© Savoie Mont-Blanc
© Olivier Allamand
© Olivier Allamand
Montalbert
A hidden gem of a village, perfect for a quiet and restful getaway
Montalbert, situated on the far right side of the piste map, at 1,350m, is a charming village built mostly in traditional alpine style and enjoying stunning views out across the valley.
Montalbert is rather a hidden gem on the mountain, it's several lifts away from Plagne Centre and the furthest point away from the Vanoise Express so holidaymakers looking to experience the whole of the Paradiski area tend to set up camp in the other villages. However with the upgrade to the Bécoin chair lift, (Plagne Centre’s main link to Montalbert) a ride that used to take twelve minutes now only takes five, and skiers are discovering the oft-neglected right half of the piste map with its beautiful tree runs, powder fields and large cross-country ski areas. Its low altitude can be a problem in times of poor snow coverage, but its northern outlook helps it keep snow longer than some slopes, and the prudent positioning of snow cannons keeps the runs open and the village accessible all season.
All of these elements are accessible on the ‘village sector’ ski pass for Montalbert, an option well worth looking into. For those holding a La Plagne pass it is a three-chair connection to Plagne Centre and from there the rest of the resort is easily accessed. At the end of the day, you need only take the Bécoin chair up from Plagne Centre and then it is one very long blue or red run home.
Events in Montalbert
Montalbert prides itself on being a village apart from the main resort and goes out of its way to put on events and activities that you can’t find elsewhere in resort such as their ‘alternative sliding sports’ involving bodyboarding on inflatable airboards, and the multi-person ‘snakegliss’ these things have to be tried to be believed. Montalbert is your spot for a family-friendly relaxed holiday that doesn’t take itself too seriously, has a great underpopulated ski area and feels like a community away from home.
Things to do in Montalbert
The ski area around Montalbert is a playground of intermingling blue and red runs, the silent winding pistes offer some of the best tree runs in La Plagne and for the extreme amongst you, there is some amazing off-piste to be had as well as blacks runs most of which are not groomed and Montalbert even has it’s own small snow park. You also have a large beginner area with a lift in the village complete with snow garden for the little ones and a fully staffed ESF ski school (the only ski school in Montalbert) to cater to all ages and abilities.
Dining in Montalbert
You’ll find all the necessary amenities in the village including grocery shops, tabac, souvenier shop, hairdressers, equipment, rental and service shops bakery and deli. The town has many restaurants offering a range of cuisine, local Savoyard specialities at piste-side Le Forperet, or try La Luge for great pizzas and takeaway or The White Bear for good pub food and a late-night snack bar.
Nightlife in Montalbert
Most of the restaurants offer terraces and decks for a drink or two at après but Montalbert has very little in the way of nightlife. Note that it is not possible to access the other resort villages after the lifts shut other than by a lengthy car journey so, if it’s a nightlife holiday you’re after, you should check out some of the other villages.
Chalets in Montalbert
There is a lack of large tour operators in Montalbert although there are a lot of private chalet rentals available, mostly on a self-catering basis.
Apartments in Montalbert
Accommodation in Montalbert is mainly in self-catering apartments, the majority of which are ski-in although not quite ski-out as the lift is situated just uphill of most accommodation. There is a club hotel with self-catering apartments or an all-inclusive hotel package with childcare options.
