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Serre Chevalier Ski Holidays
Tucked into the Southern French Alps near the Italian border, this vast ski area combines the charm of traditional alpine villages with the serious ski credentials of a world-class mountain destination.
Unlike some purpose-built French resorts, Serre Chevalier feels authentically French. The valley stretches over 15km and is dotted with 13 villages, from the historic fortified town of Briançon at one end to the pretty spa village of Le Monêtier-les-Bains at the other. This gives it a refreshingly local feel - more boulangeries and family-run bistros, fewer soulless high-rise blocks. It’s a place where you can ski hard all day, then wind down with raclette and wine in a cosy chalet, surrounded by locals who actually live here year-round.
It’s also one of the most underrated big ski areas in France. Serre Chevalier punches well above its weight with 250km of pistes, 61 lifts, and a vertical drop of 1,600m. Much of the skiing winds through enchanting larch forests - a welcome contrast to the barren high-alpine landscapes of some larger resorts. The terrain is varied, the atmosphere relaxed, and the sunshine practically guaranteed. In short, Serre Chevalier has everything you want in a French ski holiday, without the crowds or attitude.
Four charming villages and a massive 250km of tree-lined pistes!
Rebecca Dodson, Sales Manager
Mountain facts
Serre Chevalier Vallée offers one of the most extensive and varied ski areas in the Southern French Alps, with an impressive 250km of pistes to explore. The ski domain stretches from the historic town of Briançon at 1,200m up to a lofty 2,800m, giving a vertical drop of around 1,600m - more than enough to get your legs burning. The terrain is beautifully balanced, with 23 green runs for beginners, 28 blues for cruisers, 37 reds for confident intermediates, and 16 challenging blacks for experts who like to earn their après-ski.
Snow conditions in Serre Chevalier
You might think a resort this far south would struggle with snow, but Serre Chevalier’s geography works in its favour. Most slopes face north or north-east, meaning the snow stays cold and fresh long after other southern resorts have started slushing up. The upper bowls above Le Monêtier-les-Bains, reaching over 2,700m, hold onto powder beautifully, while the tree-lined lower slopes offer shelter when the weather turns.
Snowmaking is extensive too - roughly 80km of pistes are covered - so you’re unlikely to find a bare patch even late in the season. Between altitude, orientation, and coverage, Serre Chevalier offers some of the most reliable snow in the Southern Alps under that famous Mediterranean sun.
Skiing in Serre Chevalier
Skiing here feels unhurried. Serre Chevalier caters well to intermediate and advanced skiers, with long, flowing runs that meander through larch forests and open bowls.
Every main village has easy-to-access nursery slopes for beginners, and there are excellent beginner areas higher up the mountain, too - particularly around the Fréjus chairlift in Villeneuve. Learning here feels less intimidating than in the mega-resorts, and once you’ve got your turns down, the progression to gentle blue runs is seamless.
Intermediates will be in their element. There’s a wealth of long, scenic trails that snake down the mountain - some stretching up to 10km. Runs like Cucumelle, Le Petit Alpe, and the blues and reds off the Bachas chairlift are ideal for those who like to cruise and take in the views. You can easily spend a whole day skiing from village to village, discovering new terrain without repeating a run.
Advanced skiers have plenty to chew on, too. The Olympic Luc Alphand black run in Chantemerle - named after the local downhill champion - is one of the fastest and most exhilarating descents in the Alps. Elsewhere, you’ll find steep, technical terrain off Tête de Grand Pré and some excellent natural gullies and couloirs if you’re brave enough to venture off-piste (best done with a guide). For freeriders, the backcountry potential here is vast and varied - and often blissfully empty.
Snowboarding in Serre Chevalier
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Snowboarders love Serre Chevalier for one simple reason: it’s a freeride paradise. The mountain’s natural contours - banks, gullies, rollers, and perfectly spaced larch trees - make it feel like one giant, natural snowpark. It’s a dream for riders who prefer the mountain to the man-made.
Freestyle fans aren’t left out, either. The Villeneuve snowpark is designed for all levels, with progressive features from gentle boxes to serious kickers. There’s also a dedicated boardercross course in Chantemerle for those who enjoy some friendly competition and a bit of adrenaline.
For freeriders, the terrain is exceptional. The wooded areas off the Cibouit chair in Monêtier offer endless powder stashes after a snowfall, while higher up, the open bowls deliver wide, fast turns with panoramic views. And thanks to the resort’s layout, you can easily hop between tree runs and open terrain in a single descent.
Whether you’re into carving, jibbing, or chasing powder, Serre Chevalier offers the variety that keeps every day fresh.
Accommodation in Serre Chevalier
Accommodation in Serre Chevalier is spread across its four main villages: Briançon, Chantemerle, Villeneuve, and Le Monêtier-les-Bains, offering a range of options from budget-friendly apartments to luxurious spa hotels with stunning mountain views.
All accommodation in Serre Chevalier
What's available at Serre Chevalier ski resort?
Après-ski in Serre Chevalier
Serre Chevalier’s après scene is fun, friendly, and refreshingly down-to-earth. You won’t find the wild party vibe of Val Thorens or Méribel here - it’s more great wine-and-live-music than table-dancing-in-ski-boots. Still, there’s plenty of life after the last lifts.
- Le 1420 is a must-visit - a stylish wine and spirits bar named after the village’s altitude, known for its huge selection of wines, local charcuterie platters, and regular DJ nights.
- If you want to keep things going, head to Les Caves de Serre Chevalier, the valley’s late-night club. Expect dancing, cocktails, and a crowd that’s equal parts ski instructor and seasonaire.
- For a more laid-back evening, Pizza Le Repère is famous for its artisanal pizzas (you’ll never look at a frozen supermarket pizza the same way again).
- La Manouille serves up hearty Savoyard dishes like fondue and raclette in a cosy, wood-panelled setting.
- If you just want to relax with a drink in the sun, La Grotte in Villeneuve offers a buzzing terrace right on the slopes - perfect for après in your ski boots.
- Over in Chantemerle, The Station sits at the foot of the Luc Alphand run, offering the best view of the action as the last skiers sweep in.
Facilities in Serre Chevalier
There are a host of top facilities available at Serre Chevalier ski resort. You can find fantastic accommodation, traditional shops and a wide array of other leisure activities.
Facilities for children in Serre Chevalier
Families are exceptionally well catered for here - this is a resort that genuinely understands what makes skiing with kids work.
The ESF ski schools in each village run excellent children’s programs, including Children’s Villages designed to introduce little ones (as young as 2) to the snow in a fun, safe, and playful environment. Lessons are conducted in small groups with English-speaking instructors, making it easy for UK families to feel at home.
There are dedicated beginner zones throughout the resort, like the Petits Domaines areas, which allow kids to progress gently from nursery slopes to easy greens without getting overwhelmed. Off the slopes, plenty keeps them entertained - from sledging and ice skating to snowshoe walks and the popular Wigwam night snowshoe and fondue trips in Monêtier.
This combination of natural beauty, great instruction, and relaxed charm makes Serre Chevalier one of the most family-friendly resorts in France.
Why choose Erna Low for Serre Chevalier skiing holidays?
Incredible value holidays: We’ll beat any competitor’s price, giving you the best value for money.
Huge choice of accommodation: Choose from bargain breaks, 5-star premium deals and so much more.
Customisable travel: We specialise in fully customisable ski holidays; offering a wide range of options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Fully protected bookings: We’re ABTOT and ATOL members and abide by their Code of Conduct.
5-star Trustpilot reviews: We pride ourselves on the service we provide, which is why out of 10 of our clients would recommend us.
Enjoy the famous southern French sunshine while exploring one of the Alps' largest ski domains.
Jane Bolton, Product Director
