Skiing: magical descent in Italy

In Italy, on the Espace San Bernardo ski area linked to La Rosière, a succession of slopes offers a magical experience in the heart of the mountains

The weather is nice in La Rosière, sunny, little wind. The snow is good. It's the opportunity to discover the Italian slopes, on the other side of the border. With family or friends.
At the exit of the chalet, we link the Manessier ski lift and the Roches Noires chairlift. Descent by Elk to join the Fort chairlift and switch to Ibex. Then you have to take the two (long) Bellecombe I and II lifts to reach the border, at 2570 m of altitude. Already, the view is magical: you embrace the French, Italian and Swiss Alps. Behind you, the view extends to the Pic de la Lauzière (2829 m) at 50 kms, and in front of you, the Matterhorn (4478 m) is at 70 kms. This is the resort of Zermatt, Switzerland.

The trip starts at the border. Some easy trails will take you from 2570 m to 1440 m. If the snow is good, this is a family trip, even with children.

Start at 19-Fourclazthen quickly turn right onto 18 Ponteilles Alta. On these wide slopes, generally little frequented (except during the Italian school vacations), let yourself be carried in the wide turns. No noise! You are far from the ski lifts, close to nature. These slopes are among the few where you can find some of the pleasure of hiking; you might as well enjoy it.

From the bottom of 18 Ponteilles Altayou enter the fir trees, at first scattered and then more grouped. As soon as you reach the first fir trees, the trail is full of little secret spots where you can take a break or have a picnic. This is only the first possible gastronomic step.

At about 1940 m of altitude, you cross the Arnouvaz chairlift. Next time you can take it to reach the main area of La Thuile, and in particular the mythical slopes of the snow front (including the famous black piste 3 Franco Berthod).

For the moment, we will continue by 6 La NouvaLa Nouva is a pleasant trail in the fir trees, except in case of heavy snow or heavy traffic. With a good snow cover, La Nouva takes you along a quiet but quite fast path, with some more technical passages, to the entrance of La Thuile.

You can also choose the gastronomic break by taking off your shoes to reach, 250 m to the right, the pizzeria Le Dahu.

For the return trip, choose between the (only) gondola of the ski area and the chairlifts of the snow front, then take the Chaz Dura chairlift. At its arrival, at 2580 m, you will have a complete view of the Mont Blanc on your right. As you slide towards the French border, the panorama towards the French Alps appears again at the end of the path. Welcome back to La Rosière!

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