Montgenevre could be described as one of the original altitude ski resorts. The area, a few hundred metres from the Italian border, has been inhabited since prehistoric times and has seen trans-European travellers passing through for millenia. Today it`s the base for thousands of skiers who want to slide over in to Italy via the Milky Way lift system which can take them as far as Sestiere and Sauze d`Oulx when snow cover is adequate. Until recently it was necessary to ensure you had a passport on you when you crossed the border by ski lift, but the border guards at the top of Claviere`s chairlifts appear to have moved on, thanks to the ending of travel restrictions within European Community countries in mainland Europe.
The lift pass scheme in which the resort participates has recently grown to become one of the world`s largest and, apart from the 400km (250 miles) of sometimes lift-linked skiing in the `Milky Way`, the `Grand Galaxy Pass` also includes neighbouring large French ski centres such as Serre Chevalier, Alpe d`Huez, Les 2 Alpes and Puy St Vincent - all in all some 1120km (just under 700 miles) of terrain served by more than 320 lifts - only slightly smaller dimensions than the famouis Dolomiti Superski, but much less fragmented. Montgenevre is a fascinating place for those interested in the history of ski resort development - it is one of those that claim to be the birthplace of French skiing (with Claviere just over the border claiming the same for Italy), and certainly downhilling in the resort is about 100 years old.
Apres Ski
Informal and good value. • Le Graal, Club Bluenight for a lively nightclub atmosphere, Pub Chaberton
Eating Out
A wide variety of restaurants along the main street from high quality French cuisine to typical mountain specialities • 3-course meal with wine for around €26 • Pizzas from €7 • L'Estable, Le Refuge, La Ca del Sol Le Jamy and Chez Pierrot.
Activities
Parapenting • Snowshoeing • Jazz and dance festival • Nightskiing • Snowmobiling
Other Amenities
• Weekly market • Historic town of Briançon with ancient fortress 10kms away • Cinema • Shops • Disco
calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras
