The La Thuile snow report for Jan 08 is a 40cm base depth with 34 of 38 lifts open. Please note ski conditions and snowfall at La Thuile are sourced directly from the ski resort and are only recorded during the official ski season's opening to closing dates.
This quiet village has crowd-free slopes which are largely above 2000m and are northfacing so hold the snow well. The ski slopes are linked with La Rosiere in France, creating the Espace San Bernardo ski area (150km).
What's the skiing like? The skiing is varied with wooded slopes and open bowls. There are excellent beginner and easy intermediate slopes. The village has a nursery slope with moving carpet and there's another nursery area at Les Suches with blues to progress to. Gentle reds can be found above Les Suches and some long reds through the trees. Expert skiers will find the toughest runs through the trees from Les Suches. Helisking is also big here, particularly the 20km run from the glacier. The Wazimu terrain park is well-suited to families.
Best suited to? Beginners and intermediates
What’s the resort like? La Thuile has developed from an old mining village. It has a pretty centre with chilled-out bars, restaurants and shops. There are regular, free ski buses which link the village to the ski lifts. At the bottom of the lifts is the more modern Planibel complex. Families will find a mini club and village kingergarten.
Downside? The link to France is exposed to bad weather.
Nearest airport(s): Geneva (1.5hrs), Annecy (2hrs), Chambery (2.5hrs).
