Character & Access

La Rosière retains the feel of a purpose-built but tasteful resort, with chalet-style architecture blending into the mountain setting. It is compact, family-friendly, and relaxed, with a strong sense of community and Savoyard warmth.

How to get there from the UK:

  • By air: Geneva, Chambéry, Lyon, and Grenoble (2.5–3 hrs).
  • By train: Eurostar/TGV to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, then transfer (45 mins).
  • By car: About 9 hrs from Calais, with motorway access most of the way.

InTheSnow Verdict

La Rosière combines family-friendly skiing with international adventure. Beginners and intermediates will love the sunny, wide slopes and excellent ski schools, while advanced skiers have powder, off-piste, and heli-skiing opportunities via Italy. The resort is modern yet welcoming, with good-value accommodation and a laid-back après scene.

For those looking for a resort that blends sunshine, charm, and the unique thrill of skiing across two countries in one day, La Rosière is a superb choice in the Tarentaise.

La Rosière Resort Video

La Rosière Piste Map