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La Rosiere Ski Resort Guide – Skiing in France

All encompassing La Rosiere Ski Resort Guide including recommendations on the best ski runs, snow conditions, food and accommodation for the ski area.

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La Rosiere and La Thuile Ski Area

La Rosiere Ski Resort in the French Alps is one of those beautiful ski areas that is a true hidden gem. It is part of the Espace San Bernardo Ski Area which crosses the border between France and Italy.

La Rosiere is located on the French side while La Thuile makes up the Italian portion.

While La Rosiere is not as well known as its big brothers and sisters such as Les Arcs, La Plagne or the Three Valleys, all located within 1 hours drive, this charming Ski Area benefits from much quieter ski slopes and the snow conditions are just as good.

La Rosiere and La Thuile Ski Area

La Rosiere Ski Resort Basic Statistics

The Espace San Bernado ski area containing both La Rosiere Ski Resort and La Thuile Ski Resort has over 160 km of groomed pistes. 38 ski lifts crisscross the two powder filled bowls that make up the Ski Resort areas and offers a wide range of slopes to suit all abilities.

  • Lifts: 38 (1 Cable Car, 7 high-speed detachable chairs, 11 chairlifts, 16 surface lifts and 3 learner conveyors)
  • Downhill Ski Trails: 80 made up of 8 Green, 25 Blue, 35 Red and 8 Black runs.
  • Beginner: 40%
  • Intermediate: 40%
  • Advanced: 20%
  • Cross-Country Trails: 12 km
  • Snowmaking Coverage: 20%
  • Highest Lift Elevation: 8,665 ft. / 2,641 m
  • Ski Resort Elevation: 6,070 ft. / 1850 m
  • Vertical Drop: 4,806 ft. / 1,465 m
  • Terrain Parks: 2
  • Halfpipe: None
  • Restaurants On Ski Area: 11
  • Bars on Ski Area: 4
  • Ski In/Ski Out Accommodation: Yes
  • Night Skiing: No
  • Ski Season Open/Close: Mid-December to late-April.

La Rosiere Ski Resort Piste Map La Rosiere Ski Resort Piste Map

Download the full-sized La Rosiere Ski Resort Piste Map.

Positives

La Rosiere faces south with spectacular views over the Tarentaise Valley along the French Alps. This also means that the days are longer and you are blessed with sun throughout the day.

Mid-week the crowds are non-existent and you can easily ski all day without hitting a queue for the chairlifts. Even during the busy Christmas/New Year period and February school holidays the crowds move quickly with no queue lasting longer than a few minutes.

Ultimately this means more skiing time and less standing around. And with the ski connection to La Thuile Ski Area in Italy you won’t get bored skiing here.

Very experienced ski schools who can cater for beginners to advanced skiers wanting a few extra tips. Plus there are three free chairlifts for beginners to start on without forking out for a ski pass.

Basically there is something for all levels of skiers to enjoy at La Rosiere Ski Resort.

Negatives

While having the sun all day on La Rosiere Ski Area is great, during the end of the ski season this can prove problematic with conditions turning slushy. Therefore it is best to ski in La Rosiere first thing in the morning before heading across the border to Italy and the north-facing slopes of La Thuile.

Be aware that the connection between La Rosiere and La Thuile has to be made via a VERY long drag surface lift.

As there are a high number of surface lifts, this can be particularly daunting for first time snowboarders. Although after a few times you will master the technique. You can also easily explore the entire La Rosiere Ski Resort just using chairlifts.

La Rosiere can be affected by high winds due to its openness. This means that the La Thuile connection may be closed from time to time.

La Rosiere Ski Resort Guide

On-Piste

The only trails in La Rosiere that don’t get groomed every night are the black runs. This means that every morning the very wide trails are perfect for warming up your legs with big turns before tackling the steeper bumps.

While there are not many Green Trails, don’t let that put you off if it is your first time. The Blue Trails are perfect for learning on and you will be whizzing down them with ease. Even the Red Trails are easy enough that skiers on their first week are able to tackle them after a few days on the slopes.

Best locals on-piste run

My favourite trail is definitely the never-ending top to bottom red groomed run from Roc Noir chair to the base of Petit Bois. You can get a lot of speed up without worrying about other skiers.

Off-Piste

Since La Rosiere is much quieter than some of the other ski resorts in the French Alps, you will find untracked lines of powder over 3 days after a snowfall. Even if you are skiing with beginners you can ride the same areas and chairlifts together due to the open bowls of La Rosiere. As the rest of your group snowplows to the bottom of the run you can dart off-piste and easily meet them at the same chairlift.

There are lots of small cliff-drops and challenging black trails for the more experienced skiers wanting to ski back-country runs, in-bounds.

Best locals run in powder

Ski to the top of Ecudets Chairlift and follow the Red Trail to the bottom. This run is usually left alone by tourists as other skiers will ski the wide open bowl in the next valley. This is also the best place for powder filled tree runs.

Ecudets Chairlift, La Rosiere Ski Area

Ecudets Chairlift after fresh powder

Terrain Park / Boardercross

La Rosiere Ski Resort is freestyle friendly with an excellent terrain park to suit all levels of skiers and snowboarders. The ski resort’s main snowpark is 300 metres long and has a number of features including multiple table tops, hips, fun boxes and rails.

All of these features are graded from Green to Black so you can work your way up to harder, and bigger, tricks. The giant airbag is also available for anyone to try a new trick on.

A skiercross and boardercross course has been developed next to the Fort chairlift. Great fun for everyone to have a go and a chance to race between your group. You can even stagger the starts to make it fun for the kids.

Other On-Snow Activities

La Rosiere Ski Resort is not just limited to skiing and snowboarding. 20kms of cross-country ski trails and snow-shoeing trails will keep you occupied, even after dark.

If you are feeling like a little more adventure then it is worth trying out the extreme snow-kite and speed riding zones on the mountain which will get your adrenaline pumping. Or just take in the scenery while paragliding.

Heliskiing in La Rosiere is actually perfect. While Heliskiing is banned in France, you can catch your ride from La Rosiere across the border into the Italian Alps to ski from the top of a number of untracked mountains.

Lift Passes Cost

There are three free drag lifts for beginners, although these won’t get you very high up the slopes. The prices for full lift tickets include both La Rosiere Ski Resort and La Thuile Ski Resort:

  • Adult 1 Day : €38.90
  • Adult 6 Days : €186.00
  • Child Day (5 – 12 years): €27.20
  • Child 6 Days (5 – 12 years) : €130.20

There are also the full range of ski passes such as La Rosiere Ski Resort only, half-days and multi-day options. You can find them listed on the Official La Rosiere Ski Resort site.

Location / Getting to La Rosiere Ski Resort

Located only a short 25 minute drive from Bourg St Maurice in the French Alps, La Rosiere Ski Resort is perfectly located for international travellers looking for a snow adventure.

Bourg St Maurice is serviced by the Eurostar with direct day and overnight ski trains from London running twice a day on Saturdays. There are direct shuttle buses from the train station up to La Rosiere Ski Resort.

The best airport to fly into is Geneva,which is only a 2 hour drive, depending on road conditions. Grenoble Airport is an alternative located about 3 hours drive from the ski area. Both are accessed by excellent public transportation including buses and trains.

Consider hiring a car for your ski adventure so that you can explore other ski resorts if you are tempted.

Bourg St Maurice Sunset, French Alps

Sunset over Bourg St Maurice

Where to stay in La Rosiere

La Rosiere 1850m is the perfect ski in/ski out location with lots of options depending on your budget and needs. These include self-catering chalets through to 5-star chalets with full 5 course meals every night.

The other option is stay within Bourg St Maurice or the surrounding villages for those wanting to explore other ski areas. It does mean you will need to drive 1/2 hour up to La Rosiere ski area each day.

You can view the various Hotels in La Rosiere here.

Where to eat in La Rosiere

La Rosiere has three restaurants and bars on the mountain with the usual mountain style food and snacks. The finest dining can be found in the La Rosiere 1850m village itself.

The best coffee and hot drinks in La Rosiere can be found at the top of Fort Chairlift in a tiny slopeside hut. They have the best views across the French Alps and even have a snow cave for the kids to explore.

La Rosiere Ski Resort is best for…

Families or groups of friends who are looking for a quieter, and cheaper, week away skiing. La Rosiere Ski Resort will keep all levels of skiers occupied for the week. Especially if you venture into La Thuile a couple of times during the week.

Where else can you ski across the border for an authentic Italian pasta lunch before finishing back in France next to the fire with cheese and wine?

Insider Local Tip

On a nice day ski across the France/Italy border to La Thuile Ski Area, which is included in your lift ticket price, for better food and a chance to explore a different mountain. Kids will love the adventure and it will break up the week.

To find our more about La Rosiere Ski Resort then visit the Office of Tourism website for more information.

Cole is one half of New Zealand's leading adventure travel blogging couple who have been wearing out their jandals around the world since 2009. He loves any adventure activities and anything to do with the water whether it is Surfing, Diving, Swimming, Snorkeling or just lounging nearby on the beach. You can follow Cole on Google+. Or consider following us via RSS Feed, Twitter, Facebook and subscribe to our Newsletter.

Adventure Travel

A Beginner’s Guide to Yacht Charters: How to Choose the Right Yacht and Plan the Perfect Trip

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handsome young man enjoying time boat scaled

Yacht charters offer a unique and luxurious way to explore the world’s most beautiful destinations. Whether you’re looking to spend a week exploring the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean, or you want to take a romantic trip to the Mediterranean, a yacht charter is an excellent option. Phuket is an excellent location to charter a yacht and is one of the most popular destinations for yacht charters in the world.

However, choosing the right yacht and planning the perfect trip can be a daunting task for those who are new to yacht charters. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make your yacht charter experience a success.

Consider the Size of the Yacht Needed

Yachts come in a variety of sizes, from small sailing boats to large motor yachts. Consider how many people will be traveling with you, and how much space you’ll need for your trip. You’ll also want to think about the type of activities you want to do on your trip. If you’re looking for a more adventurous trip, a smaller sailing yacht may be the way to go. But if you’re looking for a more luxurious and spacious experience, a larger motor yacht may be a better choice.

  • Small Sailing Yachts: These are typically 30-50 feet in length and are ideal for more intimate and adventurous trips.
  • Mid-Size Motor Yachts: These yachts are typically 50-80 feet in length and offer more space and amenities than small sailing yachts.
  • Large Motor Yachts: These yachts are typically 80 feet or longer and offer the ultimate in luxury and comfort.
  • Superyachts: These are the largest yachts, typically over 100 feet in length, and are often custom built to the highest standards.

Consider a Place to Discover

Yacht charters are available all over the world, from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, so choose a location that appeals to you and your travel companions. Research the destinations you’re interested in, and find out what the weather will be like during your trip. You’ll also want to consider the time of year that you’re traveling, as some destinations may be more expensive during peak season.

Here are some popular yacht destinations:

Mediterranean: The Mediterranean region is a top destination for yacht charters, with its turquoise waters, stunning coastline, and rich cultural heritage. Some popular destinations include the French Riviera, the Amalfi Coast in Italy, and the Greek islands.

Caribbean: The Caribbean is a popular yacht charter destination for its warm weather, beautiful beaches, and clear waters. Some popular islands include the British Virgin Islands, St. Martin, and Antigua.

Bahamas: The Bahamas are another popular yacht charter destination, known for its stunning crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and tropical landscapes.

Maldives: The Maldives is a group of 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean, known for its stunning coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and abundant sea life.

Thailand: Thailand is known for its stunning beaches, lush tropical forests, vibrant local culture, and rich history. Some popular destinations for yacht charters in Thailand include the Andaman Sea, Phuket, and Koh Samui

beautiful beach view koh chang island tour boat tourists seascape 1

beautiful beach view Koh Chang island and Tour boat for tourists seascape at Trad province Eastern of Thailand on blue sky background , Sea island of Thailand landscape

Plan Ahead

When it comes to planning the perfect trip, timing is everything. Booking your yacht charter early is key to ensuring that you get the yacht and destination that you want. Don’t wait until the last minute to book, as yachts can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. It’s also a good idea to book well in advance if you’re traveling during the holidays, as yachts tend to be in high demand during these times.

Yacht Charter Cost

Another important factor to consider when planning your yacht charter is the cost. Yacht charters can be expensive, so you’ll want to budget for your trip carefully. Consider the cost of the yacht, fuel, food, and other expenses. Some yacht charters may include some or all of these expenses, so be sure to ask about what’s included when you’re booking. You may also want to look for yacht charter deals or discounts to help save money on your trip.

Think About the Crew

Finally, you’ll want to consider the crew. Yacht charters typically come with a crew that includes a captain, chef, and other members. Consider the size of the crew, and make sure that they have the experience and skills you need for your trip. You’ll also want to make sure that the crew is friendly and professional, and that they can accommodate any special requests or needs you may have.

Final Thoughts

A yacht charter is an excellent way to explore the world’s most beautiful destinations in style and comfort. With a little bit of planning and research, you can choose the right yacht and plan the perfect trip for you and your travel companions. So start exploring your options today, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!

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Medieval Towns with German Castles Near Munich & Frankfurt

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Heidelberg Castle

Our favorite castles in Germany near Frankfurt and Munich:

Neuschwanstein Castle is there somewhere amongst all the fog!

Neuschwanstein Castle is there somewhere amongst all the fog!

We were crazy enough to visit Neuschwanstein Castle on a public holiday. This meant that along with all the Asian tourists, there were an awful lot of Germans. Plus, even though we arrived by 11 am, the soonest tickets we could buy were for the German tour at 2.30 pm, as the terms in English were sold out until 4 pm. So, if you don’t have German friends at hand to translate the tour for you, we recommend booking in advance online. The castle was impressive, and the time was undoubtedly fascinating! Don’t worry, I won’t spill the beans, but the manmade Grotto room made my jaw drop!

Mespelbrunn Castle

Mespelbrunn Castle

Mespelbrunn Castle is located on a pond between Frankfurt and Wurzburg. Unfortunately, we arrived 30 minutes after its closing time of 5 pm, but it looked cool from behind the fence!

Lichtenstein Castle

Lichtenstein Castle

Lichtenstein Castle is located on a clifftop near Stuttgart and costs 6 euros per person for a tour in German; however, they did give us a very informative written guide in English. This castle is small compared to Hohenzollern castle, but its story is fascinating. Tanks shelled it in World War II, and today you can still see the cracked mirror from where a small fragment of a tank grenade ricocheted!

Hohenzollern Castle

Hohenzollern Castle

Hohenzollern Castle is not too far from Lichtenstein Castle. It is located on a hilltop near Hechingen, and we enjoyed the guided tour. Along with getting to wear GIANT slippers, make sure you explore the casemates and secret passages. One sign made me want to learn more. It read, “Exactly where these steps lead to is unknown. More casemates and secret passageways are likely waiting to be discovered in the heart of the mountain”!

Heidelberg Castle

Heidelberg Castle

Heidelberg Castle was a lot larger than we expected! Unfortunately, we had spent far too much time at the Auto & Technik Museum in Sinsheim, so we did not have time to explore this castle. But if we get the chance, we will explore the town and its castle next time in Germany.

On our drive from Munich to Frankfurt, we also loved:

Andechs Monastery

Andechs Monastery

The beer garden at Andechs Monastery was just like Oktoberfest but amongst trees and more family-friendly. The beer was cheaper, and the food was great, including the giant pork knuckle, which Moss could not finish. It was also fun walking up multiple flights of stairs to the tower’s very top.

River surfing in Munich

River surfing in Munich

Rothenburg

Rothenburg

Three hours in Rothenburg was not enough to explore this wonderful medieval town! We recommend getting your hands on a city map from the tourist information office. We enjoyed Roder Gate, walking along the wall and exploring the 17th-century spital bastion, plus Moss lost me in the Kathe Wohlfahrt Christmas shop for over half an hour, and I didn’t even buy anything!

Bamberg

Bamberg was a neat town with old buildings in the center of the river and had a famous smoked beer which Moss just had to try!

Auto Technik Museum in Sinsheim

I’m not the hugest car or plane fanatic, but even I enjoyed the Auto & Technik Museum in Sinsheim. A highlight for me was sliding out of an airplane (from the museum’s roof)!

The worlds narrowest street

Don’t go out of your way to see it, but the world’s narrowest street in Reutlingen is worth a photo if you are passing through.

Frau Rauscher spitting statue Frankfurt

In Frankfurt, go to the old part of town for an apfelwein and see the Frau Rauscher statue – watch out, she spits about every 12 seconds!

The average person would Google Munich to Frankfurt and see that it only takes about 3 ½ hours depending on how fast you wish to drive on the autobahn! However, we are NOT typical. We took one look at train prices and decided that hiring a car wouldn’t cost too much more.

Suppose you’re interested in traveling to Germany for a damn good deal. In that case, plenty of tour companies have some pretty unique and affordable vacation packages to Berlin, Munich, and Bavaria.

It may be small but this building on Trappensee Lake is classed as a castle!

It may be small, but this building on Trappensee Lake is classed as a water castle!

We aren’t going to tell you our exact route. Still, after surviving Oktoberfest in Munich, we did a giant zigzag to see as many castles and medieval towns as possible. So to save you doing so much driving, we have picked our favorite cities and castles. First of all, ‘Ausfahrt’ is not a destination accessible from every off-ramp! It means ‘Exit’! Another word of wisdom to keep in mind is that the autobahns with speed limits do have speed cameras… and the flash is blinding!

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Adventure Travel

Running with the Bulls Video

Our shaky Running with the Bulls Video footage from the Festival de San Fermin in 2012. Experience it first hand in Pamplona. Enjoy.

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San Fermin Running with the Bulls still

We recently wrote about our life or death experience of Running with the Bulls this year at the Festival of San Fermin in Pamplona. On that run, I carried along with our GoPro video camera and tried to shoot some footage for our running with the video of the bull.

Running with the Bulls Video, Pamplona

Running with the Bulls

All our travel video shooting techniques went out the window when the bulls’ hooves started to shake the ground beneath our feet.

Once we had lined up for the running with the bulls, there was no escape from it as we were walled in by apartment blocks, shopfront windows, and 3-meter high wooden barriers packed with photographers along the entire length. At one end lay the relative safety of the bull ring pulsating with the cheers of the crowd who were still partying from the night before. Behind me, a dozen wild bulls pawed the stony ground looking for freedom.

Unfortunately, I was standing in their path. 

What we ended up with is below. However, I think what we filmed for our running with the bull video captures the chaos, craziness, and complete madness a lot better than if I had stood my ground.

Enjoy it and watch for the guy that nearly gets trampled to death near the beginning!

Running with the Bulls Video

Would you ever consider running with the bulls?

While we are very aware that not all people agree that the San Fermin Festival should be allowed to go ahead mainly due to animal cruelty, we think there are two sides to every story. We wrote a post about the controversy surrounding Bullfighting in Spain and the Festival de San Fermin.

We would love to hear your thoughts on the Festival de San Fermin and whether you would ever consider running with the bulls.

If you want to join the next Festival of San Fermin or any other wild festivals in Europe, such as Sail Turkey, book with our partners Busabout.

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Meet Cole and Adela

Cole and AdelaWe have been wearing out our jandals (Kiwi for flip-flops) on our travel adventures around the world since 2009. We think our blog is thought provoking and a little witty. But we have been proven wrong before. Find out more about us here...

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