This week in Montgenevre

Sestriere is a high up ski resort that holds its snow towards the later season. It can be quite cold and windy early season though, so wrap up warm! Take in the striking architecture of the 2006 Olympic Village while challenging yourself on the steep blacks and fast reds or trying your luck in the large snowpark.

Approx. 30 mins from Montgenèvre. Single person prices need minimum of 4 people.

€171 for bus return* (up to 8 passengers)

Sauze D’Oulx is famous for its abundance of rolling, tree lined red runs, buzzing mountain restaurants and lively après scene. Hidden from the wind but facing the sun, this Italian resort has a chilled out atmosphere in the day and is a great place to go to work on a goggle tan!

Approx. 30 mins from Montgenèvre.

€173 for bus return* (up to 8 passengers)

Bardonecchia has been long overlooked but is a real family-friendly gem of a ski resort. ‘Bardy’ offers a fantastic selection of forgiving tree-lined reds and blues, and many mountain restaurants handy for a quick pit-stop or a real Italian feast! Well worth a visit.

Approx 40 mins from Montgenèvre.

€196 for bus return* (up to 8 passengers)

Serre Chevalier refers to the extensive linear ski area links the mountain area above Briançon, Chantemerle, Villeneuve and Le Monêtier-les-Bains. With lots of recent investment ‘Serre Che’ has a young feel to it with a range of parks, tree lined runs, mogul fields and high up skiing. It’s a big day out. As such there are multiple drop-off and pick up options. And why not combine a day’s skiing with relaxation at the stunning thermal baths of Monêtier-les-Bains? Yes please!

Approx 25-35 mins from Montgenèvre
(depending on drop-off location). Single person prices need minimum of 4 people.

Only €150 for bus return* (up to 8 passengers)

La Grave – Don’t be put off by the name! This famous (and infamous…) ‘off-piste’ resort is strictly for the serious skier wanting a unique off-piste experience skiing down a glacier. Carrying a transceiver, shovel and probe are compulsory, as is an understanding of how to use them. Local guides can be arranged to ensure your safety and show you the best spots so you get the most out of the day. This is also one of the best places in Europe for ine climbing if you fancy a real challenge! Approx. 1hr drive from Montgenèvre. NOTE: Additional lift pass purchase required to ski here.

Approx. 1 hr from Montgenevre

€323 for bus return* (up to 8 passengers)

Les Deux Alpes is a glacier resort where theyear-round skiing on the glacier is regarded as much gentler than the steep runs back to the resort level, earning this resort a reputation for being ‘upside-down’. It’s also famed for having one of the most extensive and acclaimed snowparks in Europe, with a huge ‘super-pipe’, multiple kickers, boardercross courses and grinding rails, making this ‘park rat’ heaven. It is, however, prone to queues of an hour during school holidays so best visited in the quiet weeks to get the most out of the day.

Approx. 1 hr 40 drive from Montgenèvre.

€462 for bus return* (up to 8 passengers)

Alpe D’Huez sits in an elevated south facing position with many easily accessible beginner slopes leading down to the restaurants and bars where the quirky ‘yogurt pots’ lifts transport people overhead. Further up, the extensive lift system serves more complex terrain including the world’s longest black run (10m/16km). There are alsoenviable freeride opportunities for the skilled and equipped skier or rider. Despite extensive snowmaking facilities, it suffers badly because of the sun later in the season, so keep checking the webcams and reports.Approx. 2 hrs from Montgenèvre.

€543 for bus return* (up to 8 passengers)

Book:
[email protected]
+33(0)6 88 35 84 73

Daytime snowshoe excursions:
10 years +, children have to be reasonably fit.

Individual days:
Monday – Friday £32 per day

Package of 5 days, Mon-Fri: £159

• Monday: "THE FAMILY ADVENTURE OUTING

  Learn to listen to nature, observe tracks in the snow and walk like a trapper - that's the program for this unmissable winter outing! It promises great family moments and surprises in the woods!"

• Tuesday: “CATCH ME IF YOU CAN!

  An emblematic figure of the mountains, the chamois is as wild as it is solitary, and as fast as lightning. Like its cousin the dahu, seeing it is almost a miracle and requires perseverance, or perhaps luck. Unless you are clever and go and observe it accompanied, between Doire & Rio Secco, where you know it is hidden!"

• Wednesday: "HIGHLIGHTS

  A walk in the heart of nature in a pine forest. At the lookout, discover the Blockhaus and the view of the Clarée and Durance valleys and its forts classified as World Heritage by UNESCO."

• Thursday: "ONCE UPON A TIME...MONTGENEVRE

  Its history, its smugglers' paths, up to the 1st International Skiing Competition in 1907! It even seems that Hannibal and his troops passed through the Col de Montgenèvre with his elephants..."

• Friday: "DELICACIES AT THE TOP

  When you need a break... to catch your breath and enjoy the view! These outings "according to the chef's inspiration" are varied, just like the snacks prepared for you. Sometimes sweet, sometimes savoury, our summit delicacies will delight you, with flavours from France and Italy!"

FOR EVERY WALK BRING SNOWSHOES, SKI POLES, BACKPACK AND WATER

Wigwam Experience
Become a Native American for an evening!
At nightfall, enjoy an unforgettable and starlit snowshoe walk to a wigwam, the typical dwelling of Native American nomads. Upon arrival, a delicious fondue will be ready to tuck-in to, with plenty of wine to enjoy as well. A fantastic evening to share with family or friends who will leave you full of stars.

When: Starts at 18:00 Wednesday or Thursday
Where: Main ESF centre
Cost: £59pp*
Notes: Wear sturdy shoes/boots and warm clothes (No Jeans/Denim). Booking deadline: The earlier the better, Thursdays and Fridays fill up fastest. Not suitable for young children under 7.

Twilight Teepee Trail (Teepee Village)
See the mountains in a whole new light! Take an easy evening snow-shoe walk around Montgenèvre illuminated by wax torches. Explore the magical ambiance of the Montgenèvre mountains, looking out across the village and up to the stars. Your local English speaking local guide will lead you to an authentic Teepee where you’ll sit around a warm campfire, with a selection of quality mountain products sourced from the neighbouring villages to enjoy, before embarking on an atmospheric moonlit descent. An unforgettable experience that’s great for families and friends.

When: Starts at 18:00 Wednesday or Thursday
Where: Main ESF centre
Cost: £32pp*
Notes: Wear sturdy shoes/boots and warm clothes (No Jeans/Denim). Booking deadline: The earlier the better, Thursdays and Fridays fill up fastest. Not suitable for young children under 7.

*Snowshoes not included, rental at £5. Collect your voucher from ESF to pick up your snowshoes from any hire shop.

Paragliding
…or Parapent as it’s known in France, is as breath-taking as you’d imagine with guests returning grinning from ear-to-ear. Possible with or without skis/board, it’s actually recommended to take your skis/board if you have fitness or joint issues as it’s much easier than running for the take off! The experienced Pilots will talk you through the process and taylor the flight to your confidence. This is a bit more indulgent than the other apres but makes an incredible present for that special someone (especially if that someone is YOU).

When: Daytime. Not Saturdays
Where: Montgenevre
Cost: varies depending on flight. See below.
Notes: Max 95kg. Wear ski clothing. Weather dependant.

Origin'air Parepente https://montgenevre.com/presta...

• "Discovery flight "feather" (from 6 to 13 years old):
  Motivated to make your first big flight....... and off you go, your dream comes true. Ten minutes of flight for an unforgettable first paragliding experience! First flight in the morning for a gentle baptism...
  Price: 90€."
• "Discovery flight:
  Departure on skis from the top of the Chalvet or the Rocher de l'Aigle (depending on the weather conditions), paragliding over the resort, landing on the snow front, 800 metres of difference in altitude to discover this activity in an exceptional setting!
  Price: 110€."
  
• "Prestige flight:
  Departure from the top of Chalvet, paragliding flight over Montgenèvre and the Clarée valley, landing in the Clarée valley, 1200 meters of difference in altitude for an unforgettable flight.
  Price: 180€."

Ice Hockey
Did you know that just down the hill in Briançon, the local team “Les Diables Rouges” (Red Devils) were the National French Champions in 2014?. Fielding an international team of players, the passionate local fans bang drums, sing, and blow horns to cheer on their team and intimidate their opponents, making for a memorable carnival atmosphere as the teams clash on the ice in the 2150 capacity stadium.
When: Depart Montgenèvre 1915, return approx. 2315
Where: Patinoire Rene Froger, Briançon
Cost: from 20€ for transport per person
Booking deadline: Midday 2 days before match day

Briançon shopping/restaurant:
When: Not Staurdays
Where: Return transport to Old Town from guest accommodation (unless request otherwise).
Cost: from €20 return per person

Turin Shopping/Museums:
When: Any day -check availability on Saturdays
Where: Return transport to Old Town from guest accom (unless request otherwise).
Cost: Depending on day of the week and how long you want to stay.

Swimming Pool/Sauna/Jacuzzi/Hamam: Some of our apartment rentals have these as part of the package but you can also take advantage of Swimming in Montgenevre in some of the local hotels -prices are from €16.50 per adult.

Les Grands Bains, Monêtier-les-Bains:
When: Not Saturdays
Where: Return transport from Guest accom
Where: Monêtier-les-Bains, Serre Che
Cost: Transport 32€ pp (min 4 people). Baths entry and deals, see here: http://lesgrandsbainsdumonetier.com/