Visit La Thuile
La Thuile is one of those Alpine destinations that stays in your heart: a small mountain village nestled at an altitude of 1,441 meters in the far northwest of the Aosta Valley, right on the threshold of the French border. It is not just a destination for winter skiers: La Thuile is a true open-air museum guarded by woods and defended by mountains, lapped by the energy of rivers, waterfalls, and glacial lakes. Five thousand years of history await you among ancient chapels, explorable mines, and the mysterious Little St. Bernard Cromlech.
By motorhome, La Thuile proves to be a perfect strategic base for exploring the wild side of Mont Blanc. In winter, the Espace San Bernardo ski area offers 152 kilometers of slopes between Italy and France with a single international skipass. In summer, 520 kilometers of trails await you for breathtaking trekking among spectacular waterfalls, turquoise lakes, and millennial glaciers. The village is small and cozy, easy to visit on foot or by bicycle once you have parked your motorhome in the dedicated areas.
La Thuile is also the ideal starting point for exploring Valdigne and the entire upper Aosta Valley: Courmayeur is just 20 minutes away, the Pré-Saint-Didier Thermal Baths 15 minutes, while the Little St. Bernard Pass opens the doors to French Savoy. If you are looking for untouched nature, mountain authenticity, and a perfect balance between sport and culture, La Thuile is the destination for you.
Stopovers and overnight stays
La Thuile is a small village and the historic center can easily be explored on foot. There is no reason to drive your motorhome into the heart of the village: the streets are narrow, traffic is heavy especially during high season, and parking is limited. The best strategy is to park in one of the areas dedicated to motorhomes and enjoy the town on foot or by bicycle.
The parking areas are all located in the hamlet of Villaret and its surroundings, just a few minutes’ walk from the center and the ski lifts. Distances are short: in 10-15 minutes on foot, you can reach shops, restaurants, the tourist office, and the heart of the village. I suggest three options: two fully equipped with all services for those seeking comfort, and one free of charge for those who prefer simplicity and proximity to the lifts.
Recommended areas
Grand Assaly Motorhome Area (formerly Area Azzurra)
Frazione Villaret, fenced area with about 80 spaces on interlocking pavers, some pitches with a green space at the back. Located about 1 km from the center of La Thuile and only 300 meters from the ski lifts. Full services: electrical hook-up (800 watts per socket), water loading and unloading, toilets, hot showers for a fee (€0.50), picnic area with barbecue, children’s playground, and gas cylinder sales. The manager comes by in the morning and evening for payment. Ideal for extended stays and for those who want all comforts. It can be full during peak season, but capacity is good.
Camping Rutor
Campsite nestled in a pine forest in the Sapinera area, about 600 meters from the center of La Thuile (a 5-minute walk) and only 300 meters from the ski lifts. It features 70 spacious pitches for motorhomes and caravans with electricity, TV, and gas hook-ups. The location is enchanting: surrounded by pines and mountains, with the Rutor stream flowing nearby creating a relaxing background. Full services: motorhome service for water loading and unloading (including chemical toilet), modern and spotless restroom facilities, hot showers for a fee (€1 for 6 minutes), laundry, on-site bar with friendly staff, children’s play area, and WiFi. In winter, you can ski directly back to the campsite, while in summer, trekking trails and mountain bike tracks start right from the entrance. The managers (Silvio and Francesca) are highly regarded for their helpfulness and courtesy. Ideal for relaxing stays in nature.
GPS: 45.70718, 6.95319 Tel: +39 333 1372961 / +39 0165 884165 Website: campingrutor.altervista.org
Piazza Mercato Parking (Piazzale Planibel)
Mixed car-motorhome parking lot in the heart of the Entrèves hamlet, just a few steps from the ski lifts and the town center. Excellent strategic position, asphalt spaces, free of charge but without services. Its strength: proximity to supermarkets, sports shops, and the start of the lifts. Ideal for short stays or for those who want to be in the heart of the action. Note: on Saturdays from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM, parking is prohibited due to the weekly market, so if you stay on Friday night, you will have to move early Saturday morning.
“skiing in La Thuile”
“the Rutor waterfalls”
Getting Around
La Thuile is a very compact village, and once you have parked your motorhome, you won’t need any transport. The center is at most 1 km from the parking areas and can be easily reached on foot in 10-15 minutes along quiet roads with breathtaking mountain views. If you have a bicycle, it’s even better: you can get anywhere in 5 minutes.
Regarding public transport, La Thuile is served by the SAVDA/Arriva bus line connecting the village to Aosta (about 1h 50m) and Courmayeur (about 30 minutes). There are approximately 3 trips per day. In winter, during the ski season, the Winterbus is active—a free service connecting La Thuile with Pré-Saint-Didier, Morgex, and Courmayeur with more frequent trips. This service is particularly convenient for moving around Valdigne without using your motorhome.
If you want to visit the Pré-Saint-Didier Thermal Baths (15 km away) or explore Courmayeur and the Skyway Monte Bianco cable car, the bus is an excellent option. To reach the Little St. Bernard Pass and the French border, however, you will need to use your motorhome or car: the road is scenic and definitely worth the drive.
To get around La Thuile on foot, keep in mind that the village develops mainly along State Road 26: from the historic center (Piazza Cavalieri di Vittorio Veneto) to the ski lifts is about 500 meters, all flat or with minimal slopes. The atmosphere is quiet and alpine, perfect for relaxing walks even with children.
Points of Interest (PoI)
1
Rutor Waterfalls
The Rutor Waterfalls are probably the most exciting natural spectacle that La Thuile has to offer. Three spectacular waterfalls fed by the waters of the Rutor glacier—one of the largest in the Aosta Valley—cascade down towards the valley, carving through the rock with impressive power. The hike starts from the hamlet of Villaret (right next to the motorhome area), and after about an hour and a half of walking on a well-marked trail, you reach the first of the three waterfalls, which is the most easily accessible.
The trail is suitable for everyone, including families with children accustomed to walking, and winds through coniferous forests and alpine meadows that burst into flower during the summer. The roar of the water accompanies you along the final stretch, and the visual impact when you arrive in front of the waterfall is truly remarkable. If you have more energy and wish to continue, you can also reach the second and third waterfalls, though this requires a bit more fitness. The best time to visit is early morning, when the light illuminates the water droplets, creating natural rainbows. An absolute must-see in the summer.
2
Verney Lake and Little St. Bernard Pass
Verney Lake is the largest lake in the La Thuile area, a glacial lake with crystal-clear waters that reflect the mountain flowers surrounding its shores. It is located along the road leading to the Little St. Bernard Pass, the mountain pass that marks the border between Italy and France. The lake is easily accessible by motorhome (there is a parking lot nearby) and offers a postcard-perfect setting for a scenic stop.
Continuing towards the pass, at an altitude of 2,188 meters, you find yourself on a high plateau where the alpine meadows take on an almost mystical quality. Here lies the Chanousia Alpine Botanical Garden, one of the oldest in Europe, where you can discover hundreds of species of alpine flowers. The pass has always been a strategic crossing point: it was used by the Celts, the Romans (who built a temple dedicated to Jupiter here), and in the Middle Ages by pilgrims heading to France. A borderland that breathes history and wild nature. Perfect for a half-day trip, even just to breathe the thin air and admire the Alps from above.
3
Little St. Bernard Cromlech
At the Little St. Bernard Pass lies one of the most enigmatic and fascinating monuments in the Alps: the Cromlech, a circle of 46 stones arranged in a circular formation dating back to the 1st millennium BC. No one knows for certain the original function of this megalithic monument: some hypothesize it was a Celtic place of worship, others an astronomical observatory, and some simply a meeting point for the populations crossing the pass.
The magic of the Cromlech reaches its peak during the summer solstice (June 21st). At sunset, behind the saddle of Lancebranlette, a shadow advances and casts specific shapes within the circle; weather permitting, it is a mesmerizing spectacle that attracts curious visitors and archaeoastronomy enthusiasts from all over Europe. Even if you don't visit during the solstice, exploring the Cromlech is an emotional experience: you find yourself in a place suspended between heaven and earth, where the wind blows strong and the silence is broken only by the sound of your footsteps on the stone. It is an experience that reconnects you with the ancient roots of these mountains.
4
Espace San Bernardo Ski Resort (Winter)
If you arrive in La Thuile in winter, the Espace San Bernardo ski resort is the main reason why it’s worth stopping. With 152 kilometers of slopes spread between Italy and France, a single international skipass allows you to ski non-stop between the Aosta Valley and Savoy, thanks to 38 ski lifts with a capacity of over 60,000 people per hour: in short, this means no queues.
The crown jewel is the Franco Berthod track n.3, one of the steepest and most spectacular in Europe, reserved for expert skiers with gradients reaching 76%. This slope has hosted Women's World Cup races and is feared even by professionals. If you are a beginner or looking for calmer slopes, the Les Suches area offers blue runs ideal for novices and families. For those who love off-piste, La Thuile is considered a paradise for ski mountaineers and freeriders, with wild itineraries crossing untouched valleys. A resort for all levels, but with a strong character and exceptional snow quality.
5
Trekking and Mountain Bike Trails (Summer)
Summer transforms La Thuile into a paradise for active mountain lovers. 520 kilometers of trails wind through forests, lakes, glaciers, and high-altitude mountain huts, with 55 mapped tours ranging from family-friendly walks to challenging treks for experts. Among the most beautiful routes is the one leading to the Deffeyes Refuge (2,494 m) at the foot of the Rutor glacier: a hike of about 3-4 hours that offers breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc range.
For cyclists, La Thuile is a legendary destination: every July, it hosts the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in downhill and enduro disciplines, attracting the best riders in the world. Mountain bike trails range from family tracks to adrenaline-pumping descents for expert downhillers. The ski lifts also operate in the summer, allowing you to quickly reach high altitudes with your bike before plunging into fast descents through the woods. The Orgère and Chavanne valleys offer wild scenery ideal for day treks, while Green Lake (2,539 m) and Grey Lake (2,532 m) are destinations for fit hikers wanting to stand in the presence of glaciers. The mountain here is authentic, wild, and never disappoints.
Seasonal Events
UCI Mountain Bike World Cup
When: July (July 3-6, 2025)
Where: Trails and tracks of La Thuile
What: La Thuile returns to the international mountain biking spotlight by hosting the UCI World Cup in the downhill and enduro disciplines. Three days of exciting races with the world's best bikers competing on the technical and spectacular trails of the Aosta Valley resort. An unmissable event for MTB enthusiasts, with the possibility to watch the races for free and experience the unique atmosphere of a world competition. The parterre and finish areas fill up with stands, music, and pure adrenaline.
Tour du Rutor
When: Late March
Where: Rutor Glacier and surrounding valleys
What: The Tour du Rutor is one of Italy's most prestigious ski mountaineering competitions. Three days of racing on the glacier, featuring routes that test the athletes' endurance and technique. The event attracts ski mountaineers from all over Europe and also offers categories for amateurs. Watching the start or the finish is a spectacle that makes you understand what it truly means to love the mountains. The atmosphere is charged with sporting tension but also with camaraderie and shared passion.
La Pass Pitchü - Festival of the Valleys
When: August (biennial, odd years)
Where: Little St. Bernard Pass
What: Every two years, in August, the Little St. Bernard Pass hosts the "Fête des Bergers" (Shepherds' Festival), an event that commemorates the past when Aostan shepherds met their Savoyard counterparts for the livestock market. Today, the festival has become a highly anticipated cultural event, featuring tastings of local products, traditional music, crafts, and one of the qualifying rounds of the famous "Bataille de Reines" (Battle of the Queens/cow fighting). A unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Alpine traditions and see how the mountains unite peoples and cultures across borders.
Summer Solstice at the Cromlech
When: June 21st
Where: Little St. Bernard Cromlech
What: The magic of the summer solstice at the Little St. Bernard Cromlech is a priceless experience. As the sun sets behind the Lancebranlette saddle, a shadow advances and draws distinct outlines within the stone circle that change minute by minute. Weather permitting, it is a fascinating spectacle that attracts archaeoastronomy enthusiasts, photographers, and curious visitors. It is not a formally organized event, but rather a spontaneous celebration of nature and ancient astronomy. Bring a heavy jacket: at 2,188 meters, even in June, it gets cold at sunset.
St. Nicholas Festival
When: December 6th
Where: La Thuile town center
What: La Thuile celebrates its patron saint, St. Nicholas, with traditional Aostan folk events. The day includes a solemn mass, processions, stalls selling artisanal and gastronomic products, and festive moments for the entire community. It is an opportunity to see the village in a festive mood and experience the authentic atmosphere of a mountain community keeping its roots alive. The festival often coincides with the opening of the ski season, so the village is already buzzing with excitement for the coming winter.
Typical Dishes and Local Products
You can’t say you’ve truly experienced La Thuile without tasting Valdostana Fondue, the dish that more than any other represents the convivial and generous soul of the Aosta Valley. Forget the watered-down tourist versions: here, fondue is a ritual, prepared with the finest Aostan Fontina DOP, which owes its unmistakable sweet and buttery flavor to the milk of the red and black spotted cows raised in high-altitude pastures.
Fondue is perfect to enjoy after a day spent skiing or hiking in the mountains: it warms both body and soul, and is traditionally served in a special pot (the caquelon) kept warm on a small stove in the center of the table. You dip toasted black bread, boiled new potatoes, or – if you want to be daring – accompany it with shavings of prized black truffle. It is a dish that requires you to slow down, to sit together, and to share. Here is how to prepare it if you want to take a piece of the Aosta Valley home with you.
Valdostana Fondue Recipe
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 400g of Aostan Fontina DOP
- 200ml of whole milk
- 4 fresh egg yolks
- 40g of butter
- Ground white pepper to taste
- Black or wholemeal bread (for serving)
- Black truffle (optional, for garnish)
Preparation Method:
- Preparing the cheese: Remove the rind from the Fontina and cut it into thin slices or grate it coarsely. Place the cheese in a bowl, cover it with the milk, and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (better if overnight). This step is fundamental as the cheese absorbs the milk and becomes easier to melt.
- Double boiler cooking: Drain the cheese from the milk using a fine-mesh strainer, but keep the milk. Place the cheese in a double boiler pot (or a bain-marie bowl) and add the butter pieces. Place the pot over a pan of boiling water and start stirring with a whisk, always in the same direction, over low heat.
- Adding the milk: As the cheese melts, add the reserved milk a little at a time, continuing to stir. The consistency should become creamy but not too liquid: adjust the amount of milk based on the density you want to achieve.
- Incorporating the yolks: Once the mixture is smooth and creamy, lower the heat to a minimum and add one egg yolk at a time, stirring quickly to prevent it from curdling. Continue stirring for 2-3 minutes until the fondue acquires its typical velvety appearance.
- Seasoning and serving: Add a grind of white pepper (the fondue is already savory, so salt is not needed). Remove from the heat and immediately pour the fondue into the fondue pot with the burner underneath, or into individual earthenware bowls. Serve immediately with toasted black bread, boiled potatoes with their skins on, or – if you can afford it – a few shavings of black truffle on top.
Historical and Cultural Note
Valdostana fondue has humble origins: it was born as a clever way to use Fontina that was starting to age too much, melting it with milk and eggs to make it creamy again. Over time, it became a symbol of conviviality, so much so that Pellegrino Artusi in his famous cookbook defined it as “cicimperio” (delicious food). Today, it is a dish prepared in Aostan homes during holidays, family dinners, and especially in mountain huts where sharing a steaming pot creates bonds between strangers. A true Valdostana fondue does not “string” like the Swiss version: it must be smooth, thick, and velvety. If it strings, it means you’ve done something wrong!
Useful Tips
When to go: La Thuile is a four-season destination. Winter (December-April) is perfect for those who love skiing and snow, with exceptional snow cover and slopes always in excellent condition. Summer (June-September) is the realm of trekking, mountain biking, and alpine lakes, with pleasant temperatures and long days ideal for hiking. Spring and autumn are quieter, perfect for those seeking silence and nature without the high-season crowds. If you want to see the solstice at the Cromlech, come on June 21st; if you love mountain biking, aim for July for the World Cup.
Traffic and getting around: Park your camper in the dedicated areas and move on foot or by bike. The town center is small, distances are short, and walking allows you to truly enjoy the atmosphere of the village. If you need to move toward Courmayeur, Aosta, or the Little St. Bernard Pass, use the local bus (the Winterbus is free in winter) or a car, but leave the camper parked.
Nature and relaxation within reach: If you have more days, combine La Thuile with the Pré-Saint-Didier Thermal Baths (15 km), a historic spa center with panoramic outdoor pools and views of Mont Blanc. Or visit Courmayeur (20 minutes) and take the Skyway Monte Bianco cable car to reach 3,466 meters in just a few minutes: an unforgettable experience. If you want to explore the French side, cross the Little St. Bernard Pass and head down toward Bourg-Saint-Maurice in Savoy.
Shopping and supplies: In La Thuile, you will find supermarkets, grocery stores, and bakeries to stock up before leaving. Prices are slightly higher than in the plains (we are in the mountains), but the quality is excellent: take the opportunity to buy Fontina DOP, Lardo d’Arnad, Jambon de Bosses, and other authentic Aostan products. If you have time, visit some local mountain pastures (alpeggi): many producers sell fresh cheese and ricotta directly on-site.
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December 20, 2025
