Ski holidays in Serre Chevalier

Extensive and quality skiing with lots of tree skiing for all levels

  • Ski to 2,800 metres 
  • Transfer time of 2 hours 30 mins by coach from Turin airport
  • 250 kilometres of skiable terrain

The resort of Serre Chevalier takes its name from the peak that dominates the Guisane Valley and is made up of four separate villages. This fantastic ski area has 250 kilometres of well interconnected pistes, ample off piste opportunities above Villeneuve and Monetier and probably more trees than any other resort in Europe. We've chosen accommodation situated in the villages of Villeneuve and Chantemerle for their good selection of bars, restaurants and shops. 

Skiing and snowboarding in Serre Chevalier

Beginners are well catered for with the ski areas 'discovery' zones which are made up of green pistes, perfect for gaining confidence before expanding your terrain. The 'Petits Domaines' area are great for those of working up to an intermediate level with access to some easy, cruisy blue slopes and a range of red runs to whizz down. You'll also find plenty of slopes here to challenge you if you're an advanced skier or boarder, with 15 black runs with some very steep descents down from the peaks. Serre Chevalier offers some quick powder fixes or whole days of off piste with opportunities for you to go with a guide to really make the most of what these mountains have to offer. The ski area provides some fantastic opportunities for free riding as the whole area is essentially one huge snow park - there are plenty of tight, tree lined runs, ravines and long steeps slopes for you to really push your skills to the limit. 

Where to stay in Serre Chevalier

Across the villages of Villeneuve and Chantemerle, we have a range of 3 and 4 star hotels and apartments available. All of our accommodation is family friendly and located either in the centre of resort or within a 2-3 minutes' walk away. It's also between a 1-3 minutes' walk to the nearest ski lift, so no matter where you decide to stay, you'll have easy access to the ski area and a range of bars, restaurants and shops. You'll also find a range of spa facilities in each property including swimming pools, fitness rooms and saunas as well as spa treatments available at a local charge. 

Bars and restaurants in Serre Chevalier

Staying in Serre Chevalier, you can enjoy traditional French cooking. Across resort you'll find a number of atmospheric restaurants and cafes. Some of our favourites include restaurant l'Étage which serves mountain specialities including Fondue Savoyarde, Raclette sur rampe, Tartiflette and Pierrade and restaurant Le Gavroche which cooks traditional dishes using fresh, local and seasonal ingredients.

Serre Chevalier is a fairly quiet resort, however the Villeneuve side of resort is where all the après ski scene is and you'll still be able to stop somewhere for a drink and a dance. Le Royal is a bar located at the bottom of the Chantemerle slopes and has great music as well as a warm, welcoming atmosphere. They also serve small bites here including crêpes, so it's a good choice for an after ski snack and drink.

What's included in an Inghams Ski holiday to Serre Chevalier 

Flights, transfers and accommodation based on self catering, bed & breakfast or half board Please see the 'Ski extras' tab below for information on the optional extras including ski hire, lift pass and tuition. 

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Added value

Buy One Get One Half Price on all 6 day lift passes for 4, 11 & 18 Jan 2025 (Book at least 7 days before departure)

Ski hotels in Serre Chevalier

  • from£1073pp
  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    3 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • 40 rooms
Hotel Plein Sud - restaurant

The Hotel Plein Sud is a lovely family-run hotel in the centre of the Chantemerle village located only 250m from the ski lifts and bottom of the famous Luc Alphand run. 

  • from£1359pp
  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    4 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • 60 rooms
Grand Aigle exterieur.jpg

The Grand Aigle is a stylish four-star hotel furnished in a traditional style, offered on a half-board basis and with a range of facilities, this hotel ticks all the boxes for a winter holiday in Serre Chevalier. 

  • from£609pp
  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    3.5 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • 76 rooms
FACADE7.JPG (1)

The self catered Résidence Aquisana Apartments were built in 2016, in a traditional Alpine style using stone and wood. The apartments are located just 500m from the Portillas cable, which gives easy access to the 250km of Serre Chevalier’s fantastic pistes.

  • from£999pp
  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    4 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

Parc Hotel and Spa Exterior (1)

Parc Hotel and Spa is located in the Briancon area and is just 300m from the Prorel cable car which will connect you to this fantastic ski area. The hotel is right in the middle of Briancon, close to all the shops and bars and is on an All Inclusive board basis.

Ski and Snowboard Information
Skiing levels
Beginner
Intermediates
Advanced
Snowboard
Cross country

Beginner skiing and snowboarding in Serre Chevalier

Serre Chevalier is a fantastic resort for beginners with plenty of gentle green runs across the lower half of the mountain and down into the valley. The excellent ski schools in the area are reassuringly friendly and provide first class tuition.

In Chantemerle beginners head up the mountain early to learn on the high, Serre Ratier nursery slope. The nearby Trois Croix green run is an excellent route, taking skiers and snowboarders from the Grand Alpe station all the way to the village. As a long run, gently winding through the trees, it is excellent for practicing your skiing or boarding technique.

There are some incredible green runs going into the village of Villeneuve. The Route de Fréjus in particular comes highly recommended, running all the way from Fréjus, past the hamlet of Le Bez and into the village.

As well as the high quality slopes in the valley, there are numerous blue runs higher up the mountain suitable for confident beginners. We recommend heading to the top of the Grand Serre chairlift for some of the most accessible blues in resort.

Intermediate skiing and snowboarding in Serre Chevalier

An ideal resort for intermediate skiers and boarders, easy to cruise red runs and tree-lined skiing typify the ski area. One of the most exciting red runs is the Cucumelle, accessible from the top of the Vallons chair in Fréjus. This beautiful open piste at the top of the mountain is perfect for skiers who enjoy a long run you can sink your teeth into.

Situated on a quieter part of mountain, the Aiguillette chair near Chantemerle offers spectacular red runs that are ideal for escaping the crowds. With pleasant tree-lined sections, the Aiguillette and the Éduits reds are the perfect tranquil retreats where you can still pick up a bit of speed.

The Monêtier section of Serre Chevalier is further out than the central section, but is still readily accessible using the resort’s excellent and free ski bus service. It is a must visit for lovers of tree skiing, with the winding Clot Gaillard providing some of the best tree action in resort.

Lovers of spectacular views should absolutely head to the red runs above Briançon. Skiing the runs from the top of the Prorel 2 gondola will turn up delightful vistas of the historic town and its UNESCO World Heritage status fortress.

Advanced skiing and snowboarding in Serre Chevalier

The freeride possibilities and truly enjoyable black runs of Serre Chevalier will delight expert skiers and boarders. Head to the villages of Villeneuve and Chantemerle for the steepest black runs in resort: the Casse du Boeuf and the Luc Alphand.

Both these runs are great fun, with a sustained steepness that allow you to build up serious speed. The Casse du Boeuf in particular is very quick and incredibly exciting. Elsewhere on the mountain, ungroomed black runs known as ‘brut de neige’ provide skiers with challenging on piste terrain.

The off-piste terrain above the tree line of Villeneuve and Chantemerle is easily accessible, in particular in the Cucumelle valley. All you need do here is ski to the side of the Cucumelle run to access simple off-piste slopes. It is the perfect place to get your off-piste ski legs back.

With its steep slopes and large bowls, Monétier provides the best off-piste experience in Serre Chevalier. Take the Yret lift, above Monétier to access an incredible snow bowl with plenty of snow for you to leave your tracks in. 

Freestyle and terrain parks in Serre Chevalier

Easily accessed from Villeneuve and Chantemerle, the excellent snow park in the heart of Serre Chevelier is suitable for all levels, from beginner freestylers to experienced experts. The park is split into four separate areas with each zone offering modules suitable for different abilities.

A dedicated lift serves the Serre Chevalier snow park and a video zone will film your runs so you can watch your awesome moves. The park even has a ‘CoolZone’ where you can chill out, listen to music and enjoy the BBQ. It is an ideal location to spend an afternoon – whether you want to practice your tricks or simply soak up the atmosphere.

The MélèZone near the Forêt and Orée du Bois chairlifts is a unique snowpark in a stunning woodland setting. Suitable for intermediate and expert freestyle skiers and snowboarders, the modules are specially built from the local larch wood, seamlessly blending in with nature.

Speed is of the essence at the Serre Chevalier boarder cross, near Chantemerle. A competitive area, each corner and banked turn is carefully honed to make the course as fast as possible. This a great challenge for expert skiers and boarders.

The FunnyCross couldn’t be more different to the course at Chantemerle. An easy course above Briançon, this accessible area is suitable for all abilities. The watchword here is fun and the course is perfect for the whole family.

Cross-country skiing in Serre Chevalier

The wide Guisane valley makes Serre Chevalier an excellent destination for cross-country skiers. With 40km of trails, you can skate all the way from Villeneuve to Les Boussardes at the end of the valley.

There are a couple of short loops, perfect for complete beginners. The green Les Abeyres is situated just outside Villeneuve, and at 1.5km is an ideal length for those learning to cross-country ski.

Experienced cross-country skiers can attempt trails up to 27km long. During the height of winter the trails will take you through magical scenery: across snow covered fields, past charming villages, and into mysterious forests.

The opening of the trails is dependent on the snow conditions. Passes and equipment can be purchased locally.


Mountain facts
Area 250 km
Resort Altitude 1400m
Ski Alt. From 1326m
Ski Alt. To 2735m
Runs 13 26 29 13
Longest run 9 Km
Lifts Chairlifts 17, Cable car 1, Draglifts 32, Gondolas 6
Lift Ski LockersNo
Whole Area Pass Lifts56
Night Skiing IncludedNo
Snow Cannons560
Cross Country Trails

35km of trails

Night Skiing

Night skiing available in Villeneuve

Off-piste OptionsYes
Slope DirectionNE, E, SE
Snowpark Info

1 snowpark

Walking15
Things To Do

Things to do in Serre Chevalier 

Restaurants, food and drink

Serre Chevalier is an excellent destination for the authentic mountain hut experience, and the mountain restaurants certainly don’t disappoint. La Peyra Juana, above the village of Monétier is a classic French mountain hut: friendly and popular with the locals. It is a great place to visit for the traditional French cuisine and delightful atmosphere.

Located in the tiny village of Fréjus, midway up the mountain, is the delightful Pi Maï restaurant. With an exceptional menu of grilled meats, steak and regional cuisine, this charming restaurant is an excellent destination for lunch.

Conveniently located above the Casse du Boeuf, the chalet style Bivouac de la Casse has a large terrace, which is ideal for catching some rays on a bluebird day. If that wasn’t enough, the tasty menu of burgers, tartiflettes and other delights are served with a smile by the friendly staff.

For excellent, traditional French cuisine off the mountain, head to either La Marotte or La Pastorale in Villeneuve. La Marotte and La Pastorale are two of the most popular restaurants in the resort and it’s not hard to see why. Both are tiny restaurants with a charming atmosphere and friendly service.

In Chantemerle Le Loup Blanc has a delightful interior of wandering wooden beams and charming decorations, giving the place a very traditional feel. The regional dishes are fresh and delicious and the meals are complimented by a fine choice of wines.

Après, bars, clubs and nightlife

The village of Villeneuve is the lively heart of Serre Chevalier, and the destination to head to for most of your après ski needs. La Grotte pub is situated at the base of the pistes – perfectly placed for après. Live bands and DJs keep this place thriving until late into the evening.

As the evening turns to night, head to Le Caves de Serre Chevalier, a lively nightclub and cocktail bar. It is the ideal destination for large groups and those looking to party into the early hours of the morning.

For a quieter experience in Villenueve head to O Tapas Nieve. This classy little bar has an incredible wine selection in its cellar, as well as a special choice of beers and spirits. Le Cocoon is another good option, and a warm, cosy place for a drink.

At the foot of the Luc Alphand piste in Chatemerle, the Station is another great après ski destination. This popular bar has live entertainment most evenings and serves great food as well. Try the house special: fish ‘n chips.

Le Monêtier is the quietest village in Serre Chevalier but still has some of the nicest bars. The Blue Bird Cocktail Bar really stands out from the crowd. With a fantastic stone arch interior, and a splendid cocktail menu, this is one of the most elegant after-ski destinations in resort.

Shopping

The winding streets in the villages of Serre Chevalier are perfect for wandering and stumbling upon little shops. There are plenty of stores selling and renting winter sports equipment, and small supermarkets or delicatessens where you can grab a bite to eat.

Undoubtedly, the main destination to head to for all your shopping needs is Briançon. The highest town in France, there are plenty of shops selling a wide range of products. It is a great place to visit to look for gifts to take home to friends and family.

Spas and relaxation

Serre Chevalier is well known for the thermal baths in Monêtier, Les Grand Bains du Monêtier. The indoor pool is naturally heated and a wide range of facilities, including Jacuzzi, Roman baths and steam rooms ensure plenty of ways to relax. Visitors can also enjoy an extensive range of health and beauty treatments.

The Pure Altitude Spa at the Le Grand Aigle Hotel is ideal for all guests staying in Les Bez. This excellent spa has a unique décor, with vaulted stone ceilings, providing a fantastic ambience in which to relax. Facilities include a sauna and a whirlpool, with beauty treatments possible to reserve and pay for locally.

Arts, culture and events

Serre Chevalier is a uniquely fascinating ski resort for those interested in history. The walled old town and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Briançon has an incredible past. The old fortress was built in the 18th Century to help defend the town from invasion from the Duchy of Savoy.

At the end of the valley, the St Pierre Chapel in Monêtier has been converted into the delightful little Musée d’Art Sacré. The museum contains a fascinating collection of religious art dating as far back as the 15th Century, and hosts regular exhibitions.

Serre Chevalier resort activities

Ice rink 

The ice rink in Serre Chevalier is open all winter season and is of Olympic dimensions so you'll have plenty of space to practice and perfect your technique. Enjoy a solo skating session or make the most of the activities they have on offer for families and friends - there are also 'Ice Garden' activities available during the school holidays.

Fat bike

Continue working those legs off of the slopes and hop on a fat bike tour. Fat biking is a great way to explore the mountains away from the busy pistes and you'll also get some fantastic photo opportunities along the way!

Mushing

Take a trip through the snow on a dog sled and watch as the peaks pass by. This activity can be found in the Briançon village. You'll have the opportunity to drive the sled yourself or if you'd prefer to sit back and take photos, a professional musher will steer the sleigh for you. 

Bowling

Spend an evening with family or friends and enjoy a game of bowling at Serre Chevaliers recreational leisure centre in Briançon. You'll also find other games for children including table football and shuffle boards and for adults there is a bar serving drinks and cocktails. 

Escape room 

Test your wits and try solve a series of mysteries and riddles and the Serre Chevalier Escape Game. There are 2 rooms and the story comes straight out of you and your groups imagination - will you be able to solve the puzzle?

Lift Pass

6 days

Season

Child
5 - 11 years

Adult 
12 - 64 years

Senior
65 - 74 years

Whole Area Pass

Low

£201

£243

£222

High

£249

£303

£276

Buy One Get One Half Price on all 6 day lift passes for 4, 11 & 18 Jan 2025 (While stocks last and needs to be booked at least 7 days before departure).

Lift pass information

Lift pass includes a day skiing in Montgenèvre, Sestriere, Puy Saint Vincent or Les 2 Alpes (transport extra).

Free lift passes for children under 5 years are issued locally, photo ID is required.

Season dates

Low season: 01 Nov - 20 Dec 24 & 05 Apr -30 Apr 25

High season: 21 Dec 24 - 04 Apr 25

 

Prices and supplements are correct at time of publishing. Up-to-date prices are confirmed at time of booking.

Equipment Hire
6 days Category

Child

6 - 12 years

Adults

13 years +

Skis Red - £99
Black - £118
Skis & boots Blue - £115
Red £95 £133
Black - £158

White category skis, boots and helmet are available for children aged 3 – 5 years: £52

6 days Category

Child

8 - 12 years

Adults

13 years +

Snowboard Red - £99
Black - £118
Snowboard & boots Red £95 £133
Black - £158

 

Equipment information

A helmet is included for children.

Please see here for description of hire categories.

Prices and supplements are correct at time of publishing. Up-to-date prices are confirmed at time of booking.

Tuition

Ski tuition 

Child 6 - 12 years

Adult 13 years +

6 days AM

£187

£187

 

Snowboard tuition 

Child 8 - 11 years

Adult 12 years +

6 days AM

£187

£187

Tuition information

  • Ski and snowboard 6 days AM timings: 9:30am - 12:00pm
  • During Christmas and Feb holidays, AM timings: 9:00am - 11:30am

Levels of tuition

  • Beginner: never skied before
  • Level 1: advanced beginner; can control speed, snowplough and change direction on gentle slopes 
  • Level 2: low intermediate; snowplough turns and start to ski parallel
  • Level 3: good intermediate; parallel turns 
  • Advanced: fully confident on all slopes and looking to improve technique

Please ensure you pre-book tuition for high season dates to avoid the ski schools being fully booked.

 

Prices and supplements are correct at time of publishing. Up-to-date prices are confirmed at time of booking.

Travel Information

All our holidays include return travel to resort by flight and then the transfers between the airport and Serre Chevalier.

Departures are on Saturdays with stays for 7 or 14 nights.

Transfer Times

  • Turin airport: approx. 2 hours 30 minutes by coach

The transfer in Serre Chevalier will stop as chose as possible to your chosen accommodation. In some cases there may be a couple of minutes' walk due to regulations on where coaches can stop.

Travel By Air

Flights to Turin from Bristol, Gatwick and Luton

All our flights are early morning, so providing there are no delays you will get to resort in good time to settle in.

Private transfers and self drive options are available.

Travel By Train

We have a 7 night train option to Serre Chevalier that can be booked on line.

This is a train that departs and returns Saturdays which a much shorter transfer of 50 minutes from Oulx railway station.

Here are the provisional timings

Saturdays 

Arrive

Depart

London St Pancras

-

 08:04

Change at Paris

12:47

14:45

Oulx

19:23

 

Upon arrival you meet you transfer up to Serre Chevalier (50 minutes)

The transfer in Paris is between the Gare du Nord station (linking to London) and the Gare de Lyon station (linking to Oulx). The transfer between the Paris railway stations is by RER, the local suburban train. It is just 2 stops and you will have tickets for this with the train tickets.

The train between Paris and Oulx is by the high speed TGV train.

Return timings are as follows

Saturdays

Arrive

Depart

Oulx

-

 08:36

Change at Paris

13:16

15:13

London St Pancras

16:30

 

Good to know

  • High altitude skiing 
  • Tree lined skiing and 250km of well connected pistes
  • Saturday departures via Turin airport
  • Train from St Pancras
  • Inghams rep service
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