Serre Chevalier Ski Resort Guide
Introduction
The resort nightlife is rather low key, and the mix of rustic and modern ambience in the various villages is somewhat offset by heavy traffic along what is the main Grenoble-Briançon road.
Mountain facts
Where in the world?
Hit the slopes
The variety of slopes above the four main villages of Briançon, Chantemerle, Villeneuve and Le Monêtier is excellent, especially for intermediates who can enjoy a vast array of red and blue runs. Beginners are also well catered for, with especially good nursery slopes at Le Monêtier and some fun greens above Villeneuve; and experts will find consistently good snow conditions at higher elevations and plenty of steep blacks and fun off-piste, especially above Le Monêtier and Villeneuve.
The lift system, although improving all the time, can often get very busy, especially at higher levels, and queues are a problem at holiday periods.
Snow conditions are generally reliable, since most slopes face north or northeast.
Of the various well-regarded ski schools in Serre Chevalier, Eurekaski in Le Monêtier is one of the best, with the maximum group size being six (meets at the bottom of the Pré Chabert piste).
The resort is well sorted for terrain parks - there's one above Villeneuve, one at Le Monêtier and boardercross courses above Chamtemerle and Villeneuve.
Ski gear is easily hired in the resort villages, all of which have a wide range of ski shops.
Beyond the slopes
in Le Monêtier, a swimming pool and spa in Villeneuve and ice rinks here and in Chantemerle. You can also enjoy ice driving, snowshoeing, skijoring and sleigh rides, and there are cinemas in all the main villages.
Family fun
Retail therapy
Après ski
Eating out
Getting around
Splashing out
Accommodation
Luxury
Chez BearThe resort's most luxurious chalet, in the hamlet of Belvoir just outside Briançon.
Belvoir
Tel: (04) 9221 1170.
Website: www.chezbear.com
Moderate
Alliey & Spa Hotel de CharmeThis hotel has two swimming pools and is very child friendly.
Le Monêtier
Tel: (04) 9224 4420.
Website: www.alliey.com
Budget
Hotel Rif BlancA friendly spot run by English owners.
Le Monêtier
Tel: (04) 9224 4135.
Website: www.hotelrifblanc.com
Getting there
Distances to resort: 92km (57 miles); 108km (67 miles); 208km (129 miles).
Driving times: 2 hours; 1 hour 30 minutes; 3 hours.
Website
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