La Thuile Skigebiet Guide

La Thuile, known as "Little Siberia" amongst the Italians, boasts to have the best snow conditions in the Alps at any given time. The north facing exposure and it's unique position in the Alps spreading over 2 countries on both sides of the main Alps so it gets snow from any direction, ensures that even the lowest routes down to the village rarely suffer poor conditions. In fact, for the last few seasons the runs down to the village have remained in good condition right up to the season's end, on the 25th April, each year. Over 150 km of pistes are on offer with a good mix of runs and you can ski over into France to La Rosiere all on one ski pass. Also included in the ski pass is the possibility to ski 2 days at other resorts in the Aosta valley with a free ski bus to Courmayeur and a public bus to Pila. Due to it's ratio of low number of hotel beds (approx 2000) to it's very efficient high lift capacity (50000 skiers per hour) queueing in La Thuile is never a problem. The on-mountain facilities in La Thuile have improved greatly over the past few seasons with the opening of some great new restaurants. Off the slopes there is adequate slope-side accommodation and there are good restaurants too. The closest to the ski lifts is the Planibel complex but there are many small family run hotels and chalets close to the ski lifts that offer a more personalised service and ambiance. Search them out, they are well worth it. The night life is not the best and is more subdued due to the low number of hotel beds in resort but one thing you can be sure of is a genuine welcome back for years to come. La Thuile is a seriously under-rated resort.