Serre Chevalier

Serre Chevalier is a large ski domain in the Southern French Alps, spread along the Serre Chevalier valley between Briançon and Le Monêtier-les-Bains. It is not a single, purpose-built resort, rather a destination served by a dozen villages and several main bases, including Briançon, Chantemerle, Villeneuve and Monêtier-les-Bains. A bus service links the bases, making it easy to move between sectors along the valley. The resort is frequently associated with ‘300 days of sunshine’ and is known for combining traditional Alpine culture with modern amenities.

On snow, Serre Chevalier offers around 250km of well-linked pistes across an altitude range of roughly 1,200m to 2,800m. Much of the skiing sits on the north side of a long ridge, with largely north-facing pistes that stay colder for longer and tend to hold snow well. Many runs are tree-lined, sitting in and above a large larch forest. The trees protect the lower slopes and make forest skiing a defining feature of the valley. Higher up, the domain opens into bowls, valley descents and higher faces in a more exposed, high-mountain atmosphere.

The spread of terrain is broad enough to suit a wide range of skiers and snowboarders. Beginners have dedicated zones both in the valley and on the mountain, while intermediates can cruise extensive blues and reds through and above the forest, using the linked pistes to explore different parts of the area. For advanced skiers, steeper pitches and more technical lines appear higher up, including couloirs that are visible from the lifts.

Beyond the marked pistes, the mountain possesses open trees, banks and gullies, plus natural hits and a huge natural funpark. Powder bowls cap the ski area, while the forested lower mountain is notable for tree skiing. Lots of skiing takes place on the upper half of the mountain, with the larch forest sheltering routes back to the valley. These characteristics underpin the resort’s reputation for off-piste skiing.

Snow cover is supported by the combination of aspect and altitude, while snowmaking reinforces the base of the valley pistes. Serre Chevalier is also part of the Grande Galaxie ski pass partnership, with resorts including Les 2 Alpes, Alpe d'Huez, Montgenèvre, Puy Saint Vincent and Italy's Via Lattea. In the Serre Chevalier valley, there are four main resort bases, and Villeneuve and Le Villard Laté are particularly central options within the ski area.

Off the slopes, the villages supply much of the character and day-to-day convenience. In places, there are narrow cobbled streets and pretty shops lining the main road, and accommodation is typically smaller-scale, including small chalets, family-run B&Bs and self-catered options. Serre Chevalier is laid-back, with friendly locals, excellent food and prices that can be lower than its northern neighbours. For non-ski time, the town of Briançon – whose Vauban fortifications are a UNESCO World Heritage Site – provides cultural interest, and Le Monêtier-les-Bains is known for its thermal baths.