The Travelista

  • Home
  • About
    • Collaborations
    • Press
    • FAQ
    • Contact
  • Travel
    • Destinations by World Map
    • Hotels
    • Airlines
    • Restaurants
    • Itineraries
  • Life
    • Yorkshire
    • Style
  • Motherhood
  • Inspire Me
    • Adventure
    • Beach
    • City
    • Culture
    • Mountain
    • Tropical
  • Shop
    • E-mail
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

A Girls Ski Trip To Montgenevre

10/04/17 ᛫ 6 Comments

Although we are heading towards summer, my latest adventure with Inghams Holidays transported me back into a winter wonderland. It was time to dust off my ski goggles and head to the mountains to discover an entirely new ski resort. Having skied in some of The Alps most popular resorts including Courcheval, Tignes, Val d’Isere and Val Thorens, I was intrigued to find out more about this lesser-known ski resort in The Alps.

montgenevre-france-skiing

I was joined by three other bloggers on the trip including Carlie from Carlie Tasker, Sabrina from Clutch and Carry On and Giulia from Mondo Mulia. Giulia and I were classed as intermediate skiers and Carlie and Sabrina were beginners. One thing that we all shared in common was that we couldn’t wait to hit the slopes, followed by the Apres Ski!

montgenevre-france-ski-holiday

Introducing Montgenevre

Montgenevre is a small alpine village in France located only 2km from the Italian border (the closest airport is Turin in Italy). Unlike many man-made ski resorts in The Alps, Montgenevre was first and foremost a village so it has a charm and history that other resorts lack.

montgenevre-town-france

the-travelista-blog-jess-gibson-skiing-montgenevre9

The biggest novelty of Montgenevre is that you can wake up in France and ski over to Italy for the day. Imagine French croissants for breakfast and Italian pizza for lunch. Dreamy! The cross-border network of pistes between Montgenevre and Italy is known as The Milky Way and can be easily accessed by cable car from the town. Some might say it’s the best of both worlds. There is a mixture of accommodation types in Montgenevre from catered chalets to boutique hotels and private homes.

montgenevre-france-skiing-mountains

thumb_the-travelista-blog-jess-gibson-skiing-montgenevre copy_1024

Shop my Belted Ski Jacket by Topshop Sno

Stepping Back into Skis

It had been over a year since my last ski trip to Val d’Isere and after bad fall on the last run on the holiday, I felt more nerves than excitement as I stepped back into my skis. But I was determined to overcome the fear factor and build my confidence back up. On the first morning of our trip we split into two groups for private ski lessons with ESF (Ecole Ski Francais).

the-travelista-blog-jess-gibson-skiing-montgenevre4

Giulia and I were in the intermediate group and our instructor Melanie took things slow to help us find our ski legs again. I played things very safe to begin with but after a few gentle runs I begin to loosen up and relax into the movement a bit more. Although I was concentrating primarily on my ski technique, I was struck by how beautiful the mountain scenery was in Montgenevre.

chairlift-skis

the-travelista-blog-jess-gibson-skiing-montgenevre2

Shop mine and Sabrina’s Jardim Base Layers by Sweaty Betty

Great for Beginners

Montgenevre is known for being a great resort for beginners, which was great news for fellow bloggers Carlie and Sabrina. Sabrina had never even stepped foot into a ski boot until this trip, and by the end of the 3 days she was whizzing down green runs and even (accidentally) tackled a blue run!

In some resorts beginners can’t venture too far into the mountains and are restricted to pistes close to resort – but not in Montgenevre. I loved how the green and blue runs began right at the top of the mountain as it meant we all got to enjoy the most picturesque runs. However on the flip side, if you were a really advanced skier there may be a chance that there aren’t enough challenging runs.

jess-gibson-sabrina-chakici-carlie-tasker

Chalet Rocher de L’Aigle

Inghams Holidays have handful of chalets in Montgenevre village and we got to experience one of them as part of our trip. Chalet Rocher de L’Aigle sleeps 10-13 people and can be booked out by 1 large group or multiple smaller groups at the same time. The chalet is catered for by two chalet hosts, who cook breakfast, bake a cake for afternoon tea and serve a three-course dinner every evening.

I would describe the chalet interior and the level of catering to be quite basic. It’s not luxury but it’s perfectly functional for a ski-focused holiday. My favourite thing about the chalet was the huge sun terrace on the first floor. With sliding doors from the open plan living area, it had spectacular views of the mountains and ski runs.

victoria-sponge-cake

the-travelista-blog-jess-gibson-skiing-montgenevre3

Shop my Columbia Ponderay Ski Jacket

Things I Loved about Montgenevre

  • That it’s beginner friendly – the perfect place to come for first timers or nervous skiiers
  • Fondue to Die For at Le Maison de Claire – a traditional and charming foundue restaurant ran by a friendly French couple. A must-try in Montgenevre
  • Apres Ski at Le Graal – by far the most happening bar in the village. Come for the happy hour and super casual apres ski. Every Friday there is a live band that play and the whole bar is on their feet dancing.
  • The Outdoor Hot Tub at Durancia Balneo & Spa – relax tired muscles and unwind at this new purpose-built spa complex. Book a spa treatment and head to the adult-only outdoor jaccuzzi.
  • Happy Hour at Le Cheval Blanc – head to the beautifully designed Cheval Blanc for happy hour in front of a roaring log fire
  • The Luge Monty Express – for a different type of adrenaline in the mountains, take on Montgenevre’s 1400m luge, the longest sledge run in Europe
  • The Tartiflette at Les Terrasses – a newly-built and super chic restaurant at the top of the cable car. Be sure to try their famous Tartiflette
  • Gin Tasting at La Tourmente – this atmospheric underground bar serves up artisan cocktails, live music and about 50 different gins.

Processed with VSCO with c1 preset

raclette-cheese-france

Things I Didn’t Love about Montgenevre

  • Lack of places to eat and drink up the mountain – one my favourite things about a ski trip is stopping for lunch in the mountains. Montgenevre seemed to be lacking in mountain restaurants. Les Terrasses is the strongest offering.
  • Limited apres ski – Beyond Le Graal, there didn’t seem to be much more in the way of traditional apres ski
  • Distance from Chalet to Piste – With ski boots on and skis in hand, the distance from our chalet to the piste was a bit too far. I would always personally choose ski-in ski-out accommodation for convenience.

les-terrasses-montgenevre

pizza-montgenevre-ski-holiday

The Final Verdict

Montgenevre is a charming beginner-friendly ski resort in France. The scenery is spectacular and there is no shortage of runs to choose from. I love that it’s so close to Italy and that one ski pass can take you across two countries.

It’s much smaller and sleepier compared to the likes of Val d’Isere and Tignes, but because of this it’s much more affordable. Montgenevre would be perfect for families and friends who want to focus mainly on the skiing, rather than the lifestyle that surrounds it. But don’t take my word for it. Go and see it for yourself.

Looking for more ski trip advice? Check out my other ski posts What to Pack for a Ski Trip and 6 Ways to Find Your Perfect Ski Resort

the-travelista-blog-jess-gibson-skiing-montgenevre

SHOP THE POST

What did you think of my experience in Montgenevre? Have you skiied here before or are you considering it as an alternative? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the box below. Jess x 


Inghams offers a seven-night ski holiday to Montgenevre, France on a chalet catering basis staying at Chalet Rocher de L’Aigle‎ from £590 per person. Price includes return flights from London Gatwick to Turin and airport transfers.

Ski and boot hire costs from £96 per adult and a six-day Whole Area lift pass costs from £189 per adult, both can be pre-booked with Inghams.


montgenevre-france-skiing-piste

tartiflette

les-terrasses-montgenevre-1

My trip to Montgenevre was provided complimentary as part of a press trip with Inghams Holidays. As always, all views are my own.

6 Comments

Related Posts

  • My GoPro Skiing Adventure in Tignes
  • An Epic 7 Day Black Forest Itinerary
  • From Snow Plough to Snow Pro in Tignes
« A Life Update – Spring 2017
6 Spring Accessories for The Stylish Traveller »

Comments

  1. Sara Cowan says

    21st January 2019 at 5:45 pm

    I have just returned from a visit to Montgenevre as an intermediate skier of 73! My husband and I didn’t start skiing until we were well into our 50s and we’ve found the leisurely skiing from the top of the mountain brilliant for families – this year we were skiing with grandchildren, including 5 year old twins plus a 7 and a 10 year old and the runs suited all abilities. The younger people stayed at Chalet La Clautre with access directly onto a lift and the older ones stayed at Le Hameau at the other end of the village (literally a few minutes from the snow line). The accommodation here is, to say the least, a bit tired and we look forward to returning to Montgenevre and staying at Le Napoleon for a little more comfort.
    The free Montgebus was also really useful. The Coccimarket at the Hameau end of the village also served perfect take-aways of meatballs and tagliatelli, lasagne and the like – perfect and very tasty for self-caterers.

    Reply
  2. Mercedes says

    16th March 2018 at 2:09 am

    Thank you for the helpful description of the resort, we are thinking of skiing there and I found your blog very useful, glad that you all had such a great time! Your website is very well set out and written .

    I hope you don’t mind me offering this information but many jackets, hats etc are being sold as having fake fur (or faux fur is the word used) but real animal skin fur is being used as it is being brought in from Asia and it is actually cheaper than fake fur, the fur on your hoods may be real , recently a friend bought a hat with a “fake” fur pom pom but it turned out to be real fur! My friend was mortified as the fur trade causes immense suffering and often the animals, in Asia especially, are skinned alive, including dogs and cats. Sadly the fur is being brought into Europe and many people are unaware. You look kind and caring so I thought you might like to know. Lucy and Tiffany Watson from “Made in Chelsea” have a short video for PETA showing how to determine the fake faux fur.

    Thank you again for all your very helpful description of the resort and it looked like a lot of fun! x

    Reply
  3. Hayley says

    12th April 2017 at 6:38 pm

    Girllllll it looks/sounds like you had the BEST time! I went skiing when I was 15 with the school but haven’t been back since; I would really love too although I feel like I’d be super nervous to do it now – sounds like this was great for beginners! P.s TOTALLy digging that Sweaty Betty ski wear.. LOVE!

    Hayley xo
    http://www.frockmeimfamous.com

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      13th April 2017 at 12:59 am

      Thanks Hayley! It was so much fun despite my nerves at the beginning. This place would be great for you as a beginner, but I’m sure it would all come back to you…like riding a bike! xxx

      Reply
  4. Angie Silver (@SilverSpoonLDN) says

    11th April 2017 at 9:50 am

    This really looked like such a fun trip! I love the idea of crossing the border from France to Italy!

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      13th April 2017 at 1:01 am

      Ahh we did have lots of fun! Crossing the border was the thing that excited / interested me the most about Montgenevre. That and the fact that not many people had heard of it. I’m all about finding the hidden gems! xx

      Reply

Spark a conversation! Cancel reply

Jess is an an award-winning travel blogger based in Yorkshire, navigating the world as a new Mum to baby Theo. Blogging about adventures both local and global.

Read More

Booking.com

Subscribe

Never Miss a Post!

Latest Posts

5 Alternative European City Break Ideas for 2021

Woolacombe Beach

A Toddler-Friendly Holiday in North Devon

Our Mini Adventures: 5 Family Friendly Days Out in Yorkshire

Follow on Instagram

Hey guys 👋🏼 This is my little self-developme Hey guys 👋🏼 This is my little self-development project. On 1st January I set some new intentions (not resolutions). The main one was to try and start waking up 1 hour earlier (I am not a morning person). But I wanted to make a change to start each day slowly and mindfully; to wake up and put my own needs first. Usually I would roll out of bed and be straight into Mum mode. Now I sit in silence with a hot cup of tea. Honestly, it has transformed my mornings and I can’t believe I’ve not done it sooner. Here are a few things I’ve been doing in my new daily hour of mental self care; 

⭐️1. The 5 Minute Journal - This book has been the greatest gift I have received in a long time. It has helped me to find gratitude in the smallest things, even when the world feels like its falling apart. I start my hour by filling out this journal. @fiveminutejournal 

⭐️2. Affirmations - I bought these beautiful affirmation cards from @lovaine_store on Etsy. Each morning I pick out a new affirmation and write it in my journal. Then I pluck another from my head. They're definitely teaching me to be kinder to myself and make me feel mentally stronger.

⭐️3. Mindfulness - After my journal I practice a guided meditation using the @calm app. 13 days in, I feel a lot more clarity. Tomorrow I’m also starting an 8 week mindfulness cognitive behavioural therapy course with @natalieenglander. I am a novice and I am excited to learn more.

Whilst we all feel like we have very little control over our lives right now, the one thing we CAN still control is our mindset. If you’re feeling frazzled and overwhelmed by the world right now, I really can’t recommend trying things enough ✨ 

What are you doing to look after your mental well-being right now? It’s brutal at the moment. Take care guys 💓
When your knee surgery gets cancelled AGAIN. If I When your knee surgery gets cancelled AGAIN. If I don’t laugh I’ll cry 😅 Another month on crutches for me. At least I got to see my boy experience snow for the first time today instead. Will keep being grateful for the small things ✨
Hey guys! I’ve decided to sign off IG for the fe Hey guys! I’ve decided to sign off IG for the festive period to focus on my family and my mental health. My knee surgery was booked for today but it has been cancelled last minute as the surgeon has tested positive for Covid. Classic. To say I am devastated is an understatement. I’ve cried many, many tears.

This means despite already isolating for 14 days, we need to continue isolating over Christmas in the hope that I can get the surgery on 29th December instead. So like all of you in tier 4, we will also be having a merry ‘little’ Christmas as a family of 3. We’ve spent Christmas before in hospital with Theo in an incubator, so to have him home and healthy is still a big step up from that. 

Still being on crutches after 7 weeks, I am stuck in a very frustrating situation. I am feeling low but trying to pick myself up and focus on the one thing I can control right now: my mindset. I still want to make Christmas special for our little boy despite the unwanted plot twist (shout out to my dad who is currently scouring supermarkets trying to piece together a Christmas food shop for us). 🙌🏼🥴

Merry Christmas guys. What a year. We can only try to make the very best of the cards we’ve been dealt. Stay safe and keep it little. See you all soon ✨🎄✨
⚡️FESTIVE NEWS FLASH ⚡️ 🌟You don’t n ⚡️FESTIVE NEWS FLASH ⚡️

🌟You don’t need matching family pyjamas to have a good Christmas.

🌟You don’t need to make a Christmas Eve Box to be a great parent.

⭐You don’t need expensive Christmas days out to make it magical.

🌟You don’t need to watch Christmas films in a tidy, ambient room.

🌟You don’t need a perfect, colour coordinated Christmas tree.

🌟You don’t need to overindulge if you don’t want to.

🌟You don’t need a sprawling mass of presents under the tree.

🌟You don’t need to cook everything featured on the Jamie Oliver Christmas special.

🌟Hell, you don’t even need to change out of that trusty loungewear set you’ve been wearing all year.

💓 Embrace the chaos and all the things that make your Christmas unique. Stop letting social media trick you into thinking you don’t have it all. Honey, you do 💓

Merry Christmas and thank you for following us this year, love from me and Theo 🎄✨

(Inspired by Bd Blogs)
Hey guys! I’ve been quiet on here as I’m self Hey guys! I’ve been quiet on here as I’m self isolating for 2 weeks for my knee surgery which is just before Christmas. So right now I’m literally just focusing on getting through the days and reaching my op date. 

I’ve torn cartilage and the ACL ligament in my knee (caused by an old sport injury). My knee is ‘locked’ bent and I can’t weight bear on it. I have been on crutches since mid November so in true 2020 style, it’s all been a bit shit. Fortunately, the surgery will instantly unlock my knee, then I have a long physio programme to follow.

Like many others, this isn’t how I imagined the lead up to Christmas would be. If you’re feeling a little disappointed, you’re not alone. It’s not easy isolating with a toddler and an injured knee. It’s taking a lot of mental strength at the moment but my strategy is to just go one day at a time. Gin is also helping 🙃

Bring on January when I can run around like this with my boy again and plan new adventures. I’ll appreciate it all the more now. Do you have any coping strategies to get through a 14 day isolation? I’m all ears 👂🏼🌿 P.S Help 🥴

Photos by @korm87
Hey guys! I’m excited to share some big news. I’ve got a job! It’s an amazing communications role at a national UK charity 🥳

Since 2016, running The Travelista has been my full time job and sole source of income. I have travelled the world through a job that I created, and I could not be more proud of this. However, my life evolved when I became a Mum and suddenly and traumatically (15 weeks earlier than expected) my lifestyle totally changed.

Then Covid came along. My blog earnings took a hit and the summer lockdown with a young toddler was difficult to say the least. I was left feeling burnt out and desperate for a bit of structure. I also craved some financial certainty. I realised what I needed and went looking for it, in the middle of a pandemic.

I am proud to be a working Mum and I am pleased to say I feel like I have designed the ideal working scenario for myself now. But fear not, The Travelista isn’t going anywhere! 

The new job is part time so I work 3 days a week for the charity and have the rest of my week to dedicate to Theo and do bits for The Travelista. I spend some evenings and Sundays working on blog content, but only if I want to. I don’t put any pressure on myself. The result is that I am enjoying my content creation so much more. As a part time employee and a small business owner, I sort of feel as though I now have the best of both worlds. 

I am learning so much in the job and although I work from home, I feel so much more connected to the outside world. Its very nice to be part of a team again and feel like I am making a difference for a charity with a very good cause. So far the job has been very good for my mental health.

After totally losing myself in the first year of motherhood, this is a really positive step for me and one that I thought was worth celebrating. So that’s one good thing to come out of 2020 😊 Essay over!

Now, tell me one positive thing that has happened to you in 2020? ✨

Subscribe

Never miss a post! Subscribe for Travelista updates and newsletters

Latest Video

  • 3847likes
  • 19680followers
  • 10426followers
  • 1850subscribers

Copyright © 2021 · Design by Gatto

Copyright © 2021 · The Travelista on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

  • Privacy Policy
  • FAQ
  • Contact