The Ski Resort
Whilst La Rosiere would not be some peoples idea of a luxury ski resort, it is certainly a rising star, particularly for intermediate skiers and its facilities and infrastructure are good particularly for such a small ski resort. In fact on the activities front it might embaressment many of the well known luxury ski resorts as it has its own swimming pool, indoor ice rink, bowling alley, and a cinema. This said, as yet it really does not have the total luxury ski resort status both as a resort but this we think will come over time. On the slopes its pretty much there for intemediates and the skiing is very good for such skiers.
La Rosiere is a purpose built ski resort that is both pretty and well laid out and high altitude at 1,850m. Most chalets are decked in wood and close to the centre and ski slopes with few further than 200m from the lifts. It has some stunning views and is typically a sunny resort although as a consequence of this one or two slopes can suffer later on in the season despite being high altitude. Most the slopes are red runs and hence its intermediate appeal. It has a good beginners area by the village although the advanced skiing is limited. It should be said that a few of the reds are quite challenging but this will not be enough to entertain true expert skiers.
One of the attractions however of La Rosiere is the fact that it is situated on the French and Italian border. La Rosiere is on the French side but on the Espace San Bernado pass you can pop over the ridge and down in to La Thuile in Italy. La Thuile is a very pretty old ski village that has been situated at 1,440m for hundred years as both La Rosiere and La Thuile are locaed next to the Petite St Bernard pass. Long before skiers frequented La Thuile was a place to rest for visitors passes from Italy through to France in the summer so its well worth skiing down to and stopping for a great Italian lunch.
Whilst the off the slopes activities are very good for a relatively small ski resort, it should be said that at present its restaurants and bars in the village itself are lacking. The quality as yet is just not there and the apres-ski is at best low key and lacks sophistication.
Worth Knowing
For a luxury transfer to the region, Eurostar operate two trains at weekends to Boug St Maurice which is just a 40 minute transfer to La Rosiere.
Off Piste Skiing
Limited to say the least. If you are happy to put on the skins for a good ski touring climb then some good off-piste can be found, but if spending an hour or three is not your preference this is not the off-piste ski resort for you. Combes des Moulins is the former and has some gentler slopes, whereas Mont Valezan is the latter but with good rewards at the end, assuming you still have the legs for it!
Ski School
ESF are the main ski school and others include Evolution2 and Elite Ski.
Snow Boarding
Good for beginners and very good for intermediate snowboarders. Limited however for advanced snowboarders. There is however two snow parks, one the French side and one the Italian side. There is also a snowcross course.