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Milky Way Ski Holiday
The Milky Way stands as a renowned ski area that extends across both France and Italy , connecting these two countries: including the resorts of Sauze d’Oulx, Sestriere, Claviere Pragelato, Sansicario, Cesana (all located in Italy) and Montgenevre (located on the French side of the border). If you've been curious about the feasibility, rest assured; it's indeed possible to ski across two countries in a single day! Wouldn't it be awesome to ski across the border, enjoy an Italian-style afternoon meal and make it back in time for traditional French fondue?
The ski area is an incredibly impressive ski area and ranks as one of the larger ski areas in Europe. It spans 400 kilometres of snowsure slopes and peaks at 2,823 metres at its highest point (Mount Motta) and 2,035 metres at its highest ski terrain located in Sestriere. Given its suitability, it was chosen to host the 2006 Winter Olympics, where the resorts of Sestriere, Cesana, and Sansicario took on the primary hosting duties for the majority of the games.
The resorts in the Milky Way vary from one another, with each resort offering a slightly different experience. Apart from the difference in size, they each offer a uniquely different atmosphere; as some of the villages are peaceful and calm whilst others are a bit more lively.
Montgenevre stands as the sole French resort within the Milky Way. Despite being less renowned and smaller than many other French resorts, Montgenevre offers a delightful surprise. Its elevated location contributes to an impressive snow record in the French Alps. Recognized as a hidden treasure by some, Montgenevre charms visitors with its incredible allure, accommodations nestled on the slopes, and an overall endearing atmosphere. This makes Montgenevre the perfect ski destination, boasting fantastic slopes, optimal conditions, and uncrowded runs.
The Milky Way accommodates skiers of all skill levels and preferences, catering to a diverse range of visitors. Whether you're an experienced enthusiast, a beginner seeking to learn, or an intermediate looking to enhance your skills, this ski area has something for everyone. It is equally welcoming to families in search of a serene getaway and party enthusiasts or those seeking lively apres-ski experiences. Notably, snowboarders can fully enjoy the fantastic park in Sestriere. The Winter Olympics in 2006 brought about substantial improvements, including new high-speed lifts linking Sauze d’Oulx, Sestriere, Claviere, and Montgenevre. This not only reduces waiting times but also maximizes time spent on the slopes.
While Montgenevre is the only resort on the French side of the Milky Way, skiers still get direct and easy access to the ski area’s 400 km of slopes. Intermediate skiers seeking to enhance their skills will feel comfortable in Montgenevre. Discover challenging red runs through wooded areas, especially the Clavirere run from Pian del Sole. Alternatively, take a chairlift from Claviere to access the massifs above for challenging red runs back into the village. Sansicario's strategic location provides convenient ski links to the rest of the Milky Way, offering tree-lined runs for a scenic descent to Cesana.
Beginners are well accommodated in the Milky Way ski area. Sansicario and Claviere’s nursery slopes feature easy, gentle blues perfect for beginners, and the resort offers a variety of red runs to test and build confidence.
For advanced skiers and thrill-seekers, there are challenging black runs descending from Mount Motta, just above Sestriere. If you're feeling self-assured, tackle the steep descents and winding trails to follow the ski tracks left by Kandahar Banchetta during the 2006 Winter Olympics.
Snowboarding enthusiasts find ample opportunities in the Milky Way, with a range of offerings from snowparks to off-piste terrains. The Milky Way ensures an exciting experience for snowboarders, presenting various options for their enjoyment. Snow parks specifically designed for snowboarding experiences can be found in Sauze d'Oulx, Sansicario, Sestriere, and Montgenevre within the Milky Way.
Montgenevre presents snowboarders with expansive open bowls, a diverse selection of off-piste terrains, and a well-equipped snow park featuring pro-jumps, quarter pipes, and rope tows for added enjoyment.
Sestriere boasts a fully-equipped snow park featuring wall rides, kickers, boxes, and twist jumps, catering to enthusiasts of all proficiency levels. The Borgata area offers uncrowded nursery slopes, providing an ideal setting for beginners to practice and gain confidence.
Sauze d'Oulx has an excellent snow park in the Sportina area that accommodates individuals of varying skill levels. For beginners, there are well-designed nursery slopes, while intermediates can enjoy superb tree-lined red slopes.
Snow Conditions Milky Way
The Milky Way usually enjoys favourable snow conditions, a factor that likely influenced the decision to host the Olympic Games in the region. The elevated altitude contributes to outstanding snow conditions throughout the extended season, spanning from December to April. To mitigate any potential snow shortages, over half of the slopes in the area are equipped with snowmaking machines ready to provide coverage. Among the resorts, Sestriere stands as the highest position, showcasing some of the region's optimal snow conditions.
The apres-ski experience in the Milky Way offers a diverse range of activities but tends to be more laid-back overall. Some of the resorts here, like Montgeneve, are smaller and quieter than the bigger, popular resorts in France and Switzerland. While a general sense of excitement permeates the atmosphere, the exuberant party vibe is largely tempered across the Milky Way.
For the ultimate apres-ski ambience, Sauze d’Oulx stands out as the liveliest destination in the Milky Way. Amidst charming traditional buildings, the town exudes a burgeoning party atmosphere.
Ski Equipment Rental in the Milky Way
Discover a multitude of ski rental options across the Milky Way, where you can easily arrange your ski equipment for a seamless trip. Why not streamline the process by securing your ski gear directly through Erna Low? Leveraging our longstanding relationships with ski hire operators, we can effortlessly organize the rental on your behalf, sparing you the inconvenience of reaching the resort and navigating ski hire establishments. Choose Erna Low for your ski equipment rental, and have your gear ready upon your arrival in the Milky Way.
Milky Way Ski Passes
Contact us to obtain your Milky Way ski passes, available for collection upon arrival at your selected resort. Whether you seek access to the entire ski area with the Milky Way pass or a local area pass for your specific resort, we can efficiently arrange either option for you. Benefit from our position to secure ongoing deals and discounts on various pass types.
Spa and Wellness in the Milky Way
Indulge in relaxation with spa sessions at numerous wellness centers in the Milky Way. Most spas and pools in the region operate within hotels or apartment-style accommodations. Whether you're a guest or not, appointments for treatments are typically accessible. In Sauze d’Oulx, experience the Regeneration wellness center at the recently refurbished Chaberton Lodge & Spa, offering a sauna, steam room, and an external plunge pool. Hotel Majestic in Sansicario also features a high-quality spa with facilities like an indoor swimming pool for unwinding after a day on the slopes.
Shopping in the Milky Way
Explore shopping options across the Milky Way, with smaller resorts like Cesana and Claviere offering a selection of shops. For a more extensive variety, head to Sauze d’Oulx or Sestriere. Sauze d’Oulx boasts diverse shops offering clothing, sports equipment, gifts, and souvenirs. While not recognized for large shopping centers, the Milky Way's purpose-built resorts prioritize skiing and outdoor activities.
Recognized for its family-friendly ambiance in the Alps, the Milky Way boasts an extensive array of childcare options. Childcare services are available not only in the mentioned children's clubs of Sestriere and Montgenevre but also through private nurseries and individual nannies. These services can be directly accessed via tourist offices. It's essential to note that many of these facilities are multilingual, but it's advisable to verify this beforehand.
