Savoie / France
One of the hidden gems of the French Alps, La Toussuire is one of six resorts in Les Sybelles ski area. There has been skiing in La Toussuire since the 1930s, when this Alpine plateau was used as summer pasture by local farmers, but the area started to grow as a tourist destination in the 70s.
Now known for its family-friendly atmosphere, affordable prices and breathtaking views, it offers great facilities for visitors while retaining its Savoyard charm.
As well as great skiing, hiking and cycling, visitors will appreciate the choice of restaurants and bars as well as several shops, including a supermarket and several ski rental and sports shops.
Winter activities include snowshoeing, ice-skating and cross-country skiing, and when the snow melts, the area is popular with walkers and cyclists. Many of the lifts are open six days a week so that you can make the most of the panoramic views of the peak.
Outside the ski season, guests can enjoy paddleboarding, fishing, tennis, horse-riding, swimming, paragliding and much more!
La Toussuire is one of six resorts in Les Sybelles - the fourth biggest ski area in France. Along with St-Jean-d’Arves, Le Corbier, Les Bottières, Saint-Colomban des Villards and St-Sorlin-d’Arves, the domaine has 310km of pistes, 136 slopes, and 68 lifts. The altitude rises to 2620m, so you can be pretty sure of good snow.
La Toussuire itself has 42 slopes for all levels and three snow areas for beginners. Children will love Snowpy Mountain - a new play area where they can play, relax or set their own speed skiing record!
The new Cote du Bois gondola offers skiers easy access to the intermediate zone, Ouillon and Le Corbier. More experienced skiers will love the 1.5km Vallee Perdue or the 3km red run from Grand Truc down to Les Bottieres.
Freestyle facilities include a terrain park and boardercross course and cross-country skiers can explore 30km of market trails.
Off the slopes, there are plenty of other activities to discover - try dog-sledding, paragliding, take a ride of a fat bike, go bowling, enjoy a spa day or take a dip in an outdoor swimming pool!
When the snow melts, the mountains become a paradise for walkers, cyclists and nature lovers. There’s a great variety of marked trails for hikers and mountain bikers from Le Corbier and across Les Sybelles and the Maurienne valley - you’ll be able to pick up a guide from the tourist office.
Many of the lifts stay open throughout the summer, so that you can take the easy way to the top of the mountains and enjoy the descent at your own pace.
If you’re looking for adventure, you can try via ferrata, canyoning and paragliding. Explore the mountains on horseback, try your hand at archery, challenge your friends at paintball or visit the treetop adventure park. Young guests will be particularly keen to visit the pumptrack and the skate park.
Enjoy a day at Lake Eriscal, where you can enjoy a gentle stroll, try a spot of paddleboarding or, if you’re feeling adventurous, fly across the water on a zipwire. There’s also a playground and a picnic area where you can enjoy a lazy lunch.
Skiing and boarding are the main activities that bring guests to La Toussuire 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 Toussuire.
Treetop adventures Kids of all ages can swing through the trees at this adventure park in St-Jean-de-Maurienne (15km). With six courses for children from 90cm high to adults as well as a zipwire, there’s something for everyone. And if the kids don’t want to leave, there’s a snack bar too, where you can refuel.
Via ferrata This Alpine adventure is a great day out for families with older children - it combines hiking and climbing on a trail cut into the rock face. You’ll wear a helmet and be clipped to the trail at all times to ensure your safety, but you’ll still need a head for heights!
Canyoning A great summer day out for families with older children, canyoning is a fun way to get down a mountain using the rivers, streams and waterfalls - yes, you will get wet! You’ll need to be able to swim, but an instructor will help you get across the obstacles by jumping, sliding and abseiling, and wetsuits and helmets are provided. Just bring trainers and swimwear.
Zipwire flight There’s nothing like a relaxing day by the lake - unless you’d rather be flying above the water on a zipwire! If so, head to the Chaput play area at Lake Eriscal where a specially-designed platform is the start of the 150m zip wire ride. Open in July and August (closed Saturdays), there’s no need to book - tickets are available on site.
Snowmobile rides Explore the mountains on an evening snowmobile ride! Trips leave at 5.30pm every evening during the ski season, and prices start at 70€ for adults. There are separate slots for those who want to go faster (experience necessary), and introductory sessions for children under 12 every Sunday morning.
Microlight flights Get a whole new perspective on the mountains when you take a ride in a microlight. Flights leave from Plan Chaud just outside La Toussuire and are available all year round, depending on the weather - make sure you dress up warm! Choose from a 10-minute flight (90€) or a 20-minute flight (130€).
Dog sledding and cani rando If you love dogs and you love sledging, what could be better than an activity that combines them both! After an introduction to the dogs and the equipment and a quick lesson from the musher, you can take the controls of your own sled, pulled by three or four dogs. It’s a thrilling experience! If you’re visiting outside of the winter, you can try cani-rando - a hike with one of the dogs attached to you on a waist harness!
Snowshoeing isn't the only way to get around the mountains - have you tried snowshoe walking? The ESF in La Toussuire organises hikes led by a professional guide. Choose from various levels of difficulty, according to the age and ability of your group, and discover the resort, the mountain animals or learn survival skills. You could even combine a walk with dinner or a yoga session.
Horse Riding Experienced riders can enjoy a wonderful full-day hack out into the mountains around La Toussuire, stopping for lunch at a high-altitude restaurant. Rides are also available for beginners and intermediates - check the website for more information.
A day with donkeys Meet these delightful animals at the farm and find out all about their lives - now and when they were used as working animals in the mountains. You can even pick up some asses milk in the shop! In good weather, donkey treks are often available - call the farm to check this before your visit.
Segway tour Even if you’ve never been on a Segway before, you’ll need just a few minutes of instruction from your guide to get the hang of it! Then you’re off on a voyage of discovery around the resort - choose from a 30-minute trip or the full hour. Segways are suitable for anyone who weighs more than 20kg and this activity is available in July and August.
Ride on a snowgroomer Have you ever wondered how the slopes are prepared for a new day of skiing? Here’s your chance to find out. Once all the skiers are down from the mountain, you can hop on the snowgroomer with Erwan, for an unforgettable 20-minute journey.
Sopar Restaurant (Rue Des Chasseurs Alpins Batiment Le Lys, 73300 Fontcouverte-la-Toussuire, tel: +33 4 79 05 51 60) A restaurant that is popular with locals as well as visitors, it aims to provide something a little different from the standard ski resort restaurant. There’s a good choice for vegetarians and vegans, and a proper three-course children’s menu.
L’Ecurie (Rue Blanche, La Toussuire, tel: +33 4 79 56 79 80) Set at the foot of the pistes in La Toussuire, this is the perfect place to stop for a drink and a bite to eat when you come down from the mountains. At lunchtime you can choose from the buffet and enjoy it on the sunny terrace. In the evening, you might prefer a local dish such as fondue or tartiflette. The service is friendly, the prices reasonable and the location central, so you’d be wise to book in advance.
Le Tonneau (74 Rue Pierre Delore, La Toussuire, tel: +33 4 79 56 73 74) There’s something for everyone at this lively restaurant and pub, which serves up local specialities, pizzas, crepes and live music. Try raclette, fondue or croziflette, burgers, pizzas or build your own crepe or waffle. Wash it all down with a beer cocktail! Vegetarian options are available, and there are options for children.
Buddha Ski (Les Vadrouilles, 73300 Le Corbier, tel: 33 6 47 09 09 58) Salads, steaks, Alpine specialities and burgers are all on the menu at this mountain restaurant next to the chairlift on Mont Corbier.
L’Avalanche (La Ville, 73530 Saint-Sorlin-d’Arves, tel +33 4 79 59 10) If you’re looking for a great pizza, this is the place to stop. You can also try pierrade (meat cooked on a hot stone) and the usual cheesy mountain specialities. But if you just want to stop in for a drink, that’s fine too.
La Grange (Route des Champions, 73300 Fontcouverte-la-Toussuire, tel: +33 4 79 83 00 62) Enjoy great food and top views at this mountain restaurant. Charcuterie and salads are also on the menu and local produce features heavily. Don’t forget to try the tarte aux myrtilles!
La Fontaine de L’Ours (Le Charvin Le Corbier, tel: +33 4 79 64 39 61) Great food and an even better welcome at this popular restaurant, which serves Alpine specialities such as fondue and raclette, as well as great steaks, burgers, fish and chips, salads, charcuterie and cocktails! It’s a great place to stop for lunch, a snack or a drink when you’re on the mountain.
You’ll be able to get everything you need for your holiday in La Toussuire - there’s a Sherpa supermarket, shops selling local produce such as charcuterie, wine, jams and cheese, and of course, a selection of sports shops that offer equipment rental. There’s also a pharmacy and a few shops selling gifts and souvenirs.
More shops and services are available in nearby Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne.
By car - Easy access via the A43 to Turin. Take exit 27 (Saint Jean de Maurienne) and follow the signs for Vallée de l’Arvan. Paris 657, Geneva 177, Lyon 198.
By air - International airport at Geneva, regional airport at Chambery. Various shuttles serve La Toussuire from the airports in winter. Take the train from Geneva or a bus to the resort
By train - Nearest railway station is at Saint Jean de Maurienne. TGV from Paris 4h, from Lille 5h, Regular bus services connect St Jean de Maurienne to the resorts.
Car sharing - One of the most convenient and economical ways to travel to the Alps. Arrange your journey through BlaBlaCar.