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Off-slope activities
Foodie paradise
Traditional charm
Stunning viewsOff-slope activitiesFoodie paradiseTraditional charmStunning viewsOff-slope activitiesFoodie paradiseTraditional charmStunning viewsOff-slope activitiesFoodie paradiseTraditional charmStunning viewsSerre Chevalier stretches along the sunny Guisane Valley in the southern French Alps, linking 13 villages into one of France's largest ski areas. These authentic mountain communities have been skiing since the 1940s, connected by lifts and sharing 250km of terrain. The result is a ski area with true character, varied skiing, and an atmosphere that feels properly French rather than manufactured for tourists.
The skiing suits all abilities, with tree-lined runs, open alpine bowls, and over 1,000m of vertical drop. Slopes span from the historic fortress town of Briançon at one end to the charming spa village of Le Monêtier-les-Bains at the other, with Villeneuve and Chantemerle in between. North-facing slopes hold snow well, while the southern location delivers sunshine - in fact, Serre Chevalier averages over 300 days of sun per year.
What sets Serre Chevalier apart is that these are working villages with year-round communities, traditional architecture, and a pace that hasn't surrendered to tourism. The valley format means each base has its own personality, from Briançon's UNESCO-listed fortifications to Monêtier's thermal baths. For those seeking extensive skiing, genuine mountain atmosphere, and excellent value, it's a compelling destination for a memorable ski holiday.
Check out Serre Chevalier ski deals to start planning your trip.
Serre Chevalier stretches along the sunny Guisane Valley in the southern French Alps, linking 13 villages into one of France's largest ski areas. These authentic mountain communities have been skiing since the 1940s, connected by lifts and sharing 250km of terrain. The result is a ski area with true character, varied skiing, and an atmosphere that feels properly French rather than manufactured for tourists.
The skiing suits all abilities, with tree-lined runs, open alpine bowls, and over 1,000m of vertical drop. Slopes span from the historic fortress town of Briançon at one end to the charming spa village of Le Monêtier-les-Bains at the other, with Villeneuve and Chantemerle in between. North-facing slopes hold snow well, while the southern location delivers sunshine - in fact, Serre Chevalier averages over 300 days of sun per year.
What sets Serre Chevalier apart is that these are working villages with year-round communities, traditional architecture, and a pace that hasn't surrendered to tourism. The valley format means each base has its own personality, from Briançon's UNESCO-listed fortifications to Monêtier's thermal baths. For those seeking extensive skiing, genuine mountain atmosphere, and excellent value, it's a compelling destination for a memorable ski holiday.
Check out Serre Chevalier ski deals to start planning your trip.
Serre Chevalier's 250km of terrain spreads across four main sectors: Briançon, Chantemerle, Villeneuve, and Le Monêtier, each accessible from its own village base. The skiing flows along the valley from gentle beginner slopes through extensive intermediate cruising to genuine expert challenges. Tree skiing is a particular strength, with extensive larch forests providing shelter on stormy days and beautiful scenery when the sun shines.
Each of Serre Chevalier's main villages has dedicated beginner areas, so you can learn close to wherever you're staying. Green and easy blue runs wind through the trees with good visibility, and ski schools are well-established with English instruction available. The beginner area at Villeneuve (Fréjus sector) is one of the best in the valley - wide, gentle slopes separate from main traffic with a good learner lift setup. Once you've mastered the basics, progression runs lead naturally onto easier blues that weave through the trees, building confidence without sudden jumps in difficulty.
Intermediates will find huge amounts of satisfying skiing across Serre Chevalier. Blues and reds flow naturally along the valley, offering scale and variety without intimidation. You can ski for days without repeating runs, exploring different sectors and discovering new favourites. The tree-lined runs through the larch forests are particular highlights, these are sheltered and beautiful, with consistent pitch that lets you work on technique.
The Prorel sector above Briançon has excellent intermediate terrain, with long runs that make the most of the vertical. From Chantemerle, the runs through Serre Ratier offer similar satisfaction. As confidence builds, the Cucumelle sector above Villeneuve opens up steeper reds that bridge the gap to advanced terrain.
WeSki insider tip: The run from the top of the Cibouit chair back to Villeneuve is a local favourite, a long, flowing red through beautiful forest with consistent pitch and lovely views. Save it for the afternoon when the light filters through the trees.
Advanced skiers have excellent options, with steep blacks and extensive off-piste. The Cucumelle and L'Eychauda sectors hold the steepest marked runs, with sustained pitches that test technique. Blacks down to Monêtier are properly steep, often mogulled, and quieter than the more central sectors.
Serre Chevalier's off-piste reputation is strong among those in the know. The terrain above the lift system opens up serious freeride potential, with north-facing couloirs holding powder long after storms pass. Its proximity to La Grave, one of Europe's most famous freeride destinations, adds another dimension for experts.
WeSki insider tip: The Yret sector above Monêtier has excellent north-facing off-piste that holds snow well. Hire a local guide, since they know lines that remain untracked long after the obvious spots are skied out.
Serre Chevalier naturally suits snowboarders, with scale to explore and minimal flat spots to worry about. The tree runs are particularly enjoyable on a board, with natural features and side hits scattered throughout. A terrain park in the Villeneuve sector is maintained through the season with features for different ability levels.
Serre Chevalier has a quietly excellent reputation for freeride. The Yret and L'Eychauda sectors have the most accessible off-piste, with north-facing aspects holding powder well. More serious lines require hiking or touring - local guides know the mountain intimately and can lead you to terrain that stays untracked for days after snowfall. For the ultimate freeride day trip, La Grave is just 30 minutes away.
Ski schools operate in each main village, with ESF branches and independent alternatives. English-speaking instructors are available throughout, though booking in advance during peak weeks is wise. Teaching quality is good, with sensible group sizes and an approach that balances technique with enjoyment. Private lessons offer flexibility for families or those wanting focused improvement.
Through WeSki, you can add ski or snowboard lessons to your package and have everything arranged before you arrive. Check out Serre Chevalier ski deals to get started.
The main terrain park sits in the Villeneuve sector, with features ranging from beginner boxes to more substantial jumps and rails. It's well-maintained through the season and suits progressing park riders rather than competition-level freestylers.
Serre Chevalier suits families who want authentic character rather than purpose-built convenience. Each village is a cultural experience in its own right and the pace of life is gentler than busier Alpine resorts. The skiing works well for mixed abilities, with terrain for everyone from beginners to confident teenagers, and the sunny southern location keeps everyone in good spirits.
Young children have dedicated beginner areas in each main village, with gentle slopes and patient instructors. The ESF runs excellent children's programmes combining ski lessons with activities, and childcare operates throughout the season for little ones not yet ready to ski. Older children and teenagers appreciate the terrain variety. There's enough to keep improving through a week, with a terrain park for those ready to progress.
The valley format means you can explore different areas each day, and the relaxed atmosphere suits families who prefer a slower pace. Dining at Serre Chevalier is straightforward and family-friendly. You'll find mountain restaurants with sunny terraces for long lunches, crêperies and pizzerias in the villages, and traditional Savoyard fare for those who want to try the local classics.
WeSki insider tip: The Grands Bains du Monêtier thermal spa is a highlight for families, with natural hot springs with indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and stunning mountain views.
Serre Chevalier blends extensive skiing with authentic Alpine history and natural wellness. Spread across several traditional villages, it's a destination where non-skiers won't feel sidelined, and rest days can be filled with culture, scenery, and outdoor adventure rather than shopping centres.
Beyond downhill skiing, Serre Chevalier provides a wide range of snow-based activities that make the most of its long valley, forests, and open terrain. From peaceful Nordic trails to adrenaline-fuelled experiences, there's plenty of variety to complement your time on the pistes.
Serre Chevalier's valley is rich in history, culture, and wellness, offering some of the most rewarding rest-day options in the Alps. From centuries-old thermal baths to UNESCO-listed fortifications and authentic village life, it's a destination where slowing the pace is part of the experience.
Dining in Serre Chevalier spans everything from traditional mountain comfort food to refined French cuisine, spread across the valley's villages. Briançon offers the widest choice, particularly in the historic old town, while Le Monêtier is known for quality dining well worth the short journey. Mountain restaurants are a pleasant surprise too, often serving proper, well-cooked food rather than basic canteen fare.
WeSki insider tip: Book Le Pêché Gourmand in Monêtier for a special evening. It's one of the best restaurants in the valley and combines beautifully with a pre-dinner session at the Grands Bains spa.
Après-ski in Serre Chevalier is relaxed, sociable, and distinctly French in style. The action begins on slope-side terraces as the lifts close, particularly in Chantemerle and Villeneuve, where skiers gather for drinks and conversation in the late-afternoon sun. The atmosphere is friendly and inclusive, with families, couples, and groups naturally mixing rather than being funnelled into party-only venues.
Evenings unfold at a gentle pace, focused more on good company and quality drinks than high-volume partying. Each village has its own character: Chantemerle is the liveliest, Villeneuve offers a relaxed terrace scene, Briançon excels in atmospheric wine bars and old-town charm, and Le Monêtier is the quietest, where evenings often revolve around good dinners and the thermal baths. It's not a party resort, and for many visitors that's exactly the appeal.
Après-ski spots worth knowing include:
Accommodation in Serre Chevalier spreads across the four main villages, each with something different to offer:
Options range from traditional hotels to self-catering apartments and catered chalets. The villages are authentic rather than purpose-built, so expect character over cookie-cutter convenience. Most accommodation is within walking distance of lifts, though some properties require the resort's free ski bus.
The Serre Chevalier ski pass covers the entire valley, including all four main sectors and the connections between them. That's 250km of skiing on a single pass, with no need to buy sector-specific tickets.
The pass is notably good value compared to more famous French resorts. It also includes access to the free ski buses that connect the villages, useful for exploring different sectors or returning to your accommodation from a different base.
You can select your ski pass options when booking your Serre Chevalier ski holiday through WeSki.
Rental shops operate in each of Serre Chevalier's main villages, with good-quality equipment available. The valley layout means there are shops near every major lift base. Book ahead during peak weeks to guarantee your preferred sizes, particularly for performance equipment or specific boot models.
WeSki partners with SkiSet shops in Serre Chevalier at Briançon and Monêtier, letting you add equipment to your package and collect on arrival. Browse Serre Chevalier ski deals to build your perfect trip.
A free ski bus connects all four main villages throughout the ski day, making it easy to explore different sectors or return to your accommodation from wherever you finish skiing. The buses are reliable and frequent, included with your ski pass. Within each village, most accommodation is walkable to local lifts and amenities.
Having a car is useful if you want to explore the region with trips to La Grave, visits to Briançon's old town from other villages, or excursions further afield. But for skiing itself, the bus system works well and a car isn't necessary. Taxis operate between villages for evenings out or when buses aren't running.
Turin Airport (TRN) is the closest major hub, approximately 110km from Serre Chevalier via the Fréjus tunnel. Grenoble Airport (GNB) is a similar distance at around 120km but via mountain passes that can be slower. Both offer reasonable flight connections during the ski season.
Lyon Airport (LYS) is further at around 200km but has more flight options and good motorway connections. Geneva (GVA) is a similar distance but the route is longer.
WeSki offers car rentals from the airport as well as private, shared, and scheduled transfers to Serre Chevalier. Add them to your Serre Chevalier holiday package for seamless door-to-door travel.
It depends on your priorities. Chantemerle has the most nightlife and accommodation options. Villeneuve is quieter with excellent beginner terrain - good for families. Briançon is a real town with history and amenities but requires a lift or bus to the main slopes. Monêtier is furthest from the action but has the thermal baths and best restaurants. All are connected by free bus and ski lifts, so you can explore the whole valley wherever you stay.
Yes - tree skiing is one of Serre Chevalier's strengths. The valley is forested with larch trees that provide excellent skiing through the trees, particularly on the runs between Villeneuve and Chantemerle. The trees offer shelter on stormy days and beautiful scenery when the sun filters through. It's one of the best resorts in France for glade skiing.
Serre Chevalier benefits from its southern Alps location - it has more sunshine than northern resorts, with a summit reaching 2,800m for snow security. The north-facing slopes hold snow well, while south-facing aspects can get soft in the afternoon. Snowmaking covers key pistes. The season typically runs from early December through late April, with the most reliable conditions from January through March.
Serre Chevalier is notably cheaper than the big-name French resorts like Val d'Isère, Courchevel, or Méribel. Ski passes, accommodation, food, and drink are all more affordable. You get genuine French character and 250km of skiing without the premium pricing. It's one of the better-value options in the French Alps for the quality of skiing on offer.
La Grave is about 30 minutes by car from Serre Chevalier. It's one of Europe's most famous freeride destinations, with a single cable car accessing wild, unpatrolled terrain. A day trip is feasible for experienced off-piste skiers, though a guide is highly recommended since La Grave is serious mountain terrain. It's not included on the Serre Chevalier ski pass, so you'll need to buy a separate ticket.
The Grands Bains is a highlight of any Serre Chevalier visit. Natural thermal springs feed indoor and outdoor pools, with temperatures around 17-40°C. There are saunas, steam rooms, relaxation areas, and massage treatments available. The outdoor pools have stunning mountain views, which are particularly atmospheric in the evening with the peaks lit up. It's suitable for all ages and makes an excellent rest-day activity or après-ski experience. Book ahead during busy periods.
Yes. Each main village has dedicated beginner areas, with Villeneuve having particularly good nursery slopes in the Fréjus sector. The terrain is gentle and well-groomed, with progression runs leading naturally to easier blues. Ski schools throughout the valley cater well to first-timers. It's not a purpose-built beginners' resort like some Alpine options, but the facilities and terrain are perfectly adequate for learning to ski.
France's highest city at 1,200m, with UNESCO World Heritage Vauban fortifications dating from the 17th century. It's a proper town with year-round life, shops, restaurants, and historic character.
Val Thorens - La Plagne - Chamonix - Tignes - Avoriaz - Val d'Isère - Méribel - Les Arcs - Les Menuires - Courchevel - Flaine - La Clusaz - Samoëns - La Rosière - Montgenèvre - Val Cenis - Megève - St Martin de Belleville - Isola 2000 - Risoul - Valmorel - Les Gets - Morzine - Les Deux Alpes - Alpe d'Huez - Vaujany - Sainte Foy Tarentaise - Saint Gervais les bains - Châtel - Les Houches - Les Sybelles - Les Carroz - Les Contamines-Montjoie - Les Orres - Les Saisies
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