We are now expanding into Claviere

Extract from Oscar Wilde’s ‘Sonnet on Approaching Italy’:

I reached the Alps: the soul within me burned
Italia, my Italia, at thy name:
And when from out the mountain’s heart I came
And saw the land for which my life had yearned…

Just as Montgenèvre is ideally situated - at 1,860m, in France, near the border of Italy - so too is Claviere, except it sits on the Italian side of the borderline, at 1,760m.

Similarly, it is also a classic Alpine village and ski resort that oozes natural charm, in a setting that is worth a thousand clicks of a camera. This piccolo tesoro, little treasure, is set against the foot of the magnifico Mont Chaberton (Massif des Cerces) and also forms part of the iconic ski region of Via Lattea, Milky Way.

Its high altitude location offers wonderful pistes, many within the never-ending larch forests – the principle tree of high altitude Europe. These ‘evergreen pine trees’ are unique, not only because they change colour and lose their needles in Autumn but also because they can live for more than a 1,000 years.

Claviere serves as an important link between the two countries and with the convenience of choice spots for skiing, just a little further afield, you can ski in two countries during your stay in Claviere, either on the French side in neighbouring Montgenèvre or tripping across to Via Lattea. Both options guarantee good skiing and good snow record.

Claviere shares ski slopes with Montgenèvre which is a bit of a bonus as ski season usually opens a week or two earlier, and remains open a little longer than the neighbouring Italian ski resorts. To ski anywhere from Claviere you need a ski pass, but don’t worry, c’est parfait - we at Go Montgenèvre, can help with that.

When it comes to planning your long-awaited trip to the area, allow us to organise the aspects of your holiday for you too. Experts in the field and on the slopes, even on the Italian side - we can help you create the perfect getaway with family and friends, together with sound advice and specialist knowledge of the region.

Did you know that Claviere has a number of interesting and notable features and facts that make this little village a special place…

• Claviere is the oldest ski resort in the Italian Alps.
• Mont Chaberton was formally in Italy. The Fort - at the summit – is the highest in Europe, and was built by the Italians between 1896 and 1910. After WWII, France moved the borderline to the edge of Claviere and Mont Chaberton became part of France.
• Ski Club Torino was founded in 1901 with inaugural races organised in Claviere.
• Claviere’s very first ‘ski lift’ was a big wooden sledge pulled up-slope by a cable.
• The Ponte Tibetano, over the spectacular Gorge di San Gervasio, is the longest suspension bridge in the world.
• Claviere has a natural, open-air ice-skating rink is formed at the top of the village.
• There is a 15km cross-country loop track that connects Claviere and Montgenèvre.

Claviere lies 80km west of Turin, the capital city of Piedmont. When it comes to getting to your Alps destination, Snow Cab is your best option. Public transport to the village is limited and Snow Cab will make your journey an easy one. For reliable, professional, hassle-free transfers - and the best way to get to and from surrounding airports - Snow Cab will take you to wherever you need to go.

Ski season is from end November, into April. Go Montgenèvre leads the way in ski holidays in the Alps.