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.
Read about Montgenevre in our blog - The Inside Track
The Inside Track: spring skiing in Montgenevre
The Inside Track: easter in Montgenevre
Other articles
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 (24/25):
Montgenevre - 95km, 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 info
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.
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.
Advanced, off-piste & ski touring
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 Doire 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 1000m descent to 'Cervières' via 'Les Gondrans'… you’ll never run out of options!
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'.
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 mountain fun zones
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 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.
You can ski into Italy from Montgenevre (depending on lift pass), so please note although ski helmets are not mandatory in France, they are now mandatory in Italy for both adults and children (previously it was just for under 16's). You must wear a CE-certified ski helmet on the slopes in Italy, including skiers, snowboarders, and tobogganers, regardless of age or experience. This law came into effect from 1st November 2025 with fines up to €200 and/or a lift pass suspension for up to three days for non-compliance.
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 without skiing. See details on our main ski school page
Babysitters (not pre-bookable)
A list of babysitters is available from the tourist office.
Top snow activities to experience in Montgenevre
Please note Peak Retreats do not book most of the activities and also most activities are payable therefore most of the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website
Peak Retreats, however, do offer some in-resort activities that can be pre-booked and paid for in advance. These will be detailed below.
Here are some ideas of activities, however there is plenty more on offer!
Montgenevre snowshoeing
Pre-bookable with Peak Retreats. Details can be found on our Activities page, including prices. Snowshoeing during the day or evening.
Montgenevre Tipi village
Pre-bookable with Peak Retreats. Details can be found on our Activities page, including prices. Snowshoeing to a Tipi in the evening with a fire, stories and snacks.
Montgenevre escape game
Pre-bookable with Peak Retreats. Details can be found on our Activities page, including prices. In the morning or the afternoon. Learn about safety and rescue equipment to locate and rescue victims.
Montgenevre cross country
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. Label 4 Nordic site, highest honour for a nordic website.
Montgenevre snow park
Located on the sector Gondrans, the 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.
Mongenevre night skiing
Montgenèvre has night skiing every Tuesday evening of winter school holidays (February-March).
Top activities to experience in Montgenevre
Please note Peak Retreats do not book most of the activities and also most activities are payable therefore most of the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website
Peak Retreats, however, do offer some in-resort activities that can be pre-booked and paid for in advance. These are detailed in the snow activities tab.
Here are some ideas of activities, however there is plenty more on offer!
Montgenevre yooner
Try your hand at the yooner downhill - a light manoeuvrable sledge with a ski-style base!
Montgenevere mini golf on snow
Fun family activity.
Montgenere toboggan track - Monty Express
Enjoy a downhill of 1400m long, slalom in the forest, on the wood bridges and tunnels. A thrilling activity for everybody. Toboggan run situated by the Chalvet gondola.
Mongenevre hot air balloon rides
Between 1hr 15 and 1hr 45, depending on weather.
Montgenevre ice rink
Natural outdoor ice rink located on the snow front. Open during the day and evening for most of the season.
Montgenevre skidoo
Guided evening snowmobile excursions.
Montgenevre sleigh rides
Sleigh rides. 30-minute ride to the Mas des Alberts.
Montgenevre cinema
17.30-21.00 (from 14.30 in bad weather).
Montgenevre market
Market every Wednesday until 6pm.
Montgenevre après-ski, restaurants & bars
There are various restaurants for you to try in the resort and a number of bars, a couple can get quite lively for those wanting a bit of life.
Montgenevre amenities
Montgenevre is served by a range of amenities including: mini markets, boulangerie, tabac, butcher, post office, doctors, chemist, bakery and cake shops.
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
By road:
Distance from Calais to Montgenevre is approx. 611 miles (983km). Montgenevre is around 11 hours from Calais and on the motorway all the way except for the last 30 minutes. Montgenevre is situated only 30 minutes from the A32 autoroute.
By rail & air:
Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras. See our train services page for more information as we can pre-book the trains for you. The nearest train station to Montgenevre is roughly 12 miles away (20km) in Oulx (approx. 30 mins).
6 international airports nearby. See our flying page for information on airlines (however we don't book flights).
Turin Airport to Montgenevre is roughly 66 miles (107km), approx. 1hr 15 mins
Chambery Savoie Mont Blanc Airport to Montgenevre is roughly 93 miles (155km), approx. 1hr 30
Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport to Montgenevre is roughly 144 miles (233km), approx. approx. 2hrs 30
Geneva Airport to Montgenevre is roughly 146 miles (236 km), approx. 2hrs 30
Grenoble Alpes Isere Airport to Montgenevre is roughly 137 miles (222km), approx. 2hrs mins
Milan Airport to Montgenevre is roughly 142 miles (229km), approx. 2hrs 30
Private taxi transfers:
Private taxi transfers from airports and train stations are pre-bookable with Peak Retreats. See our airport & station transfers page for more information.
Bus transfers:
Altibus/Bens Bus/Snow bus (and the likes of) offer shared bus lines from French/Swiss airports and some SNCF train stations to ski resorts. We don't book these (or have any affiliation with), we invite you to do your own research.
