Skiing and snowboarding in Montgenèvre feels spacious and unhurried, with long runs that let you find your rhythm without constantly queuing. The resort's sunny position means you'll often ski in pleasant conditions, and uncrowded slopes let you truly enjoy the mountain.

Montgenèvre's terrain is varied and interesting, suiting intermediates particularly well while keeping everyone in a mixed-ability group happy. The real draw is the connection to Italy's Via Lattea area, where a serious range of kilometres await to explore across two countries, each with different character.

Skiing for beginners in Montgenèvre

Montgenèvre is an excellent resort for beginners. Village-level nursery slopes sit right in the heart of the resort, so you won't need a long lift ride for your first turns. Once you've found your ski legs, gentle greens lead down from Les Gondrans, letting you experience the thrill of a proper descent without intimidating steeps. Easy blues extend across the local area, and even the Italian side offers gentle terrain for building confidence.

Wide slopes give you plenty of space to practise turns at your own pace, while the sunny aspect makes for pleasant learning conditions. For those wanting structured lessons, the ski schools here have decades of experience with English-speaking instruction readily available.

WeSki insider tip: The Obelisque green run from the top of the Chalvet lift is ideal for first-timers ready to leave the nursery slopes. It's wide, well-groomed, and finishes right back in the village.

Intermediate skiing in Montgenèvre

Intermediates will find plenty of rewarding terrain across Montgenèvre. Cruisy blues let you refine technique before moving onto reds that introduce steeper pitches. The local slopes suit confident progression, while the Italian sectors offer different character and longer descents.

The runs from Le Chalvet and Les Gondrans are particularly satisfying, with good vertical and consistent gradients. Once you're feeling confident, the link to Claviere opens up even more to explore. This cross-border adventure adds genuine excitement. You can ski into Italy for lunch at a traditional rifugio, explore Sauze d'Oulx's tree-lined runs, or venture to Sestriere's open bowls.

WeSki insider tip: Don't try to ski the entire Via Lattea in one day. Pick a sector and enjoy it properly.

Advanced and expert skiing in Montgenèvre

Montgenèvre delivers more challenge than you might expect from a family-friendly resort. The Chaberton sector offers some of the most demanding local runs, Rocher de l'Aigle provides steep marked terrain, and the Col de l'Aigle pass opens up backcountry options for those with appropriate skills and equipment.

The Italian side adds even more expert terrain, with higher sectors offering good powder stashes. Black runs from Le Chalvet and Les Gondrans provide proper steep skiing, with north-facing pitches holding snow well into spring. Guided freeride tours explore beyond the lift system for those with experience.

Snowboarding in Montgenèvre

Montgenèvre is a solid choice for snowboarders, and the Via Lattea connection means extensive exploration for riders who like variety. Wide pistes and reliable snow provide good freeride terrain, with natural hits and drops throughout.

Three terrain parks cater to all levels, from beginners learning first jumps to experienced riders looking to progress. The lift system is predominantly chairs and gondolas, so you won't spend half the day dragging through flat sections.

Off-piste skiing in Montgenèvre

While Montgenèvre isn't primarily a freeride destination, opportunities exist for experienced skiers. Terrain around Chaberton, Col de l'Aigle, the back bowls off Les Gondrans, and the higher Italian sectors all offer accessible ungroomed slopes.

The southern aspect means you need to time your runs right, but after fresh snowfall there's excellent untracked terrain within easy reach of the lifts. Local guiding operations offer backcountry tours exploring the terrain between valleys - just keep in mind that proper avalanche safety equipment and experience are essential.

Montgenèvre snow school and lessons

Several ski schools operate in Montgenèvre, including the ESF and independent instructors. English-speaking lessons are readily available, with group lessons, private tuition, or specialist courses including off-piste guiding and cross-country instruction. Children's programmes are well-developed, with engaging approaches and small group sizes.

Montgenèvre snow parks

Montgenèvre has access to three terrain parks spread across the interconnected ski area. The main park near Les Gondrans features jumps, rails, and boxes for intermediate and advanced riders, while smaller progression parks help beginners learn first tricks in a less intimidating environment. The parks are maintained regularly throughout the season.

Montgenèvre piste map

1. Montgenèvre family ski holiday
2. Things to do in Montgenèvre
3. Planning your trip in Montgenèvre
4. How to get to Montgenèvre
5. Montgenèvre FAQs

Montgenèvre family ski holiday

Montgenèvre works well for families who want a genuine French village experience without sacrificing convenience. Its compact layout means you're never far from the slopes, the gentle terrain gives younger children a safe place to learn, and an overall friendly atmosphere makes it easy to relax. There's a reason it's earned a reputation as one of France's best family ski resorts.

Families with young children benefit from childcare facilities that operate throughout the season - whether it's all-day care for non-skiing toddlers, or half-day programmes combined with lessons. Older children and teenagers also have plenty to keep them engaged, whether it's lessons, terrain parks, or slopes that give progression goals. Ski schools here are well-regarded, with patient instructors who specialise in teaching kids of all ages.

The village is safe enough for teenagers to explore independently, without parents worrying. Off the slopes, activities like pools, ice skating, a toboggan run, and more keep everyone entertained. And last but not least, dining is straightforward. You'll find traditional French fare, crêperies, and pizzerias that welcome children without fuss. The relaxed village atmosphere extends to mealtimes, and portions are typically generous enough for hungry young skiers.

Things to do in Montgenèvre

Montgenèvre offers more than just skiing, and its traditional village feel, sunny location, and relaxed pace give it a different character from larger French resorts. Add in the unique cross-border access to Italy, and you've got plenty of reasons to explore beyond the pistes.

Snow activities

When you want to stay out in the snow without skiing or boarding all day, Montgenèvre has a strong selection of winter activities. The wide-open terrain, forests, and high-altitude setting provide a scenic backdrop for everything from gentle family fun to more adventurous pursuits:

• Monty Express toboggan run: A fun 1.4km descent through the forest, accessible to all ages and especially popular with families.
• Cross-country skiing: Around 15km of well-maintained Nordic trails, offering peaceful skiing across open terrain and woodland.
• Snowshoeing excursions: Guided walks through the surrounding Cottian Alps, ideal for discovering quieter corners of the mountain.
• Dog sledding: Husky-led rides across snowy landscapes, available by reservation for a memorable alpine experience.
• Dedicated luge run: Purpose-built sledging area for safe, repeat runs close to the village.
• Ice climbing: Introductory sessions on the resort's ice wall, perfect for first-timers looking to try something different.
• Night skiing: Select floodlit evenings allow you to experience the slopes in a completely different atmosphere.
• Snake gliss: Group sledging where participants link sleds together for a fast, sociable descent.
• Snowmobiling excursions: Guided tours through high mountain terrain for a dose of adrenaline away from the pistes.

Non-snow activities

Montgenèvre makes rest days easy, with a good mix of wellness, culture, and easy-going village life. Whether you want to unwind in warm water, explore nearby historic towns, or simply stroll the streets with a coffee in hand, there's plenty to enjoy away from the slopes:

• Les Bains de Montgenèvre: Modern spa complex with indoor and outdoor pools, mountain-view relaxation areas, saunas, and hammam.
• Durancia Aquatic Centre: Family-friendly leisure centre with swimming pools, water slides, and a dedicated wellness area.
• Ice skating rink: Covered rink in the village centre offering public skating sessions throughout the season.
• Village cinema: Regular screenings provide an easy evening option or a break from cold weather.
• Briançon day trip: Just 12km away, France's highest city features a beautiful UNESCO-listed old town, fortifications, and plenty of cafés.
• Italian border excursion: Cross into nearby Claviere for shopping, Italian coffee, and a relaxed lunch only minutes from the resort.
• Village shopping: Browse local shops for regional produce, souvenirs, and ski essentials.
• Scenic lift rides: Non-skiers can take selected lifts for panoramic views without needing skis.
• Fort du Janus: Historic mountain fort offering sweeping views over the valley and into Italy, perfect for a short excursion.

Montgenèvre restaurants

Montgenèvre's dining scene reflects its relaxed village atmosphere and unique border location. Traditional Savoyard cuisine sits comfortably alongside Italian-influenced menus, with plenty of cosy mountain restaurants and easy-going village spots.

• Le Graal: Well-regarded local favourite serving generous Savoyard classics, fondues, and raclette in a warm, welcoming setting.
• Le Jamy: Refined dining option offering creative mountain cuisine, careful presentation, and an excellent wine list.
• La Bergerie: Rustic alpine restaurant with a cosy atmosphere, specialising in authentic regional dishes and comfort food.
• Le Caesar: Popular village-centre pizzeria and Italian restaurant, ideal for relaxed evenings and family meals.
• L'Estanco: Casual spot for tapas-style sharing plates, local wines, and a laid-back après-dinner drink.
• Le Transalpin: Slope-side restaurant with a sunny terrace, perfect for lunch breaks and classic mountain fare.
• La Cabane du Lait: Traditional mountain hut focusing on cheese-based dishes and local dairy specialities.
• Chez Finette: Family-friendly restaurant serving hearty local recipes and dependable comfort food.
• Le Capitaine: Casual crêperie offering sweet and savoury crêpes — ideal for a quick bite or afternoon treat.

Montgenèvre après-ski

Après-ski in Montgenèvre is relaxed and sociable, centred around good company rather than loud parties. As the lifts close, skiers drift onto sunny terraces for vin chaud or a beer, soaking up the last of the light before easing into the evening. Evenings tend to flow naturally from après drinks into dinner, with bars and restaurants sharing the same easy-going crowd.

There are a couple of spots that turn up the music later on, particularly at weekends, but Montgenèvre remains firmly about celebrating a good day on the mountain rather than chasing a big night out. Here are some après spots worth knowing:

• Le Graal Bar: One of the liveliest après options, with regular live music, a good beer selection, and a buzzing but friendly atmosphere.
• Le Refuge: Cosy bar with a fireplace and local character — perfect for warming up and lingering over a drink.
• Le Transalpin: Classic slope-side stop for that first post-ski drink as the lifts wind down.
• Le Blue Night: Late-night venue with DJ sets and dancing, especially lively on weekends for those wanting to stay out later.
• Le Jamy Bar: Pub-style bar popular with locals and returning visitors, relaxed and welcoming throughout the evening.
• Ca del Sol: Intimate wine bar with Italian influences, ideal for a quieter aperitif or post-dinner glass of wine.

Montgenèvre map

Planning your trip in Montgenèvre

Montgenèvre accommodation

Montgenèvre is compact enough that you're never far from the slopes, but location still matters. The village stretches along the main road, with accommodation clustered around the central lift stations and spreading out towards Les Alberts at the eastern end.

Staying central puts you within easy walking distance of the gondola, restaurants, and shops, while properties towards Les Alberts tend to be quieter and closer to the beginner slopes. You'll find a mix of hotels, apartments, and chalets. Hotels tend to be clustered in the village centre, while self-catering apartments and chalets are scattered throughout.

WeSki insider tips:

• Properties near the Gondrans lift give you quick access to the highest terrain - ideal if you want first tracks on fresh snow days.
• The area around Place de l'Obélisque is the social heart of the village - stay here if you want bars and restaurants on your doorstep.
• Families with young children might prefer Les Alberts for its dedicated nursery slopes and quieter atmosphere.

Montgenèvre lift pass

The local Montgenèvre pass gives you access to all lifts and runs within the resort, which is plenty for a week's skiing. For those wanting to explore further, the Vialattea international pass unlocks the entire linked area including Sestriere, Sauze d'Oulx, and the other Italian resorts - that's over 400km of pistes across two countries.

You can add your preferred ski pass options when booking your Montgenèvre ski holiday through WeSki.

Equipment hire

Montgenèvre has several equipment hire shops in the village centre, making it easy to collect and return equipment. You'll find the full range of gear, from beginner packages to performance skis and demo equipment. Booking in advance is sensible during peak weeks, as it guarantees your sizes and lets you skip the fitting queue on arrival day.

WeSki partners with SkiSet shops in Montgenèvre, letting you add equipment to your package and collect on arrival. Browse Montgenèvre ski deals to build your perfect trip.

Getting around Montgenèvre

Montgenèvre's compact size means most visitors can walk between their accommodation, the lifts, and the village centre. The resort runs a shuttle bus that connects the main areas, including Les Alberts, which is useful if you're staying further from the central lifts. Services run throughout the day and into the evening, though frequency reduces after the lifts close.

Taxis are available for late-night journeys or trips to neighbouring villages. If you're planning to explore the wider area or make frequent trips to Italy, having a car gives you more flexibility - though you won't need one for daily skiing.

How to get to Montgenèvre

Montgenèvre is well positioned for several airports. Turin is the closest at around 100km, making it particularly convenient for budget flights. Grenoble (180km) and Lyon (230km) are the main French options, while Geneva (280km) gives you the widest choice of UK departure airports.

The drive from Turin crosses the Fréjus tunnel and climbs through stunning mountain scenery to the resort. Train travel is also an option: the nearest station is Oulx in Italy (19km), on the high-speed line from Turin. From there you can take a local bus or taxi to complete the journey.

WeSki offers car rentals from the airport as well as private, shared, and scheduled transfers to Montgenèvre. Add them to your Montgenèvre ski holiday package for seamless door-to-door travel.

Montgenèvre FAQs

Is Montgenèvre good for beginners?

Yes, Montgenèvre is excellent for beginners. The village-level nursery slopes are convenient and gentle, with easy access to your first chairlift rides once you've mastered the basics. The progression terrain is well-designed - you can build confidence on green runs before tackling easy blues. English-speaking instruction is widely available, and the relaxed pace of the resort suits those finding their feet on skis.

How does Montgenèvre connect to the Vialattea ski area?

Montgenèvre links directly to the Italian Vialattea ski area via lifts to Claviere and onwards to Cesana, Sauze d'Oulx, and Sestriere. With a Vialattea lift pass, you can ski across the border and explore over 400km of linked pistes. The connection works both ways - Italian skiers regularly visit Montgenèvre for its sunny French slopes and village atmosphere.

Is Montgenèvre a good choice for families?

Montgenèvre works well for families. The compact village makes logistics easy, the nursery slopes are right in the resort, and the Monty Express toboggan run is a hit with all ages. Childcare facilities operate throughout the season, and the terrain suits mixed-ability groups - parents can challenge themselves on steeper runs while children progress on gentler slopes nearby.

How reliable is the snow in Montgenèvre?

Montgenèvre enjoys good snow reliability thanks to its altitude (1,850m-2,700m) and position in the southern Alps where it benefits from Mediterranean weather systems. The resort also has comprehensive snowmaking covering key runs. The season typically runs from late November to mid-April, with the best natural snow conditions usually found from January onwards.

How does Montgenèvre compare to the big French resorts?

Montgenèvre offers a different experience to mega-resorts like Val Thorens or Les Arcs. The ski area is smaller locally (100km versus 600km+), though the Via Lattea connection adds scale. The village has genuine character rather than purpose-built architecture. Queues are rare, prices are gentler, and the atmosphere is friendlier. It suits families and intermediates better than experts seeking extreme terrain.

Is Montgenèvre expensive compared to other French resorts?

Montgenèvre tends to offer better value than the big-name French resorts. Accommodation, lift passes, and mountain dining are generally more affordable than places like Courchevel or Val d'Isère. The ability to ski into Italy also helps - mountain restaurants on the Italian side are typically cheaper than their French equivalents, and the nearby town of Briançon has supermarkets for self-caterers.

What is the après-ski like in Montgenèvre?

Montgenèvre has a relaxed après-ski scene rather than a raucous one. You'll find bars for a vin chaud as the lifts close and places that stay open later for those who want to continue into the evening, but it's not a party resort. The atmosphere is sociable and convivial - good for families and groups who prefer a civilised drink to a nightclub.

Which airport is best for Montgenèvre?

Turin is the closest airport at around 100km and often has competitive flight prices. Grenoble (180km) and Lyon (230km) are good French alternatives with more UK flight options. Geneva (280km) offers the widest choice of departures but involves a longer transfer. The drive from Turin is particularly scenic, crossing through impressive mountain valleys on the approach to the resort.

Explore other resorts in France

Val Thorens - La Plagne - Chamonix - Tignes - Avoriaz - Val d'Isère - Méribel - Les Arcs - Les Menuires - Courchevel - Flaine - La Clusaz - Serre Chevalier - Samoëns - La Rosière - Val Cenis - Megève - St Martin de Belleville - Isola 2000 - Risoul - Valmorel - Les Gets - Morzine - Les Deux Alpes - Alpe d'Huez - Vaujany - Sainte Foy Tarentaise - Saint Gervais les bains - Châtel - Les Houches - Les Sybelles - Les Carroz - Les Contamines-Montjoie - Les Orres - Les Saisies