Ski to Montgenèvre — France on Your Via Lattea Pass
One of the Via Lattea's most unique features is that you can ski from Sauze d'Oulx all the way into France and back on a single lift pass — no additional tickets, no border formalities on the mountain. Here's how to do it.
The route
The ski connection from the Italian Via Lattea to Montgenèvre runs via Clavière — the small Italian village resort right at the border. From Sauze d'Oulx, the route takes you across the ski area through Sestriere and Cesana/Clavière before descending into France.
The border is at the Col du Montgenèvre (1,854m) — you ski across it without stopping. The descent into Montgenèvre is on the French side; the resort sits right at the col.
A full one-way journey from Sauze d'Oulx to Montgenèvre takes approximately 2–3 hours of skiing including lifts, depending on conditions and how many stops you make. It's not a route to rush — build a whole day around it.
How to do the cross-border day
- 1
Start early from Sauze d'Oulx — aim to take the first lifts up to Sportinia.
- 2
Head towards Sestriere via the piste connections across the Via Lattea. The piste map (available at vialattea.it/en/slopes-and-facilities/) shows the route clearly.
- 3
From Sestriere, ski down to Cesana Torinese and take the lift system into Clavière.
- 4
From Clavière, follow the piste connection over the Col du Montgenèvre into France. You'll cross the border on skis.
- 5
Spend time in Montgenèvre — have lunch in a French mountain restaurant, explore the village.
- 6
Return the same way in the afternoon — allow at least 2–3 hours for the return journey and leave yourself time before the last lifts close.
Tips for the cross-border day
Check the full piste map before you go
The Via Lattea is large and the cross-border connection involves navigating several lift zones. Download the piste map at vialattea.it/en/slopes-and-facilities/ and study the route before you ski it.
Take the Via Lattea area pass, not a Sauze-only day pass
Ensure your pass covers the full Via Lattea including Clavière and Montgenèvre connections. Check your pass type at purchase — the full-area pass is required for the cross-border route.
Bring euros (€) and British pounds or euros for France
France uses euros (€), as does Italy. Your card will work fine, but having some cash is useful for mountain cafés on the French side.
Check last lift times on both sides
French lift closing times may differ from Italian ones. Check on the day — getting stranded on the French side without lifts back is a situation to avoid.
Ability level: Blue/intermediate minimum
The route from Sauze to Montgenèvre is largely blue/red terrain, but the overall distance and duration means you should be a confident intermediate skier before attempting it.
About Montgenèvre
Montgenèvre is a small French ski resort sitting directly on the Italian-French border at 1,854m. It's part of the Milky Way (Voie Lactée in French) network, which also connects to the Serre Chevalier valley — one of France's largest ski areas.
The resort itself is pleasant but small — a mix of French and Italian influences given its border position. The village has restaurants, bars and ski shops on the French side.
Note: the Montgenèvre-to-Serre Chevalier connection is not included on the standard Via Lattea pass — you'd need a separate Milky Way French extension pass for that.
Useful links
Ski Tours & Mountain Experiences
Browse guided ski experiences in the Via Lattea area — from ski guiding days to off-piste tours and cross-border adventures with local mountain guides.
Browse Ski Tours on Viator →Affiliate link — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.