Italian village near the pass.Freerider heaven La Thuile is one of the few places in the Alps that allow heliskiing or heliboarding. Linked to the Tarantaise Eco Lodge home resort of La Rosiere, La Tuile is a must visit.Beginners have learner areas at the bottom of the hill, and good value for money mountain restaurants makes a pleasant change from France. The Les Suches gondola has some easy pistes, but be warned the homerums (mariocarts) can be pretty viscious. www.guidemonterossa.com run the heliboarding set-up, so book early for drops up Mont Miriadi, and Mont Ouille.