La Rosière 1850 Overview

What's the skiing like? This high-altitude resort shares the Espace San Bernardo ski area (150km slopes) with La Thuile in Italy. La Rosiere has good snow reliability as storms tend to roll in up the valley. The local slopes are largely southfacing, which can be a bonus for beginners, while the Italian side of the mountain is northfacing so holds the snow better. Most slopes are above the treeline with good views but there are a few wooded runs too. The majority of lifts are fast and modern with no queues.

Advanced skiers will find a couple of local black runs as well as the "Snowzone" (an ungroomed, avalanched-controlled freeride zone) as well as some good off-piste accessed from the Col de la Traversette. La Thuile offers more varied terrain and is popular for its heliskiing.

Intermediates will find plenty of easy red runs and the harder Marmotte red with 800m vertical. One of our favourite runs is the Fontaine Froide through the pretty woods. More confident intermediates can head over the border to Italy for more of a challenge.

Beginners have some good nursery slopes at the main village and at Les Eucherts with four free lifts. After finding your snow legs you can progress to the blue runs above. Families are well-catered for with Espirit and Crystal childcare services.

The Poletta terrain park is suitable for all levels of freestyler and has rails and a big airbag.

Best suited to . . . Intermediates

What's the resort like? This traditional chalet-style resort is smaller and quieter than its more popular neighbours - Val d'Isere, Les Arcs and Tignes. The Savoyard village is dotted with a few shops, laidback bars and ski-in accommdoation. Its small size means it's only ever a short stroll to the ski lift. La Rosiere is made up of the pretty main village as well as the smaller, Les Eucherts, which can be reached on foot along floodlit forest paths or by free ski bus.

Don't leave La Rosiere without . . . Skiing over the border into Italy for lunch.

Downside? Advanced skiers may find the local slopes a limiting but can head over the border into La Thuile, although stormy weather can often mean the connection with Italy is closed. La Rosiere isn't the place to go for lively nightlife.