Serre Chevalier is one of the largest ski resorts in the French Alps, with 250km of pistes and an incredible off-piste skiing terrain. Located in the Hautes-Alpes region of France, it is a true haven for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The resort is spread across four separate villages – Briançon, Chantemerle, Villeneuve and Le Monêtier-les-Bains. The skiing opportunities in Serre Chevalier are endless, and the snow conditions are exceptional. The resort is situated in a beautiful valley in the French Alps, surrounded by stunning snow-capped peaks and pine forests. As you ski down the slopes, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including the Ecrins National Park.

Snow Sureness

Serre Chevalier is one of the most snow-sure resorts in the Alps. The ski resort has a reliable snow record, with snowfall throughout the winter months. Serre Chevalier has invested heavily in its snowmaking infrastructure, which guarantees snow coverage on the pistes throughout the season. In addition, Serre Chevalier receives an average of 300 days of sunshine each year, which makes it an ideal destination for those looking to escape the cold and enjoy the winter sun.

Skiing Opportunities

Serre Chevalier boasts a vast ski area, with over 250km of pistes. The pistes are well-groomed and varied, making them perfect for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. From beginner slopes to challenging black runs, there is something for everyone in Serre Chevalier.

For beginners, there are several gentle green runs in each of the resort’s four areas, making it easy for new skiers to get a feel for the slopes. The green runs are well-groomed and offer excellent progression opportunities for skiers learning to turn and control their speed.

For intermediate skiers, Serre Chevalier has plenty of blue and red runs, with varied terrain that offers a good mix of challenging and comfortable skiing. The blue runs are wide and well-groomed, with plenty of opportunities to develop your skills, while the red runs offer steeper pitches and more challenging terrain.

For advanced skiers, there are several black runs that offer some of the most challenging terrain in the resort, with steep pitches and narrow sections that require skill and confidence. Additionally, Serre Chevalier has excellent off-piste skiing opportunities, with varied terrain and fantastic powder conditions.

In addition to the wide variety of slopes, Serre Chevalier also has several terrain parks and freestyle areas that cater to snowboarders and freestyle skiers. These areas have a range of features, including jumps

Off-Piste Skiing

For those who are looking for a more adventurous skiing experience, Serre Chevalier offers some of the best off-piste skiing opportunities in the Alps. The resort has numerous off-piste routes that are easily accessible from the lifts. The off-piste terrain in Serre Chevalier ranges from easy, wide-open runs to more challenging couloirs and steep faces. The off-piste skiing in Serre Chevalier is not only varied but also stunningly beautiful, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

The Vallons du Bez area is a fantastic off-piste skiing destination with several wide, open slopes and tree-lined runs. The terrain is varied, and the powder is excellent, making it a popular destination for experienced off-piste skiers. The Rocher Blanc area is a great destination for off-piste skiing, with several steep and challenging runs. The area is not as popular as some of the other off-piste destinations in the resort, so you’re more likely to find untouched powder. The Grand Serre area is a vast off-piste destination with several tree-lined runs and steep couloirs. The terrain is varied, and the snow conditions are excellent. The Eychauda area is a remote off-piste skiing destination with some of the most challenging terrain in the resort. The area is only accessible by a long hike, but the powder is well worth the effort.

Scenic slopes

Serre Chevalier has plenty of scenic slopes that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Some scenic slopes are worth mentioning:

Cucumelle: The Cucumelle run is a long red run that starts at the top of the resort and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The run is fairly challenging, with steep pitches and narrow sections, but the views are worth the effort.

Casse du Boeuf: The Casse du Boeuf run is a wide, open blue run that offers panoramic views of the Ecrins National Park. The run is perfect for intermediate skiers and snowboarders and offers a great opportunity to take in the scenery.

L’Yret: The L’Yret run is a long and winding red run that takes you through the forested slopes of the resort. The run offers stunning views of the pine trees and snow-capped mountains and is one of the most scenic runs in the resort.

Luc Alphand: The Luc Alphand run is a famous black run that is named after the former French ski champion. The run offers challenging terrain and stunning views of the valley and surrounding mountains.

Le Prorel: The Le Prorel run is a scenic blue run that offers panoramic views of the Briançon valley. The run is perfect for intermediate skiers and snowboarders and is one of the most popular runs in the resort.

What makes Serre Chevalier different?

Serre Chevalier is a fantastic ski resort that offers a wide range of skiing and snowboarding opportunities, as well as stunning scenery and excellent snow conditions. While it may not be the most well-known resort in France, there are several reasons why Serre Chevalier stands out from other French ski resorts.

Pros:

Vast ski area: Serre Chevalier has over 250km of pistes, making it one of the largest ski areas in France. The variety of slopes and off-piste terrain is vast, catering to skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

Snow conditions: The resort is located at a high altitude, and it has a reliable snow record. Additionally, the resort has invested heavily in its snowmaking infrastructure, ensuring that the pistes are always in top condition.

Off-piste skiing: Serre Chevalier offers some of the best off-piste skiing opportunities in the French Alps. The terrain is varied and easily accessible from the lifts, and there are several guides and ski schools in the resort that offer off-piste skiing tours.

Scenery: The resort is located in a beautiful valley surrounded by stunning snow-capped peaks and pine forests. The scenery is truly breathtaking, and skiing down the slopes offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains.

Family-friendly: Serre Chevalier is an excellent destination for families, with several ski schools and childcare services available. The resort also has a range of beginner slopes and gentle terrain that is perfect for kids and beginners.

Cons:

Lifts: Some of the lifts in the resort are old and slow, which can result in long wait times during peak season.

Crowds: While the resort is not as crowded as some of the larger ski resorts in France, it can still get busy during peak season.

Nightlife: The nightlife in Serre Chevalier is not as lively as some of the other French ski resorts. While there are several bars and restaurants in the resort, it’s not a party destination.

Limited après-ski activities: While the skiing and snowboarding in Serre Chevalier are fantastic, there are limited activities outside of skiing and snowboarding. For those looking for more après-ski activities, other resorts may offer more options.

Conclusion

Serre Chevalier is an excellent destination for skiers and snowboarders who are looking for a vast ski area with exceptional snow conditions. The off-piste skiing opportunities in Serre Chevalier are world-class, and the terrain is varied and beautiful. If you’re an experienced skier looking for an adventure, then Serre Chevalier is the perfect destination. However, it’s essential to take the necessary precautions and hire a guide if you’re new to off-piste skiing. With its reliable snow record, beautiful scenery, and challenging terrain, Serre Chevalier is a winter sports paradise.

Getting there

Serre Chevalier is easily accessible by both train and airplane, making it a convenient destination for skiers and snowboarders from around the world.

By Airplane: The nearest airport to Serre Chevalier is the Turin-Caselle Airport, which is located approximately 110 kilometers away. Many major airlines, including Air France and EasyJet, offer flights to Turin-Caselle from cities across Europe. From the airport, you can take a shuttle or taxi to Serre Chevalier, which takes approximately 2 hours.

Alternatively, you can also fly into Grenoble-Isère Airport, which is located approximately 150 kilometers away. This airport is served by a number of budget airlines, including Ryanair and EasyJet. From Grenoble, you can take a shuttle or taxi to Serre Chevalier, which takes approximately 2.5 hours.

By Train: The nearest train station to Serre Chevalier is the Briançon train station, which is served by several trains per day from major cities in France, including Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. From the train station, you can take a shuttle or taxi to Serre Chevalier, which takes approximately 20 minutes.

Alternatively, you can take a high-speed TGV train to Oulx train station, which is located approximately 40 kilometers away from Serre Chevalier. From there, you can take a shuttle or taxi to Serre Chevalier, which takes approximately 45 minutes.

Overall, Serre Chevalier is easily accessible by both train and airplane, making it a convenient destination for skiers and snowboarders from across Europe and beyond.

Nestled in the stunning Saas Valley in Switzerland, Saas Fee is a ski resort that promises an unforgettable skiing experience to skiers of all levels. With its high altitude and snow-sure slopes and breath-taking scenery, it has earned the nickname “The Pearl of the Alps”. In this article, we’ll explore what makes Saas Fee a top destination for skiing enthusiasts and how it compares to other popular ski resorts in France.

Natural beauty

Saas Fee is a skier’s paradise, offering some of the most stunning scenery in the Swiss Alps. The resort’s ski slopes are surrounded by towering peaks and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain range. The beauty of the scenery is one of the main reasons why Saas Fee is such a popular ski destination. The resort is surrounded by towering mountains, including the Dom, the highest mountain located entirely in Switzerland, and the Allalinhorn, which provides a stunning backdrop to the town. The resort’s high-altitude location and its position within the Saas Valley also make it an excellent location for experiencing the unique natural environment of the Alps. One of the most striking features of Saas Fee is its location at the foot of the Saas Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in the Alps. The glacier provides a stunning backdrop to the town,

Skiing Opportunities

Saas Fee boasts a wide variety of skiing opportunities, from gentle beginner slopes to challenging off-piste runs. The resort has over 100 km of pistes, with 20 lifts taking skiers up to the highest point of 3,600 meters. The resort has a great range of blue and red runs perfect for intermediate skiers, and challenging black runs for advanced skiers. There are also several snow parks for those who like to try out their freestyle skills.

Snow Sureness

One of the biggest advantages of Saas Fee is its high altitude, making it one of the most snow-sure resorts in Europe. The resort is open from mid-July to the end of April, and due to its high altitude, it’s not uncommon for skiing to continue until the end of May. Additionally, the resort has invested heavily in snowmaking, ensuring that the slopes remain well-covered throughout the season. In comparison, many ski resorts in France, such as Les Deux Alpes, Val Thorens and Tignes, are also snow-sure, but they don’t quite match the altitude and extent of Saas Fee.

Off-Piste Skiing

For skiers looking for a more adventurous experience, Saas Fee has some of the best off-piste skiing in Europe. The resort has several popular off-piste routes, including the ‘Giant’s Route’ and the ‘Talabfahrt’, which offer some challenging and rewarding skiing for experienced skiers. The resort also offers several guided off-piste tours, with experienced mountain guides taking skiers through the most thrilling routes. However, it’s worth noting that off-piste skiing can be dangerous, and it’s always important to ski with a guide and to have the right safety equipment.

Pros and Cons compared to French ski resorts

When compared to popular French ski resorts, Saas Fee has several advantages. Firstly, as mentioned, Saas Fee’s high altitude and snow-sureness means that it offers a longer skiing season compared to most French resorts. Secondly, Saas Fee’s off-piste skiing opportunities are on par with the best French resorts. Additionally, the resort has a more laid-back atmosphere, with a quaint village that’s not overrun with tourists, compared to some of the more popular French resorts such as Val d’Isere and Courchevel.

However, one of the drawbacks of Saas Fee is its relative isolation. The resort is around a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the nearest airport in Geneva, while popular French resorts are typically closer to airports. Additionally, Saas Fee is more expensive than many French resorts, especially when it comes to accommodation and dining.

Saas Fee is generally considered to be one of the more expensive ski resorts in Europe, and prices for accommodation, dining, and lift passes can be higher compared to some of the more budget-friendly options in France or Italy. However, there are still some budget options available for those who are willing to do a little bit of research.

Accommodation

One option for budget accommodation in Saas Fee is to stay in a self-catering apartment or chalet. This can be a more affordable option than staying in a hotel, especially if you’re travelling with a group of friends or family. There are several websites where you can find affordable apartments or chalets for rent in Saas Fee, such as Airbnb, HomeAway, or Booking.com.

Another option is to stay in one of the smaller, family-run hotels or bed and breakfasts in the nearby villages of Saas-Grund or Saas-Almagell, which are connected to Saas Fee by a regular shuttle bus service. These options can be more affordable than staying in the centre of Saas Fee.

Eating

Eating out in Saas Fee can be expensive, especially in the more upmarket restaurants in the town centre. However, there are still some budget-friendly options available. For example, you can find several cafes and bakeries in town that offer affordable lunch options, such as sandwiches or pastries. Alternatively, you can buy groceries and cook your own meals in your self-catering apartment or chalet, which can save you money.

Lift Passes

The cost of lift passes in Saas Fee can be quite high, especially if you’re planning to ski for multiple days. However, there are some options for reducing the cost of lift passes. For example, you can save money by purchasing your lift pass online in advance, or by buying a ski pass that’s valid for a smaller area of the resort.

In conclusion, while Saas Fee can be an expensive ski resort, there are still some budget options available if you’re willing to do a little bit of research. By choosing budget-friendly accommodation, eating out at more affordable cafes and restaurants, and taking advantage of discounts on lift passes, you can still have a great ski holiday in Saas Fee without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

Saas Fee is a gem of a ski resort, offering a diverse range of skiing opportunities for all levels, breathtaking views and one of the longest ski seasons in Europe. Its off-piste skiing opportunities, combined with the snow-sureness of the resort, make it a favourite destination for adventurous skiers. There are still some budget options available if you’re willing to do a little bit of research. By choosing budget-friendly accommodation, eating out at more affordable cafes and restaurants, and taking advantage of discounts on lift passes, you can still have a great ski holiday in Saas Fee without breaking the bank. While it may be more expensive and less accessible than some of the popular French resorts, Saas Fee is well worth a visit for a unique and unforgettable skiing experience.

Getting there

There are several options for getting there, including by airplane and train.

By airplane:
One option is option is to fly into Geneva Airport, which is located approximately 230 kilometers from Saas Fee. Geneva Airport has regular flights from various international destinations, and from the airport, you can take a train or bus to Visp, which is the nearest train station to Saas Fee. From Visp, you can take a bus or taxi to Saas Fee.

By Train:

Switzerland has an excellent train system, and Saas Fee can be easily reached by train. The nearest train station to Saas Fee is Visp, which is located approximately 25 kilometers from the resort.

From Visp, you can take a bus or taxi to Saas Fee. The bus journey takes approximately 45 minutes, and the cost can vary depending on the time of day.

If you’re traveling from outside of Switzerland, you can take a train to one of the major Swiss cities, such as Zurich, Bern, or Geneva, and then transfer to a train that stops in Visp.

In conclusion, there are several options for getting to Saas Fee, including by airplane and train. While Sion Airport is the nearest airport to Saas Fee, Geneva Airport is a good option for those traveling from international destinations. Alternatively, Switzerland’s excellent train system makes it easy to reach Saas Fee by train, with Visp being the nearest train station to the resort.