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Serre Chevalier Ski Resort
Spread across a number of villages and hamlets, the Serre Chevalier valley’s not your usual alpine resort – but that’s what we like about it. While you won’t find a main hub of restaurants, bars and accommodation, a stay in one of the villages gives you a more ski-focussed, budget friendly week on the mountains.
Briancon, Chantemerle, Villeneuve and Monêtier are the four main bases, each with their own character, but all with terrific lift access to the mountain.
Typical French Briancon sits at the far end, its cobbled streets and olde worlde architecture giving it the name of - ‘Le Ville d’Art et d’Histoire’- the town of art and history. With good access to the ski area via red runs, it’s ideal for intermediate skiers as well as non-skiers looking for things to see and do in town.
At the centre of the valley, Chantemerle has the best access to the slopes as well as a main square of, shops, bars and restaurants. A number of gentle green and blue runs leading back to the village make it spot on for beginners and families.
Neighbouring Villeneuve is the place to be for lively après and cheap self-catering accommodation – its central location means easy access to the ski area and with a number of bars at the base of the home run, you’re always close to the action.
Rich in alpine charm at 1500m, Le Monêtier Les Bains is the highest village. This rustic mountain location is famed for its thermal baths and has a relaxed atmosphere making it perfect for a romantic getaway. Enjoy traditional stone architecture complimented by stunning views of the mountains as well as links to some amazing skiing through tree-lined runs.
All four villages have direct access to the slopes with regular ski busses running between them, so if you finish your day at the opposite end of the ski area you can easily get back to your base.
Stats & FAQ
Location: French Hautes-Alpes
Established: 1984
Open: December - April
Downhill: 250km
View our detailed Serre Chevalier snow forecast or snow report and see all live webcams, piste maps, road and travel maps and lift pass prices. For a picture of historic snow conditions see the snow depths month by month with our Serre Chevalier snow history.
| Nearest Airport & Transfer Time: | |
| Turin | 110 km, 2 hours |
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| Top Altitude: | 2830m |
| Bottom Altitude: | 1200m |
| Resort Altitude: | 1200m-1500m |
| Longest run: | 7km |
| Slope Orientation: | N |
| Vertical Drop: | 1630m |
| Skiable Vertical: | |
| Night Skiing: | Yes |
| Glacier: | No |
Snow Report
Web Cam
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| Downhill Runs: | 250km |
| Beginner slopes: | 51% |
| Intermediate: | 36% |
| Advanced slopes: | 13% |
| Lift Pass Price: | 214€ (adult 6 day) |
| Nearby resorts: Montgenevre, Vars, Risoul | |
Skiing/BoardingSkiing in Serre Chevalier
With some of the best conditions in the French Alps (80% of the slopes are above 2000m) the ski area includes wide-open, sunny plateaus, scenic tree lined runs and a perfectly groomed blanket of white beneath your skis or board.
The piste can be accessed from all four towns and nursery slopes run from each allowing beginners to gain some confidence in peace - with help from the excellent ski schools in the area they’ll be progressing higher in no time! Beginners will find a number of gentle blues and steady greens further up the mountain. One of the best towns for beginner skiing is Chantemerle as this leads to Serre Ratier which has a number of cruisey blues running through the trees on perfectly groomed terrain.
Intermediates can roam freely through some of the most beautiful scenery in the French Alps in the Parc National des Ecrins. Glide across the wide open bowl at Grande Alpe, or take a leisurely and seriously scenic ski through the woods on the lower slopes at Monêtier. Those looking for more challenging terrain should head to Cucumelle at the edge of Villeneuve and clos Galliard at Le Monêtier. A favourite and lesser known red leads down from the Aguillette chairlift offering a long and quiet run for making fresh tracks.
Advanced snow lovers have heaps of challenging terrain to try. Casse du Boeuf is a broad black running down into Villenueve and the La Voie Jackson run above Le Monêtier is another favourite.
There’s loads of free-riding terrain up the mountain and within the trees above Chantemerle. The area is littered with natural obstacles (especially on Cucumelle) and you’ll find five fully equipped snowparks and two Boardercross’ at the top of Grande Alpe and near the Rocher Blanc chairlift.
Serre Chevalier Apres Ski
There’s never a dull moment here and with four different towns oozing character you’re sure to find something to suit you. Ski down the home run at Chantemerle to find the popular station bar where après ski begins with a happy hour or if you’re based in Villeneuve, the Grotto at the base of the slopes is the place to be for that après ski buzz! 1420 in Briancon is perfect for an evening of sophisticated drinks. The liveliest après is found at Villeneuve with a number of bars for evening drinks - The Frog is a popular favourite and Mojo is a hot spot for winter warmers with friends. There are a number of clubs where the party carries on into the early hours such as Le Kub and Le Baroque.
You’ll find plenty of restaurants in the valley to suit every palette including pizzerias, steak houses and traditional French bistros. Restaurant 34 is famed for its fondues and Capassa is nice for a casual pizza night. Traditional French cuisine can be enjoyed at The Marotte, set in a small stone building in Villeneuve or Auberge du Choucas in Monêtier. For an evening of fine dining and smart drinks, the Peche Gourmand is a top establishment and Le Loup Blanc is also highly noteworthy.
Any non-skiers will be thoroughly entertained with a host of activities. Take a unique experience on the snow dog sleighing, snowmobiling or on a snowshoe excursion - you can even picture the mountains in a whole new light on a hot air balloon trip. For a relaxing day, the thermal baths at Le Monêtier aren’t to be missed and you can indulge in treatments in one of the wellness facilities. Shows and live music concerts are also put on throughout the season.
Best time to go
Best time to ski Serre Chevalier
Best time to visit & ski Serre Chevalier
During the winter months there’s a high likelihood you’ll enjoy fresh powder and large dumps of snow making excellent conditions on the slopes. With over 80% of the mountain above 2000m, the Serre Chevalier valley is known for having some of the best snow in the area and large tree coverage also means the resort is great even if the weather isn’t up to scratch. The open plateaus mean that the spring sunshine can hamper skiing towards the end of April, but north facing terrain and extensive snow maker coverage means you’re still likely to find some excellent snow - start early for exciting mornings on the piste, with a huge amount of après ski, activities and entertainment, you’re unlikely to be at a loss in the afternoons.
Peak Dates
See Santa in his sleigh, join in the fun at a Christmas party and feast with friends and family at a traditional French restaurant during Christmas in Serre Chevalier. Charming towns, a white blanketed piste and cosy alpine accommodation makes for a magical Christmas retreat. Serre Chevalier Christmas ski holidays ‣
Celebrate at a lively bar in Villeneuve or spend a sophisticated evening celebrating at the thermal baths in Monêtier this New Year in Serre Chevalier. On the big night, see the instructor’s torch lit descent and the sky alight with fireworks as everyone gathers with drinks in hand for the countdown to the New Year. Serre Chevalier New Year ski holidays ‣
With so much to do on and off the slopes, there’s something for everyone in this snowy valley. Keen skiers can enjoy free-riding evenings, whilst families can enjoy one of the special events usually put on for children at February half term in Serre Chevalier. Serre Chevalier Half Term ski holidays ‣
Start early for mornings on the piste and spend afternoons getting involved in one of the many activities on offer or sunbathing in a balcony café during Easter in Serre Chevalier. There’s something for the whole family to enjoy at this resort with loads of variety on and off the piste – during most Easter’s here, you can get involved in an Easter egg hunt and enjoy live music events. Serre Chevalier Easter ski holidays ‣
Families in Serre Chevalier
This resort is perfect for a family getaway to the slopes and has been awarded the ‘Famile Plus’ award to prove it. Of the four main towns in the valley, the family favourite is Chantemerle due to its ski in / ski out accommodation and central access to the Serre Ratier ski area which has the best beginner runs- perfect for family days cruising steady blues and gentle greens. Hotel Plein Sud and Hotel Grand are located in front of the main run and close to the ski school for easy access to this part of the mountain. With a range of hotels in a variety of board options, self-catered apartments and fully catered chalets paired with cheap and easy flights and transfer or self-drive and channel crossing options families will be sure to find the perfect option for a holiday to the snow.
L’Adret apartments offer comfortable accommodation in prime location for families. With a variety of casual pizzerias and family-friendly steak houses in the resort, self-catered apartment accommodation can be a good option. This also gives you the opportunity to cook for yourself which is a good idea if children have specific tastes or dietary requirements.
Each town has a beginner area so whichever town you choose to stay in, learners can gain their confidence nearby. For families bringing their younger ones to the slopes for the first time, Club Piou Piou is a kindergarten dedicated to teaching newbies to ski, so parents can leave their children in safe hands whilst they go off to explore the mountains.
There are a number of events put on for families throughout the year such as parties, workshops, and games evenings. An inflatables festival is a regular occurrence over Easter when an aqua slide contest and sledge race are also known to take place. In the evenings, you may catch a torchlit descent by the instructors or a light show to truly excite the little ones.
Parents can make the most of the childcare facilities available by looking out for accommodation with mini clubs and there are also a number of nurseries in the resort. Remember to book early to secure the best deals and call us for friendly advice and easy booking!
GroupsGroup Holidays Serre Chevalier
Groups looking for an action packed week on and off the slopes will find everything they need here, with over 250km of varied terrain and a lively après scene.
We have some charming accommodation with beautiful views over the mountain such as the L’Adret Apartments. Chalets can be ideal and those who can get a big enough group can enjoy sole occupancy - Chalet Pyrene offers central location holding up to 14 occupants. We also have a number of hotels like Club Med that are suited to groups wanting to make the most of the skiing and the nightlife in a bigger, more sociable property.
Serre Chevalier’s four different towns with four different characters mean every group will find something they enjoy. Groups looking for nightlife would be best to stay in Villeneuve where you’ll find a number of lively bars- head to The Frog and on to Le Kub for a good party and Mojo bar for a more chilled evening. Monêtier is a better base for those wanting a quieter holiday and is especially nice for couples on a romantic break. This authentic mountain town offers traditional alpine accommodation and the chance to try out the famous thermal baths, which make for a special evening of relaxation.
Any less confident skiers can cruise down the slopes at Serre Ratier, the more advanced can roam the mountain to find some tree lined reds and whilst the really keen try out the air kicks at a snow park, the rest of the group can take a break with a drink in the chill out area to watch. A good meeting point for groups after a long day on the piste is the Grotto at Villeneuve to start the après drinks.
For the best value on your group holiday, book one of our package deals with flights and transfers included or opt for a self-drive package with channel crossing. For large groups departing from different places we also have great deals for accommodation on its own if you want to book your travel separately.
Which are the best ski holidays in Serre Chevalier?
| Accommodation | Number of nights | Price (per person) from |
|---|---|---|
| Le Hameau du Rocher Blanc | 7 | £ 289 |
| Parc Hotel and Spa | 7 | £ 989 |
| Grand Aigle Hotel & Spa | 7 | £ 1349 |
| Club Med Serre Chevalier | 7 | £ 1843 |
| Résidence Aquisana Apartments | 7 | £ 549 |
| Hotel Plein Sud | 7 | £ 1009 |
| Residence L'Adret, Chantemerle | 7 | £ 480 |
| Rock Noir Hotel & Spa, Villeneuve | 7 | £ 844 |
| Hotel Le Grand Aigle, Villeneuve | 7 | £ 1100 |
| Grand Hotel, Chantemerle | 7 | £ 1195 |
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