Accommodation
Quick answer: Serre Chevalier is best for those wanting an authentic valley of real villages rather than a purpose-built resort, plus intermediates and advanced skiers after varied, uncrowded terrain across the Hautes-Alpes. It’s not the resort for those wanting a single, compact ski-in/ski-out village or a big, glitzy nightlife scene.
Quick resort facts
Ski area: 250km of pistes (81 runs) and 59 lifts, Serre Chevalier Vallée · Altitude: 1,400m bottom lift height, rising to around 2,800m · Ski pass area: Serre Chevalier Vallée · Season: 5 December 2026 to 18 April 2027 · Nearest airport: Turin (110km)
Written by the InTheSnow editorial team. Last updated: 29 July 2026. Resort facts checked against official Serre Chevalier sources.
Serre Chevalier is a valley of real communities rather than a single purpose-built resort, combining historic towns, traditional villages, and modern ski bases across the Hautes-Alpes. Anchored by the historic town of Briançon, a UNESCO World Heritage site, it offers 250km of pistes with a friendly, authentic atmosphere and strong local roots.
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Serre Chevalier is unique in combining historic towns, traditional villages, and modern ski bases within one connected valley. Unlike purpose-built resorts, it feels like a collection of real communities, each with its own flavour, from the lively bars of Villeneuve to the quieter, more relaxed Monêtier, and the historic, urban vibe of Briançon itself.
Serre Chevalier Vallée offers 250km of pisted runs served by 59 lifts, rising to around 2,800m at its highest points. The valley is well suited to intermediates, with long, varied cruising runs, while more advanced skiers can find steeper terrain and off-piste in the higher bowls. Snowmaking covers around 30% of the area, helping protect key runs in leaner years.
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Beginners: Each village has its own nursery slopes, with Monêtier and Villeneuve offering particularly gentle, family-friendly green runs.
Intermediates: Serre Chevalier is superb for intermediates, with long, uncrowded blues and reds linking across the whole valley.
Advanced: The higher bowls above Chantemerle and Villeneuve offer steeper pitches and off-piste opportunities for confident skiers.
Best ski-in/ski-out areas: Villeneuve and Chantemerle for direct access to the main lift network.
With a bottom lift height of 1,400m and terrain rising well above 2,500m, Serre Chevalier enjoys good snow reliability for a southern French Alps resort, further supported by snowmaking on around 30% of the area. January and February typically offer the most consistent conditions.
The 2026/27 season at Serre Chevalier runs continuously from 5 December 2026 to 18 April 2027. Indicative public prices:
A Family Pass is available for 6 days or more for groups of at least four skiers. Prices are correct at time of writing and always worth confirming on the official Serre Chevalier ski pass page before booking.
ESF and international ski schools operate across the valley’s villages, offering lessons for all levels. Ski hire shops are widespread in each village, with online pre-booking generally the most convenient option.
Sorting kit before you travel? Our ski gear guides can help you choose the right equipment.
Accommodation ranges from simple self-catered apartments to gourmet-adjacent hotels, with L’Auberge du Choucas in Monêtier well regarded for refined cuisine and comfortable rooms. The valley’s spread of villages means visitors can choose the style and pace that suits them, from lively Villeneuve to quieter Monêtier or historic Briançon.
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, alongside gourmet restaurants for those wanting a more refined evening.
Serre Chevalier offers a wide range of activities beyond skiing, including the Grands Bains du Monêtier natural hot spring spa, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing along the valley, dog sledding, paragliding, ice climbing, and historic sightseeing in Briançon. Ice karting and tobogganing round out the family-friendly offering.
Travelling with children? Our family skiing guide has more tips for planning a trip.
By air: Turin, Grenoble, and Lyon airports are all within reach, roughly 2-3 hours by transfer. By train: Eurostar/TGV to Oulx (Italy), then around 30 minutes by transfer to Briançon, or to Grenoble followed by bus or transfer (around 2 hours). By car: Around 10 hours from Calais.
Comparing Serre Chevalier with other options? See our full guide to skiing in France for more resorts across the Alps.
Pros
Cons
Serre Chevalier stands apart from purpose-built neighbours like Alpe d’Huez thanks to its combination of real towns, traditional villages, and modern ski infrastructure. The valley suits intermediates especially well, with long, uncrowded runs and a friendly, unpretentious atmosphere throughout. For those who want authentic French mountain culture alongside solid skiing and good value, Serre Chevalier is a standout choice in the Hautes-Alpes.
Is Serre Chevalier good for beginners? Yes, most villages have their own nursery slopes, with Monêtier and Villeneuve particularly family-friendly.
Is Serre Chevalier a single village? No, it’s a valley of interconnected towns and villages including Briançon, Chantemerle, Villeneuve, and Monêtier-les-Bains.
How high is the skiing in Serre Chevalier? The bottom lift height is 1,400m, with skiing rising to around 2,800m.
What is the nearest airport to Serre Chevalier? Turin, around 110km away.
Is Briançon worth visiting in Serre Chevalier? Yes, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and the valley’s historic anchor town, adding cultural interest alongside the skiing.
What is the après-ski scene like in Serre Chevalier? It varies by village: Villeneuve has the liveliest bars, Monêtier is quieter and more relaxed, and Briançon offers a more urban vibe with gourmet restaurants.
What non-ski activities are there in Serre Chevalier? The valley offers the Grands Bains du Monêtier hot spring spa, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, paragliding, ice climbing, ice karting, and historic sightseeing in Briançon.
How much does a lift pass cost in Serre Chevalier? Indicative prices are around €52.50 for an adult 1-day pass and €268 for an adult 6-day pass, with a Family Pass available for groups of at least four.
How do I get to Serre Chevalier from the UK? By air, Turin, Grenoble, and Lyon airports are all within reach, roughly 2-3 hours by transfer. By train, Eurostar/TGV connects to Oulx or Grenoble, with a further transfer to the valley.
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