The largest winter sports resort in the Southern Alps, Serre-Chevalier boasts a vast natural environment, a veritable playground for mountain lovers. On the edge of the Ecrins National Park, this family resort, affectionately nicknamed"Serre-Che", offers an exceptional 410-hectare ski area. It's the only ski resort backed by a town of over 10,000 inhabitants. Briançon's rich heritage is complemented by a wide range of sporting activities and exceptional scenery. On the slopes! Discover our 11 Serre-Chevalier must-dos.
1- Downhill skiing and snowboarding
Take advantage of the 250km of slopes in the exceptional Serre-Chevalier ski area, which is organized around 4 communes. From Briançon, with its picturesque walled town, you can take the gondola to the Pra Long beginners' area, from where you can join the Serre-Chevalier ski area. From Saint-Chaffrey, first reach the Serre-Ratier beginners' area. La Salle les Alpes enjoys a central position in the area, with a wide snow front and a beginners' area accessible without a gondola. Le Monêtier-les-Bains is a little more out of the way, but has retained its mountain village feel, more authentic than the other areas. Here you'll find some of the best technical runs in the area, and access to the resort's summit, the Pic de l'Yret.
Compare the different accommodations and find the one that's right for you in Serre-Chevalier.
2- Snowshoeing
An essential part of any winter sports holiday, snowshoe trekking is the ideal way to get rid of raclettes and fondues while enjoying the scenery. Accessible to all, this activity requires no more than the ability to walk, and a mastery of equipment. Don't hesitate to turn to winter sports equipment professionals to learn how to choose your snowshoes before putting them on and using them properly to explore the Ecrins National Park.
To get to the heart of the Serre-Chevalier landscape, we recommend this weekend snowshoe hike, departing from Briançon.
3- Discover Nordic skiing
Make the most of your stay in Serre-Chevalier to discover Nordic skiing, a range of disciplines that combine gliding and walking in an exceptional natural setting. The resort has its own Nordic ski area: the Domaine Nordique, which passes through the valley's most beautiful hamlets and winds along the Guisane river. Learn the different techniques of cross-country skiing or try your hand at biathlon in the stadium at Monêtier-les-bains.
4- Ski touring
To get away from the hustle and bustle of the slopes, try ski touring. It requires a certain amount of effort, but skiers are free to go at their own pace. It's the ideal way to share a quieter moment with family and friends. The Serre-Chevalier Vallée Briançon resort offers permanent trails in the Hautes-Alpes, marked out according to their level of difficulty. Climb these trails and come back down the slopes.
Prepare your stay by renting your ski touring equipment now.
5- Taste the local specialties
In the Hautes-Alpes, the mountains and their inhabitants have many culinary specialties to offer. Close to Serre-Chevalier, the towns of Champsaur specialize in Tourtons, small fried pastries filled with cheese, potatoes or spinach. Many of the area's restaurants serve them. You'll also find Miel de Mélèze, from family-run honey factories at the foot of the Col du Lautrat, as well as the classic mountain dishes: raclettes, fondues and tartiflettes.
6- Discover the Espace Trail du Briançonnais
The most adventurous holidaymakers will be delighted to find a number of trail routes in the area. Whether running or walking, theEspace Trail du Briançonnais has 12 freely accessible trails for all levels, from beginner to expert. These routes take you to the Crêtes de Peyrolles and the Bois de l'Ours, among others. Please note, however, that some routes are closed in winter due to the dangers of snow.
7- What to do in Serre-Chevalier? Go to the ice rink
If you're looking for something to do with the family or friends after a day on the slopes, don't hesitate to visit the ice rink. The village of La Salle les Alpes offers an open-air skating rink, open until 10:30pm for skating to music under the starry sky. For those who are a little more chilly, there's an indoor rink in Briançon's Parc des Sports, which organizes events during the school vacations.
Discover our article on the cultural heritage and numerous activities that the Serre-Chevalier Vallée Briançon area has to offer.
8- Enjoy the Grands Bains du Monetier
The ultra-modern Grands Bains du Monêtier complex boasts a huge aquatic area. Soak in its hot baths after a good day's skiing, while admiring the view of the snow-covered mountain scenery. The indoor and outdoor pools are fed by a natural hot spring, and feature a range of wellness areas, including bubbling beds, a musical grotto and a flowing river. Babies from 9 months of age can also use this aquatic area if they are equipped with an aqua-sleeper.
9- Ride a Fatbike
If you're passionate about mountain biking, don't let the snow hold you back. The Fatbike, with its extra-large wheels , is designed to cope with loose terrain. You'll find several organized bike outings in the Serre-Chevalier area, including at La Salle les Alpes. Electrically-assisted Fatbikes are also available at certain locations.
Book your Fatbike tour now and discover Serre-Chevalier's alpine scenery from a whole new angle.
10- Plan an unusual outing
You'll find many unusual and original activities on the estate. Recharge your batteries in the heart of nature on a night-time group snowshoe outing, including a candlelit fondue in a tent. Another nocturnal snowshoe tour takes you to the trapper's village, where you'll enjoy a fondue in an igloo and tepee. The less adventurous can skip the hike and enjoy an aperitif dinner or yoga session in a yurt. Don't hesitate to contact the 4 tourist offices in the area for more information.
11- Visit Briançon
It's impossible to leave Serre-Che without visiting the town of Briançon. The Cité Vauban, or the part of the town inside the fortifications, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and well worth a visit. Stroll through its narrow streets and admire its imposing architecture, fountains and numerous sundials. Don't miss the Place d'Armes, the Fort du Château and the Vauban well.
What can you do in Serre-Chevalier if you don't ski?
You don't need to be skilful on skis to enjoy a stay in Serre-Chevalier. There are plenty of must-do activitiesfor non-skiing holidaymakers, just to name a few:
- Snowshoe trekking: admiring the snow-covered mountain scenery isn't just for skiers! Enjoy the peace and quiet of the valley on hiking trails away from the slopes.
- Ice rinks: enjoy the thrill of sliding down the slopes without having to hit the slopes.
- Visit Briançon: this UNESCO World Heritage-listed fortified town is rich in cultural heritage, history and architecture.
- Fatbike: another way to discover the valley's landscapes in a group sporting activity.
- Tobogganing: if you're afraid of hurtling down the slopes on skis, tobogganing down them is less impressive. It's more fun too!
- Relax in the thermal baths : because it's not just skiers who deserve to end their day at the spa.
What to do in Serre-Chevalier as a family?
Whether you're a winter sports fan, or more into snowshoeing and fondue, Serre-Chevalier is an ideal resort for a family holiday. Here are a few ideas for activities:
- Downhill skiing: Take to the slopes while your little ones learn to ski in complete safety at Jardin des Neiges. For older children, theESF offers ski lessons at several locations in the resort.
- Tobogganing : Several toboggan runs are available on the ski area, ideal for a family outing.
- Ice rinks : Two ice rinks are available on the resort: the indoor rink in Briançon, and the open-air rink in Villeneuve.
- Events and entertainment : numerous activities and shows are organized on the resort every season to entertain the youngest guests.
What to do in Serre-Chevalier in summer?
Even without its soft blanket of snow, Serre-Chevalier is well worth a visit. Here's a list of things to do in summer:
- Visit Briançon: this UNESCO World Heritage town boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage. Several local museums will tell you more about the region's history.
- Hike the valley's 300km of marked trails. Numerous itineraries are available for all levels. You'll also find mountain bike trails.
- Climbing : Climbing enthusiasts will find numerous climbing sites and via ferrata.
- Rafting and canyoning: descend the valley's rivers in adventurous and adrenalin-filled water sports.
- Paragliding : the valley is home to paragliding organizations offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
