La Thuile ski guide

A few years ago, I spent a wonderful winter season in La Thuile, a little resort tucked away in the Aosta Valley. I hadn’t heard of it before I moved there, but now I sing its praises to anyone looking for a family-friendly winter wonder. If you hate queuing for lifts and paying hefty prices at mountain restaurants, La Thuile delivers uncrowded slopes and delicious (and great value) cuisine. Here’s everything you need to know before you go... 

The resort 

The closest airport is Turin, around a two-hour transfer away. You can fly there direct with Jet2.com, and you’ll get 10kg hand luggage included and the option to add up to 22kg ski carriage and hold baggage*. The village itself sits at nearly 1500m, so you can expect reliable snow conditions throughout the season. And although it’s small, there are plenty of bars, restaurants and shops to choose from. Accommodation options range from cosy B&Bs to large hotels, with something for every taste and budget. Non-skier? I’d highly recommend a trip to the QC Terme Pré Saint Didier spa. Here, you can soak in thermal, outdoor pools while gazing at snow-covered peaks.  

The slopes  

With around 150km to play with across the Espace San Bernardo ski area, there’s plenty to keep you busy for a week or more. It’s a great choice for beginners, thanks to the gentle nursery slopes near the village. The pistes rarely get crowded too – even in the school holidays! Once you’ve got your ski legs, hop on the Les Suches gondola and you’ll unlock a lovely network of confidence-building blues. Just so you know, the runs back down to the village are reds and blacks, so it’s best to head down on the gondola if you’re not up to the challenge.  

Intermediates will love the tree-lined reds and there are 12 black runs in total too. Don’t leave without testing your mettle on the Franco Berthod Piste 3, which has hosted two Women’s Ski World cup races. And did you know, La Thuile’s linked with La Rosière in France? That means you can ski two countries in one day! If you take the chairlift from Chaz Dura to the Petit St Bernard pass, you'll be across the border in no time. It’s worth noting that when you come back, you’ll have to take one or two, long draglifts. And if all that wasn’t enough, you can even jump on the local bus and explore nearby Courmayeur.  

The après 

This is a laidback resort, so it’s maybe not the place for you if you’re looking for a lively après scene. It’s fab for foodies though, with around 30 places to wine and dine in. Coppapan was one of my fave restaurants, especially the raclette and steak! For drinks, Le Petit Skieur’s a busy spot that tends to have a bit of a buzz when the lifts close. Down in the Old Town, L’Altro serves up great cocktails and stays open late on weekends.  

*Charges apply.