La Thuile

A tranquil alpine resort near the Little Saint Bernard Pass bordering France, offering excellent skiing and summer hiking. Its gentle slopes and charming village attract families and nature lovers.

Things to do

• Ski the Espace San Bernardo — A cross-border ski area linking La Thuile with La Rosière in France across 150 km of pistes.
• Drive the Little Saint Bernard Pass — A scenic summer drive over the historic pass used since Roman times, open June to October.
• Hike to Lago del Ruitor — A stunning high-altitude lake beneath the Ruitor glacier, reachable by a half-day hike.
• Visit the alpine botanical garden — A small garden near the pass displaying native alpine flora at over 2,100 m elevation.
• Mountain biking in summer — Lift-accessed trails offer downhill routes for all levels with sweeping mountain views.

Food to try

• Raclette valdostana — Melted cheese scraped over potatoes and charcuterie, reflecting the French alpine border influence.
• Zuppa Valdostana — Hearty vegetable and cabbage soup enriched with Fontina and toasted bread.
• Fromadzo DOP — Light semi-fat cheese with a delicate flavour, produced in the Aosta Valley since antiquity.
• Chestnut cake (Torta di castagne) — Dense rustic cake made with chestnut flour, popular in autumn mountain villages.

Local customs & good to know

• French influence is strong — La Thuile is close to France; many locals speak Francoprovençal and menus may be in French.
• Pass closure in winter — The Little Saint Bernard Pass closes with the first heavy snowfall; check dates before planning.
• Low-key village vibe — La Thuile is quieter and less glamorous than Courmayeur; locals appreciate visitors who respect that pace.