It was developed in the early 1950s on the site of an old hamlet, and was linked with the nearby Italian resort of La Thuile in 1984 via two fairly long drag lifts through the Little St Bernard Pass.

Compared to its neighbour, Val d'Isère, La Rosière is relatively small, with 154 km (96 mi) of piste.

The ski area of l'Espace San Bernardo (which includes La Thuile) caters for all abilities: as of early 2008, it provides 8 green and 25 blue slopes for beginners, and 35 red and 14 black runs for the more advanced skiers.

In June 1940, during the Battle of France at the start of World War II, a small force of 47 men resisted several attacks from Italy, before being allowed to leave with the flag after the Armistice with Germany.

French actor Gaspard Ulliel was critically injured during a skiing incident at the resort on 18 January 2022, and died from his injuries in hospital the following day.