La Thuile,
Italy
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, 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
In La Thuile, Italy
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 paramount 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
2 Adults & 1 Child -
From €2,199
2 Adults & 2 Children -
From €2,305
