Serre Chevalier ski resort is a true hidden gem. Comprising four villages at the southwestern end of the French Alps. Serre Chevalier extends across the majestic Ecrins National Park. Cobblestone streets and traditional wooden chalets lend it a whimsical charm, and the relaxed après-ski scene makes it superb for families.
Serre Chevalier ski holidays are beginner-friendly, with heaps of cruisy corduroy leading back to the resort. And seasoned snow-goers need not worry: with a total of 81 runs spanning 250km, mostly in the blue-to-red range, there’s ample terrain to explore via skis or snowboards.
Need another reason to visit? Ski holidays at Serre Chevalier are also renowned for their bright bluebird days—about 300 days of sunshine each year. But don’t worry, 80% of the pistes are above 2,000m, so there’s always plenty of the white stuff to shred.
Serre Chevalier ski holidays can begin as early as mid-December and run through to mid-April. Serre Chevalier is a bit more low-key and under the radar than its more famous neighbours, making it great value and less crowded (win-win!). And for families looking for a winter wonderland experience, Serre Chevalier ski holidays in December and early-January are true magic, but for spring skiing with glorious sunshine, aim forMarch onwards.
Snow conditions in Serre Chevalier
The snow is always pretty reliable in Serre Chevalier ski resort – most runs are high up above 2,000m and north-facing, meaning there’s less chance of a slush fest. If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, most of the snow dumps in December, with lighter flurries in January and February, and a top-up just in time for Spring in early March. If it is a bit of a lean year, don't fret! Snow cannons cover 30% of the pistes, so you’ll still have plenty of slopes to cruise, whatever the snow gods decide.
Things to do in Serre Chevalier
Ice Karts - Enjoy the thrill of racing on a real-life Mario Kart circuit at Saint-Chaffrey.
Snowkiting - Head to Col du Lautaret for dedicated zones and professional instructors - a real adrenaline rush!
Night skiing - Ski after-hours on floodlit slopes, then enjoy dinner at "Spot de Pralong" high-altitude restaurant.
Briançon - Hop on the local shuttle bus to enjoy ice rinks, casinos, and bowling!
Aquatic Centre - Family pools, flumes, and wellness areas.
ALP'SQUASH - Head here for Aquabike treatments and some truly zen Japanese sauna time.
Restaurants in Serre Chevalier
Le Refuge - Cheese lovers rejoice; this cosy tavern serves up some of the best raclette and fondue in town.
Le Jardin - A trip to the Alps isn’t complete without crepes. This spot keeps things fresh with daily specials and classic favs.
L’Equilibre - Fresh blue lobster in the mountains – yes, really! Make sure you come hungry, portions here are generous!
Le Bivouac - The highest-altitude restaurant in Serre Chevalier. Grab a burger and enjoy panoramic views of the Alps from the sunny open terrace.
Nightlife & Apres in Serre Chevalier
With bars scattered across various villages, the Serre Chevalier après scene offers chilled, laid-back nightlife…
Le Chazelay - At the base of Casse du Boeuf chairlift, this is the spot for an end-of-day catch-up over a cold bevvy.
Le 1420 - A favourite amongst night owls – party until the wee hours in Villeneuve with wine, charcuterie boards and live music.
L'Alpen - Live sports and great tunes, this is THE place in Le Monetier to hang out with friends after a fun day on the slopes.
FAQs about Serre Chevalier ski holidays Your questions answered by our Serre Chevalier skiing expert
Yes, Serre Chevalier ski holidays offer fantastic terrain for all skiers, with slopes ranging from tree-lined valley runs to high-altitude peaks.
Beginner skiers will enjoy the heaps of gentle greens and blues, while the more adventurous will find off-piste forest runs, near-vertical drops, and pow-packed bowls aplenty awaiting.
How snow-sure is a Serre Chevalier ski holiday?
Generally, Serre Chevalier ski holidays are pretty snow-sure. With many of the resort’s slopes sitting at around 2,800m, snow retention is solid, with the addition of a substantial artificial-snow network covering a significant portion of the ski area, should things ever look a little lean.
When’s the best time to book a Serre Chevalier ski trip?
January, February, and March tend to be the best times of year to book a Serre Chevalier ski holiday, with the resort’s high-altitude slopes making this the most reliable time of year for good snow totals.
January Serre Chevalier ski holidays are ideal for couples andgroups looking to enjoy a post-Christmas break with some of the season’s best snow and great ski deals on offer.
February ski holidays in Serre Chevalier are great for families, with the half-term break serving as a perfect time to enrol little ones in ski school while you hit the slopes. (Just remember to book early, as lesson slots and accommodation fill up quickly!)
Serre Chevalier March ski holidays are perfect for groups, with quiet slopes, longer daylight hours, and plenty of bluebird skies to enjoy the après-ski under.
Is Serre Chevalier good for beginner skiing?
Yes, Serre Chevalier is an excellent ski holiday for beginners, offering dedicated “Discovery” and beginner zones. Each of Serre Chevalier’s villages has its own nursery and beginner slopes, and the overall terrain of the Serre Chevalier ski area tends to favour relaxed intermediates and novices.
Looking for more great beginner ski holiday options in France? Click here.
Is Serre Chevalier good for family ski holidays?
Yes, Serre Chevalier is a fantastic family-friendly resort. With a mix of varied slopes (from first-timers to more challenging runs), dedicated “Discovery” and beginner zones, and gentle tree-lined pistes for young children, it offers the ideal place for newcomers and packs of energetic seasoned piste pups.
Want to see more of France’s best family ski resorts? Click here.
Is Serre Chevalier ski resort good for advanced skiers?
Yes. Serre Chevalier ski trips are great for experts. They offer plenty of fantastic red and black runs, along with heaps of tree-lined pistes and off-piste powder playgrounds at higher elevations, combining great snow cover with natural obstacles and some serious, exhilarating vertical drops.
Is Serre Chevalier good for snowboard holidays?
Yes, Serre Chevalier snowboard holidays offer a fantastic mix of wide, open slopes, tree-lined pistes, bowls, and more gentle terrain than you can count (alongside snow parks and fun zones!).
Where do you fly into for Serre Chevalier ski resort?
Turin Airport (Italy) is about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from the Serre Chevalier resort, although Geneva Airport, Grenoble Airport, and Chambéry Airport are all about 3 hours away, making it highly accessible and great for bagging cheap flight deals.
Can you travel via train to Serre Chevalier ski resort?
Yes, you can. You can take an overnight or daytime train from Paris to Briançon, where shuttle buses and local transport links can take you directly to the Serre Chevalier’s other ski villages and lifts.
How big is the ski area in Serre Chevalier?
Serre Chevalier’s ski area is enormous, with roughly 250km of marked pistes to carve across the French Alps.
Can you go night skiing in Serre Chevalier?
Yes, Serre Chevalier has floodlit night skiingavailable several days a week throughout the half-term, offering even more hours on the mountain.
Hotels & Apartments in Serre Chevalier
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