La Rosière ski holidays

WINTER 26/27 IS LIVE

La Rosière ski holidays

ABTA & ATOL Protection
ABTA & ATOL Protection

Top features of this resort

Snow-sure resortSnow-sure resort
Stunning viewsStunning views
Off-slope activitiesOff-slope activities
Snow-sure resortSnow-sure resort
Stunning viewsStunning views
Off-slope activitiesOff-slope activities

Top features of this resort

Snow-sure resortSnow-sure resort
Stunning viewsStunning views
Off-slope activitiesOff-slope activities
Snow-sure resortSnow-sure resort
Stunning viewsStunning views
Off-slope activitiesOff-slope activities

La Rosière ski resort

4.6/5
WONDERFUL (1,083 REVIEWS)
1,083 REVIEWS

La Rosière is one of France's best-kept secrets, where south-facing slopes meet cross-border adventure. Sitting at 1,850m in the Tarentaise Valley of the French Alps, this sunny resort offers reliable snow and a genuine French mountain atmosphere, with a season typically running mid-December through late April. Its slopes link directly to La Thuile via the Espace San Bernardo, crossing into Italy and giving you two countries in one ski holiday.

With 154km of pistes stretching from 1,176m up to 2,800m and a vertical drop of 1,600m, La Rosière suits all levels - whether it's beginners wanting a relaxed base, intermediates looking to build confidence on wide runs, or adventurous skiers drawn to the off-piste itineraries. Efficient lifts including modern high-speed chairs keep you moving, and altitude plus snowmaking ensure consistent conditions.

The village itself is refreshingly compact, charming, and family-oriented, without the crowds or queues of larger neighbours. Traditional chalet-style buildings house welcoming restaurants and bars, and the relaxed atmosphere makes it particularly popular with families seeking a quieter alternative to the mega-resorts. The Italian connection adds cultural variety too - ski over for pasta and return to France for après.

Check out La Rosière ski deals to start planning your trip.

La Rosière resort facts
Ski areaEspace San Bernardo
Total slopes85 km
Easy slopes8 runs
Intermediate slopes25 runs
Difficult slopes35 runs
Expert slopes14 runs
Number of lifts40
Snow range1,176 m - 2,641 m
Resort height1,850 m
Snow parks1
Rating by ski level
Beginners
8/10
Intermediates
6/10
Experts
4/10
Snowboarders
4/10
Rating by group type
Friends
5/10
Families
7/10
Couples
6/10
Transfer times to La Rosière
Chambéry airport2 hr
Lyon airport2 hr 30 min
Geneva airport2 hr 45 min

La Rosière ski resort

4.6/5
WONDERFUL (1,083 REVIEWS)
1,083 REVIEWS

La Rosière is one of France's best-kept secrets, where south-facing slopes meet cross-border adventure. Sitting at 1,850m in the Tarentaise Valley of the French Alps, this sunny resort offers reliable snow and a genuine French mountain atmosphere, with a season typically running mid-December through late April. Its slopes link directly to La Thuile via the Espace San Bernardo, crossing into Italy and giving you two countries in one ski holiday.

With 154km of pistes stretching from 1,176m up to 2,800m and a vertical drop of 1,600m, La Rosière suits all levels - whether it's beginners wanting a relaxed base, intermediates looking to build confidence on wide runs, or adventurous skiers drawn to the off-piste itineraries. Efficient lifts including modern high-speed chairs keep you moving, and altitude plus snowmaking ensure consistent conditions.

The village itself is refreshingly compact, charming, and family-oriented, without the crowds or queues of larger neighbours. Traditional chalet-style buildings house welcoming restaurants and bars, and the relaxed atmosphere makes it particularly popular with families seeking a quieter alternative to the mega-resorts. The Italian connection adds cultural variety too - ski over for pasta and return to France for après.

Check out La Rosière ski deals to start planning your trip.

La Rosière resort facts
Ski areaEspace San Bernardo
Total slopes85 km
Easy slopes8 runs
Intermediate slopes25 runs
Difficult slopes35 runs
Expert slopes14 runs
Number of lifts40
Snow range1,176 m - 2,641 m
Resort height1,850 m
Snow parks1
Rating by ski level
Beginners
8/10
Intermediates
6/10
Experts
4/10
Snowboarders
4/10
Rating by group type
Friends
5/10
Families
7/10
Couples
6/10
Transfer times to La Rosière
Chambéry airport2 hr
Lyon airport2 hr 30 min
Geneva airport2 hr 45 min

La Rosière skiing & snowboarding

Skiing or snowboarding La Rosière feels like discovering a well-kept secret. The south-facing slopes catch the sun all day, lift queues are refreshingly short, and the connection to La Thuile adds genuine variety without the need to drive anywhere. You'll find long, cruisy runs that reward confident intermediates, plus accessible off-piste for those ready to explore further.

Skiing for beginners in La Rosière

La Rosière is a welcoming place to learn and an excellent choice for beginners. The sunny aspect means snow softens nicely through the day, a forgiving quality for those still building confidence. There's a relaxed atmosphere and space to progress without feeling rushed, with plenty of gentle terrain before you need to tackle anything steeper.

Village-level nursery slopes let you find your feet without intimidating gondola rides. Once you've mastered the basics, easy blues extend across the mountain, letting you explore higher up while staying within your comfort zone. The ESF and independent ski schools offer quality lessons with English-speaking instructors readily available.

WeSki insider tip: The beginner area at Les Eucherts tends to be quieter than the main La Rosière 1850 nursery slopes - worth knowing if you want a bit more space while starting out.

Intermediate skiing in La Rosière

Intermediates will find genuinely rewarding terrain here. The resort's blues and reds offer long, sweeping descents with variety - from wide-open cruisers above the treeline to more technical sections through the forest. The terrain flows well between sectors, and you can cover serious ground without repeating runs.

The Col de la Traversette run takes you over the border into Italy, where the character changes noticeably: steeper pitches, different views, and a good excuse for a pasta lunch in La Thuile. Back on the French side, the Roc Noir and Fort sectors have some of the best intermediate skiing, with consistent gradient and well-maintained pistes.

WeSki insider tip: Cross to the Italian side early in the day, the San Bernardo chairlift can get busy around mid-morning as day trippers head over for lunch.

Advanced and expert skiing in La Rosière

Advanced skiers shouldn't overlook La Rosière. The black runs include genuinely challenging terrain, particularly on the Italian side where the Belvedere sector delivers steep, sustained pitches. The runs from Col de la Traversette and Fort du Truc offer the most demanding marked terrain on the French side.

Off-piste, the accessible itineraries above the Col de la Traversette offer powder fields and gully runs when conditions are right - and because the resort flies under the radar, you're less likely to find them tracked out by lunchtime. North-facing slopes above La Thuile hold snow better later in the season, making the border crossing worthwhile for more than just the views. For a guide-accompanied challenge, the descent into the Ruitor glacier area is exceptional.

Snowboarding in La Rosière

La Rosière works well for snowboarders. Wide, open pistes suit carving at speed, and natural hits and drops throughout the ski area reward exploration. Two terrain parks have progression-friendly features including jumps, rails, and boxes, and the sunny aspect means softer snow for learning new tricks. The modern lift system means minimal drag lifts on the main runs.

Off-piste skiing in La Rosière

The off-piste around La Rosière rewards exploration. The Espace San Bernardo opens up freeride terrain on both sides of the border, with marked itineraries and more serious backcountry accessible with a guide. North-facing slopes hold powder well, and because the resort attracts fewer freeriders than more popular destinations, fresh tracks last longer.

La Rosière snow school and lessons

Several ski schools operate in La Rosière, including ESF La Rosière and independent options like Evolution 2. English-speaking instructors are readily available - the resort's popularity with British families means schools are well-practised at teaching in English. Group lessons, private tuition, and specialist sessions for children are all on offer.

Through WeSki, you can add ski or snowboard lessons to your package and have everything arranged before you arrive. Check out La Rosière ski deals to get started.

La Rosière snow parks

La Rosière has two terrain parks. The main Poletta snow park sits at altitude with jumps, rails, and boxes across different lines for varying abilities. A smaller family-friendly zone suits those just getting started with freestyle. Both are well-maintained throughout the season.

La Rosière piste map

La Rosière piste map
  1. La Rosière Family ski holiday
  2. Things to do in La Rosière
  3. Planning your trip in La Rosière
  4. How to get to La Rosière
  5. La Rosière FAQs

La Rosière family ski holiday

La Rosière has built a strong reputation as a family destination, and deservedly so. The manageable size means you won't lose half the day navigating a sprawling ski area, the terrain suits all abilities, and the welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to relax. It stays family-friendly in the evenings, and there's no rowdy après-ski scene to avoid.

Young children benefit from beginner areas, with dedicated family zones on the mountain giving space to progress without feeling overwhelmed. The ski schools are experienced with young learners, and the Club Piou-Piou programme takes children from age three. Older children and teenagers will enjoy the snow parks and the adventure of skiing across the border into Italy, which offers different terrain to explore.

The village is compact and largely traffic-free, providing older kids freedom to wander safely. Off the slopes, there's enough to keep everyone entertained, with swimming pools, ice skating, sledging, and more. Dining works well for families, too. You'll find relaxed mountain restaurants on both sides of the border, while the village has crêperies, pizzerias, and traditional Savoyard spots serving generous portions without any fuss.

WeSki insider tip: The cross-border trip to Italy makes an excellent family adventure - children love the novelty of skiing to another country, and the Italian mountain restaurants serve pizza that even fussy eaters will enjoy.

Things to do in La Rosière

La Rosière is a relaxed, family-friendly resort where time off the skis feels genuinely enjoyable. Its sunny position, traditional Savoyard character, and easy-going pace make it ideal for mixed-ability groups and rest days. While the village itself is compact, the surrounding landscape opens up plenty of opportunities to enjoy the mountains in different ways.

Snow activities

Beyond downhill skiing, La Rosière offers a good range of snow-based activities, helped by its open terrain, forested slopes, and panoramic views across the Tarentaise Valley. These options are well suited to families, couples, and anyone looking to experience the mountains at a slower pace:

  • Snowshoeing excursions: Guided walks through Tarentaise forests and open slopes, offering peaceful routes and scenic viewpoints.
  • Cross-country skiing: Groomed Nordic trails providing a gentle way to explore the valley surroundings.
  • Sledging areas: Dedicated toboggan zones close to the village, ideal for family-friendly fun.
  • Dog sledding: Husky-led experiences across snowy terrain, available by reservation for a memorable alpine activity.
  • Snake gliss: Group sledging where riders link sleds together for a fast, sociable descent.
  • Paragliding tandem flights: Take off from the slopes for sweeping aerial views over the valley and across to Italy.
  • Ice climbing: Introductory sessions on frozen ice walls, suitable for beginners wanting to try something new.
  • Winter hiking: Marked and maintained paths offering panoramic walks without skis.
  • Fat biking: Specially adapted bikes allow you to ride snow-packed trails for a different winter adventure.

Non-snow activities

La Rosière makes rest days easy, with a small but well-chosen range of activities that complement its calm, sunny atmosphere. Whether you want to relax, explore nearby towns, or simply enjoy the mountain scenery without skis, there's enough variety to keep everyone happy:

  • Wellness centres and spa treatments: Several hotels and residences offer saunas, steam rooms, and massage treatments.
  • Ice skating rink: Village rink offering public skating sessions, perfect for families and relaxed evenings.
  • Scenic lift rides: Non-skiers can ride selected lifts to enjoy panoramic views across the Tarentaise Valley and into Italy.
  • Bourg-Saint-Maurice day trip: Short journey to the main valley town for shopping, cafés, and local Savoyard life.
  • Col du Petit Saint-Bernard viewpoint: Historic mountain pass marking the Italian border, offering dramatic alpine scenery and winter viewpoints.
  • Cinema screenings: Regular showings in the resort provide an easy, low-key evening option.
  • Resort shopping: Browse small shops in the village centre for souvenirs, ski essentials, and local produce.
  • Italian day trip: Easy access across the border allows for a change of scene, culture, and cuisine in neighbouring Italian resorts.

La Rosière restaurants

Dining in La Rosière strikes a pleasing balance between traditional Savoyard comfort food and lighter, modern options. The village has enough variety to keep things interesting throughout the week, while the on-mountain restaurants are relaxed, welcoming, and well-placed for long, sunny lunches.

  • Le Relais du Petit Saint-Bernard: Classic Savoyard cooking in a warm, welcoming setting, with mountain views and a strong local following.
  • L'Ancolie: One of La Rosière's more refined options, offering creative menus, thoughtful presentation, and an excellent wine list.
  • La Grange: Rustic mountain hut atmosphere with hearty portions of traditional dishes, ideal for comfort food after a cold day.
  • Le Panoramic: Slope-side restaurant with a sunny terrace, serving reliable Savoyard favourites and easy lunch options.
  • Le Comptoir: Casual, family-friendly spot for pizzas, burgers, and relaxed evening meals.
  • Maison Chevallot: Beloved local bakery and tea room, perfect for fresh pastries, artisan breads, and an afternoon coffee stop.
  • Lo Riondet: On-mountain restaurant with a sun-trap terrace, known for generous lunches and panoramic views.
  • Lo Soli: Popular mountain restaurant serving fondue, tartiflette, and other alpine classics, best enjoyed on the terrace in good weather.

WeSki insider tip: Try croûtes savoyardes - toasted bread soaked in white wine and topped with melted local cheese - a lesser-known but deeply satisfying regional dish that's perfect after a long day on the slopes.

La Rosière après-ski

La Rosière isn't a party resort, and that's very much part of its appeal. Après-ski here is relaxed and sociable, focused on winding down after the day rather than ramping things up. You can enjoy a drink without fighting for space or shouting over loud music, and the atmosphere stays friendly and unpretentious throughout the afternoon and evening.

As the lifts close, skiers gather in village bars for a beer, vin chaud, or glass of wine before drifting naturally into dinner. Families, couples, and groups all mix comfortably, and while there are a few venues that turn up the music later on, the overall vibe remains civilised rather than chaotic.

  • Le Petit Danois: One of the most popular après spots, with live music, a good beer selection, and a consistently friendly crowd.
  • Bar Le Yeti: Cosy and welcoming, known for its lively après feel and generous happy-hour deals.
  • Le Saloon: Western-themed bar that stays open late, with occasional DJ sets and a sociable evening atmosphere.
  • Le Comptoir: Relaxed wine-bar style venue with a solid selection of French and regional wines.
  • L'Ancolie Bar: Stylish hotel bar offering cocktails and a more refined early-evening option before dinner.
  • The Underground: Late-night option for those wanting music and dancing without a full-on club scene.
  • L'Antigel: The closest thing La Rosière has to a nightclub, opening later for dancing when the mood strikes.

La Rosière map

La Rosière map

Planning your trip to La Rosière

La Rosière accommodation

La Rosière is split between two main areas: La Rosière 1850 (the original village) and Les Eucherts (a newer development slightly higher up). Both have direct ski access, but they have different characters. La Rosière 1850 has more restaurants, shops, and a village atmosphere, while Les Eucherts is quieter with mostly residence-style accommodation and a more modern feel.

You'll find hotels, self-catered apartments, and catered chalets across both areas. The resort is compact enough that nowhere is far from the slopes (typically within a 5-10 minute walk at most). For families, Les Eucherts offers ski-in/ski-out convenience and a quiet base, while La Rosière 1850 puts you closer to the restaurants and evening action.

La Rosière ski pass

The main ski pass for La Rosière covers the entire Espace San Bernardo area - that's both the French and Italian sides, giving you access to 154 km of pistes and 39 lifts across both countries. There's no need to buy a separate pass for La Thuile; it's all included.

You can select your ski pass options when booking your La Rosière ski holiday package on WeSki.

Equipment hire

Ski and snowboard hire shops are found in both La Rosière 1850 and Les Eucherts. Booking in advance saves time on your first morning, since you can get fitted the evening before and be ready to hit the slopes straight away. Most shops offer standard, performance, and premium equipment levels, so you can match your gear to your ability and preferences.

WeSki partners with SkiSet shops in La Rosière, letting you add equipment to your package and collect on arrival. Browse La Rosière ski deals to build your perfect trip.

Getting around La Rosière

La Rosière is compact enough to navigate on foot. A shuttle bus connects La Rosière 1850 and Les Eucherts throughout the day, running regularly during ski hours. The weekday service continues into the evening, so you can head between the two areas for dinner without needing a taxi. Both areas have lifts within easy walking distance of accommodation, and the village centres are pedestrian-friendly.

Taxis are available for late-night journeys or if you're staying slightly out of the centre, though most visitors find they don't need them. The resort is deliberately kept compact, making getting around one less thing to worry about.

How to get to La Rosière

La Rosière sits in the Tarentaise Valley, accessible from several airports. Geneva is the closest major hub at approximately 165km, while Lyon is around 210km. Chambéry offers a smaller, often quieter alternative at roughly 130km. From the UK, direct flights serve all three airports throughout the ski season.

By rail, the nearest station is Bourg-Saint-Maurice on the Eurostar ski train route - the resort is then a 25-minute drive up the mountain. Driving is also straightforward via the A43 motorway and the N90 into the Tarentaise Valley.

WeSki offers car rentals from the airport as well as private and shared transfers to La Rosière. Add them to your La Rosière ski holiday package for seamless door-to-door travel.

La Rosière FAQs

Is La Rosière good for beginners?

Yes, La Rosière is well-suited to beginners. The village-level nursery slopes at both La Rosière 1850 and Les Eucherts are gentle, uncrowded, and equipped with easy lifts. The sunny aspect means forgiving snow conditions, and the resort's smaller scale means you won't feel overwhelmed. Progression is natural - once you're comfortable on the nursery slopes, there are gentle blues to move on to without any scary surprises.

Can you really ski to Italy from La Rosière?

Absolutely. La Rosière connects directly to La Thuile in Italy via the Espace San Bernardo ski area. The standard lift pass covers both countries, so you can ski across the border, have lunch in Italy, and return the same day. It's around 15-20 minutes of skiing from the French side to reach the Italian slopes, crossing at the Col de la Traversette. Remember your passport or ID, though checks are rare.

Is La Rosière a good resort for families?

La Rosière is excellent for families. The village is compact, safe, and easy to navigate with children. The ski schools have strong reputations for teaching kids, with programmes starting from age 3. The terrain suits family skiing - you can progress together on wide, confidence-building runs. Off the slopes, there are sledging areas, ice skating, and family-friendly restaurants without the need to book weeks ahead.

Is La Rosière snow reliable?

La Rosière has a good snow record thanks to its altitude - the skiing reaches up to 2,800m on the French side and 2,641m in Italy. The south-facing slopes get plenty of sun, which is pleasant but can affect snow quality in spring. The resort has invested in snowmaking to cover key runs, and the north-facing Italian side often holds snow better when the French slopes start to soften. The season typically runs from mid-December to late April.

What's the village like in La Rosière?

La Rosière is purpose-built but sympathetically designed, avoiding the concrete aesthetic of some French resorts. Traditional chalet-style buildings house shops, restaurants, and bars, and the atmosphere is relaxed rather than flashy. It's not a historic village, but it has genuine charm and character. The sunny aspect means pleasant terraces for après-ski, and the compact layout makes everything accessible.

How does La Rosière compare to bigger French resorts?

La Rosière trades mega-mileage for character and value. You won't find the 600 km of the Three Valleys here, but you also won't find the crowds, queues, or prices. The lift system is modern and efficient, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the cross-border element adds variety that bigger resorts can't match. It suits skiers who prefer a quieter pace and genuine mountain village feel over resort-scale infrastructure.

What's the après-ski like in La Rosière?

La Rosière's après-ski is laid-back rather than legendary. If you're looking for Ischgl-style partying, this isn't the resort for you. But if you want friendly bars, good beer, occasional live music, and evenings that don't leave you wrecked for the next morning's skiing, it works well. The bars fill up around lift-closing time, and there's enough variety to keep a week interesting without needing to stay out past midnight.

Is there enough skiing in La Rosière for a week?

For most intermediate skiers, yes - especially with the Italian connection. The combined Espace San Bernardo area has 154 km of pistes across two countries, which is enough variety for a week if you explore both sides. Advanced skiers who only want steep on-piste terrain might feel they've covered the blacks by day four, but the accessible off-piste and itinerary routes extend the options considerably. First-timers and improvers will find more than enough for a week.

Explore other resorts in France

Val Thorens - La Plagne - Chamonix - Tignes - Avoriaz - Val d'Isère - Méribel - Les Arcs - Les Menuires - Courchevel - Flaine - La Clusaz - Serre Chevalier - Samoëns - Montgenèvre - Val Cenis - Megève - St Martin de Belleville - Isola 2000 - Risoul - Valmorel - Les Gets - Morzine - Les Deux Alpes - Alpe d'Huez - Vaujany - Sainte Foy Tarentaise - Saint Gervais les bains - Châtel - Les Houches - Les Sybelles - Les Carroz - Les Contamines-Montjoie - Les Orres - Les Saisies

Ready to build your next trip?

Click on the button below, choose your dates, departure airport and group size, and find the trip that fits you best!

Years of experience in making customers happy