La Thuile’s a top pick if you’re fairly new to the mountain. You can ski at your own pace on 152km of wide, empty slopes, where the excellent snow conditions have earned this area the nickname ‘Little Siberia’ among Italians. If you’ve got a bit more experience, work on improving your technique on the long reds – which are gentle enough to be more like blues – and then head over the French border to explore the rest of the Espace San Bernardo ski area around La Rosière.
The former mining village is a quiet place, with a smattering of bars where you can get a feel for Italian après culture – which usually means a relaxed aperitivo alongside some free snacks. It’s surrounded by some pretty impressive scenery too, so see if you can point out the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and Mont Blanc peaks while you’re wandering around.
For families, our Crystal Childcare clubs are the best way for youngsters to learn to ski or just have fun with games and playtime. And once they're done for the day, you can swap sliding down mountains for climbing up walls at La Piramide sports centre.
3* RESIDENCE PLANIBEL
Like to be on slopes each day in a jiffy? Then in La Thuile, it doesn't get much better than at the ski-in, ski out Residence Planibel. Just a snowball’s throw from the lifts and ski school, time spent bagging runs on the mountain is paramout here. Coming with little ones? You're in the right place – our own Crystal Childcare clubs are based at the Hotel Planibel, a minute's walk away.
The apartments are decked out in a swish contemporary style, with plenty of natural wood, mossy tones and cream-coloured walls. The studios are perfect for couples, while the 2-bedroom apartments can take up to six – ideal for getting the gang together. Whichever you opt for, you'll get a modern kitchenette kitted out with all the essentials, as well as a small dining area where you can tuck in together. For a night off the cheffing, go ahead and take your pick of the tasty restaurants right on your doorstep, in the Planibel complex.
Sealing the deal is the main hotel's huge indoor pool and relaxing wellness area, which you can pay a little extra to use. Between the saunas, salt room, Turkish bath and more, you're sure to let go and delve deep into relaxation mode. And when you're finished there, aim for the hotel bar – you'll find a range of evening entertainment goes on there throughout the week.
Ski-in, ski-out location next to the gondola and nursery area.
Make the most of the indoor pool, bars, restaurants and shops.
Fun for kids in Crystal Childcare, available to book here.
Facilities
restaurants
bars
cafés
mini-market
gift shops
ski shop
boot room
extra charge of approx. €18 per person, per visit for the indoor pool and adults-only wellness area with sauna and steam room (children under 12 years can use the pool for free but must be accompanied by a full paying adult)
towels must be rented from the hotel, and you’ll need to wear flip flops and a swimming cap
Crystal Childcare available and must be booked before your holiday – Pepi Penguin Nursery (6 months – 4 years) and Beanie Bear Club (4-8 years)*
237 apartments
*Some clubs may close earlier in the season so check the Crystal Childcare page for details.
Please note: Children under 18 years are not allowed into the wellness area.
Location
Ski-in, ski-out
Next to Les Suches gondola and Bosco Express chairlift
Small nursery area and ski school outside
Less than 1 minute's walk to the Hotel Planibel
5 minutes' walk to the ski school meeting point
Children under 18 years are not allowed into the wellness area.
The swimming pool is open during scheduled hours and children under 12 years must be accompanied by and adult.
You cannot take your own towel into the wellness area and you'll need to wear flip flops and a swimming cap. Towels are available to rent for a small charge.
Just so you know, some of the plugs don't fit common adaptors.
Tourist tax at this hotel is payable locally in cash and applies to any guests aged 15 and over. This rate is subject to change as dictated by the local government.
Crystal Childcare
Our Pepi Penguin Nursery (6 months-4 years) and Beanie Bear Club (4-8 years) are based in the Planibel Hotel & Residence. You can book places in these childcare clubs if you stay in the Hotel Planibel, Residence Planibel, Hotel Du Glacier or Hotel le Miramonti. All Crystal Childcare is at an extra charge and must be pre-booked to guarantee a place.
Pepi Penguin Nursery (6 months - 4 years)
Pepi Penguin Nursery is run by our team of English-speaking Crystal Childcare professionals. And we have our own dedicated space inside the hotel with toys and games that are just right for this age group.
There’s plenty of time for free play, as well as stories, singing and arts and crafts. And we always try to include some outdoor time as well – whether that’s a gondola ride or a spot of snow painting. And if your child normally has a nap, we’ll factor that in too.
Beanie Bear Club (4-8 years)
Beanie Bear Club is all about fun and games – and our English-speaking Crystal Childcare professionals always have a song or story up their sleeve. They’ll even collect your kids after their morning ski lessons and take them back to the hotel for afternoon Beanie Bear Club*.
We have our own dedicated club room in the hotel, where kids can play with toys, get stuck into crafts or settle down with stories. Plus, when the weather’s nice, there are plenty of snowy activities on the cards too.
*For Winter 2025/26, ski school isn’t included with Beanie Bear Club, so you’ll need to add this separately when making your booking. Ski school collection is only included if you book your child’s lessons through Crystal and you’ll still need to drop off your child yourself at ski school every morning.
Good to know
Both Pepi Penguin Nursery and Beanie Bear Club run for either 3, 5 or 6 days and must be pre-booked to guarantee a place.
All our childcare teams are English-speaking and have been DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) and reference checked, and care is taken to keep groups sizes small.
Please note, Crystal Childcare is at an extra charge, and in some instances does not extend the full length of the ski season. Give us a call to chat through your options.
2 Adults & 1 Child -
From €2,285
2 Adults & 2 Children -
From €2,759
Buy one lift pass, get one half price
Add two lift passes to your booking and you’ll get the cheapest one half price. This offer is available on ski holidays to Europe for Winter 24/25. Excludes slope starters packages. Terms and conditions apply.
Inclusions
Flights
Accommodation
Baggage
Transfers
Self Catering Basis
Prices based on 7 nights and maximum room occupancy
92 Patrick Street, Cork, Ireland Registration No 100308
Licensed by the Irish Aviation Authority,
TA0720.
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