Serre Chevalier

Serre Chevalier offers a great selection of slopes and suits every level. One of the best points to the skiing is the vast amount of tree skiing meaning even in bad weather, there are plenty of slopes to keep all the skiers amused. One thing to note is the lift system, which is getting better but still in need of some improvements. Snowboarders do need to be able to do drag lifts or risk getting stuck. Some of the chairlifts are still the two-seater ankle biters that many of the mega-resorts have managed to phase out already. This is the only negative point to an amazing ski area, not only are there plenty of pistes but the off piste terrain and natural features are incredible.

BEGINNERS:

All the main villages have good nursery slopes at resort level including a real beauty next to the Aravet lift in Villeneuve. The best skiing up the mountain for beginners is found above Frejus gondola where you’ll find a selection of green runs and gentle blues which are perfect for a first time in the mountains.

INTERMEDIATES:

So much to do, there are a huge range of cruisy blues and challenging reds. Intermediates will find Serre Che a real gem. The red run from the top of the Cucumelle peak (the run is called Cucumelle too) is a cracker, very long with some gorgeous views. Head over to the tree runs above Monetier too, especially when the visibility is poor.

EXPERTS:

In terms of pistes, there are some real highlights, skiers love the Luc Alphand (named after the resorts most famous son) a black piste that descends down into Chantemerle. This piste is very steep and can get quite icy just above the resort. If the Eychauda drag lift is working, head straight up there for a selection of quality black slopes, most of which aren’t groomed. Great for testing your technique. Whilst there are enough testing pistes for experts, Serre Chevalier comes into its own for off-piste. The sheer amount of unpisted terrain easily accessible within the ski area is astonishing. You certainly won’t find this scope in the likes of the 3 Valleys or Espace Killy. The two runs that spring to mind are the short and easy hike from the top of the Cucumelle lift and the incredible descent down into Monetier called La Montagnole. Give yourself half a day to do the latter and get back, its a stunning run on the right day. Please do make sure you hire a guide to attempt the amazing off piste on offer and check your winter sports insurance covers the activity.

Whilst there isn’t the same scope as the likes of Meribel and Val d’Isere, there are enough bars to keep most skiers happy. The liveliest is the Grotte Du Yeti next to the Aravet gondola, very good for après-ski thanks to its slope side location. On the hill, just above Chantemerle is a bar/restaurant called the Ile Au Soleil which offers great après-ski and good prices, you can either get home by skiing the aforementioned Luc Alphand black piste OR take the adjacent gondola back down to resort level. The latter is probably the most responsible of choices!

For a few drinks after dinner, the old town area of Villeneuve has a few bars and clubs dotted up and down it. We like Loco Loco, a small cosy bar with good music. If you prefer to venture a little further then the Station bar in Chantemerle is always excellent fun too.

NEW GENERATION: http://www.skinewgen.com/ski-schools/serre-chevalier/

SKI CONNECTIONS: http://ski-school-connections.co.uk/

ESF: http://www.esf-serrechevalier.com/ski-school-serre-chevalier.htm