Skiing & Snowboarding in Serre Chevalier

Serre Chevalier is made up of the town of Briançon at 1200 m, along with the traditional Alpine villages of Chantemerle, Villeneuve, and Le Monetier. With 250 km of pistes, Serre Chevalier is one of France's largest ski resorts, yet its southern Alps location means it's much quieter than big resorts further north so you can forget about lift queues and crowded pistes. Great snow and an abundance of larch trees make for some of the best tree runs in the French Alps. Add to that some epic off-piste descents from 3000 m and exciting high altitude ski touring itineraries and Serre Chevalier ticks a lot of boxes.

The skiing and snowboarding

Serre Chevalier is a skier and snowboarder’s paradise. There are plenty of tight, open trees, gullies, ravines and some long steeps to keep freeriders occupied. Freestylers will have the time of their lives as there’s a limitless number of hits. The whole place is one massive, natural snow park. In Villeneuve, there is a terrain park and an icy halfpipe for freestylers. The village of Monetier offers the best off-pistes making it an ideal place for advanced boarder. Beginners should head to the runs around Frejus, where they can try out on some long, easy runs. The Altitude Park located off the Combes lift is ideal for beginners and intermediates to learn new spins and refine their boarding. Head up to the Pic de Lyret at 2830 m for some outstanding off-piste descents. If that's not enough, the off-piste mecca La Grave La Meije is just a 25 minute drive away.

Where to stay

Chantemerle is the best place for families. Le Hameau du Rocher Blanc is a Lagrange Vacances center complete with an indoor pool and a gym. Hôtel La Balme Alphand is a cheerful and homely three-star hotel. The village of Villeneuve has the best value-for-money accommodation. Le Pi Maï is a two-star hotel that offers good food and an upbeat atmosphere. Monetier is a quaint spa village which is a popular getaway for couples and families. Head to Auberge du Choucas, an ancient inn that serves the most excellent food. Alliey et Spa Hotel de Charme has two swimming pools, a spa and serves some excellent wine. Another option is Hotel de l’Europe whose inter-connecting rooms makes it perfect for families. Briançon is a charming, old-world town with a wide choice of restaurants and apartments. Head to the Chez Bear for luxury accommodation, or to Aigle Bleu for cheaper apartment accommodation.

Where to eat

In Serre Chevalier, you can enjoy excellent traditional French cooking. Chantemerle has a wide choice of eateries from pizzerias to gourmet restaurants. Le Loup Blanc is praised for its good food and mouthwatering desserts. Tryptique serves Mediterrainian cuisine. Le Petit Chalet and Le Lapon are also recommended. In Villeneuve, go to Le Bidule with its warm environment and delicious seafood dishes. For a Scottish touch, head to Le Frog, where you can try Scottish smoked salmon and mini cote de boeuf. In Monetier, Auberge du Pont de l’Alp serves ideal home cooking. Auberge du Choucas is a rustic inn with warm fires, and Le Kawa offers a huge menu at affordable prices. In the town of Briançon, be sure to try La Caponniere which offers excellent French cuisine. Le Gavroche is ideal if you want to sample the local food. Le Peche Gourmand is the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Serre Chevalier.

Where to party

Serre Chevalier has a lively social scene. There are plenty of vibrant bars and clubs that offer evening entertainment, thus making them popular tourist haunts. Villeneuve’s clubs are ideal for partygoers. La Grotte is the number one hangout in the village and offers entertainment of all kinds. Le Per et Noelle is another popular après-ski bar. For a more casual and relaxed ambience, head to Le Frog. Mojo is probably one of the best après-ski clubs in the French Alps. It has a jovial and decorated interior and a vast menu of cocktails. The LB Bar in the LB hotel is a perfect place to relax with its cheerful atmosphere and glowing log fires. La Vieille Ferme offers some good live music and wild partying.