La Thuile Information

Apres-ski

La Thuile has more than 20 bars, mostly situated in the resort's hotels, and as such is not generally a hotspot for lively après-ski. Although, on the other hand, typically lower drinks prices compared to much of the Alps gives the valley's watering holes a bit of a buzz, especially at weekends.

The Pub La Cage Aux Folles (tel: +39 0165 883 033) is often busy and has a big screen TV that shows films as well as major sports events live, while Le Coq Maf (tel: +39 348 386 6298), situated in the town centre, offers happy hours and cocktails as well as sports events on a big TV in the Sky Bar - it's closed on Thursdays in low season.

Eating out

La Thuile has a good reputation when it comes to dining out. Despite its relatively small size, there are around 30 restaurants to choose from, most of which are family-run establishments using locally-sourced ingredients.

The Pepita Café (tel: +39 0165 883 047) is a resort institution, serving up a full Italian menu – look out for the totem pole 200m (660ft) from the resort centre.

The slightly more upmarket Taverna Coppapan (tel: +39 0165 884 797) close to the slopes is another good choice; serving a cheese board that's gained somewhat of a legendary status.

For pizza, head to Lo Tatà (tel: +39 0165 884 132), which has a traditional wood stove and even does a chocolate-flavoured version. The tasty homemade pizza and pasta from La Lisse (tel: +39 0165 884 167; www.lalisse.it) also comes highly recommended.

Out of town, around 10km (6 miles) from the resort centre (just off piste 7), La Maison de Neige (Strada Statale 26) serves high-quality and hearty regional cuisine, including typical cold cuts and cheese.

Resort Information

Beyond the slopes

More and more off-slope activities seemingly appear to pop up in La Thuile every year, continually widening the appeal of the pretty resort.

La Thuile's Planibel hotel complex (tel: +39 0492 956 411; www.hotelplanibel.it), houses a sports centre, gym, indoor pools, games room, large TV lounge, squash courts, climbing wall, sauna and solarium. Similarly, the La Piramide sports centre (tel: +39 340 6231187) also offers an extensive gym facility complete with indoor boulder wall.

There has also been a growth in health and beauty facilities in the village in recent years, with four separate spa options including the large 'beauty centre' Le M Club (tel: +39 0165 883 084; www.lemiramonti.it).

Outdoor entertainment includes a toboggan hill, ice climbing and snowshoe hiking by day or night, and 6km (3.5 miles) of cleared scenic winter hiking trails.

Another whimsical option is to try your hand at dog sledding, with Dog Sled Man (tel: +39 0335 182 9414; www.dogsledman.com), which allows participants to have a go at guiding the sled with three or four dogs along a 5km (3 mile) trail.

Family fun

The resort's laidback atmosphere and plethora of beginner slopes make is a good choice for skiing families.

The primary family hub is the slopeside Planibel hotel (tel: +39 0492 956 411; www.hotelplanibel.it). Located a few steps from the lifts, the hotel complex features a nursery for very young children and access to a good ski school for those eager to hit the slopes. On-site facilities including a swimming pool and an in-house entertainments team looking to keep the party going until bedtime.

Other activities suitable for families include dog sled rides, indoor climbing walls, games rooms and scenic winter hiking trails.

Retail therapy

There are more than 20 retailers dotted around the resort. These include the usual ski resort selection of ski shops, mini supermarkets and souvenir outlets. Alternatively, the nearest market town to La Thuile is the regional capital, Aosta, 42km (26 miles) away by bus.

For traditional items, from furniture to ornaments, head to L'Ancien Bazar Martinet (tel: +39 0165 884 843). Or, for a wide range of wines and spirits, try Liquorilandia (tel: +39 0165 884 268).

Splashing out

The fully-restored spa centre of Pré-Saint-Didier (tel: +39 0165 867 272; www.termedipre.it) offers various massage treatments, sauna and Turkish bath facilities, and covers more than 500sqm (5,400sqft).

The water used in the spa emerges with a temperature between 30°C and 40°C (86°F to 104°F) from the ground inside an artificial cave situated at the bottom of the Gorge of Pré-Saint-Didier, 10km (6 miles) from La Thuile.

Hotels

Many visitors find the main resort complex a bit characterless and prefer to stay in the old village, which has more charm. Having developed from small hamlets, the accommodation in La Thuile is a mixture of quaint guesthouses and modern slopeside apartment complexes. There are also a number of hotels in La Thuile rated up to 5-stars, as well as a hostel for those on a budget.

Luxury

Moderate

Cheap