La Thuile has always been one of my favourite ski resorts in the Aosta Valley.
It offers fantastic skiing, spectacular views, direct access to La Rosière in France and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it a great alternative to some of the busier Alpine destinations.
Now, the resort is preparing for one of its biggest investments in decades.
For the 2026/27 winter season, La Thuile will open a brand-new 10-person gondola connecting Les Suches with Chaz Dura, replacing two ageing chairlifts and significantly improving one of the most important sectors of the ski area.
One Lift Replacing Two Old Chairlifts
The new gondola will replace two fixed-grip triple chairlifts that have served the resort for many years:
- La Combe
- Chaz Dura (Terres Noires)
These lifts have always been reliable, but technology has moved on. The new gondola will offer a faster, smoother and much more comfortable journey to the top of Chaz Dura while dramatically increasing transport capacity.
A €35 Million Investment
The project represents an investment of approximately €35 million, making it one of the largest infrastructure developments ever undertaken by La Thuile.
The new lift has been designed by LEITNER, one of the world’s leading ropeway manufacturers, and demonstrates the resort’s commitment to improving the overall guest experience while modernising its lift network.
What Will the New Gondola Offer?
The new installation is much more than simply replacing older lifts.
Some of the main improvements include:
- Modern 10-person enclosed cabins
- Capacity of approximately 3,000 people per hour
- Faster journey to Chaz Dura
- Protection from wind, snow and cold
- Easier boarding for families and beginner skiers
- Accessibility for pedestrians
- A new intermediate station serving the beginner area
For anyone who has visited La Thuile before, the difference will be immediately noticeable.
Better Connections Across Espace San Bernardo
One of the biggest advantages of the project is how it improves access to the international Espace San Bernardo ski area.
The Chaz Dura sector is the gateway towards the French resort of La Rosière, and during busy periods it has often been one of the slowest sections of the mountain due to the older chairlifts.
The new gondola will make crossing between Italy and France much quicker and more comfortable, particularly during holiday periods when skier numbers are at their highest.
Great News for Beginners and Families
One particularly clever feature of the new gondola is the inclusion of an intermediate station.
This means beginners can easily access the easier slopes without having to travel all the way to the summit, while more experienced skiers can continue directly to the top of Chaz Dura.
Families with young children will also appreciate the enclosed cabins, making boarding much simpler than using traditional chairlifts.
More Comfort for Every Skier
Modern gondolas completely change the skiing experience.
Instead of sitting on an exposed chairlift during windy or snowy weather, visitors will enjoy comfortable cabins that provide shelter throughout the journey.
This is especially valuable in La Thuile, where weather conditions can change quickly due to its location close to the French border.
Why This Upgrade Matters
As a ski instructor, I’ve always appreciated La Thuile because it offers an excellent mix of wide pistes, challenging terrain and a much quieter atmosphere than many famous Alpine resorts.
The only area that really showed its age was the lift system between Les Suches and Chaz Dura.
Replacing these older lifts with a modern gondola is exactly the kind of investment that keeps a resort competitive for years to come.
It means less waiting, more skiing and a better overall experience for everyone.
Looking Ahead to Winter 2026/27
The opening of the new Les Suches–Chaz Dura gondola marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for La Thuile.
Combined with the spectacular scenery of Mont Blanc, the international connection with La Rosière and continuous investment in the ski area, the resort is becoming an even stronger choice for skiers looking for a premium Alpine experience.
If you’re planning a ski holiday in the Aosta Valley, you may also enjoy reading my guides Cervino The One Ski Lift, or the new ski lifts in Courmayeur, and the best après-ski spots in Cervinia. Together, these articles will help you make the most of your next winter adventure.
If you’re planning your ski trip and want help choosing where to eat, ski, or stay, don’t hesitate to reach out — you can email me anytime at info@skiwithriky.com. Whether you’re skiing in La Thuile, Cervinia or anywhere else in the Aosta Valley, I’d be happy to help you plan the perfect winter holiday.
See you on the slopes,
Riky