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Serre Chevalier Ski Hire
Serre Chevalier is a ski area that rewards those who take the time to explore it properly.
Spread across a 27km valley in the Hautes-Alpes, it comprises four linked sectors - Briançon, Chantemerle, Villeneuve and Monêtier-les-Bains - with 250km of pistes served by around 60 lifts, reaching up to 2,800m. It's one of the largest ski areas in the southern French Alps, and it enjoys one of the best sunshine records anywhere in the Alps, with around 300 days of sun per year. Getting your ski hire booked before you travel through Erna Low means your equipment is ready the moment you arrive - leaving all of that sunshine and mountain to explore from day one.
The terrain at Serre Chevalier is impressively varied. Much of the lower skiing is through beautiful larch forests, which makes it excellent in poor visibility, while the upper bowls above the tree line offer wide, open intermediate skiing with sweeping views of the Écrins National Park. The resort has a genuine claim to something for everyone - well-designed beginner areas at Villeneuve and Monêtier, a strong selection of long reds and blues for intermediates, and some seriously demanding black runs, including the Casse du Boeuf into Villeneuve and the Olympique into Chantemerle for those who want a real challenge. There are also four snowparks and ample off-piste terrain for those keen to venture off-piste with a guide.
Serre Chevalier is also notable for its value. It's one of the better-priced major ski areas in France, and that combination of size, snow reliability and relative affordability makes it a perennial favourite with British skiers. Night skiing is available from Briançon and Villeneuve during school holidays, adding something different to the week for those who want more time on the slopes. Whatever your level and whatever brings you to the valley, having properly fitted, well-matched equipment makes the experience considerably better.
How do I book ski and snowboard equipment in Serre Chevalier through Erna Low?
Booking ski hire for Serre Chevalier is part of the Erna Low online holiday booking process, so everything stays in one place. After selecting your travel dates and accommodation, you'll reach the ski extras section, where you choose your equipment level and hire duration, add items to your basket, and continue with the rest of your booking. There's no separate process to follow and no need to contact hire shops directly.
Your equipment is pre-arranged with the Erna Low hire partner in Serre Chevalier and will be ready for collection at the named shop upon your arrival. This means your first morning in the resort is spent getting fitted and heading to the lifts, not sorting out equipment from scratch.
What is included in an Erna Low ski equipment hire package for Serre Chevalier?
A standard ski hire package includes skis, boots and poles. A snowboard package covers a board and boots. Helmets can be added as a standalone item and don't need to be booked as part of a full package.
If you're travelling with some of your own equipment, you can hire individual items only - boots on their own, skis and poles without boots, and so on. All equipment is fitted and adjusted by the hire shop staff when you collect it, and if anything doesn't feel right after the first day on the slopes, the shop can usually make adjustments or swap items.
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What is the difference between Eco, Evolution, Sensation, and Excellence ski equipment?
The four categories are matched to different ability levels, and choosing the right one makes a meaningful difference to how comfortable and in control you feel on the mountain.
- Eco is the entry-level option - stable, user-friendly skis designed for beginners and those who ski occasionally. The well-designed beginner areas at Villeneuve and Monêtier-les-Bains are the ideal terrain for this level, with gentle slopes and easy access from the valley floor.
- Evolution suits skiers who are building confidence on blues and starting to explore red runs. Serre Chevalier's excellent network of intermediate pistes through the larch forests above each village is perfect for skiers at this level, and Evolution equipment gives you the responsiveness to progress comfortably.
- Sensation is for confident intermediates and stronger skiers who want more reactive, higher-quality equipment. The long reds across the Grand Serre area above Villeneuve and Chantemerle, and the more technical terrain on the upper sections of the domain, reward this level of kit.
- Excellence is the top tier - high-performance skis for experienced skiers who want precision on demanding terrain. The Casse du Boeuf black into Villeneuve, the Olympique into Chantemerle, and the off-piste possibilities throughout the resort are all best approached with this level of equipment.
Can I hire ski equipment for young children in Serre Chevalier?
Yes - children's ski hire is available in Serre Chevalier and can be added to your booking alongside adult equipment. Equipment is available from age 3, including lightweight skis, boots and helmets, all correctly sized and fitted for younger skiers. The ESF ski schools across the four sectors each offer a Club Piou Piou programme for the youngest children, and the dedicated beginner areas at Villeneuve and Monêtier have safe, contained spaces for little ones to find their feet.
Should I book Serre Chevalier ski hire in advance or arrange it on arrival?
Pre-booking is the better choice. Booking through Erna Low as part of your holiday package means your equipment is secured before you travel, is typically cheaper than walk-in hire rates at resort shops, and saves time on your first morning. Serre Chevalier is spread across four villages - Briançon, Chantemerle, Villeneuve and Monêtier - so knowing exactly where to go to collect your pre-booked kit is also considerably simpler than arriving and having to assess options across the valley.
During peak periods, pre-booking is particularly important. February half-term and Christmas are both very popular times in Serre Chevalier, and demand for both hire equipment and preferred sizes can significantly outpace supply at busy periods. Booking in advance guarantees your equipment is ready and waiting at your chosen level and size.
FAQs
Where can I pick up my ski hire equipment in Serre Chevalier?
Erna Low customers can collect their gear from several conveniently located shops throughout the different villages of Serre Chevalier, ensuring you are never far from your accommodation or the slopes.
Is it possible to book Serre Chevalier ski hire in advance through Erna Low?
Yes, we highly recommend pre-booking your Serre Chevalier equipment through our website to secure the best rates and ensure your preferred kit is ready for your arrival.
What levels of equipment are available for Serre Chevalier ski hire?
Our local partners in Serre Chevalier offer a comprehensive range of equipment, from beginner packages to advanced options for skiers and snowboarders.
Can I swap my skis for a snowboard during my Serre Chevalier ski hire period?
Most shops in Serre Chevalier allow you to exchange your equipment once during the week for a small supplement, providing flexibility if you fancy a change of discipline.
If you cannot find what you are looking for please contact us and we can help you build your package.