-- Worldwide Ski Resorts - France - Montgenevre --

The resort of Montgenevre lies on the famous Franco/Italian ‘Milky Way' ski circuit and shares its local slopes with the neighbouring village of Claviere. The town itself is rather ugly and is cut in two by the busy main road that leads to the Italian border that is a bare 1.5 km away. On the plus side, Montgenevre is a reasonably priced resort and has a wealth of comfortable, medium quality hotels and self catering accommodation, most of which is conveniently located to take advantage of the ski lifts that lead directly to the slopes.

There are also plenty of affordable restaurants and bars within the town. It is in a good location for skiers who wish to try the other nearby slopes of the Italian resorts of Sestriere and Sauze d'Ouix that are within skiing distance, or the superb French resort of Serre-Chevalier that is a short car drive away.

With an altitude of 1850 m, Montgenevre gives access to 100 km of its own local slopes that are served by 40 rather slow lifts and 400 km of slopes throughout the Milky Way that are served by a total of 91 lifts. Montgenevre has an excellent reputation for snow cover, but in the event of a poor season, the Milky Way circuit has snow making facilities covering 100 km of slopes. Expert skiers will be frustrated to find that there is not much to challenge them here and may opt for day trips to other resorts. The pisted blacks are overrated and are more suitable for the confident intermediate. Off piste however, experts have plenty of chances to explore the first class, deep powder areas on both sides of the border.

Intermediates on the other hand, will enjoy the extensive cruising country and the attractive tree lines runs. Boarders of all skill levels will find plenty to do here. It is an excellent place to learn and experts have plenty of off piste country to play with. There is a terrain park situated high up on the mountain. The only disadvantage is that many of the lifts are drags. Novice skiers will discover that the resort is an excellent place to learn and has a fine selection of nursery slopes as well as some excellent runs for improvers. The local ski schools have a good reputation and child care facilities are said to be of a good standard.

Montgenevre's local slopes almost seemed to be purposely designed for intermediate skiers of all levels. They are nicely varied between high, open and wide cruising grounds up at Les Anges and pleasant tree lined runs. The scenery is spectacular in parts and the access route to Italy takes you down a memorable blue to Claviere. Experts will find the best off piste areas beyond Col de l'Alpet and towards Sanalonga in Italy. The slopes are generally quiet and queues are unusual. There are plenty of mountain restaurants, the best of which are on the Italian side.

While the scene here is far from riotous, the bars are warm and friendly and a good time is generally guaranteed. Bars such as the Ca del Sol and the Pub Chaberton are recommended and the Blue Night disco is also very popular.