Serre Chevalier Ski Resort
An idyllic mountain region located in the Hautes-Alpes department in Southern France, Serre Chevalier is recognised as one of the largest ski resorts in Europe and in recent years has asserted itself amongst preferred destinations for skiers. Serre Chevalier is made up of the four villages of Briançon, St Chaffrey-Chantemerle, Villeneuve, and Le Monêtier-les-Bain; all full of rustic charm that is hard not miss especially when overlooking the village from the surrounding valleys. There is a great deal of character in the villages and areas that makeup Serre Chevalier. Briançon fort and its tower serve as a proud relic and monument to the village’s military past to the 17th-century traditional stone houses and cobbled streets in Villeneuve and St Chaffrey-Chantemerle.
Serre Chevalier ski resort sits at an impressive altitude of 2,800m above sea level at its highest point and has a combined 1600km drop. It also has an equally impressive snow record throughout the winter seasons and over 250 km of connecting snowy pistes across the ski area. Whilst Serre Chevalier can be viewed as favourable to all ski levels of ability, it particularly appeals to confident intermediaries looking to level up. With a wide selection of red and blue runs spread out across the ski area which stretches over the mountain range, intermediate skiers can be assured of finding quiet cruises to home in on their skills. There are also off-piste opportunities for seasoned skiers and beginners can also find dedicated nursery runs at the bottom of Le Monetier (amongst others).
Serre Chevalier ski resort sits at an impressive altitude of 2,800m above sea level at its highest point and has a combined 1600km drop. It also has an equally impressive snow record throughout the winter seasons and over 250 km of connecting snowy pistes across the ski area. Whilst Serre Chevalier can be viewed as favourable to all ski levels of ability, it particularly appeals to confident intermediaries looking to level up. With a wide selection of red and blue runs spread out across the ski area which stretches over the mountain range, intermediate skiers can be assured of finding quiet cruises to home in on their skills. There are also off-piste opportunities for seasoned skiers and beginners can also find dedicated nursery runs at the bottom of Le Monetier (amongst others).
Endorsed and recognised with a Famille Plus resort, Serre Chevalier is an ideal resort for the family. There are easy slopes at St Chaffrey-Chantemerle and Villeneuve which are very well suited to young children. There is also a good selection of nurseries, ski schools and great entertainment facilities for families with children.
If you’re flying from the UK, the quickest and convenient route to Serre Chevalier will be the heading down the D1091 from Alpes-Isere Airport in Grenoble which will take just over 2 hours. Other options will be via Turin Airport but that route may be subject to more than one toll stops. Visiting via train perhaps? The Oulx train station in Turin is just over 30 minutes’ drive to the resort.
Serre Chevalier stands at a summit of 2800 meters above sea level and a 1630m vertical drop. There are up to 250km of pistes across all 4 villages. It is a south facing valley however, the pistes and ski area are north-east facing which helps to maintain snow levels on that side of the mountain range. Skiers will find that there are a lot more trees and wooded areas on this mountain range than most others in France. The mountain favours all levels of skiers but intermediates will find Serre Chevalier most favourable.
There is a lot to look forward to at Serre Chevalier for a complete ski experience. Although most of the pistes in Serre Chevalier may appeal to intermediates looking to up the ante, there is plenty on offer for experienced skiers and beginners alike, thanks to the sheer size of the resort and the expansive terrain it encompasses.
- Seasoned skiers with a zest for adventure and a need for speed can find steep black runs coming down the Casse du Boeuf in the village of Villenueve as well as the Luc Aphnad in Chantemerle. Or head over to Moentier and take the Bachas chairlift up from the village and come down the Tabuc for a breathtaking 2176m descent through a wooded area down the side of the mountain. There are also black runs coming down L’Eychauda at 2659m; enough to wet the appetite for adrenaline. Looking for even more challenges? Off-piste potential can be found at nearby Col du Lauteret.
- There is a good selection of nursery slopes for beginners at Serre Chevalier. The Trois Croix green is a superb run which winds through a scenic woodland and leads all the way down to Chantermerle; an excellent run to perhaps build on confidence. The wooded green coming down Frejus is a wide-open bowl perfect for beginners and with ample room to test and improve on their turns. Beginners also get to enjoy the views from high up, coming down Chameant run on the Col Mea valley. There is also a good amount of ski schools and instructors abound at Serre Chevalier for novices and young children.
- Nirvana for the intermediates. A wide array of cruisy reds and wooded blues which are mostly long enough to allow the skier ample time to settle into. The Aiguillette chair lift over Chantermerle connects skiers with the often secluded Eduit and Aiguillette red runs; slightly steeper and more challenging than other reds and blues but perfect for acceleration.On the other side of the Col Du Prorel from Aiguillette and above Briançon there are more exciting blue and reds to be found; the Prorel gondola leaves from Briançon village.
- There are a total of 55 lifts, gondolas and a cable car connecting skiers to just over 250km of ski area, including the two recently installed lifts on Monetier; Eychaudra and Cibouit. There is also night skiing at Villeneuve which offers pictorial night-time views of the village below. Interestingly, you can grab a mid-ski barbeque from 2 different barbeque spots high up on either Col Du Prorel and Col de la Cucumelle.
All Ski Resort Accommodation in Serre Chevalier
Snowboarders are not left out by any means at Serre Chevalier ski resort. The resort is a top destination for Snowboarders in France, much thanks to its off piste terrain and snow sure natural terrain with gullies and banks and freestyle opportunities. Snowboarders of all skill abilities can be assured of a memorable ski experience at Serre Chevalier.
- There is an excellent snow park that can be easily accessed via lift services from Villeneuve and Chantermerle with an icy halfpipe perfect for freestylers. The terrain on the snow park has wide open runs and is steeped to ensure acceleration. The park is divided into 4 areas each designated to suit different ski ability and skill.
- The Melezone and Border Cross snow parks above Chantermerle are particularly appealing to intermediate and expert skiers. Both parks are steeped to ensure acceleration and momentum built for freestyle boarders. Beginners and cautious intermediaries are better suited to the Funny Cross on Col du Prorel above Briançon.
- Funny Cross snow park is perfect for all abilities, especially novices and young children out to have a fun time on the slopes.
- There are off piste possibilities to be found in the Cucumelle valley with access via the Cucumelle or Vallons chair lifts; however the best chance of off piste experience may just lie in Monetier with its large open bowls and steep slopes.
Serre Chevalier has a good snow record. Sitting at 2800m, its position as one of the highest altitudes in the region, particularly allows it to receive early season snow which in turn, helps create a good foundation base setting it up for further gathering as the season progresses. The ski area on Serre Chevalier terrain is north-east facing; this means that the slopes spend less time in the sun, thereby staying cooler for longer periods of time. The area also gets an average of 6 meters of snowfall per annum. There are very good snow making facilities at Serre Chevalier which are consistent over the season, with 500 snow cannons ensuring snow covering over the valleys.
Made up of 4 villages, it will come at no surprise that Serre Chevalier has a great selection of bars and restaurants across the four villages and a few neighbouring ones. Whilst it may have a good selection of bars and restaurants, Serre Chevalier is a relatively relaxed resort and does not have the exuberant party atmosphere. This owing to its reputation as a family friendly resort as well as a combination of its historical and traditional atmosphere. Party seekers are better off visiting Alpe d’Huez or Les Deux Alpes resorts. Nonetheless, there are a number of apre-ski attractions which are guaranteed to provide a lively evening of entertainment for visitors.
- La Grotte La Grotte is a live music bar and another one of Serre Chevalier’s vibrant après ski venues. Located in Villeneuve, just beneath slopes, there is always a lively atmosphere within the venue. There are themed DJ sets most days of the week featuring a variety of music genres from 80’s inspired pop to latest club hits. La Grotte also has a sports bar with table football and pool and televised sport from Sky Sports and local terrestrial sports channels. If you’re visiting, keep your ears peeled for the bell signalling the happy hour.
- Le Chazely A popular restaurant and bar highly frequented by skiers just coming off the slopes. Great menu selection, very friendly staff and the view from the terrace is fantastic. There is a vibrant atmosphere during the day which slowly progresses as evening rolls in and the DJ set rolls out! Le Chazely self professed to have a festive spirit in their DNA. If you happen to be there on December 31st, they throw an awesome new years eve party.
- Le I420 Le 1420 is a warm cosy bar in the heart of Villeneuve. Perfect for skiers looking for a chilled evening with wine, cheese, meats and local homemade breads. There is also a good selection of beers, whiskeys and rums. Le 1420 has a snug and charming ambience early evening which steadily progresses into a bouncy atmosphere by late evening and fully transforms into a club with DJ sets and live bands by the night's end.
- The Sisters Pub The Sisters Pub is a very lively Irish themed pub that’s situated just at the foot of the Luc Alphand run in the Chantemerle village. It features live music and DJ sets till 2 am every day along with a wide selection of beers, cocktails and spirits and happy hour every day from 7:30. There are also televised live sports and Thursday night quizzes; an ode to the traditional Irish pub settings. Most interesting however, is the piano which sits at the centre of the pub; this means there is always the chance of a merry sing along to add to the fun atmosphere.
- Blue Bird Cocktail Bar Located in Le Monetier offers a jazzy evening of champagne, groovy cocktails, whisky tasting and cigars served from sharply dressed staff. Always a great atmosphere. A quite different but unique offer from the traditional apres-ski; certainly, for individuals who favour a relaxed evening with a sprinkling of glitz on top.
There are a host of top facilities available at Serre Chevalier ski resort. You can find fantastic accommodation, traditional shops and a wide array of other leisure activities.
Serre Chevalier is an ideal family resort and particularly for the facilities that cater to children.
All Ski Resort Accommodation in Serre Chevalier
