Travel to Serre Chevalier

Serre - Chevalier manages to combine 300 days of sunshine a year, the second largest ski area in the world and some awe-inspiring scenery. Home to Luc Alphand, world champion downhill skier from 1995 to 1997, Serre-Chevalier is full of surprises as well as some fine architecture and a terrific ski attitude.

The area known as Serre - Chevalier consists of 13 villages set in the Guisane Valley and overlooking stunning scenes across some of the largest mountains in France. Traditional old stone buildings, narrow streets and village squares contribute to an authentic, friendly Alpine scene. The many restaurants and bars, serving traditional food in an authentic setting, make Serre - Chevalier resort one of the most pleasant in France.

Serre - Chevalier resort boasts one of the largest ski areas in the world, with 115 runs adding up to an incredible 250kms of ski slopes. This vast area is serviced by 68 lifts. Ski altitude is between 1,200m and 2,830m, with skiing suitable for all levels, especially the beginner and intermediate. In addition, there are 35kms of superb cross-country trails throughout the area, as well as some great off-piste for snowboarders.

A Skibus will transport you throughout the resort to each of the 13 villages, although some are request stops. There is enough here to keep any keen skier occupied, with each village offering something special in the way of atmosphere and the quality of the skiing.

The season runs from the start of December to the start of May, with great snow conditions throughout the season. Buy your seasoncard before December 11 for a special 25 per cent discount. Special student day-ticket and family week passes available. Those ages under 6 and over 75 years get free access.

Skiing in Serre Chevalier

Serre - Chevalier is the world’s second largest ski resort, with 250kms of runs. Set among the highest mountains in the region, the 13 villages that make up this resort offer 300 days of sunshine a year and an awesome ski experience.

The area of Serre - Chevalier is comprised of 13 villages which combine to offer a staggering 250kms of ski runs over 120 slopes. The runs vary in difficulty with 16 black, 44 red, 31 blue, and 24 green. 68 lifts service the area, and the top elevation is at 2,830m and the lowest at 1,200m.

There are 20 chairlifts, of which five are high-speed six-seaters and three are high-speed quads. Additionally, there are 12-person gondolas and a 50-person cable car. The longest run measures four kilometres and there are a further 35kms of cross-country trails throughout the area. Snowboarders will relish the large off-piste areas offering big air, free rides and quality half-pipes.

The nearest airport to Serre - Chevalier is at Turin in Italy (108kms) with a transfer time of around two hours. The European budget airline Ryanair operates from Stansted to Turin and usually offers good deals. Chambery, Lyon, Grenoble or Marseilles in France also have airports and are between two and four hours transfer time from the resort.

Apres-ski in Serre Chevalier

Serre - Chevalier has a history as a quality ski resort, with Luc Alphand, world champion downhill skier from 1995 to 1997, residing here. The resort boasts some fantastic runs over the vast area shared by its 13 villages.

The resort itself has a range accommodation options, from traditional wooden chalets to larger hotels and guesthouses, although preservation of the area’s authenticity is of paramount importance here. There are literally hundreds of places to dine at the resort, but the village of Briancon has the widest choice, being the biggest village.

For some extra charm, try the restaurants in Monetier les Bains, at the far end of the area. Some great alternative non-ski activities include relaxing in the natural hot baths, visiting the theatre or catching a cabaret show. Paragliding, quad biking, swimming and trampolining are among other activities available.

Away from the slopes, there are a large range of activities to choose from at each of the villages of the resort. Some non-ski activities include: paragliding, quad biking, swimming and trampolining, as well as theatre and cabaret shows. There is a cinema, hot baths and literally hundreds of places to dine at the resort. Briancon, the largest village, has the widest choice of eateries. For some extra charm, try the restaurants in Monetier Les Bains, at the far end of the area.

Transportation to Serre Chevalier

Serre - Chevalier sits between some major airports in France as well as Italy, which makes travelling to the resort relatively easy.

The most practical way to get there is by catching a flight to Turin in Italy and taking a transfer straight to the resort. Alternatively, fly to any of the other airports in the area, Chambery, Lyon, Grenoble or Marseilles, and then transfer to the resort within two to four hours. The nearest train station is six kilometres from the resort at Briancon, with a night train available direct from Paris.

By car, Serre - Chevalier is accessible from Paris by taking the main A6 autoroute south towards Grenoble via Lyon. Take the D407 from Lyon, then the A43, the A48 and finally the RN91 towards Briancon. Head towards La Grave and follow the signs to the resort itself. The journey should take just over six hours, with a distance of 637kms from Paris. Road tolls will cost around €35.

By train, you can catch the overnight service from Paris direct to Briancon station, located just six kilometres from the resort, arriving at 08:30 (10 hours, 30 minutes). There is a regular bus service from the station to the resort. Alternatively, catch the high-speed TGV train from Paris to Grenoble and transfer by coach for a six-hour journey. To reach Paris, catch the Eurostar service from London Waterloo or Ashford in Kent (four hours).High speed TGV trains also run from Paris to Oulx(Italy) with a transfer by coach to the resort. The journey time is approx 5 hours.

The nearest international airport to Serre - Chevalier is Turin in Italy, 108kms from the resort. Flights are available direct from Stansted with Ryanair; you can connect with the resort via hire car or airport transfer services. Chambery, Lyon, Grenoble or Marseilles airports are also in the area and can be reached from London. Airport transfer services and hire cars are also available, with travel time between two and four hours.

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