Montgenevre - village
Thanks to the new tunnel, much of Montgenèvre has been pedestrianised and the village has regained much of its pleasant, old-world charm. There are several restaurants, bars and shops, and locals are friendly and welcoming. Free shuttle buses circulate through the small village from 8.45am-5.45pm.
The major new Hameau de l’Obelisque development is set to restore some of Monty’s old glamour: it incorporates the luxury Hotel Chalet Blanc (00 33 492 442 702), which opened in 2008, and the Residence MMV Hameau des Airelles (00 33 492 12 62 12) luxury apartments.
Accommodation type summary
With the exception of the new Hotel Chalet Blanc, accommodation in Montgenèvre is fairly simple and inexpensive. There are 6 hotels (mostly 2- or 3-star), various affordable chalets run by UK tour operators and a wide selection of apartments which can be booked through the Tourist Office (00 33 492 21 52 52).
An excellent option is the friendly Hotel Alpis Cottia (0033 4 92 21 50 00), run by Greg, Fredo and Craig, located in the heart of the village.
Ski/snowboard equipment hire
There’s a good range of equipment hire shops in Montgenèvre representing the major brands, so you can choose one near your accommodation for convenience.
Snowbox (00 33 492 21 83 30) offers a wide range of ski and board equipment and friendly sales staff.
Non-ski activities
One of Montgenèvre’s strengths! Choose from snowshoeing, ice climbing, sleigh rides, cross country skiing, horse riding and outdoor ice skating. You can take a Skidoo ride across the border to eat dinner in an Italian refuge.
If you have children, don’t miss the opportunity to ride with the piste bashers during their evening shift – an interesting, entertaining (and free) way to learn how the ski runs are prepared. All activities are bookable through the Tourist Office.
The ESF also runs snowshoe treks at night, including a two-hour “head in the stars” walk guided by an astronomer.
Childcare
Montgenèvre is particularly well-suited for families and has earned a ‘Famille Plus Montagne’ award to prove it.
Les Sourires Children's Club (00 33 492 21 52 50) offers non-skiing day care (6 months-6 years), ESF runs Club Piou Piou (00 33 492 21 90 46) for 3-5 year olds and A Peak (00 33 492 24 49 97) runs the ‘Tombapeak’ quest every Friday.
