Haute Tarentaise / France
Explore France and Italy when you stay in La Rosière! In summer, you can drive across the border via the Petit Saint-Bernard pass, enjoying fabulous views of Mont Blanc, and when the road is closed in winter, you can ski over for lunch.
There’s plenty of choice for skiers of all levels - good snowfall and panoramic views are pretty much guaranteed, and the La Rosière village’s south-facing slopes are bathed in sunshine.
The resort is divided into two main areas - the traditional village of La Rosiere and the newer area of Les Eucherts, where most of the chalet are to be found. Popular with families, you'll also find great bars and restaurants as well as ski hire and a great lift service.
In summer, the area becomes a mountain playground, with Europe’s highest golf course, great hiking, biking and trail running. Sitting high above the Tarentaise valley, you'll enjoy wonderful views over to Les Arcs. Children will love the Plan de L’Arc sports area, which features a lake as well as picnic and barbecue areas so that you can stay all day.
Choose from our selection of our hand-picked La Rosière chalets to enjoy all this and more.
With the steep slopes of Mont Valaisan for advanced skiers, the sunny pistes of the resort for those who prefer to take it easy and themed pistes for children, La Rosière (1850m) is a resort for everyone. The village is in the French/Italian Espace San Bernardo ski area, which means you can ski over the border for lunch - a real treat for foodies!
The area’s location means it makes the top 10 French ski resorts for snowfall every year. Get a different perspective on the pistes by trying paragliding, snow-kiting or cross-border heli-skiing!
Just 8km from the Italian border, you’ve got two countries to discover when you stay in La Rosière. The Petit Saint-Bernard pass is always closed in winter, but when the snow melts, it’s a stunning drive or cycle to visit La Thuile, famed for its chocolate shops, or the Roman monuments of the Aosta valley. La Rosière’s Alpine meadows and forests are the backdrop to some wonderful walks and cycles, but there are plenty of other activities to try - canyoning, rafting and riding to name just a few.
Skiing and boarding are the main activities that bring guests to La Rosière in the winter, and in the summer, hiking, biking and climbing are the most popular. But when you stay at an OVO Network property, there is so much more to see and do. Here are some of our favourite things to do in and around La Rosière.
Going downhill fast: Fancy hurtling through the forest at 45km per hour? Xtreme Luge is a thrilling 700m downhill ride, complete with bridges, spins and a photo opportunity. The ride starts from the car park next to the roundabout at the entrance to the resort, where there’s also a snack bar and great views. There’s a minimum height of 95cm for children.
Mountain biking: There’s plenty of choice for mountain bikers, whether you’re on a cross-country bike or an electric mountain bike. Tackle the Petit Saint Bernard pass (2,100m) into Italy, or explore the hamlets and chapels on the village trail. The challenging Suée trail will take you to the high-altitude areas of Le Vaz, Plan Pigeux and Putétruit, with some incredible views along the way. For an uphill challenge, follow the pink signs from Séez to La Rosière. There’s a timed challenge on this 15km route every Friday in the summer. La Rosière’s MTB Bike Zone has four downhill trails, five all-mountain trails and two cross country trails.
Golf: One of the highest golf courses in Europe, Golf de La Rosière at 2,000m offers incredible views of the Haute Tarentaise, as well as a nine-hole course amongst the marmot holes and bilberry bushes. It’s a great course for beginners or more experienced players - there’s a practice range and tuition available if you want to improve your technique.
A day on the water: Whether you’re looking for high-adrenaline whitewater rafting, hydrospeed or canyoning, there’s plenty of opportunity on the Isère river near La Rosière.
La dolce vita: In the summer, take a drive over the Petit Saint-Bernard pass into Italy. The pass is usually open from the end of May to the beginning of November and takes you into the Aosta Valley. Visit the chocolate shops of La Thuile, the roman ruins of Aosta, or the thermal baths of Pre Saint Didier. In the winter, when the pass is close, you can ski to La Thuile for lunch.
A night in an igloo: This unique experience is not to be missed! Pop in for a drink at the ice bar, lunch on the terrace or, on Wednesday nights, a fondue. For the ultimate igloo experience, why not book in for the night? The evening starts with a walk under the stars to your accommodation before a fondue. When it’s time for bed, wrap up in the specially-designed super duvets to ensure you stay toasty and warm.
Heli-skiing: Fresh tracks and incredible views are guaranteed when you access some of the best off-piste descents by helicopter! These unforgettable descents and routes have been carefully selected by your experienced guides, leaving you free to just enjoy this unforgettable experience.
Go fly a kite: Skiers and boarders can learn how to use the snowkite to explore the slopes harnessing the power of the wind. You’ll start on the flats to get used to the kite, before progressing to more varied terrain in this three-hour session.
Family fun: The leisure area at Plan de L’Arc at Les Eucherts is a favourite with families - there’s a football pitch, skatepark, archery (lessons available), climbing wall and playgrounds. Picnic areas and barbecues with great views of Mont Pourri make this a great destination for a day out. On a sunny day it’s a lovely walk from the tourist office at La Rosière. You can also participate in a treasure hunt, a photo rally or some geocaching, as well as many other activities organised by the Tourist Office.
Anyone for tennis?: There are two outdoor tennis courts for hire in La Rosière, and while you’re waiting for your time on court you can admire the views of the valley and Mont Pourri. The courts are open from 9am to 9pm throughout the summer, and lessons are available.
Horse riding: You can explore the mountains with a horse in the summer or the winter. In the summer, you can choose from riding or a carriage ride. In the winter, swap your carriage for a horse-drawn sleigh.
Dog sledding: Forget walking the dog, these dogs will take you for an exciting race through the snowy forests of La Rosiere! Expect lots of barking - these huskies love their job. You’ll need to wrap up warm and book early - this is a very popular activity with families.
Bowling: Le Kitzbuhel bowling alley in La Rosière is a great way to keep the family entertained if the weather isn’t great. As well as the bowling lanes, there are pool tables, pinball and table football. Open from 10am right through to 2am, there’s also a bar and a restaurant and regular live music.
Les Marmottes - Centre commercial Le Valaisan 2, 73700 La Rosiere, tel +33 4 79 41 99 90
French and Italian food are done well at this popular restaurant, which has also earned a great reputation for its patisserie. A three-course lunch costs €25, and set menus (vegan, Italian and gourmand) start at €33. The children’s menu, at €9, offers chicken nuggets or a daily special, ice cream and a surprise!
Le Genepi - Le Centre, 73700 La Rosière, tel +33 4 79 07 52 09
Make sure you book ahead for this popular restaurant, where traditional Savoyard and classic French food are served in an upmarket setting. There’s a good choice for vegetarians and vegans, a set menu and an extensive wine list too.
Snack Bar du Relais du Petit St Bernard - Bottom of the piste, La Rosière, tel +33 4 79 06 45 17
This popular snack bar on the snowfront, in close proximity with the ESF ski school, offers hot food and a sunny terrace. Burgers, salads, sandwiches, pasta and local specialities are all well cooked and reasonably priced. Upstairs, the hotel restaurant offers pierrade (meat cooked on a hot stone) and Savoyard cuisine.
Ristorante lo Ristorante Lo Tata' La Thuile - Frazione piccola goletta 102, La Thuile Italy, tel +39 0165 884132
Cross the border into Italy (ski in the winter, drive in the summer) for a great pizza, pasta, steaks and all things Italian, but make sure you book ahead. Portions are generous, and vegetarians and vegans are catered for.
Burger Bar - Quartier Les Eucherts, 73700 La Rosière, tel +33 4 79 23 18 41
A cheap and cheerful snack stop in La Rosière with - you guessed it - great burgers! Good service, sunny outdoor seating and friendly staff. It’s also a popular stop for skiers looking for a cold beer when they come off the piste.
La Ferme de Montvalezan - Rue de la Rosière, 73700 La Rosière
Pick up local cheeses such as Tomme, Beaufort and Abondance at this wonderful farm shop, which also sells other local produce such as charcuterie, jams, and wines. The owners are very knowledgeable and happy to advise you on your choice.
Sherpa Alimentation
This small supermarket/grocery store will cater for most of your holiday needs, with general groceries as well as an off licence, fresh fruit, vegetables and milk as well as regional produce and hot roast chicken.
Chez Robert le Traiteur du St Bernard - Quartier des Papillons, in La Rosière old village, tel +33 6 18 91 00 55
Choose from a selection of homemade dishes that you can take back to your chalet - tartiflette, lasagne, gratin Savoyard, diot sausages in white wine, farcement (a local potato, bacon and prune dish), ratatouille, chilli con carne, homemade cassoulet … Sweet and savoury tarts are fresh daily, and there’s also a great selection of homemade jams and fruit liqueurs.
Chocolat - Fraz Entreves 2, 11016 La Thuile, tel: +39 0165 884783
It’s worth visiting La Thuile, across the border for its wonderful chocolate shops. This is one of the most popular, with a popular cafe and patisserie as well as the shop, where you can try before you buy. Be warned - it will be busy!
By air: The nearest airport is Chambery (125km), the nearest international airport is Geneva (215km).
By train: Eurostar and SNCF trains stop at Bourg St Maurice, 23km from La Rosière.
Taxis: Taxi Jean-Pierre tel +33 (0) 6 26 45 94 16; Taxi Neige +33 (0) 6 95 44 40 58 (winter only); Cosi Taxi Patricia tel +33 (0) 6 33 02 75 17.
By bus: Check the websites for information on timetables: here or here