La Thuile

La Thuile has a lot going for it – a relaxed atmosphere, quiet slopes, low prices and all the modern infrastructure you would expect from a highly developed ski resort.

The northern and easterly orientation of the slopes provides an excellent snow record for La Thuile, nestled in the Aosta Valley. There are 40 lifts serving the 160km of pistes comprising the linked Espace San Bernardo ski area, including the French resort of La Rosiere just across the border. The pistes are generally long and wide, and given the relative under the radar nature of the resort, generally very quiet. For the same reason you shouldn't encounter any problematic lift queues. 

La Thuile is based on an old mining village that has been expanded and restored. The attractive centre with shops, bars and restaurants, is at the entrance, with newer developments fairly widely spread. Over the river, the modern Planibel complex, at the base of the lifts, looks a bit like a French purpose-built resort.

If you are limited to school holidays and have had enough of the peak-season crowds over the hill in France, it could be just the job – provided a quiet village appeals to you as much as quiet slope.