Situated 100 miles NW of Turin and 12 miles south of the Mont Blanc tunnel in the Aosta Valley, Camping Rutor is a large level campsite with 71 places. It is less than 0.5 miles from the ski lift at La Thuile which is part of the San Bernardo ski area. La Thuile is a typical alpine town with plenty or restaurants and coffee shops. Near the gondola at the Planibel apartments there is a ‘town square’ with a supermarket, a takeaway restaurant, a coffee shop (€5 for 2 coffees and sachertorte!), ski service and a lively bar overlooking the slopes. The main town, although quite small, has plenty of shops, restaurants and two more supermarkets as well as a tourist information office.
How to get to Camping Rutor
From Calais take the A26, E17, A5, A3, A40 and N205 towards the Mont Blanc Tunnel (see MBT Website for tariffs). Take the SS26 all the way to La Thuile passing the famous Skyway Monte Blanco cable car, Courmayeur and the Terme Pre Saint Didier thermal baths. There are a few switchbacks on this road but they are not challenging. It’s approximately 580 miles on this route which works out at around 9-11 hours for motorhomes, traffic and conditions dependent. When you arrive at La Thuile, after the tunnel in the village go straight on until the first bridge, where you turn right. There will be brown road signs where you will find the names of the Azzurra sosta and the Rutor campsite. Then go straight, passing the gondola, Hotel Planibel and the Pizzeria Dahu on your right. At the junction turn left over the river to Camping Rutor.
We have a full Google Maps integration at the bottom of the page, and if you’re looking for route planning advice for your caravan ski trip including stopover options for this route – check out this article on Winterised
What do you get for your money at Camping Rutor?
- Flat rate pitch price for 2 adults including caravan/motorhome, EHU and tourist tax. Discounted prices for January dates available. (Camping Rutor Prices)
- EHU 3amp included adapter required
- Very good standard of facilities in the shower and toilet areas
- English speaking staff at reception and restaurant
- Grey and chemical disposal area under cover
- Gas cylinder exchange (Italian type Adapter required)
- Laundromat with washing machine, dryer and ironing station (tokens required from Reception)
- Modern washing up area
- Dogs welcome charged per day
- Dog walking area adjacent to site
- 4G & 3G coverage dependent on provider
- Free daytime ski bus from campsite entrance
- Onsite bar with breakfast service available
- Seasonaire pitches available
Espace Bernardo ? – What is the skiing like in La Thuile ?
La Thuile is part of the Espace San Bernardo ski area and is linked with the French Ski Resort La Rosiere. It offers 150 kms of piste between 1220m & 2800m across 85 runs (36 Beginner, 36 Intermediate, 13 Advanced).There are 39 ski lifts: 1 DMC cable car, 20 chair lifts,14 drag lifts and 4 magic carpets. There are also 2 slalom stadiums,1 snow park, 1 boarder cross, 1 free ride area, 1 snow-kite area and 2 play areas for children.
It can sometimes get quite windy at La Thuile which can make some slopes a little icy and crunchy. These slopes are more for intermediate skiers who are comfortable on a red run but they are wide, not very busy and well groomed. The ski area also boasts the legendary Franco Berthod run which has a 73% incline. The Ladies World Cup was held here in February/March 2020.
The ski route to La Rosiere is extremely pleasant and on mostly sunny, wide slopes. You can easily get to La Rosiere and back to La Thuile in a day and enjoy some good skiing in between.
Ski Pass (2020/2021 prices): €42 per day normal season €46 per day high season. See Skipass Info for further details of more rates for seniors and juniors. The area around the main gondola has all the essential services such as ski/snowboard hire, ski lessons, servicing and lockers.
Winterised Tips
- From January 10 to April 3, for stays of minimum a week, prices include a round-trip ticket for the Monte Bianco tunnel. Contact campsite for offer details.
- There is a good pizzeria and restaurant 5 minutes walk away from the site.
- The coffee shop at the Planibel apartment square is cheap and seems to be the centre of activity in the village.
- IT IS MANDATORY TO HAVE WINTER TYRES FITTED FROM OCTOBER 15TH TO APRIL 15TH IN THE AOSTA VALLEY. For more information on winter tyres, regulations and the law see our articles at Winterised.com and Winterised on tyres for caravans.
Pros
- Proximity to the gondola
- Linked to La Rosiere in France linked by long wide cruising reds and blues
- Reasonably priced village for food and drink
- Quiet during the weekdays
- Ski back to camp site possible in good snow conditions
Cons
- The slopes at La Thuile are not for the absolute beginner. They can get a little crunchy during windy weather.
- 3amp EHU supply may be problematic for power hungry caravans and motorhomes
Photos | Camping Rutor
Video | Valle de Aosta Tourism
Thanks to Winterised FB Group member Carolyn Hinchey for her support with this post.
