Skiing in Serre Chevalier
Serre Chevalier is the collective name for a string of villages and hamlets in the Guisane valley, in the French Hautes-Alpes next to the fortified town of Briançon. Together they form one of the largest ski areas in the southern French Alps: 276 kilometres of pistes and 55 lifts between 1364 and 2581 metres. Its trademarks are larch forests threaded with pistes, the generous sunshine of the southern Alps, and a mix of authentic old village cores and practical ski-base quarters. Recent winters recorded maximum snow depths of around 234 centimetres, a solid base. Serre Chevalier feels less polished than the big Savoie mega-resorts, and regulars love it for exactly that. We list 3 accommodations, with holidays from 409 euros per person.
Last checked: 2026-10-26 · Sources: Open-Meteo (snow data), OpenStreetMap (lifts and pistes), partner offers refreshed daily.
Accommodations in Serre Chevalier
Serre ChevalierSerre Chevalier Vallée, Frankrijk
Résidence L'Aigle Bleu
Serre ChevalierSerre Chevalier Vallée, Frankrijk
Résidence L'Adret
Serre Chevalier9.0Serre Chevalier Vallée, Frankrijk
Résidence Aquisana
Serre ChevalierSerre Chevalier Vallée, Frankrijk
Résidence Le Cristal Lodge
Serre ChevalierSerre Chevalier Vallée, Frankrijk
Résidence Le Serra Neva
Snow report & 7-day forecast
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The Serre Chevalier ski area
The ski area stretches along one side of the valley above several villages, with 276 kilometres of pistes and 55 lifts between 1364 and 2581 metres. Its special appeal is the combination of open terrain above the tree line and long, sheltered descents through larch forest.
Intermediates strike gold here: endless red and blue runs with real variety. Advanced skiers find steep sections and, after fresh snowfall, plenty of free terrain between the trees. Beginners start on practice zones near the village bases and progress to the mellow forest slopes.
Snow reliability in Serre Chevalier
Serre Chevalier sits in the sunny southern French Alps, but altitude compensates: pistes up to 2581 metres and maximum snow depths of around 234 centimetres in recent winters. The high valley also enjoys a relatively cold microclimate.
The valley runs around 1364 metres can turn soft or thin in December and late March, especially on sun-exposed sections; the main sectors higher up hold firm. If you travel at the edges of the season, plan your days around the higher lifts and the north-facing forest descents.
The villages of Serre Chevalier
Serre Chevalier is not a single village but a chain of settlements along the valley road, from Briançon towards the pass, each with its own character: some built around old stone hamlets and chapels, others around practical apartments by the lifts.
The atmosphere is French and unpretentious: markets, bakeries and village cafés rather than glitz. Après-ski comes as convivial bars, not mass events. The thermal baths in the valley are a favourite way to end a ski day, and Briançon with its Vauban fortifications is well worth a visit.
Who is Serre Chevalier for
Serre Chevalier suits skiers after a big, varied area without the prices and crowds of France's most famous names: with holidays from 409 euros per person, this is one of the sharpest-priced major areas. Intermediates and families get a full week of variety.
Advanced skiers are well served by the high terrain and the forests. If you expect slick ski-in ski-out resorts or buzzing nightlife, adjust your expectations: this is a valley of villages, not a purpose-built station.
Practical information for Serre Chevalier
The drive from northwest Europe is substantial, approaching 1000 kilometres; most guests travel via Grenoble, with the final leg on mountain roads. Allow for busy Saturdays during French school holidays.
French holiday zoning dictates the crowds: outside French school holidays the valley is remarkably quiet and affordable. We list 3 accommodations in Serre Chevalier, with winter holidays from 409 euros per person. January and late March are the best months for low prices and empty pistes.
Serre Chevalier on the map
Webcams · Serre Chevalier
📷 Saint-Chaffrey: Place du Téléphérique
📷 Puy-Saint-Andre: Sommet du Prorel
📷 La Salle-les-Alpes: Col de Méa
📷 Puy-Saint-Vincent › South-east: Fort de la Croix-de-Bretagne
📷 La Salle-les-Alpes: Serre Chevalier - Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
📷 Villar-Saint-Pancrace
📷 Montgenevre: Val des Prés - Val Clarée
📷 Montgenevre › South-east
FAQ about Serre Chevalier
How much piste can you ski from Serre Chevalier?
From Serre Chevalier you reach the Serre Chevalier Vallée ski area with around 276 km of marked pistes and 55 lifts.
What does a ski holiday in Serre Chevalier cost?
Accommodations in Serre Chevalier start from around €319 per person; Nivosola compares 5, refreshed daily.
Is there enough snow around Serre Chevalier?
Yes. Recent winters in Serre Chevalier Vallée reached a maximum snow depth of around 234 cm. December to March is the most reliable period.
How high is Serre Chevalier?
The ski area lies between 1364 and 2581 metres in the southern French Alps, next to Briançon. The villages sit in the Guisane valley, with the pistes spread across the slopes above.
Is Serre Chevalier suitable for beginners?
Yes, several village bases have practice zones and the area counts many gentle blue runs, often sheltered among the larches. Most of the terrain, though, is best enjoyed with some experience.
How busy does Serre Chevalier get?
Outside French school holidays, Serre Chevalier is pleasantly quiet for an area this size. During the French February break the main lifts can get busy, while the far corners of the area often stay empty.
What is there for non-skiers?
The valley offers thermal baths, winter walking paths and cross-country trails, and the fortified town of Briançon with its World Heritage ramparts is around the corner. That makes the valley a proper winter destination even without skis.