If you love authentic French villages and tree-lined skiing, Serre Che is for you. Wide pistes, varied terrain and an XXL snow park. Head to Briancon on your day off, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Get to know Serre Chevalier
Serre Chevalier’s skiable terrain truly has something for every level and expands over 250km of pistes up to the dizzy heights of 2800m, meaning not only is the area one of the sunniest it's also snow sure. Four villages make up the resort, Briançon, Chantemerle, Villeneuve, and Le Monêtier-les-Bains - each with its own unique character and charm.
The area has everything from great local après bars to a fortified village with cobbled streets and fantastic local gastronomy. Its mountain culture runs deep, and it just so happens to have some of the best skiing in the Alps on its doorstep.
Why you might love it
Authentic villages
Large ski area
Tree lined skiing
At a glance
Ski area
Grand Serre Che
Resort altitude
1400m
Piste range
1200–2800m
Lifts
77
Green runs
25
Blue runs
32
Red runs
42
Black runs
15
More about Serre Chevalier
Why we like it
The sheer choice available in Serre Chevalier is mind blowing. Stay in Villeneuve if you want a more lively social scene, or head to Briançon for a slower paced local cultural experience.
The terrain suits all abilities, from wide open cruisey runs above the tree-line to steep and fast black runs for those speed demons. The backcountry here is world class, so as long as you know what you are doing then there is endless terrain to get out and explore.
One of the best things is how easy the valley is to reach with major airports nearby and a train station stopping in Briançon.
Ski area
Serre Chevalier’s ski area is vast and uncrowded. Get the area pass to take full advantage of the three valleys that make up the 250km of piste. Plus there’s a huge array of off-piste easily accessible if you know what you’re doing/hire a guide.
The pistes are great for all abilities. With trees covering two thirds of the ski area the scenery is spectacular and the tree skiing is some of the best in Europe. Above the tree line are wide, powder filled bowls to explore. There’s an Olympic black to test yourself but the majority of the skiing is full of blues and reds perfect for cruising.
The resort’s altitude ranges from 1200m to 2800m and a dozen villages spread up the valley linked by a regular bus route.
Is Serre Chevalier snow sure?
The snow cover in Serre Chevalier is exceptionally good due to the resort’s north facing position and the tree cover protecting the lower slopes. Snow making is abundant on the lower valley slopes as well. in a nutshell; Serre Chevelier's high-altitude location combined with a modern snowmaking system helps ensure reliable conditions throughout the season. That said, it’s always a good idea to check the latest weather and snow reports before you head out.
The resorts are attractive and have a very friendly, local feel at a much cheaper price point than some of the more well known French ski resorts.
Après ski
Due to the nature of numerous village bases in Serre Chevalier rather than one central hub. The apres ski and nightlife is also spread out, scattered down the valley which makes it fairly quiet. Though you can still find life in a few bars if you look for it.
Bar de l’Aplen in Le Monetier has live music and shows sporting events on the TV. Or La Grotte right at the base of the slopes is a cave style bar with live bands and billiards. It doesn’t seem like much at first glance but can be a real laugh.
Hidden gems
Best Bite
La Table du Chazal in Les Guibertes, Monêtier-les-Bains, Serre Chevalier you'll find a little converted stable crammed with locally sourced seasonal produce and one of the best value tasting menus in the Alps.
Best Piste
Take the Bachas chairlift and find a maze of trails criss-crossing through the larch forest. Take your pick and enjoy the sublime tree skiing.
Apres Ski
With a quiet apres scene you should head to Les Grands Bains thermal spa in Le Monetier les Bains, one of Europe’s largest thermal baths with views of the glacier to boot.
