Montgenèvre for Non-Skiers

Just as the sun likes to shine down on Montgenèvre for the most part of the year – there is rarely a dull moment when it comes to things to do – even in winter – and even if you are not a skier.

The wonders of magical Montgenèvre and its natural-born charms will put a spell on you from the moment you arrive, which will linger long after you have said your au revoirs. You will, without a doubt, leave part of your warmed heart behind, at 1,860m altitude!

Not only is Montgenèvre proudly yet humbly known as one of the best Haute-Alpes skiing destinations, it is also at the top of the billboard for non-skiers. But if you have never tried the sport - you should take to the snow - you will be thrilled you did. Montgenèvre is one of the best places to debut on the white stuff, kitted out head to toe, looking the part, with the assistance of an experienced instructor. Fortunately, Montgenèvre has every rookie in mind as there is an impressive, separate beginners area, 50ha/50,000m2 in size, alongside the village, ‘front de neige’.

However, if you have come to this neck of the woods with no desire to ski but with every intention to enjoy yourself and discover the alternatives, you won’t be disappointed.

Experiences are endless for those non-skiing days, from A dog sledding tour to Zooming on a snowmobile…

Randonnée Raquette, oui?!

For starters, you can get a feel for the snow by trekking across the crisp, fresh powder, donned in snowshoes for a pedestrian hike, surrounded by the splendour of the Alps, in all its glory, which will take your breath away. Tread carefully and you will hear the whispers of snowshoeing ancestors of 6,000 years ago, whose hearts still beat within the alpine terrain and trees.

This original ‘snow sport’ will get your blood pumping and you will enjoy the sights and sounds tremendously. There are a number of routes to navigate, like, Le Balcon de Montgenevre, at the foot of Le Chalvet. Trek along the wide and clear green Suffin track and take the cable car to a killer view, and a pit stop at the trattoria Les Terrasses perhaps, for sustenance.

We highly recommend you take a snowshoe shuffle at nightfall to the “Tipis Village”, the perfect nocturnal activity to do together with friends and family. As you sit around a wood fire, with a drink in hand, there will be tales told of the legends of the mountains.

Another non-skiing activity that must make your list is ‘Meal on the Mountain’. This time your mode of transport is a skidoo (snowmobile) that takes you to a restaurant called Chalet Col Saurel, where you are welcomed by a great atmosphere and contemporary yet hearty Italian cuisine.

Further fun to be had and excursions in and around Montgenevre include:

Thrilling tobogganing! >> The Luge Monty Express, monorail sled run, descends 1,400m - the longest in France, none-the-less – and has a 300m vertical drop and a general speed of 30-40km/h, lasting 3 minutes. Now that’s a joy ride!

Chilling spa days >> Treat yourself at the Balneotherapy Durancia Spa in Montgenevre.

A local cinema, giving guests the opportunity to watch new releases while brushing up on their french!

Dashing dog sled rides >> A firm favourite among families!

Furthermore >> there’s ice skating and ice hockey, paragliding, sightseeing, shops and restaurants and other local events throughout the year, ready for you to discover and explore.

However you choose to spend your time, GO MONTGENEVRE will tailor your holiday to your liking, quite simply and efficiently done – and SNOW CAB will take you where you need to go.