Pila is located above the Roman town of Aosta, a spectacular 16 minute gondola ride away. It really is a hidden gem. With lovely wooded runs and open powder areas higher up, it’s a lovely blend of ‘Courmayeur meets La Thuile’ and is perfect for all abilities.
Things to do
Market
There is a local market in La Thuile every Saturday. There are plenty of bargains but be prepared to haggle!
Snowshoeing
For those who want to discover the natural beauty of the mountain by foot, why not hire a pair of snow shoes from Only Ski.
Ice Skating
The natural ice skating rink in the centre of La Thuile is open until late March, conditions permitting.
Scenic Walks
La Thuile offers a number of great scenic walks for people looking to spend a day away from the slopes. The tourist information office has more detailed information on winter trails.
Child Care & Children’s Play Areas
There is a mini club for children aged four to 12 at the Planibel complex and the Grande Albero crèche offers childcare for babies up to three years old. There is a spacious outdoor play area for children, close to the bottom of the pistes in La Thuile. Snow tubing and tobogganing are also available in this area.
Fitness Gyms
The Planibel complex, open to the public, offers a good fitness centre with gym. Massage is also available. The Centro Sportivo Konver Music Café in the Arly area, is open daily until midnight, and offers various leisure facilities including a climbing wall, gym, tennis, five-a-side soccer and volleyball.
Swimming, Sauna & Spa Facilities
The swimming pools, sauna and steam room at the Planibel complex are open to the public and the Hotel Miramonti also has a pool and excellent spa facilities. The public swimming pool in neighbouring Pre San Didier, 6km from La Thuile, is open in the late afternoons and evenings, and the recently refurbished thermal baths and spa, also in Pre St Didier, should not be missed! They offer a fabulous range of indoor and outdoor spa pools and treatments in superb surroundings, with views towards Mont Blanc.
Shopping & Sightseeing
La Thuile has some interesting small shops as well as a couple of specialist snow sport equipment and clothing shops, but the best shopping is in the up-market ski resort of Courmayeur, a 15km bus ride from La Thuile. Courmayeur is a charming town with narrow streets, old stone churches and an attractive pedestrianised centre with some excellent shops.
The ancient Roman city of Aosta, the principal city of the Aosta Valley is just 40km from la Thuile. Its Roman walls are still largely intact and six of the original 20 towers are fairly well preserved. Also of interest in Aosta are the Cathedral (rebuilt in the 11th century), and the Romanesque-Gothic church of Sant’Orso.
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