France’s Hidden Alpine Gem
In a world of flashy, extravagant ski resorts, rustic Serre Chevalier breaks the cookie-cutter mould.
Less crowded and better priced than the bigger names to the north, the Serre Chevalier ski resort is one of the French Alps’ last hidden gems. Its sweeping terrain moves from pristine, high-altitude pistes to stellar freeride drops, with natural half pipes and enough exhilarating woodland runs to last a lifetime.
Serre Chevalier Ski Resort
Serre Chevalier is made up of a sparkling constellation of French villages that wind along the sun-kissed valley.
Many find the unique, laid-back charm of the Serre Chevalier ski resort refreshing. Its huddles of cosy bars rather than wild nightlife spots make it the perfect resort for a more relaxed, slope-focussed and budget-friendly ski holiday in the French Alps.
Resort Statistics
| Base: | 1035 meters |
| Summit: | 3842 meters |
| No. of Pistes: | 115 |
| Total Piste: | 250 km |
| Cross Country: | 43 km |
| Total Lifts: | 64 |
| Gondolas/ Cable Cars: | 13 |
| Chairlifts: | 18 |
| Drag Lifts: | 32 |
Piste Map
Serre Chevalier Ski Areas & Slopes
With 250 km of pistes spread across several mountains, Serre Chevalier offers a thrilling variety of terrain. But it also means that carefully planning your time on the Serre Chevalier piste map is essential before beginning your ski holiday.
Le Monêtier-les-Bains
The starting point for any Serre Chevalier ski holiday, offering a variety of slopes for every level.
Intermediate-Advanced: Freshly groomed slopes from sweeping reds to steep blacks plummeting to base station, as well as off-piste terrain through sprawling forests.
Beginners: Gentle nursery slopes at the very bottom are ideal for beginners practicing their first turns
Villeneuve
The biggest of the Serre Chevalier's ski areas, these slopes draw the most crowds.
Intermediate-Advanced: A number of epic reds and blacks lure the most advanced skiers, including steep blasts through the controlled un-pisted “Brut de Neige" zones.
Beginners: Some of the best beginner areas in Serre Chevalier lie around the La Aravet mid-station, where a gentle, picturesque green weaves its way back to base.
Chantemerle
The beating heart of Serre Chevalier, its visitors chase the ultimate winter sports experience.
Intermediate-Advanced: Big open bowls with sweeping blues and reds along the ridgeline, as well as the famous “Luc-Alphand” Olympic black run.
Beginners: The Serre Ratier mid-station offers wide, open stretches with fantastic nursery slopes and a gentle green for beginners ready to take a step up.
Briançon
The smallest yet most charming of Serre Chevalier's ski areas, steeped in history and breathtaking views.
Intermediate-Advanced: Mostly roaming, sunny blues and reds, with the Vauban piste descending past medieval forts into the bustling historic town.
Beginners: Not the first port of call for novices, although a small nursery slope sits at the Plateau de Pralong mid-point.
Ski Holidays in Serre Chevalier
With over 100 slopes to choose from, making sure you buy the right Serre Chevalier Ski Pass is essential to making the most of your ski holiday.
Serre Chevalier Ski Passes
Serre Chevalier ski pass prices and options depend on the time of year of your ski holiday, with lower prices available pre-Christmas.
SerreCheAddict Ski Pass gives you unlimited access to the entire Serre Chevalier ski area for 6 to 15 days. Adult prices start at €50 per day.
Evasion Pass is ideal for shorter spells on the peaks (from just 3 hours to 5 days), with prices starting at €40 per day and providing access to all parts of the Serre Chevalier ski map.
Découverte Pass is the Beginners Serre Chevalier Lift Pass, designed for visiting small areas for shorter periods. Prices for each ski area vary, starting at €14 for nursery slopes and €30 for small beginner areas.
Ski Schools
There are a number of well-regarded Serre Chevalier ski schools for both novices and experts. British ski school New Generation is particularly renowned, providing individual and group courses as well as more advanced technical clinics and adventure days.
Ski Hire in Serre Chevalier
You’ll find everything you need in the Serre Chevalier equipment hire shops. Brechu Sports in Villeneuve offers a range of premium ski clothing brands, while the Skis Serre Chevalier ski rental shop allows you to reserve equipment online before you arrive.
A Family-Friendly Resort
With an abundance of modestly-priced hotels and areas catering for varying ski abilities, Serre Chevalier is a fantastic family ski resort. Nursery slopes and ski schools with snow gardens at each base make it ideal for younger family members. There are also a range of English-speaking childcare options including EurekaSKI and Les Poussins.
Serre Chevalier Winter Sports
Snowboarding Holidays in Serre Chevalier
The rugged Serre Chevalier terrain, with its extreme drop-offs, steep gullies and big alpine bowls, make it a hotspot for snowboarding holidays in the French Alps. Snowboarders looking to hone their skills should head to the free ride half pipe in Villeneuve before taking on the Serre Chevalier stunt park, where the names of thrilling jumps like Big Air and Snake speak for themselves.
Serre Chevalier Cross-Country
43 km of cross-country trails wind along the Serre Chevalier valley floor, following the sparkling Guisane river through snowy larch forests. The stunning Serre Chevalier cross-country trails are suitable for intermediate levels and there is a trail fee of €7 per day.
When to Go?
Snow Report
Serre Chevalier snow conditions are generally reliable as the ski resort is blessed with mostly north-facing slopes and a high tree-line. Fresh powder is deepest towards the end of January. However excellent snow cover is guaranteed throughout the winter due to the resort’s extensive snowmaking networks and snow cannons.
View the latest Serre Chevalier snow report here.