La Rosière is a ski resort located in the Savoie region of the French Alps. It is part of the Espace San Bernardo Ski Domain, which also extends into Italy having been connected with the ski resort of La Thuile since 1984. We take a look below at 5 good reasons to buy a property in La Rosière…

1. The Ski Area

La Rosière is part of the Espace San Bernardo Ski Area and has access to a decent 156km of ski pistes that are served by 38 ski lifts. It has around 82 marked pistes and offers a variety of ski terrain that is suitable for beginners, intermediates and experts alike. It is a unique resort in that it offers access to the Italian pistes due to its connection in 1984 to La Thuile which is on the Italian side. The ski resort itself is at 1,850m, so skiing or boarding back to the resort is usually possible. With ski lifts as high as 2,800m, skiing and snowboarding is assured throughout the season.

The slopes in La Rosière vary from gentle beginner slopes to challenging off-piste areas. The resort has a good mix of blue, red, and black runs, providing options for both beginners and advanced skiers. The cross-border ski area allows skiers to explore both French and Italian slopes and experience the Italian culture. The Espace San Bernardo ski area is known for its extensive and picturesque landscapes so you will certainly be amazed by the views! Some incredible summits can be seen from the pistes including Mont Blanc, Mont Pourri, L’Aiguile Rouge and Lancebranlette. The resort typically enjoys good snow conditions throughout the winter season and its high-altitude with lifts culminating on Mont Valaisan at 2,800m, ensures an extremely reliable snow cover. Mont Valaisan can be reached by the Moulins and the Mont Valaisan chairlifts which were added in 2018. Additionally La Rosière has invested in modern snow-making equipment to supplement the natural snowfall. It is also worth noting that La Rosière has both North and South facing slopes so it also offers “sunny skiing”.

2. It’s a Fantastic Dual Season Resort

Summer in La Rosière.

La Rosière is a peaceful summer haven situated in the heart of the Tarentaise Valley. It is well positioned at the entrance to the Vanoise National Park. It is mainly South facing and offers wonderful, wide and open views down the valley. It’s a marvellous resort to visit with friends or family in the summer to relax and enjoy both the stunning and natural environment. An added bonus is that it is only 9km from the Italian border so you can dip your toe into both the French and Italian cultures and gastronomy, any day of the week!

1. Hiking and Trekking: Explore the stunning alpine scenery by hiking or trekking through the numerous trails in the area. The mountains offer a variety of difficulty levels, from easy walks for beginners to challenging routes for experienced hikers. La Rosière is  nicknamed “Balcony of the Tarentaise”, because it has a breathtaking 180° views of both the valley and Mont Pourri.
2. Mountain Biking: La Rosière has a network of mountain biking trails suitable for all levels. You can rent bikes and e-bikes locally and explore the scenic landscapes while enjoying the fresh mountain air. Chairlifts run through the summer months for the downhill MTB courses as well as various shuttle buses (it is recommended that you pre-book the shuttle bus).
3. Adventure Park: Experience the thrill of walking in the sky at the Repaire des Ecureuils Adventure Park, an aerial obstacle course which is set out through the forest. It’s a great way to challenge yourself and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
4. Paragliding: For the adventurous souls, paragliding is a popular activity in La Rosiere. Soar above the mountains and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the stunning alpine scenery.
5. Cultural Events: Check out local cultural events and festivals that may be happening during the summer months. These events can give you insight into the local culture and traditions. The tourist office is the best place to start researching as events will differ each year.
6. Wellness and Relaxation: Relax and rejuvenate in one of the local spas or wellness centres. After a day of outdoor activities, treat yourself to a massage or unwind in a sauna. Spectacular views are normal here, perched on a balcony at 1850m!
7. Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, La Rosiere has several mountain lakes and rivers where you can try your hand at catching trout and other fish. Try your fishing skills in Lac du Retour, Lac des Gouillons, Torrent du Reclus and Torrent des Moulins which 3 different varieties of trout.
8. Golf: Here in La Rosière is the highest 9 hole golf course in Europe. The Golf de La Rosière sitting at 2000m and surrounded by breathtaking scenery!

As you can see you will never be without something to do in the summer in La Rosière whether you are a thrill seeker or someone just looking to relax and recharge your batteries!

Winter in La Rosière.

The Franco-Italian relationship is alive and kicking in La Rosière which makes it a unique destination for most skiers and snow boarders. Not only is the skiing fantastic but culturally you get to experience 2 different countries in one resort. La Rosière is mainly South facing but is regularly in the top 10 ski resorts in France with the most snow. It is virtually guaranteed to have great quality snow from mid December through to the end of season which is usually the last week of April.

Aside from skiing which we have already touched on, ski touring is another draw to this area. There are 3 dedicated trails that were developed within the resort so that fans of the sport can just try it out or at least learn what the risks are within this up and coming sports discipline.

Ice skating is another activity you can enjoy in the winter in La Rosière. If the weather is snowy and you aren’t able to ski then swap your skies for skates in this 350m2 ice rink which is located in Les Eurcherts.

The Col du Petit St Bernard area is one of the few places in France that allows snow kiting – skiing behind a sail. A unique opportunity and definitely worth a try.

Other winter activities include dog sledding and snow shoe hiking and we must again mention the wellness centres and spa that are popular places to relax and enjoy a massage to truly unwind those tired and aching muscles.

3. La Rosière is a High Altitude Resort

All skiers and alpine property buyers are concerned about the effects of global warming on the many ski areas in the Alps and all over the world, especially as by the end of the 21st century the elevation of reliable snow cover is predicted to rise between 200m and 400m from about 1300m today to 1500m to 1700m in the French Alps. La Rosière already has a natural advantage as the resort sits at 1,850m and the highest lift is 2,800m. We will all be seeking out a higher resorts for skiing as time moves on, so in terms of a good resort to buy a property, this is an extremely good reason to start with.

4. La Rosière is an Authentic and Traditional Ski Village

La Rosière is a pretty village. Most of the resort is built in a traditional, chalet style with carved balconies, dark wood and slate roofs. The visual effect of the village is tranquil as there is not much in the resort except accommodation and a handful of shops. Lots of the buildings are also dotted within the woods in discreet and well hidden places. The atmosphere is calm and peaceful and because of the height of the resort, there are stunning panoramic views. It is a family friendly village with a few bars and  restaurants and is similar in this regard to its near neighbour Sainte-Foy Tarentaise. However the recent construction of a Club Med resort, plus three 4* hotels and upmarket rental chalets are contributing to its growing reputation.

5. Property Prices 

Property for sale in La Rosière is quite scarce due to the size of the resort and it tends to sell quite quickly. At the moment, property prices here are reasonable but buyers are increasingly aware of its snow-sure credentials for future rentals as well as asset value. According to our partners Cimalpes, property prices rose 7% in 2023, among the highest price appreciation in the French Alps. Prices range from €5,000 per sqm for an older apartment to €14,000 per sqm for a new premium chalet. Currently we have a few apartments left in the new build project of “Chalet Valentine” which is due for completion in the summer of 2025. This luxury new development will be built right in the centre of La Rosière, next to all the shops and restaurants and only 400m from the main pistes within the village. It is selling fast so don’t delay in contacting us for further information.