Maison De Neige - La thuile

We are regular visitors to La Thuile. Had often skied past Maison d Neige which is stunningly situated in Petit St Bernard pass. Had eaten lunch there as well. So what was the problem? Well, firstly the website is utter fantasy as regards the amenities on offer. Outdoor hot tub non existent. Outdoor sauna non existent. Fitness room non existent. Games room so dark you couldn 't even play cards in it. Billiards was 10€. These lack of facilities were a big thing for us as one of us was injured and so had to spend pretty much all day at the hotel. She was pretty upset to find she had nothing to do all day. There was a tiny 2 man jacuzzi and a 2 person sauna in the basement but these only opened at 4pm. The bar with 'extensive cocktail menu ' was a bit of a joke. When asked for the cocktail menu the waiter simply brought a nondescript drink. On the 3 rd night we eventually forced a cocktail menu out of him, but he didn 't know how to make anything apart from a Campari. The room we were initially given was tiny with just enough room for a double bed. However we had our young son with us and absolutely no place for him so we were eventually moved into a slightly larger room with a mini chair bed. The menu is utterly non child friendly. There were probably only 2 dishes on it unchanging all week) that were suitable. Venison ragu with cocoa pasta doesn 't work for most 6 year Olds. One night we had raclette. Our son was with us and had a tiny portion of cheese and potato but got charged €40 for the pleasure. The manger of the hotel to be honest was lazy uncaring. We several other guests) got the feeling he was the son of the owners sent to look after it for the winter by his parents. And not enjoying doing so. He spent most of the day sitting with friends up to visit or occasionally shouting at the hassled staff. The hotel was full most days we were there but at breakfast especially woefully understaffed. 10 minutes into breakfast service and most food had gone and even plates cutlery were unobtainable. But the 2 biggest issues were 1. Being seriously ripped off. We had booked online for two adults and a 6 year old. The website clearly states that children sharing a room got a 30% discount. When we got the bill this discount was not on there. Admittedly we did not realise on the morning we left but we emailed that day and asked for it to be added. The manager refused with some rubbish story that we had to 'apply ' for the discount before we left! Secondly we were made to select B B on the booking form online. We ate only 3 nights in the hotel but were charged far more than if we had gone half board. 2. Losing 2 days skiing. As mentioned before, the hotel is in the Petit San Bernard valley or round the back of the main mountain. In snow this area is often closed due to Avalanche risk. We and 3 other families sat for 2 days in the tiny bar, clearly itching to ski. The main area was open but we could not get back to the hotel as the runs were all closed. At the end of the second day, however it turned out that we could have been picked up in the main area by the hotel skidoo/snow truck and brought back. But the manager did not offer that at any time, despite the clear fact that we were all desperate to ski. He was more interested in drinking with his girlfriend. The hotel could and should be superb. But it isn 't! It 's expensive, badly run, it lies about its facilities, and is very child unfriendly. We will not be returning! Shame!

This hotel is off red 7 ski run just down from the fourclaz lift. It has a free skidoo drag to get you from the piste up to the hotel. Upon arrival greeted by staff and asked where we wished to dine. Then shown to table and greeted by waitress. Restaurant is on elevated position overlooking run 7 so able to watch skiers whilst dining. The menu is only slightly more expensive than other mountain restaurants but has a more classy feel for a lunch whilst out skiing. Menu as stated is more elegant than the other mountain restaurants and totally enjoyed our lunch here.

Terrific location, beautiful property, and wow food, really beautifully prepared. Would say a little better management of the place could transform the experience to a 5. For instance clear the snow from the terrace on a sunny day to make service easier, (and safer! use staff in bar or reception when quiet to support staff in restaurant when busy.

Ski drag up to lovely terrace and imaginative food. Home made tagliatelle with deer stew was excellent. Enjoyable.

Posh hotel, handy position next to red 7, just before the 'poling ' bit. Take time for a vin chaud and a piece of pie in the snug bar area and feel all posh . Then ski off from the front door back onto the piste. Free skidoo drag and comfort , ideal.