SERRE CHEVALIER
Resort Overview
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, boasting 300 days of sunshine. Above the tree line there are huge, white bowls with mouth-watering opportunities for everyone.
On The Slopes
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 snow-ploughers 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 well-groomed 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. 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.
Snowboarding
The terrain at Serre Chevalier, Monetier in particular, is superb. It's a snowboarders heaven! Serre Chevalier is like one big adventure park, there's so much variety, with lots of long tree runs, the 200 metres long Aravet half pipe and the snowboard cross, a run with 7 turns fitted and a vertical drop, you will always be kept busy.
Off The 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. 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 Briançon 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.
Quite lively, plenty of character, very friendly, many bars.
- Torchlight descents
- Ice driving
- Skating
- Parapenting
- Church
- Doctor, pharmacy and hospital
- 38 bars or restaurants
- Good variety of shops
- 2 night clubs
- Cinema
- Games bar
- Ice climbing
- Night skiing
- Sleigh rides
- Snow mobiling
- Snow shoeing
- Hot baths in Monetier
- Ice sculptures
Find out more about skiing and snowboarding in France.
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01273 622 111
01273 622 111
