Magnifique Montgenèvre: What is Montgenèvre like for skiing?
Montgenèvre’s claim to fame is not only the fact that it literally put skiing on the map, being the birthplace of skiing in France, and the first official ski resort, in 1907 - it also sits above 1,800m and brags skiing accessibility up to 2,800m, of pure haute-Alpes powdery bliss AND it is one of the most snow sure resorts in the Alps.
Due to its high altitude, snow in Montgenèvre comes earlier and stays later than most surrounding resorts and it has a consistently good record of snow during ski season (from late November to well into April) making the north-facing slopes, particularly, snow sure.
Montgenèvre has good quality snow all season which makes for decent skiing, especially
in the Milky Way area – the Via Lattea. With over 400km of skiable pistes interlinking both the French and Italian sides. Montgenèvre, known as the ‘French Connection’, is the only resort on the French side joining this extensive ski area. Montgenèvre itself has up to 100km of groomed pistes, comprising 7 green, 25 blue, 38 red, and 18 black runs*.
Cross-border skiing over to the Italian side – to Claviere at least, from Montgenèvre, is a must. Accessible via an on-piste link (green run) which includes light cross-country tracking or a red run from the top of Eagle Rock. The adventurous types can even ski from one end of Via Lattea to the other, from Montgenèvre to Pragelato.
*Slope lingo:
- Green: for beginners, learner slopes, normally wide and very slight gradients
- Blue: easy intermediate trails
- Red: intermediate, runs are steeper and faster
- Black: for expert/advanced skiers
Unquestionably one of the best mixed ability resorts in Europe, you don’t have to be a pro to take to the slopes. ‘Monty’ is an ideal ski destination for families, where all abilities can practice and discover, with ample opportunity to ‘steeze’ (style with ease) or exercise some low flying, or even bailing in style.
From beginner slopes right by the village as well as wide open spaces and long winding runs galore (green and blue) to the thick of things, that is, plenty of more challenging runs for the intermediate and more self-assured skier - especially the Via Lattea sections and Eagle’s Rock red slopes.
‘Le Rocher de l’Aigle’, Eagle Rock, is Montgenèvre’s most popular runs that includes diverse and interesting on-pistes of forest and high alpine cruising terrain, above and below the tree line, and some very accessible and perfect off-piste pow to carve out.
Montgenèvre is ‘the’ picture perfect and snow sure ski village, just waiting for you to explore. So be sure to be snow ready and take a trip together with family or friends with GO MONTGENÈVRE, to this idyllic and sunny (300 days of the year!) Alps location for good skiing, good fun, and adventure.
>> Experience Skiing in Montgenèvre here.
>> Download the Montgenèvre Piste Map here.
