There are so many resorts linked to the Mont Blanc or Monte Bianco, but there are some, that are more related than others. Like Chamonix and Courmayeur, with the Mont Blanc just on its boundaries, and then La Thuile and La Rosière, with more panoramic views of the Monte Bianco or Mont Blanc.. And how come La Thuile is considered the Wild Side of the Mont Blanc?
La Thuile is home of the steepest slope in Italy, as well as the place with 13 km dedicated to beginner skiers. So, it caters to both sides of the spectrum.
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The microclimate of La Thuile and its proximity to the Rutor glacier make it the ideal place for winter sports, thanks to the abundant precipitation and the quality of the snow that stays cold until spring. This guarantees ski lovers not only a 152 km area of well-snow-covered slopes, but also a context where white almost always reigns supreme, even off piste.
The steepest slope in Italy is the number 3 Franco Berthod, with a maximum gradient of 76%. La Thuile is a mountain upside-down. On the base, you find the steepest slopes, whereas the easier terrain is on top. You get a cable car to go to the top base area, from where beginners start skiing. There is no problem for them coming down. There is an easy way down on one of the sides of the mountains, or if not, you just come down the gondola to the lower base area! Beginner skiers can start by paying just 9 euros per day on the magic carpet, or up to 32 euros for the cable car and two chairlifts. This means, you do not have to pay the full lift ticket until you are a more experienced skier, so you can learn at your pace (and not breaking the bank for it!) These easy slopes are of a low gradient and long, which allows you to improve your technique with not having to ascend too often.
The complete daily ski pass has different categories. Kids younger than 8 can ski for free with an accompanying paying adult, or they pay EUR 14 if skiing on their own. For youngsters up to 16 years old, a 30% discount is applied to the tariff, while those under 24 have a reduction of 20%.
The normal full day pass is amongst the cheapest in Italy, proportionally to the number of km available in both sides- at La Rosière in France and La Thuile in Italy, which are interconnected.
La Thuile has such a vast terrain, that has almost no queues. In the half terms, when we know that other ski resorts will be heaving, we many times drive the 8 hairpin turns from our home in Morgex to La Thuile, as there you can ski without feeling cramped.
There is a ski mountaineering route in bounds (controlled for avalanches) that is accessible also for beginners, to venture away from everyone, but on a secure way.
In 2025 the Women’s Ski World will return to La Thuile: on March 14 and 15 the female racers will compete on the Franco Berthod slopes in downhill and Super G.
Find out more on www.skiworldcuplathuile.com
Where to Stay in La Thuile:
Relais du Chateau Blanc – A beautiful 4 stars hostelry with king and family rooms, they offer breakfast and relatively near the lifts of La Thuile.
Book the Relais du Chateau Blanc here.
The renown five stars hotel in La Thuile, this is a favourite by visitors. All rooms are ample and offer coffee machines, and some offer a balcony. Breakfasts is available daily with otions of buffet, continental and Italian options. The wellness area has an indoor pool, a fitness centre, a hot tub and a sauna. You can hire ski equipment, bikes and cars at this hotel.
Book the Montana Lodge & Spa here.
Well located for the pistes of La Thuile at 170 meters from the slopes. This hotel offers rooms with classic mountain-style décor, featuring minibar and tea and coffee making facilities. Some also offer balconies. The hotel has a 300 sq meters wellness area that includes a 150 sq m gym, 2 saunas, 2 hot tubs and chromotherapy showers, along with a relaxation room that has herbal teas. This eco-friendly hotel overlooks the Rutor glacier.
Book your stay at the Boton d’Or here.
Stay in my home in Morgex and drive the 20’ up the resort- another option for you is to stay in my home in Morgex, and drive to La Thuile, or Courmayeur or Pila. Note that the multi-day passes in Val d’Aosta resorts offer one or two days for other resorts or Skyway Monte Bianco.
Book my home in Morgex here.
For more information on La Thuile – www.lathuile.it
Featured Image: La Thuile, the Wild Side of the Mont Blanc. Photo courtesy: La Thuile Tourism Office.
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