The Ski Resort
At 1,850, La Rosiere is a great high altitude ski resort with a good snow record at New Year. It’s a small ski resort, and whilst it punches way above its weight for activities (it has its own cinema, indoor ice skating, bowling alley and swimming pool), its nightlife is relatively low key and therefore it will suit skiers who are predominantly focused on skiing rather than partying during the New Year ski holidays. That is not to say it doesn’t have a few bars and restaurants, it does, they are just somewhat more low key to the resorts up the road such as Val d Isere.
In respect of the skiing, it is a great intermediates ski area with an abundance of reds and you can ski both France on one side and Italy on the other, all covered on the Espace St Bernado pass. The Fontaine Froide in particular is a great 750m descent and if you are staying in La Rosiere it’s a must to ski down into La Thuile, a pretty Italian ski village that provides a great lunch stop. For beginners the nursery slopes are right by the village and being at 1,850m are ideally positioned for a good introduction to skiing. Skiing for advanced New Year ski visitors is however limited, although it has to be said that one or two red runs have been found to test one or two claims visitors have had regarding their ski ability.
A purpose built ski resort, La Rosiere small but pretty ski village with wood the main materials used. The nightlife is limited but the amenities as mentioned earlier are certainly not and in the majority of chalets cases the ski slopes and the centre are just a stones throw away.
All in all La Rosiere is a great intermediates New Year ski resort for visitors looking for a high altitude ski base, close to the slopes, but not looking for a massive New Years Eve ski party.
Worth Knowing
La Rosiere, and La Thuile are each one side of the mountain, yet as a consequence of a phenomenon called a Foehn wind they can experience two totally different weather conditions at the same time which in turn can cause quite different snow conditions from time to time. A poor visibility day in La Rosiere does not necessarily mean a bd one the Italian side. Quite literally a crossing of the ridge nd you may find yourself basked in sunlight!
For the ultimate journey to celebrate New Year, why not grab a couple of bottles of Champagne and let the train take the strain. La Rosiere is just 40 minutes from Bourg St Maurice which is served by two Eurostar trains at the weekend from St Pancras.
Off Piste Skiing
All the off-piste of significance in La Rosiere needs to be earned. The easiest is Combes des Moulins, or for diehards the Mont Valezan for true ski touring off-piste skiers who do not mind spending a large part of the day climbing the mountain.
Ski School
ESF Ski School are reported to be very good in La Rosiere. Others include Evolution 2 and Elite Ski.For the New Year ski holidays pre-booking is advisable.
Snow Boarding
Very good for beginners with the nursery slopes by the village and intermediates with most lifts being chairs and some great red runs. There is also a snow park above the Poletta drag lift which is just above the village and there is also a great boardercross course just below the Col de la Traversette (via the Fort ski chair).