Claviere

Lovely old village with character but with doorstep skiing and exceptional convenience. Very high and snow sure with 2 free days on the Italian Milky Way included on the pass. A new, high-speed 4 chair replaces the old draglifts from the mid station at La Coche. This will be great for beginners and snowboarders.

Always one of our most popular destinations, this lovely little village continues to improve every year, and if you first got your ski legs here a few seasons ago you have a surprise in store! As part of the Turin 2006 Olympic Games there is huge investment in the whole area. You'll find all the charm still intact but the improvements to the village and the developing relationship with neighbouring Montgenevre have propelled Claviere into a different league.

There's so many of the right ingredients in place here. The local skiing, distinguished by delightful tree runs, is excellent, but your pass also includes 2 free days on the Milky Way, one of the biggest systems in the world. Our ski map never does justice to the Claviere skiing because it's dwarfed by the Milky Way as a whole. The Claviere runs are varied and attractive, curving through trees on the shoulders of the high divide between Italy and France. Like neighbouring Montgenevre, the snow record is first class. For beginners, there's a pleasant, flat area in the village and an enormous blue run which starts above the trees and goes all the way back to the village. It's long and quite demanding, but enthusiastic beginners will feel a great sense of achievement if they can manage all of it. Intermediates have many choices including some adventurous semi off-piste down little paths which wind through trees and seem to go on forever. Advanced skiers have some good reds, some inspiring off-piste, and there's the Milky Way to explore. It's a long day but a great one. First lift out, last lift back!

You will certainly want to visit Montgenevre at least once. On the way back, intermediates can enjoy one of the best runs on the Milky Way, from the top of the dramatic Roc l'Aigle, down the wild and beautiful Colletto Verde, followed by a colossal schuss home.

Claviere's height (1760m) and exposed position on the top of a pass gives exceptional snow security. Conditions are as good as anywhere in the Alps except glacier resorts. Claviere has always been appreciated as a good village for skiers and was actually one of Italy's first resorts. There's an attractive sense of ski tradition. It has masses of character and low priced border-town shopping. One of the nice things about Claviere is the many traditional mountain restaurants which can be reached by all levels of skier. We also recommend the first class ski school.

We organise a lively apr�s ski programme including a riotous skidoo ride to a mountain restaurant for an Italian banquet with lots of grolla! The local karaoke bar and ice skating rink are also good fun. Montgenevre is a brisk 20min walk or a taxi ride for a night out.

Village Facts

Small, quiet and picturesque, but with a good mix of cosy bars, amusements and well priced shopping. Claviere has lots of character and charm.

• torchlight descents
• several mountain bars and restaurants
• 2 small supermarkets
• 5 bars plus hotels
• 2 karaoke bars
• natural skating rink
• skidoo rides
• tobogganing
• paragliding (Montgenevre)
• 24 hr cash machine
• post office
• tourist office
• 2 pizzerias
• newsagent
• 2 sports shops
• historic Briançon, just over the border, is a fantastic day out.