Serre Chevalier

Serre Chevalier is one of the largest ski areas in France, offering 250 km of pistes across four main sectors — Briançon, Chantemerle, Villeneuve, and Monêtier-les-Bains. Stretching along the Guisane Valley in the southern French Alps, it combines high-altitude skiing up to 2,800 m with sunny, tree-lined runs and authentic alpine villages.

Unlike many purpose-built resorts, Serre Chevalier has a lived-in feel, with communities that pre-date skiing. Its mix of medieval town (Briançon), traditional hamlets, and ski villages makes it a destination that feels both real and expansive. The valley also benefits from over 300 days of sunshine a year, yet thanks to altitude, aspect, and extensive snowmaking, it offers reliable skiing throughout the season.

Serre Chevalier is known for its variety, charm, and value — making it a favourite with families, intermediates, and freeriders who want space to explore without the price tag of the Tarentaise giants.

Skiing & Snowboarding

Serre Chevalier’s skiing covers a wide range of altitudes, terrains, and styles.

• Beginners: Nursery slopes and gentle greens at village level in Chantemerle and Villeneuve make it welcoming for first-timers. The resort’s ski schools are highly regarded, with family-friendly zones for children.

• Intermediates: This is Serre Chevalier’s sweet spot. Long blues and reds wind through forests and open bowls, with scenic routes such as Luc Alphand (named after the local Olympic champion). The valley’s layout allows for long, varied cruises, often with fewer crowds than bigger-name resorts.

• Experts: Steeper terrain awaits on runs like Casse du Bœuf and Olympique Luc Alphand. Off-piste opportunities are excellent, with tree skiing a particular highlight in snowy conditions. Guided tours open up bowls and couloirs above Monêtier and the Cucumelle ridge.

• Freestylers: Snowparks and boardercross zones cater to freestyle, though the natural terrain also provides plenty of playful features.

The hallmark of Serre Chevalier is variety: alpine bowls, long tree runs, sunny pistes, and challenging blacks, all with Montgenèvre, La Grave, and the Italian border within day-trip reach.

Ski Lift Passes

Serre Chevalier’s passes cover the full valley network.

• Adult: ~€59/day | ~€295 for 6 days
• Child (6–11): ~€47/day | ~€235 for 6 days
• Under 6s: Free

Deals:

• Family passes available.
• Reduced beginner passes for nursery slopes.

Details at the Serre Chevalier ski pass page.

Resort & Infrastructure

Serre Chevalier is spread along a 15 km valley, with four main bases:

• Briançon (1,200 m): A historic UNESCO-listed town with cobbled streets, fortifications, and cultural attractions. A gondola links directly to the ski area.

• Chantemerle (1,350 m): A lively base with shops, restaurants, and good accommodation options.

• Villeneuve (1,400 m): Popular with families and groups, with excellent access to the central slopes and a good après scene.

• Monêtier-les-Bains (1,500 m): The highest village, known for its authentic charm and natural hot springs, perfect for post-ski relaxation.

The lift system has been steadily modernised, with high-speed chairs and gondolas improving flow. Snowmaking covers 80% of the area, ensuring reliable coverage despite the southern location.

Accommodation

Accommodation is varied, spread across the valley’s different villages.

• Budget: Self-catered apartments in Chantemerle and Villeneuve.
• Mid-Range: Family-run hotels and chalet residences across all bases.
• Luxury: Boutique options like Le Rock Noir in Villeneuve and spa hotels such as Grand Aigle Hotel & Spa or Les Bains de Monêtier.

Browse options via the Serre Chevalier accommodation page.

Dining & Après

On the mountain, rustic huts serve traditional fare — fondue, raclette, and tartiflette — with panoramic terraces. Chalet Hôtel de Serre Chevalier and La Grotte are long-time favourites.

In the valley, dining ranges from pizzerias and brasseries to gourmet restaurants. L’Auberge du Choucas in Monêtier is well regarded for refined cuisine.

Après-ski varies by village: Villeneuve has the liveliest bars such as La Grotte and Le Frog, while Monêtier is quieter and more relaxed. Briançon offers a more urban vibe, with bars and cafés in its historic centre.

Non-Skiing Activities

Serre Chevalier offers a wide range of activities beyond skiing:

• The Grands Bains du Monêtier, a natural hot spring spa with pools and treatments.
• Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing along the valley.
• Dog sledding, paragliding, and ice climbing.
• Historic sightseeing in Briançon, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Ice karting and tobogganing for families.

Village Character & Access

Serre Chevalier is unique in combining historic towns, traditional villages, and modern ski bases. Unlike purpose-built resorts, it feels like a valley of real communities, each with its own flavour. The atmosphere is friendly, unpretentious, and authentic, with strong local roots.

How to get there from the UK:

• By air: Turin, Grenoble, and Lyon (2–3 hrs).
• By train: Eurostar/TGV to Oulx (Italy), then 30 mins by transfer to Briançon; or to Grenoble, then bus/transfer (2 hrs).
• By car: Around 10 hrs from Calais.

InTheSnow Verdict

Serre Chevalier offers big skiing with a small-resort feel. Its 250 km of pistes provide variety for all levels, from gentle beginner runs to steep freeride terrain, while its authentic valley villages give it character missing from some French mega-resorts. Sunshine, value, and atmosphere make it a superb choice for families and groups who want real alpine charm with serious skiing.

For those seeking authenticity, variety, and sunshine in the southern Alps, Serre Chevalier is one of France’s best all-round ski destinations.

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