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La Thuile is a small ski village in the Aosta Valley, not far from the French border. The slopes are wide, the snow’s historically very reliable, and it’s one of those places that stays pretty quiet—even when it’s busy elsewhere.
The village's small and easy to walk around. There are a few good spots to stay, some nice places to eat, and you can ski over to La Rosière in France on the same lift pass. It gives you a bit more ground to cover without having to move resorts.
In this guide, you’ll find everything from how to get there and where to stay, to what the skiing’s like and a few tips to help you plan.
What Makes La Thuile Different
La Thuile is quieter than most resorts in the Alps. That’s a big part of its appeal. You get wide, open slopes without long lift queues, and a calm village atmosphere that’s easy to settle into—one of the best spots for skiing in the Aosta Valley.
You can ski over to La Rosière in France and be back by lunch—it’s all one connected area known as the Espace San Bernardo. the slopes face north, so the snow sticks around even later in the season. The gentle slopes make it beginner-friendly, but there’s enough going on up top to keep things fun for seasoned skiers too.
La Thuile’s one of the quieter ski spots in the Aosta Valley. If you’re curious about the rest of the region—from the biggest resorts to how to get around—this complete guide to the Aosta Valley breaks it all down.
How to Get to La Thuile
Getting to La Thuile isn’t complicated. You can fly, drive, or take the train—whatever works best for you.
Flying In
Turin Airport (TRN)
This is the closest airport to La Thuile. It takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes by car. There’s no direct train or bus to the resort, but you can book a transfer or rent a car from the airport.
Geneva Airport (GVA)
Geneva is around 150 km from La Thuile. Going there takes under two hours and will pass through the Mont Blanc Tunnel. This is also a good option if you’re planning to visit Switzerland or France as well.
Milan Malpensa (MXP)
Milan is further among the three, about 180 km from La Thuile. There’s a direct bus from the airport to the Aosta Valley, and from there, it’s about 45 minutes to La Thuile by taxi.
Driving In
If you're driving from the UK or western Europe, you'll likely come through France and cross into Italy via the MontBlanc Tunnel. From there, it's a short drive down into the Aosta Valley and on to La Thuile.
Just a heads-up: between November and April, snow chains or winter tyres are required in the Aosta Valley. Most rental cars come ready for winter, but always check before setting off.
By Train or Bus
There’s no direct train to La Thuile, but you can get pretty close. Most travellers take a train to Pré-Saint-Didier or Aosta,, then a taxi the rest of the way (about 15 minutes from Pré-Saint-Didier or 45 minutes from the Aosta Valley).
You can also take a coach or airport shuttle to the Aosta Valley from major cities like Milan or Turin, then connect onward by taxi or local bus—though services may be limited in winter, so always check ahead.
Need a lift from Aosta or Pré-Saint-Didier?
There are local taxi companies and private transfer services that run regularly to La Thuile, especially during ski season. Booking in advance is a good idea, particularly on weekends.
If you're arriving late or travelling with gear, it's often easier (and sometimes cheaper) to book a fixed-rate private transfer ahead of time rather than rely on finding a cab on arrival.
Picking the Right Spot to Stay
La Thuile is small, so most places to stay are either near the ski lifts or just a short walk from the centre of the village. Here’s a few good options for accommodation in La Thuile to check out:
Chalet Eden
The Hotel Chalet Eden is a boutique hotel just outside the centre. It’s eco-friendly and has a great restaurant on-site. Rooms are cosy and it's also close to the slopes so you can enjoy more skiing.
Le Miramonti
The Hotel Le Miramonti is one of the hotels close to the slopes, and you can reach the lift with just a short walk. It has a spa, indoor pool, and traditional-style rooms.
Residence Planibel
The Residence Planibel gives you your own space right next to the lifts. The apartments are self-catering, with shops, ski hire, and places to eat just nearby. Ideal for families or groups who want to cook their own meals.
Hotel Planibel
The Hotel Planibel is just next door and offers a classic hotel stay. It has a pool, games room, and space to store your ski gear.
Ski Holidays in La Thuile
You’ll pretty much start your ski day in Planibel, outside the Planibel Comples, the main part of the lift base—that’s where the lifts are, and you can sort rentals and passes there too. From that spot, you’ve got two ways to go. Les Suches is nice if you’re just getting comfortable on skis. The runs are wide, not too busy, and not too steep. If you’re looking for something a bit more of a challenge, head up toward Chaz Dura or Belvedere—the runs there are longer and steeper.
If it’s your first time skiing, there’s a ski school near the base and some easy slopes to practice on. There’s a bit of off-piste too, but most people come here for the laid-back skiing and quiet runs.
Skiing in La Thuile is relaxed and simple—no crowds, no stress. The lifts are quiet, the runs are long, and it’s easy to get your bearings whether you’re just starting out or just want to take things slow.
Other Activities Off the Slopes
Not every day has to be about skiing. If you’re up for something a bit slower, La Thuile’s got a few solid options.
- Snowshoeing
There are marked trails that go through the woods and follow the river—nice and peaceful, especially after a bit of fresh snow. You can rent snowshoes in the village and head out on your own. - Spa and Wellness
If the cold’s getting to you or you just want a quiet day, a few hotels like Le Miramonti and Planibel have small spa areas. A swim, sauna, or steam is a good shout after a long day out. - Day Trips Nearby
Courmayeur’s just 30 minutes away by car. You can go for lunch, wander around the village, or hop on the Skyway Monte Bianco cable car for proper views of the mountains—especially good on a sunny day. - Mountain Biking (Summer Only)
Once the snow’s gone, La Thuile turns into a biking hub. There’s a full-on bike park with trails for all levels, and the lifts open up again for riders. Or if you’re not into biking, there are plenty of hiking routes to explore too.
Where to Eat, Drink, and Wind Down
After a day on the mountain, La Thuile has plenty of spots where you can eat well, warm up, or just take it easy. Here are a few places worth checking out.
Food and Après-Ski in La Thuile
If you’re after something easy and satisfying, Lo Tatà is a good go-to. For a slightly neater setting without losing the relaxed feel, Pepita is a solid pick. Up on the slopes, Lo Riondet is popular for long lunches—think proper mountain dishes and a great view while you eat.
For a quick coffee or something sweet, Chocolat has fresh pastries, and Angela’s Café is a nice quiet spot for a mid-morning or late afternoon break.
Après here isn’t loud or over the top. You’ll find people grabbing a drink at Lo Ratrak near the gondola before heading down, or relaxing with something at the bar in Le Miramonti. Most hotels have comfy lounges too—good for sinking into a chair and letting the day wear off.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
- Snow chains or winter tyres are required by law in the Aosta Valley from mid-November to mid-April. If you’re hiring a car, make sure it’s properly equipped before you set off.
- The sun can be stronger than it feels. Don’t forget to bring the best sunscreen for skiing—you don’t want to come back with a surprise sunburn after your first day.
- Shops and restaurants often close mid-afternoon, then open again later. Just time your meals and coffee breaks around it.
- Booking dinner is a smart move. Even during quiet weeks, popular spots fill up fast—especially the smaller ones.
- The weather changes quickly in the mountains. Even on clear mornings, bring a layer just in case.
- Bring some cash. Not all mountain huts or smaller cafés take cards. Places like Lo Riondet often prefer cash.
- Lift passes come in two options—La Thuile only, or full access to Espace San Bernardo. If you're planning to ski over to La Rosière, go for the full one. Booking online is often quicker (and sometimes cheaper).
That's Everything You Need to Know
What makes La Thuile stand out is how easy it all feels. No big crowds, no stress—just great snow, quiet slopes, and a village that’s easy to settle into.
Hope this guide helps you plan your trip. If you need a hand picking a place to stay or figuring out the details, get in touch here—we’re happy to help.
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