Montgenevre
Why Montgenevre Ski Resort?
- It has a good snow record
- There’s plenty of intermediate cruising
- 'Famille Plus' resort - good children’s facilities and great for families
- Nominated for a World Snow Award 2017 - Family Resort of the Year
- Montgenevre links with many Italian ski resorts (Milky Way ski area)
"Lift queues were small to non-existent, which, given that we travelled in half term, was fantastic! We wanted a quiet, family-friendly resort where everything is in easy walking distance and that is what Montgenèvre provides" - read welove2ski.com's ultimate guide to Montgenevre.
Montgenevre (Milky Way) Information
The resort recently celebrated a century of winter sports and marked this centenary by returning some of the feel of the resort to the “pre-automobile”era: it diverted the cross-border road around the resort and revitalised the slope access from the village.
The main road traffic is now directed through a tunnel, restoring Montgenevre’s charm and making it a much more family-friendly resort.
Part of one of the world’s largest ski areas, the “Milky Way” (Via Lattea) Montgenevre is the only French resort on the circuit. The remainder extend across the border into Italy, with over 400km (250 miles) of pistes, and include the 2006 Winter Olympic resorts of Sauze d’Oulx and Sestriere. As well as being one of the world’s oldest ski resorts, Montgenevre is also one of the highest at 1850m, and the slopes themselves reach nearly 2700m. Thanks to its geographical location and high altitude, Montgenevre and the area benefit from maximum snow coverage and the very welcome Mediterranean climate, claiming 300 sunny days a year!
The free travelator (conveyor belt) opposite the Tourist Office accesses toboggan areas for two-to- six year olds, and there’s a second hill for older adventurers. Other facilities in Montgenevre include an ice rink, supermarket, boulangerie, newsagents, butcher, post office, and a doctors’ surgery - there are 17 restaurants/bars too, and a nightclub.
Activities available in Montgenevre include sleigh rides and snowmobiling - and there’s a variety of snowshoeing and cross-country routes. A map with all the cross-country tracks and walking trails is available at the Montgenevre Tourist Office and at ski pass sales points.
The resort is actually part of the Provence Cote d’Azur region but the average number of days of sunshine is greater than most resorts in the Alps. That said, the resort’s snow conditions have a track record of being excellent too.
Peak Retreats offers a range of Montgenevre accommodation options. All of Montgenevre's ski apartments have been hand-picked and are of a very high standard (4*), providing the ideal base for a Montgenevre ski holiday.
Interested in buying an apartment at this residence? See our Buying in the Alps section.
Read why Montgenevre is a great destination for disabled skiers in, 'Why a skiing holiday gives disabled people the ultimate sense of freedom', by Mary Novakovich, featured on The Independent.
MONTGENEVRE SKI AREA
From Montgenèvre, it is easy to get from one area of the huge Milky Way domain to another, although most connections are red slopes.
Montgenevre’s own local ski area spans two sides:
- the south Chalvet-Serre Thibaud sector - a sunny sector, with mainly open slopes. There are blue and green runs back to Montgenèvre and a blue run to Claviere
- the north Chalmettes-Gondrans-Eagle area - high, wide-open slopes reached by the Chalmettes chondola (a mix of gondolas and chairs) with a green run bringing you back. There is also a red link to Claviere
There’s also cross-country skiing, a toboggan area, a 50,000m2 beginners’ area and a half pipe.
The neighbouring French resorts of Serre Chevalier and Puy-Saint-Vincent are easily reached by car and a joint lift pass is available. However, if you prefer to keep your skis on, simply ski over the border first to Claviere, then Cesana and on to the 2006 Olympic biathlon venue of Sansicario before reaching Sestriere and Sauze d’Oulx. Although there’s little skiing involved, if you wish to almost complete your 2006 Olympic set, you can take the new gondola on to Pragelato, the Nordic centre.
Additional ski fact info, main ski info in resort facts box at top of page (23/24):
Montgenevre only - 95km of pistes, 24 lifts (2 gondola, 2 telemix, 11 chairlifts, 8 draglifts, 1 carpet), 78 slopes:
Green slopes: 9
Blue slopes: 22
Red slopes: 38
Black slopes: 9
Largest area - Via Lattea - over 400km (249 pistes, 70 lifts) - Italy and France
The Vialattea offers a wide choice of skiing opportunities. This international skiing area includes French Montgeneve plus Italian Sestriere, Sauze d’Oulx, Oulx, Sansicario, Cesana, Pragelato, Claviere.
MONTGENEVRE SKIING
MONTGENEVRE BEGINNERS
For beginners there’s a fine selection of convenient and gentle nursery slopes for skiing in Montgenèvre with reliable snow at the foot of the north facing area. Progression to longer runs could hardly be easier, with a very easy blue piste starting at Les Anges, leading on to a green run. Skiing in Montgenèvre is certainly not a problem for beginners!
Montgenèvre has an area dedicated entirely to families and beginners. The 50,000 square-metre facility is situated at the foot of the slopes in the heart of Montgenèvre village. It’s a secured area composed of a travelator (conveyor belt), a free ski lift (La Durance), and a snow garden…
The whole family can enjoy the Montgenèvre ski resort, which includes a discovery trail, freeride zones and a children's play area at the top of the Chalvet gondola.
MONTGENEVRE INTERMEDIATES
The local slopes are best suited to leisurely intermediates, with lots of easy cruising on blues and greens, both in the woods and on higher terrain. The major north-facing Montgenèvre Les Gondrans sector offers easy intermediate slopes above the mid-mountain gondola station, with more of a mix of runs lower down. Montgenèvre has extensive intermediate slopes with a big lift network.
MONTGENEVRE EXPERTS & OFF-PISTE
There are relatively few challenging pistes, but on the other hand there’s ample off-piste terrain. There’s the popular option of off-piste skiing with a mountain guide to show you the way and keep you safe. From classic runs like the Doire and the La Vachette valleys to the highly technical gullies of Le Janus, there are just so many opportunities to get off the beaten track. It's just a question of choosing which magic run to try - from the nearest in Les Bois des Brousset or Le Tremplin, and the sweeping curves of Les Mamelons to the gentle 1000-metre descent to Cervières via Les Gondrans… you’ll never run out of options! And you can get even more energetic on the slopes of La Plan or the Le Janus gullies… and a thousand other possibilities that one trip just isn't long enough to enjoy.
MONTGENEVRE SNOWBOARDERS
For boarders there are good local beginner slopes in Montgenèvre and long runs on varied terrain for intermediates. And there are some excellent off-piste areas for more advanced boarders - plus a dedicated free-ride area at Les Gondrans.
For freestylers the half-pipe and boardercross course are located near the Prarial chair, and there’s also a freeride zone higher up on the Gondrans sector, next to the Observatoire chair.
MONTGENEVRE NORDIC SKIING
There are 15km of cross-country circuits easily accessible from the village snow front (with dedicated parking) with routes that will appeal to everyone. There's even a fun practice area for those starting out who want to try Nordic skiing for the first time.
MONTGENEVRE’S SNOW RECORD
Nestling in a minor pass between France and Italy, where the storms funnel up the valleys, the snow record in Montgenèvre is generally excellent. The high north-facing slopes keep their snow naturally, and snow cannons cover 55% of the area, including most of the lower slopes.
The neighbouring French resorts of Serre Chevalier and Puy-Saint-Vincent are easily reached by car and a joint lift pass is available. However if you prefer to keep your skis on, simply ski over the border first to Claviere, then Cesana and on to the 2006 Olympic biathlon venue of Sansicario before reaching Sestriere and Sauze d’Oulx. Although there’s little skiing involved, if you wish to almost complete your 2006 Olympic set, you can take the new gondola on to Pragelato, the Nordic centre. Altogether there are almost 100 lifts in the region.
Montgenevre ski hire & lift passes (pre-bookable)
Pre-book your 6 day+ Montgenevre ski hire and/or Montgenevre lift pass with Peak Retreats.
To download the ski extras form see 'Helpful links' further down the page. Please note that prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.
Other lift passes are available to buy in the resort such as half or full-day passes (for those who only wish to ski the odd day) or one-use lift passes for pedestrians. Some resorts also offer specific beginner area passes and cross country passes.
Montgenevre group ski school (pre-bookable)
Ski school for children is available to book from 3 years to 14 years in Montgenevre (including some childcare in the nursery alongside ski lessons with meals) with Peak Retreats. Children can learn to snowboard from 7 years+. Peak Retreats can also book ski + nursery for 3-5 year olds. See pre-bookable non-skiing childcare below.
To download the ski extras form see 'Helpful links' further down the page. Please note that prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.
Montgenevre private lessons (pre-bookable)
Private lessons can now be booked through Peak Retreats. Please call us for prices.
Montgenevre childcare (pre-bookable)
Childcare from 6 months-5 years (non-skiers)
Montgenevre has acquired the Famille Plus label for its childcare facilities. Please view here for more information on the Famille Plus label.
The mini-club organises a wide range of both indoor activities adapted to the age of child.
The nursery is located on the ground floor of the Espace Prarial in the centre of the village. You will find a welcoming zone, a nap area and a space for having lunch and snacks (remember to bring along your child's meal and snacks: they can reheat them if necessary). The nursery is certified by the DDASS and the DDJS.
Peak Retreats can pre-book childcare with no ski - 2023/24 prices in £ sterling:
6 x half days Sun-Fri (either mornings 09.00-12.00 OR afternoons 14.00-17.00) - £91
6 x full days Sun-Fri (from 09.15-17.00) - £443
Lunch not provided but the possibility to warm it up if parents provide
It is advisable to book before you go and in good time as spaces get filled quickly, especially in Peak times. A childhood vaccination record will be needed.
Babysitters (not pre-bookable)
A list of babysitters is available from the tourist office.
Montgenèvre Resort Activities
Montgenèvre Yooner Downhill
Try your hand at the yooner downhill - a light maneuverable sledge with a ski style base! Running every Monday until the end of the season - FREE
Montgenèvre Mini Golf on Snow
Montgenèvre are inviting visitors to have a go at mini golf on snow, every Friday from 17/03/23 until the end of the season - FREE
Montgenèvre Night-time snow shoe treks
Torchlights, snow shoes, a little "apéritif". Easy walk for about 1 hour, discover of the Tepee, stories about nature, animals and the stars... Enjoy your evening with friends or family! Arranged with the ESF.
Montgenèvre toboggan track 'Monty Express'
Enjoy a downhill of 1400 metres long, slalom in the forest, on the wood bridges and tunnels. A thrilling activity for everybody. Ideal for an "après-ski" experience in Montgenèvre. Toboggan run situated by the Chalvet gondola.
Montgenèvre Balloon flights
Between 1hr 15 and 1hr 45 depending on weather.
0033 650 85 84 02
pascal@pcadventurecompany.com
www.pcadventurecompany.com
Montgenèvre Ice Rink
Natural outdoor ice rink located on the snow front. Open during the day and evening.
Montgenèvre llama walk
You can now switch up your regular family hike and take a trip into the mountains with the new unusual llama walk in Montgenèvre! So get those snowshoes on and head out on a wander in this beautiful valley accompanied by a furry friend.
Montgenèvre Skidoo
Guided evening snow-mobile excursions. Duration: 1 hour. Reservations compulsory.
Tel: +33 4 92 21 83 35
Montgenèvre Sleigh rides
Sleigh rides. 30 minute ride to the Mas des Alberts. Ideal for groups and special occasions.
LES SABOTS DE LA CLARÉE
Véronique VACHET
Villa Rose des Vents
La Vachette – 05100 Val-des-Prés
Tel: +33 (0)4 92 20 19 46
Montgenèvre Cinema
17.30-21.00 (from 14.30 in bad weather).
Montgenèvre Market
Market every Wednesday until 6pm.
Please note: All the above information is for information only. For the most up-to-date information please visit the resort tourist office website. All prices for activities are in local currency (€ Euros) and are bookable and payable locally in resort.
Montgenèvre Tourist Office
Montgenèvre Tourist Information
00 33 (0)4 92 21 52 52
www.montgenevre.com
Montgenèvre Ski Activities
Montgenèvre Cross-Country
There is more than 80km of cross country skiing are maintained throughout the season. 23km on the Nordic site in Montgenèvre and 65km in total on Alberts and Rosière. Open 9am-5pm. Label 4 Nordic site, highest honour for a nordic website.
Montgenèvre Snow Park
Located on the sector Gondrans, the new snowpark at Montgenèvre is accessed via a lift. Suitable for beginners as well as experts. The snowpark is maintained and secured. Montgenèvre also has a boardercross, located on the Chalvet side. There is a dedicated free-ride area in the Gondrans sector. Try out your moves on the Big Air Bag - freestyle skiers and snowboarders of all ages and all levels can try the joys of acrobatic jumps safely.
Montgenèvre Snowshoeing
An experienced ski school instructor will guide you around some of the hidden gems of this beautiful resort, such as the Sestrieres forest and the enchanting Clarée Valley. Every afternoon, they offer guided tours around Montgenèvre.
Montgenèvre Off-Piste
Admire the Alps from the summits. Follow your guide between France and Italy.
Tel: 00 33 4 92 21 90 46
Montgenèvre Night Skiing
Montgenèvre has night skiing every Tuesday evening of winter school holidays (February-March).
Montgenevre news and events
What was new for the 2023/24 season:
- New Rocher de l'Aigle gondola - it will replace the old chairlift and will be 3 minutes shorter than the previous lift. It has 10 seats.
Montgenevre Restaurants, Après-ski & Bars
Next to Hameau des Airelles and by the Chalet des Dolines is the Cocci Market – mini market. They offer home cooked food in the Cocci market to takeaway, different specialities each day as well, such as Fondue, Raclette, Tartiflette, Lasagne, Potato gratin. Also do roast chicken on rotisserie on different days of the week. There is a menu leaflet in store.
Also Pizza takeaway in the hut next to the Cocci market. Everyday from 6pm in winter. From €8-10.50 per pizza. Choice of 10 pizzas.
12 Montgenevre Restaurants/Bars
Les Anges
Altitude restaurant - south facing terrace
La Bergerie
Altitude restaurant - south facing terrace
Le Capitaine
Italian. Pizza to takeaway as well.
Les Chalmettes
On the piste with sun terrace. Pizzas
Le Caesar
L'Estable
Mountain specialities such as fondue
Le Graal Café
Brasserie - does great burgers (although quite rare!)
legraalcafe@wanadoo.fr
Le Jamy
Terrace facing the pistes
Lounge Bar de La Table Blanche
La Maison de Claire
Mountain specialities such as fondue
Le Refuge
Le Transalpin
Mountain specialities such as fondue
OBB – The outside burger bar
Right near to the beginners' area on the main side does burgers, sandwiches, crepes. Great value for money!
Amenities in Montgenevre
Montgenevre is served by a range of amenities including: mini markets, boulangerie, tabac, butcher, post office, doctors, chemist, bakery and cake shops.
Next to Hameau des Airelles and by the Chalet des Dolines is the Cocci Market – mini market. They offer home cooked food in the Cocci market to takeaway and also Pizza takeaway. Cocci Market is open from 8.00-1.00pm and 3.30-7.30. This is located in the Obelisque area of Montgenevre.
There is also a Sherpa mini market in the main village, near to Le Napoleon and also a supermarket underneath Le Napoleon.
Is Montgenèvre in Italy?
Whilst not located within Italy, Montgenèvre is on the French side of the Italian border as a part of the Via Lattea ski area. This means you can visit several resorts in Italy for even more skiing opportunities!
Is Montgenèvre snow sure?
Montgenèvre has a good snow record, in part thanks to its high altitude of 1860m. Whilst historically there has been snowfall throughout the ski season here, the best time to see snow at all altitudes is usually from December until February.
Can you ski in Montgenèvre in April?
The slopes in Montgenèvre go as high as 2650m, at those higher altitudes there has historically been good snow throughout the winter season, even in April. Montgenèvre usually closes at the end of April allowing you to make the most of the month there.
Is Montgenèvre good for beginners?
Whilst a majority of Montgenèvre's skiing opportunities is ideal for intermediate skiers, there is plenty for beginners too, with 19 green slopes in the area. There's a dedicated area great for families that is ideal for children and those finding their footing with skiing near the centre of the village.
Getting to Montgenevre, France
Montgenevre by Road:
Distance from Calais to Montgenevre: 611 miles. Montgenevre is between 9 and 11 hours from Calais and is motorway all the way except for the last 30 minutes. Montgenevre is situated only 30 minutes from the A32 autoroute.
Paris via the Frejus tunnel or by the Lautare pass (697km)
Lyon - Grenoble by Motorway + Lautaret Pass or via the Frejus Tunnel (230km)
Traffic Information Lautaret Pass and Montgenèvre Pass: +33 (0)4 92 24 44 44
Airports close to Montgenevre:
Turin Airport is 107km from Montgenevre (1 ¼ hours)
www.aeroportoditorino.it
Chambery is 155km from Montgenevre (1 ½ hours)
www.chambery-airport.com
Grenoble-Isère Airport is 222km from Montgenevre (2 hours)
www.grenoble-airport.com
Geneva Airport is 236km from Montgenevre (2 ½ hours)
www.gva.ch
Lyon Airport is 233km from Montgenevre (2 ½ hours)
www.lyonaeroports.com
Milan Airport is 229km from Montgenevre (2 ½ hours)
www.milanomalpensa-airport.com
Getting around Montgenevre
2 free shuttle buses circulate in the village every day from 8:45 am till 17:45 pm, every 15-20mins. Besides providing a great service to skiers and tourists alike, this initiative is aimed at reducing traffic in the village.
Montgenevre Airport Transfer
For pre-bookable private transfer rates with Peak Retreats, view here.
Montgenevre Opening Dates
Montgenevre ski area is open: 03/12/22 - 22/04/23 Fully.
