LA ROSIERE AND LA THUILE

("La Ro-Zee-Yeah!!") - ("La Tweel")

La Rosiere and La Thuile in the winter are charming, traditional ski resorts where you will find the normal hustle and bustle of excited skiers. But in the summer they take on a more quaint approach, adopting characteristics that are particularly unseen in the winter due to its white velvet blanket. Gorgeous green treelines dominate the horizon while local wildlife such as marmottes and pine martins scurry between them. Warm sunshine illuminates the rich blue skies while the lakes reflect the occasionally snow-capped peaks. The two resorts combined, really do offer views that will make you stop in your tracks.

You could perhaps say that La Rosiere and La Thuile do not compete in size with the larger MTB resorts such as Tignes or Morzine but they both offer a certain charm and beauty within their resorts that you will immediately notice upon arrival. It is their traditional ambience, coupled with their breath-taking scenary and sunsets, that give these resorts such strong reputations during the winter and during the summer they are equally as beautiful, some might even say more so!

A rough idea of what trails are on offer

There are green runs for the beginners such as the #1 run, Le Promise. It is short and along level ground suitable for those learning to ride, including children.The circuit follows the beautiful Dora of Ruitor river on both banks. The green pine forest, the play of mountain stream water and the charm of characteristic old villages are the main elements for a totally relaxing excursion.

For the next step, a blue run, you could perhaps take the friendly number #14, Petit-Bois. With an amicable distance of 5km and a simple rise (via chairlift!) to the top, Petit-Bois offers a glimpse into tree-riding. Characterised by its deep green of the woods, this all downhill route will give you access to some of the stunning mountainside scenary and glowing alpine colours unique to La Rosiere.

Meanwhile for the more experienced riders, the resort offers red runs such as the #7 Les Suches. It is a circular, all-terrain red run with an array of challenges. Uphill gradients, downhill gradients, dirt-tracks and side paths all play a pivotal role in this challenging red. With a total distance of 8.5km, it also boasts the proud and spectacular sight of the Ruitor Waterfalls, a must see for all. Other Red's available are Comino (16km), Col du Petit Saint Bernard (18km) and Chavannes (25km).

And finally, for those that really wish to push themselves we recommend the demanding #5 Fourclaz Piccolo San Bernard. Due to its length and gradient this run is particularly reserved for experts. However, with challenge comes reward! The surrounding natural environment and historical not to mention cultural interest along Le Petite St Bernard's pass is a gold mine of treats. The Archaeological area, Chanousia Alpine Garden and the Ospizio Mauriziano (Mauritan Hospice) are just a few examples of the features passing by. (There are easier and shorter routes available to these sights for those deterred by the routes grading!).

Overall you can expect 110km of riding with 14 routes available to you across all difficulties. A perfectly spread array of runs for the Mountain Bike Safari package.