Further Information about Serre Chevalier
Deep in the South Eastern corner of les Hautes Alpes lies Serre Chevalier close to the Italian border. The area consists of many small villages and hamlets which lie along the Guisane valley each with their own charm and character. The three main traditional villages are Chantemerle (1350m), Villeneuve (1400m) and Le Monêtier les Bains (1500m). A regular bus service (free for skiers) connects these villages with the historic 17th century town of Briançon, just 4 km away, where the railway station is situated.
The lift system is capable of moving 12,000 persons per hour. Once on the mountains you can ski from piste to piste andstop and relax at restaurants during the day without returning to the valley. The skiing which is the third most extensive area in France will suit all abilities- beginners, intermediates and advanced. Unlike many resorts beginners can enjoy the good snow at high elevation where some of the nursery slopes are situated and can therefore meet up with family or friends during the day. The pistes are largely on north facing slopes ensuring a long season from early December to mid April, with plenty of woodland runs when it is snowing.
A magnetic 'hands free' pass system is in uset hroughout the area, operated by a card which should be carried on the left.
There are extensive cross country trails to link the villages along the valley. Other attractions include sleigh rides and snow walking and for the more adventurous off piste skiing in the largest larch forest in Europe, mono-skiing and surfing, paragliding and even ice driving.
Serre Chevalier - at a glance
| Height: | 1350-2800m |
| Pistes: | 250km. Black 32km, Red 115km, Blue 50km, Green 53km, Cross country 45km. |
| Lift system: | 9 Cable cars, 18 Chair lifts, 47 Buttons/drags, 41 Snowmaking cannons. |
| Ski schools: | 5 Ski schools, 350 Instructors. Minimum age 6 years. Nursery from 6 months. |
| Travel: | Calais 1159km, Turin 100km, Oulx (for TGV) 35km, Lyon (Satolas) 200km. |