Serre Chevalier
France
Europe
Briançon
​Chantemerle
​Villeneuve-la-Salle
​Le Monêtier-les-Bains
Km piste | Min Height (m) | Max Height (m) |
---|---|---|
250 | 1200 | 2800 |
Sub Area | Multi-Area Collection |
---|---|
No | No |
Description
Serre Chevalier is a renowned ski valley located in the French Alps, specifically in the Hautes-Alpes department. It offers an extensive ski area that spans across four main villages: Briançon, Chantemerle, Villeneuve, and Monêtier-les-Bains.
The resort is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, including the beautiful Parc National des Écrins and sits close to the Italian border. Serre Chevalier has a rich history dating back to the Roman era, with Briançon being one of the oldest fortified towns in France.
The villages in the resort have a traditional Alpine charm, with quaint architecture and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. There is of course a suplement of development around the traditional cores, adding blocks of mostly eye-friendly small blocks of apartments and hotels.
What resort should you pick?
For ski area convenience, as always, check the piste map - Our suggestion is to base yourself in the centre in Chantermerle or Villeneuve so you have the quickest access regardless of the sector you're going to ski that day.
These 2 blend together and have a selection of self catering and hotel accomodation, with the emphasis on self catering.
Theres' an absolutely stunning old village sector called Le Bez (Check out the photos in the gallery) in Villeneuve that would make a picturesque setting and it's not far to wander to a selection of gondolas or chairlifts, nor into the town for a drink or meal.
Skiing back down to resort is accessible, with blue and green runs back down to the valley if the Gondola is not appealing. The snow cover is some of the safest, with the majority of slopes above 1900m and canons covering the lower runs to town.
Briançon, the highest town in Europe, boasts a rich historical heritage with its well-preserved fortifications. It offers a unique blend of medieval charm and modern amenities, including a vibrant town center, shops, and restaurants. The gondola departs from the very centre of town, close to the train station, but the town spreads out and is served by 4 bus lines from 6.40 am to 7.30 pm if you're not within walking distance.
Monêtier-les-Bains, the highest village in the area, is famous for its thermal spa. It combines the charm of a mountain village with the relaxation and rejuvenation offered by its natural hot springs. Monêtier-les-Bains is ideal for those seeking a tranquil and wellness-oriented retreat.
Related Areas
Pass prices
Piste Map
Transfer details
(Airports, trains, shared options)
Resort information
Local tips
Accommodation recommendations
Ski Pass
6 day pass | Euro / km |
---|---|
315 | 1.26 |
Beginner passes are available: 18.20 Euro per day in each village.
VILLENEUVE TELECORD AND MONÊTIER CHANTELOUBE SKI LIFT are both totally free for absolute beginners to get their first turn
Access
Transfers
Direct Train | Train + Bus Option | Direct coach |
---|---|---|
Yes | Yes | Yes |
Train Connections
Briancon
There's 2 train routes
Train all the way to Briancon direct or Train to Modane + Coach connection to Briancon.
Paris to Modane can be done on a high speed TGV in 4hrs direct
Chambery
The best for train + bus transfer
1hr to Modane + Coach (1.5hr)
High speed services to Valence TGV, where you can then get a 4hr TER train all the way to Briancon.
We don't recommend Grenoble or Lyon for train transfers
Grenoble - TER train with a change at Gap (4hr+)
The easiest way to plan train travel is use The Trainline (click the logo below)
This is because it's the most comprehensive integration of all European train operators, so you can even plan cross-border travel.
On average you can book 3-4 months in advance, read our full Guide to European Rail travel
Book with
Coach Connections
Grenoble
Saturdays (Some sundays over Christmas period)
3hrs
17th December 2022 – 25th March 2023
£88 return
or Bens Bus to Bourg d'Oisans
Everyday from Grenoble
Most Saturdays from Lyon
3rd December 2022 – 22nd April 2023.
£52 return // £65 return
From which you can pick up the 55 Zou! bus (see below) for 1.5hrs to the Serre Chevalier Villages
Zou Bus
69 - From Marsielle to Briancon (involves a break + change in Gap)
76 - From Modane (Train station) to Briancon (1.5 hr)
Highspeed train services eg. Paris to Modane operate, for those coming from international destinations.
55 - From Grenoble (Train station) to Briancon (2hr 45)
The 55 from Grenoble is the most straight forward transfer option
Tip: 55 and 76 is best for those staying in other Valley towns than Briancon, as they pass through and stops in them.
Coach from Paris (Overnight service)
"Neige Express"
9:45pm - arrive aprox. 7am
https://www.autocars-imbert.com/fr/
Lyon airport would require 2 coaches - a Flixbus to Grenoble then the 55 Zou! Bus from Grenoble