Groups
Equity in resort
Equity run hotels and chalets
With over 250km of piste, and a fantastic lift system
covering 4 areas, this is one of the best ski regions in
France and must be one of the best ski deals in the
world. The snow record is excellent; most slopes face
North so it can be pretty cold but as you go higher, you
are virtually guaranteed the irresistible double whammy –
great snow and brilliant sunshine. Surrounded by a
National Park, Serre Chevalier has spectacular mountain
scenery and beautiful runs through France's biggest larch
forest, giving good protection and visibility. Above the
tree line there are huge, white bowls with mouth-watering
opportunities for everyone.
Every variety of skier has an abundance of choice.
Intermediates have the best of it as blues and reds cover
the whole area giving that enjoyable sense of journey.
There's a fantastic variety; wide motorways, entertaining
reds, and fast schusses. Beginners have good village
skiing and easy bubble lifts to altitude for the best snow.
Because there are so many cruising blues, even snowploughers
can easily get about. Advanced skiers have
loads of challenge; long blacks, savage mogul fields, and
virtually unlimited off-piste through hidden valleys
and glades. The runs seem always to be wellgroomed
and well planned too.
With its combination of attractively unkempt
villages and natural, non-manicured beauty, Serre
Chevalier is something of a Provence in The Alps –
but with great snow; and because the villages are
right below the mountain, it's all extremely
convenient.
There are 4 major focal points. Ancient Briançon, at
the southern end of the system, with its medieval
fortifications, is one of the showpieces of French
tourism and is both the highest and the sunniest
town in Europe. The modern part has its own skiing
and gondola. Further north, three rustic farming
villages share the same big lift system with easy access
and free skibuses at all points. The size of the area will
be apparent when we tell you it's a 15-20 minute drive
from Briancon to Monetier! Chantemerle has an attractive
old centre with lifts and pistes as close as you could
wish. A gondola and chairs feed a large, easy area just
above the village. At the northern end is Monetier,
connected by lift and intermediate piste. This is a terrific
ski area with great variety, long runs and northerly slopes.
Villeneuve
Located in the heart of the valley Villeneuve is the liveliest
village. There are plenty of popular bars and restaurants in
the modern part but just across the river the old stone
town is easier on the eye (and on the ears). Villeneuve has
just about the best access of all the villages. Three
gondolas and a chair lift take you up to the middle of the
ski area, from where there’s easy access to everywhere. To
the left lie Chantemerle and Briancon and to the right you
can reach the top of Le Monetier after an easy blue and a
red. Skiing back from Monetier at the end of the day
involves a testing red so beginners might need the bus.
Village Facts
Quite lively, plenty of character, very friendly, many bars.
o Torchlight descents
o Ice driving
o Skating
o Parapenting
o Church
o Doctor, pharmacy and hospital
o 38 bars or restaurants
o Good variety of shops
o 2 night clubs
o Cinema
o Games bar
o Ice climbing
o Night skiing
o Sleigh rides
o Snow mobiling
o Snow shoeing
o Hot baths in Monetier
o Ice sculptures