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Montgenèvre Ski Hire
Montgenèvre has a strong claim to being the oldest ski resort in France - it hosted one of the country's first international ski competitions in 1907 - and more than a century on, it remains one of the most compelling choices in the southern French Alps.
Sitting at 1,860 m on the French-Italian border in the Hautes-Alpes, it combines a genuine high-altitude snow record with access to one of Europe's largest linked ski areas. Booking your ski hire in advance with Erna Low means your equipment is waiting for you on arrival, leaving you free to make the most of it all from day one.
Montgenèvre's own ski domain covers 100 km of pistes spread across 59 slopes served by 38 lifts, reaching up to 2,700 m. The terrain suits a wide range of abilities, from wide beginner-friendly greens on the Gondrans sector to more demanding runs on the Chalvet side, with the longest descent stretching 7 km. What makes Montgenèvre genuinely special, though, is its connection to the Via Lattea (Milky Way) - a vast cross-border ski area linking into the Italian resorts of Clavière, Sestrière, Sauze d'Oulx and San Sicario, for a combined 400 km of slopes. Montgenèvre is the only French resort in this network. With around 300 days of sunshine per year, conditions here are frequently excellent.
The village itself is compact and unpretentious, with a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere and accommodation right on the slopes. Prices are generally more affordable than many comparable resorts in the northern French Alps, and the combination of snow reliability, varied terrain and easy access to the Via Lattea makes it particularly good value. Getting your ski hire sorted before you travel, as part of your Erna Low booking, removes one more thing to think about and guarantees your equipment is ready when you land.
How much does it cost to hire ski equipment in Montgenèvre?
Hire prices in Montgenèvre vary depending on the level of equipment you choose, the items you need and the length of your hire. Entry-level equipment is the most affordable, while higher-performance kit designed for more advanced skiers is priced higher to reflect the quality and specification involved.
Whether you're booking a full ski package (skis, boots and poles), a snowboard package, or individual items, all options are available and clearly priced. Helmets can be added as a standalone item. Longer hire periods generally offer better value per day than short ones.
All pricing is shown on the Erna Low ski extras page during the booking process, giving you a clear picture of costs before you confirm.
How do I book ski and snowboard equipment in Montgenèvre?
Your Montgenèvre ski hire is booked as part of the standard Erna Low online booking process. After choosing your accommodation and travel, you'll reach the ski extras section, where you can select equipment by ability level and hire duration, add items to your basket, and continue your booking as normal. It's a simple process that takes only a few clicks.
Once confirmed, your equipment will be pre-arranged with the resort hire partner and ready for collection on arrival in Montgenèvre - no need to visit multiple shops or make separate arrangements.
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What level of equipment do I need for my ski holiday in Montgenèvre?
Montgenèvre's terrain is particularly well-suited to beginners, families and intermediates, though there is enough variety to keep stronger skiers engaged too. Choosing the right equipment level ensures you get the most out of whatever the resort throws at you. Erna Low offers four categories.
- Eco is designed for beginners or those who ski infrequently. Montgenèvre is genuinely excellent for learners, with one of the largest nursery areas in the southern French Alps - 50,000 m² of dedicated beginner terrain on the Gondrans sector, with gentle greens and a magic carpet. Eco equipment is a great match for this type of skiing.
- Evolution suits progressing skiers who are building confidence on blues and beginning to tackle reds. The rolling, varied terrain on both the Gondrans and Chalvet sectors gives improvers plenty to work with.
- Sensation is for confident intermediates and strong skiers who want more responsive, higher-quality equipment. Montgenèvre's reds and the runs across into the Monts de la Lune area reward this level of kit.
- Excellence is the top-tier option: high-performance equipment for experienced skiers seeking precision and speed. The more demanding terrain on the backside of the Chalvet sector and the off-piste options around the Col de l'Alpet are best approached with this level of kit.
Can I hire ski equipment for young children in Montgenèvre?
Yes - children's ski hire is available in Montgenèvre and can be added to your Erna Low booking alongside adult equipment. Hire is available for children from as young as three years old. Montgenèvre's dedicated nursery terrain and snow garden are among the best set-ups in the French Alps for young beginners, and having properly fitted, age-appropriate equipment from the start makes a real difference to how quickly and happily children progress.
Where do I pick up my ski equipment in Montgenèvre?
A few days before departure, your ski hire voucher will be ready to download from the Erna Low members' area. It includes the name and details of the hire shop in Montgenèvre where you'll collect your equipment. A digital copy on your phone is perfectly acceptable - you don't need to print it.
When you arrive in Montgenèvre, head to the named hire shop, present your voucher, and the staff will fit and prepare your equipment. Everything will be sized and adjusted before you leave the shop, so you can walk out ready for the slopes.
FAQs
Can I pick up my ski hire in Montgenèvre the day before my lessons start?
Yes, most rental shops in Montgenèvre allow you to collect your equipment from 5pm the evening before your rental period begins, ensuring you are ready for the first lifts the following morning.
Are there options for "KIDS FOR FREE" ski hire in Montgenèvre?
Many providers in Montgenèvre offer special family deals, such as one free child's ski hire for every two adult rentals booked, though it is always best to check the specific terms of your chosen shop in Montgenèvre.
Is it possible to store my rental equipment at the shop in Montgenèvre overnight?
Several ski hire outlets in Montgenèvre provide heated lockers or depot services for a small daily fee, which saves you from carrying your skis and boots back to your accommodation in Montgenèvre.
Can I swap my skis for a snowboard during my stay in Montgenèvre?
Most premium rental packages in Montgenèvre offer the flexibility to switch between skis and snowboards during your holiday, allowing you to experience different parts of the Montgenèvre ski area with the best possible equipment.
If you cannot find what you are looking for please contact us and we can help you build your package.