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Claviere Ski Holidays
This charming, traffic-free village – the highest in Italy’s Via Lattea (Milky Way) ski area – offers that increasingly rare combination of authentic Italian mountain charm and direct access to world-class skiing. Perched at 1,760m right on the French border, Claviere is the gateway to the vast 400km+ Milky Way circuit, yet it’s remained blissfully untouched by the crowds and commercialism of larger resorts. Here, family-run rifugios serve steaming plates of handmade pasta, the slopes remain quiet even in peak season, and you can ski to France for lunch via the Gimont gondola.
What Claviere lacks in glitz, it more than makes up for in character – think cobbled streets lined with wood-clad buildings, the clatter of cowbells from alpine pastures, and hotel owners who’ve welcomed the same families for generations. The skiing is ideal for beginners and relaxed intermediates, with wide, sunny blues and scenic red runs like the beautiful Banchetta winding back to the village. For those craving more challenge, the linked resorts of Montgenèvre (France) and Sestriere offer everything from steep couloirs to Olympic downhill runs.
But perhaps Claviere’s greatest appeal lies in its authenticity. This isn’t some purpose-built resort – it’s a proper mountain community where the bakery does fresh bomboloni at dawn, the local dairy produces award-winning cheese, and après-ski means grappa by a crackling fire rather than pounding club tunes. For families, value-conscious skiers, or anyone tired of over-commercialised Alpine resorts, Claviere is a breath of fresh mountain air.
For a classic Italian ski trip, Claviere is a fantastic choice; it's a laid-back and family-friendly resort that's still part of the huge Via Lattea ski area.
Rebecca Dodson, Sales Manager
Mountain facts
Claviere forms the Italian gateway to the vast Via Lattea (Milky Way) ski area, stretching over 400km of interconnected pistes in Italy and France. The local Claviere sector offers 18km of slopes served by six lifts, with runs predominantly suited to beginners and intermediates. The Gimont gondola provides the crucial link to Montgenèvre in France, effectively turning this into a two-country ski adventure.
Elevations range from 1,760m in the charming traffic-free village to 2,750m on the flanks of Mont Chaberton, ensuring good snow reliability throughout the season. The piste breakdown shows 30% beginner runs, 50% intermediate reds, and 20% more challenging black runs, making it particularly well-suited to developing skiers. Signature runs include the scenic Banchetta Red that winds back to the village with breathtaking views, while the link to Montgenèvre opens up access to steeper terrain for more advanced skiers.
Snow conditions in Claviere
Thanks to its high-altitude position and predominantly north-facing slopes, Claviere enjoys reliably good snow conditions from December through April. The resort benefits from an average annual snowfall of around 5m, with January and February typically delivering the deepest accumulations (often 1.5m+ on upper slopes). Approximately 70% of key pistes have snowmaking coverage, focusing particularly on the beginner areas and main routes back to the village.
The link to Montgenèvre provides additional snow security, as the French resort boasts 90% snowmaking coverage across its extensive network. Off-piste enthusiasts will find the best powder retention in the Banchetta Bowl, where north-facing aspects preserve fresh snow for several days after a storm. While the village altitude of 1,760m means lower slopes can become thin during warm spells, the connection to higher terrain (up to 2,750m) ensures good skiing throughout the season. March often provides ideal conditions – quieter slopes, warmer temperatures, and still-excellent coverage on the higher runs.
Skiing in Claviere
Claviere offers some of the most stress-free beginner skiing in the Alps. Wide, gentle blues like Baby Claviere and Pian del Sole provide perfect learning environments, while the village's compact size means new skiers are never far from home. The local ski school has an excellent reputation for patient, multilingual instruction, often with smaller class sizes than you'd find in larger resorts.
Intermediates will enjoy cruising the beautifully groomed Banchetta run – a 5km red that winds scenically back to town with spectacular mountain views. More confident skiers can explore the link to Montgenèvre, where the extensive network of red runs offers days of varied cruising. Experts have fewer challenges in the immediate Claviere area (though the Schia black run provides some steep turns…). Still, the connection to Montgenèvre opens up steeper terrain, including the famous Combes chairlift and its challenging couloirs.
The real novelty of skiing here is the border-hopping potential – it's entirely possible to enjoy breakfast in Italy, lunch in France, and be back in Claviere for aperitivo hour, all via the efficient Gimont gondola link. The skiing may not be the most extensive or challenging, but the combination of quiet slopes, stunning scenery, and authentic Italian atmosphere creates a uniquely enjoyable experience.
Snowboarding in Claviere
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Snowboarders will find Claviere a welcoming and relaxed base for exploring the Milky Way circuit. Near the village centre is a small but well-designed terrain park with features suitable for progressing freestylers. Most lifts are boarder-friendly (there’s only one drag lift in the area!), and rental shops stock quality Burton and Rome boards.
Freeriders can explore natural hits in the Banchetta sector, while the link to Montgenèvre provides access to more extensive off-piste opportunities. The border-crossing Gimont gondola makes accessing Montgenèvre's better-known freeride zones remarkably easy. Back in Claviere, the après-ski scene is refreshingly laidback – think craft beers on the terrace of Bar Mon Cousu rather than rowdy clubs.
While serious park rats might prefer bigger resorts, Claviere's easy access to varied terrain, quality rental gear, and relaxed vibe make it ideal for mixed-ability groups or those wanting a more authentic snowboarding experience. The link to Montgenèvre means you're never limited to the local slopes, while returning to Claviere's quiet charm at the end of the day provides the perfect contrast to busier French resorts.
Accommodation in Claviere
Claviere's accommodation reflects the village's authentic charm – you won't find any large hotel chains here, just family-run gems that have welcomed guests for generations. The options range from rustic alpine guesthouses to comfortable self-catered apartments, all offering that famous Italian hospitality - have a look at our handpicked options below.
What's available at Claviere ski resort?
Après-ski in Claviere
The après-ski scene in Claviere offers a refreshing alternative to the pounding music of bigger resorts. Unwinding after skiing here means lingering over a glass of local wine or craft beer while watching the sunset paint the mountains pink.
- Bar Mon Cousu's sunny terrace is the perfect spot for people-watching with an Aperol spritz in hand.
- For something more lively, Rifugio Selleries hosts regular live music nights where locals and visitors gather over steaming plates of wild boar pasta.
- No visit would be complete without stopping at Gelateria Centro for what might be the best pistachio gelato in the Italian Alps.
Facilities in Claviere
Despite its small size, Claviere punches above its weight when it comes to facilities. The Scuola Sci Claviere offers excellent English-speaking instructors, particularly good with nervous beginners. For equipment, Sport 2000 provides top-quality rental gear, including the latest demo skis and snowboards.
While there's no standalone spa, several hotels have wellness areas – Hotel Banchetta's sauna with mountain views is particularly lovely after a day on the slopes. The village has a well-stocked supermarket, a couple of sports shops, and even a charming little cinema that occasionally shows mountain films.
Getting around couldn't be easier – everything is within walking distance, and the free ski bus connects all the key lifts. The tourist office organises regular events like torchlit descents and cheese-tasting evenings that give visitors a taste of local traditions.
Facilities for children in Claviere
Families will find Claviere one of the most welcoming resorts in the Alps. The dedicated Baby Claviere area features magic carpets, fun obstacles, and an adorable igloo play zone where little ones can take their first slides on snow.
The ESF-affiliated ski kindergarten takes children from the age of 4, with patient instructors who make learning fun. Off the slopes, the floodlit toboggan run provides evening entertainment, while nearly every restaurant offers child-friendly menus (think mini portions of gnocchi or pizza margherita).
Many hotels provide family rooms or adjoining units, and several offer babysitting services when parents want an evening out. The village's traffic-free centre means children can safely explore, and the gentle beginner slopes right by the village give nervous youngsters the perfect environment to learn.
Why choose Erna Low for Claviere skiing holidays?
Incredible value holidays: We’ll beat any competitor’s price, giving you the best value for money.
Huge choice of accommodation: Choose from bargain breaks, 5-star premium deals and so much more.
Customisable travel: We specialise in fully customisable ski holidays; offering a wide range of options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Fully protected bookings: We’re ABTOT and ATOL members and abide by their Code of Conduct.
5-star Trustpilot reviews: We pride ourselves on the service we provide, which is why out of 10 of our clients would recommend us.
Enjoy skiing from Italy to France in the Milky Way ski area and enjoy a sunny lunch stop on the way.
Jane Bolton, Product Director
