La Rosière
Espace San Bernado, Savoie, French Alps
Set high above the Tarentaise valley, where it looks across to Les Arcs, La Rosière is easily accessible from good road and rail connections in Bourg Saint-Maurice.
In summer the route continues to the Col du Petit Saint-Bernard (2188m) where Savoie meets the Aosta Valley in Italy, but each winter heavy snowfalls close the route just above La Rosière.
The Ski Area
- Part of the cross-border ski area known as the Espace San Bernardo.
- New Mont Valaisan sector adds steep reds and free-ride opportunities.
La Rosière’s ski area is for the most part south-facing, and is integrated with that of its Italian counterpart La Thuile to form the extensive area covered by the Espace San Bernardo lift-pass. Closer to home there are accessible novice areas and lots of blue-graded cruising, along with some more challenging reds including the wooded Fontaine Froide, which drops right down to 1176m.
Recently the opening of a new sector on Mont Valaisan has boosted La Rosière’s appeal to more advanced skiers. Topping off at a respectable 2800m, five new red pistes and two six-person high-speed chairlifts now offer steeper, more technical descents, along with further freeride opportunities.
More experienced intermediates who head off to Italy are rewarded with fresh challenges, new surroundings and often better snow quality. There’s also plenty of off-piste, to which cross-border heli-skiing brings near-instant access - at a price...
Resort Information
Altitude :
1190m -
2800m
La Rosière
Pistes Total: 152 km
8 Green
27 Blue
38 Red
18 Black
Pistes Total: 152 km
27 Blue
38 Red
18 Black
Ski Resort Lifts :
40
4 Magic Carpets
15 Draglifts
20 Chairlifts
1 Gondolas
4 Magic Carpets
15 Draglifts
20 Chairlifts
1 Gondolas
Green Credentials...
- Travel by train to Bourg Saint-Maurice in the heart of the Tarentaise region. There’s a choice of bus services for onward transfers to La Rosière.
- Free shuttle bus service reduces car journeys around the resort.
The Ski Village
- Purpose-built ski village at 1850m.
- The resort has been expanding with more facilities and premium accommodation.
The purpose-built ski village of La Rosière 1850 is linked by a pedestrian footpath (an agreeable 10-minute level stroll) to the newer Eucherts development, expanding the possibilities for both accommodation and access to the skiing.
Les Eucherts, the original mountain hamlet, has in recent years been rediscovered by developers and skiers alike. It makes a good base, although so far the 1850 village still has the edge in terms of services and general energy levels, particularly once the lifts close. Architecturally things are pleasing to the eye, and becoming more so as the few outmoded structures are gradually replaced with new hotels and chalets in traditional wood and stone.
Elevating things significantly is the presence of France’s very first Hyatt Centric hotel in Les Eucherts, and La Rosière will soon witness the construction of the French Alps’ latest Club Med village.
Staying There
La Rosière is a Famille Plus resort
Famille Plus is a national label awarded to tourist destinations offering a special welcome and services tailored to families and children.
See Practical Information below for accommodation suggestions.
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Why go skiing in La Rosière ?
La Rosière’s premium quality image is well-founded in terms of both accommodation and services, but it clearly has no intention of becoming another Courchevel. It’s a fun place, with no sense of detached exclusivity for those on a real-world budget.
Skiing-wise, it will suit those happy to take it easy, along with fit and confident skiers prepared to ski over to Italy, where further challenges and greater sense of freedom lie.
Finally, like nearby Les Arcs, La Rosière’s proximity to Bourg Saint-Maurice makes it an obvious contender for anyone thinking of taking the high-speed rail option for their travel.
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Skiing There
Beginners / Families
Intermediates
Advanced / Expert
Mountain Scenery
Snowboarding
Fun areas for boarders though only draglifts over to Italian side.8 Snowparks
1 Snowboarder Cross
Cross-Country Skiing
Free though limited.6+km Cross-Country and Nordic Ski Trails
Handiski...
- Half price ski pass (conditions apply).
- Accessible public toilets.
- Adapted accommodation available. Contact reservation service for advice on +33 (0)4 79 06 83 92
- Access to all lifts (except the Sévolière draglift) in La Rosière. Sit skis are not authorised in La Thuile.
- Specialist ESF instructors cater for all types of handicap from tetraplegic, paraplegic, mentally handicapped and blind skiers (English spoken).
- Lesson price includes equipment (2 dualskis, 1 tandemski,
1 uniski) - also available for individual hire. - Experience in welcoming groups of mentally handicapped children and adults.
Yes please...
- Quality experience, both on and off the slopes.
- The resort’s location guarantees excellent snowfall (11m of it during the 2017-2018 season).
- There are safe learning areas for children and novice skiers, with an easy progression onto the gentle slopes.
- Five new red runs on Mont Valaisan, plus lots more intermediate terrain (and further free-ride opprtunities) on the Italian side.
- Exciting range of premium accommodation and restaurants.
- You can ski over to Italy for lunch.
- Alternative activities including skiing first tracks, ski touring and snow-shoe walks, dog-sledding experiences and ice-skating.
- A walkway at the summit of the Fort Express chairlift gives breathtaking panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the nearby peaks in France and Italy.
Yes but...
- Drag-lift link to Italian sector isn’t ideal for snowboarders and early intermediates.
- The geographical location exposes the area to frequent high winds.
- Much of the best terrain is on the Italian side - getting there can take awhile but is well worth the effort.
Our Tips
- Make the most of fine weather days to explore the excellent skiing above La Thuile.
- Discover La Rosière beyond the pistes by joining snowshoe expeditions or ski-touring courses.
Practical Information
Le Refuge
L'Averne
73700 La Rosière
Chalet Le Refuge houses 11 luxury apartments. We tried out one of the smaller apartments (sleeping 6-8) which we judged as being among the most comfortable we've stayed in. With 3 double bedrooms (2 ensuite), there’s another bathroom, plus a spacious lounge (with sofa bed) and kitchen dining area with an open fire for cosy evenings in. The kitchen is extremely well equipped with a full size oven and microwave, dishwasher, and full size fridge - you even have a raclette set.
There’s a pool and sauna for residents and an underground car park (extra cost), secure ski lockers and free wifi access in every apartment.
Situated near the Eucherts area, with a choice of nearby shops and restaurants plus good lift access to the slopes. You can ski back almost to the ski lockers if the conditions are right, although it took us a couple of attempts to find the route.
It’s a 10-15 minute walk to the main part of the resort via a pleasant snowy footpath with spectacular views, or you can use the free shuttle bus service.
Enquiries and bookings:
Ski Collection
023 9289 0960
reservations@skicollection.co.uk
Le Lodge Hemera
73700 La Rosière
Luxury CGH residence in the heart of the village just a few steps from the pistes, bars and shops. The residence faces south with a staggering 180 degree view over the Tarentaise and Les Arcs. Le Lodge Hemera offers 37 luxury apartments spread over two chalets and has all the amenities that CGH clients expect. Visitors have free access to the pool, spa and fitness centre.
Enquiries and bookings:
Ski Collection
023 9289 0960
reservations@skicollection.co.uk
4* Les Cimes Blanches
Les Eucherts – La Rosière
73700 Montvalezan
Located in the Les Eucherts area of the resort, Les Cimes Blanches self-catering apartments are 5 mins walk from the Eucherts chairlift and ski school meeting points. There are a handful of shops, restaurants and bars here though there’s more choice in the resort centre. A regular free shuttle bus runs between the two areas or there’s a pleasant 10-15 min walk along a scenic footpath.
The residence comprises 9 separate chalets though access to skiing from any of them is very easy. Even late in the season we found it was possible to join the pistes next to the nearby Alparena Hotel & Spa (about 50m walk away) and to ski back to our chalet via the Papillon piste.
We stayed in a 2 bedroom apartment in Chalet Anastasia which has superb views from the lounge area, with kitchen area (adequate for simple meals), balcony and separate bathroom and toilet. The principle bedroom had an ensuite shower and hand-basin though with two couples and a toddler in the apartment an extra loo would have been welcome. Our toddler was provided with a cot which was adequate for her but you’ll need to bring your own bedlinen. We paid extra for a space in the underground car park, convenient for the ski lockers and unloading/loading.
On-site facilities include a private indoor heated swimming pool, hot tub, saunas, steam room and fitness room, plus an Ô des Cimes spa offering massages and beauty treatments.
7 nights self-catered from £187pp* including a return Eurotunnel crossing with a free upgarde to FlexiPlus on most dates. Enquiries and bookings:
Peak Retreats
023 9283 9310
reservations@peakretreats.co.uk
*Above prices based on 6 people sharing a 2-bedroom apartment (sleeps up to 6) for low season 2018/19.
Hyatt Centric
Les Eucherts – La Rosière
73700 Montvalezan
With 47 rooms and 22 suites the Hyatt Centric combines authenticity with all the facilities of a 4-star hotel, and more besides.
The hotel also offers two restaurants – La Tavola, an Italian style trattoria, and the stylish H40 bar with central log fire and cosy indoor seating or terrace with stunning panoramic views. Profit from the same views while you relax in the Summit Spa with swimming pool and jacuzzis.
For more information and bookings visit Hyatt Centric at www.hotellarosiere.com, tel:+33 (0)4 79 04 12 34, info.larosiere@hyatt.com