250 km
1200 m - 2800 m
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Test report Serre Chevalier
Skiresort.info Test of the ski resort Serre Chevalier
Total result: 4.3 out of 5 stars
Test Serre Chevalier
The review Serre Chevalier was created by Skiresort.info, the world’s largest test portal for ski resorts.
Top evaluation criteria
These evaluations count double in the total result.
Further evaluation criteria
Evaluation criteria for special interests
In detail: Test report for ski resort Serre Chevalier
Top evaluation criteria
These evaluations count double in the total result.
The Serre-Chevalier ski resort is one of the largest resorts in France.
Runs/slopes
Altitude difference
1600 m (Valley 1200 m - Mountain 2800 m )
Lifts/ cable cars
60
Number of lifts to get from one end of the ski resort to the other
→ 8 ← 7
Number of lifts to get from one end of the ski resort to the other
→ 8 ← 7
There are slopes of all difficulty levels in Serre Chevalier. In the upper area, the runs are on wide, tree-free slopes. In the the bottom area, they lead through wide forest runs down to the valley.
Runs/slopes
Total 250 km
Easy
137.5 km
(55 %)Intermediate
80 km
(32 %)Difficult
32.5 km
(13 %)
Longest run
9 km
Run location
above tree line, under tree line
Worth knowing
- Valley run available
In the Serre Chevalier ski resort, there is a mixture of modern and nostalgic lifts. Most of the slopes can be accessed with modern, quick and high capacity lifts though. The chair lifts are all without bubbles. Sometimes it can even be fun to ride on an old "egg" gondola from the 70's.
Number of ski lifts
60
Total capacity
71326 Passengers / hour
Length of all lifts
65.2 km Total
Lifts and cable cars
2
6
21
28
3
Additional
3
5
All valley runs have snow-making capabilities and even in the upper regions, artificial snow is made. The ski resort is very snow secure however, due to its geographical location and altitude.
Worth knowing
- Artificial snow-making
500 Snow canons
60 % of the slopes have snow-making capabilities
- The valley run is practically always open.
Season 2009/2010
130 Days open
130 Days when valley run open
130 Days when valley run open
Photos
The slope preparation is excellent.
The slopes are in optimal condition even when the grooming conditions are difficult, such as spring snow.
Tip: By new snow, an optimal slope prepartion is not always possible, even with a large effort. In addition, the new snow can not combine with the snow lying underneath and moguls are created quickly. For safety reasons, usually no slope preparation is possible during operating times.
Photos
Further evaluation criteria
The main way to reach the ski resort is with the Turin-Bardonecchia expressway (Autobahn) or the mountain road from Grenoble. There are free parking lots at most of the valley stations (exception: Prorel 1 in Briancon).
Access via A32 Autobahn Turin-Bardonecchia, Ausfahrt Oulx Circonvallazione
- Prorel 1 (Briançon), Ideal entry for day visitors
Distance: 34 km · approx. 42 Minutes driving time
Roads: Main street, Side road, Mountain road, with significant incline
Parking spaces: limited amount available, Tarred parking lot, Stone parking lot, for a fee
- Telecabine Frejus (La Salle-les-Alpes), Ideal entry for day visitors
Distance: 40 km · approx. 49 Minutes driving time
Roads: Main street, Side road, Mountain road, with significant incline
Parking spaces: usually enough available, Tarred parking lot, Stone parking lot, free of charge
- Telecabine Pontillas (La Salle-les-Alpes), Ideal entry for day visitors
Distance: 40 km · approx. 50 Minutes driving time
Roads: Main street, Side road, Mountain road, with significant incline
Parking spaces: usually enough available, Tarred parking lot, free of charge
- Bachas (Monêtier-les-Bains), Ideal entry for day visitors
Distance: 45 km · approx. 56 Minutes driving time
Roads: Main street, Side road, Mountain road, with significant incline
Parking spaces: enough available, Tarred parking lot, Stone parking lot, free of charge
Winter Closure
The Col du Galibier is closed in the winter. INFO: We recommend avoiding the Tunnel de Frèjus because passenger cars are charged 36,80 Euro one way.
The Col du Galibier is closed in the winter. INFO: We recommend avoiding the Tunnel de Frèjus because passenger cars are charged 36,80 Euro one way.
Trail map and overview maps:
The trail map depicts the complete ski resort well. There could be more information regarding the ski lifts, mountain restaurants and altitudes of the villages.
The trail map depicts the complete ski resort well. There could be more information regarding the ski lifts, mountain restaurants and altitudes of the villages.
Information boards and sign-postings on the slopes:
The sign-posting in the large ski resort is exemplary. It is easy to find your way. There is a detailed map with information at every valley station. Information and maps for the whole area can usually be found at the mountain stations.
The sign-posting in the large ski resort is exemplary. It is easy to find your way. There is a detailed map with information at every valley station. Information and maps for the whole area can usually be found at the mountain stations.
The villages are well-connected by public transportation. They are careful about limiting waste and separating waste in the ski resort.
Public transportation/ on-site mobility
- Train connection
SNCF train station Briancon - Comprehensive ski bus network
- Scheduled busses
Photos
The employees are very friendly and are also helpful to guests boarding the j-bar lifts.
Nice mountain restaurants are awaiting skiers throughout the entire ski resort. It is also possible to visit restaurants located in the individual villages.
15 Mountain restaurants & Ski huts
Gastronomy tip
-
Serre Ratier
Located above Chantemerle at 1900m
Enjoy raclette, fondue and other French specialties on the sun terrace with a gorgeous view of the slopes.
Photos
Après Ski is not a main focus in Serre Chevalier. It is more common to enjoy a glass of wine on the mountain or to stop for a refreshment at the valley station. The guests prefer to go to the thermal baths in Le Monêtier les Bains rather than partying.
Photos
In addition to the many accommodations located directly at the slopes, it is also possible to stay on the mountain in some hotels. All hotels that are not located directly on the slopes offer a ski bus connection.
Ski-in/Ski-out
There are many accommodations with direct access to the slopes and to lifts (Ski-in/Ski-out)
Towns/villages
- Briancon
Distance to ski resort 0 km (directly at ski resort)
Guest beds 11800 - Chantemerle
Distance to ski resort 0 km (directly at ski resort)
Guest beds 12200 - Monêtier-les-Bains
Distance to ski resort 0 km (directly at ski resort)
Guest beds 9500 - Villeneuve-la-Salle
Distance to ski resort 0 km (directly at ski resort)
Guest beds 17500
Note: For the evaluation, only the accommodations which are located directly on the slopes and lifts, or have very easy access to the ski resort have been considered.
Photos
Evaluation criteria for special interests
There is a children's area at every valley station (exception: Briancon) and children and families are also made to feel welcome on the mountain.
Information for families and children
- Kid's Land/ separated area for children
- Merry-go-round
- Wave ride for children
- Adventure course
- People mover
- Children's lifts
- Beginner's lifts near the valley
- Beginner's lifts in ski resort directly at the feeder lift
- Ski kindergarten
- Ski school for children
- Child care
- Playground / park
Special tips for children
-
Children's area of the ESF in Monêtier les Bains
The subsidiary of the French Ski School, ESF, offers ski and snowboard courses for children of all ages and abilities. There is a lovingly decorated children's area for the little ones with funny characters and a magic carpet. There are additional t-bar lifts right next to it. The ski school also offers a supervised lunch for children. You can also choose to supply your child's food yourself. The room for the lunchtime care is located in a hut right at the practice area.
-
Children's area of the ESF in Chantermerle
The French Ski School, ESF, in Chantermerle offers a well-equipped children's area and ski and snowboard school for children of all ages and abilities.
Photos
Over 50% of the runs are easy and therefore beginners can ski throughout the entire ski resort and from village to village. Nice beginner slopes can be found directly in the valleys of Villeneuve and Le Monêtier les Bains. In Briancon and Chantemerle, there are beginner slopes directly at the feeder lift.
Information for beginners
- Easy and manageable slope offering, which is easy to achieve
- Wide slopes
- Beginner's area
- Special slopes for slower skiers / beginners
- Easy valley run
- Beginner's lifts near the valley
- Beginner's lifts in ski resort directly at the feeder lift
- Separate lift ticket for beginners / point ticket
Ski schools on-site
Photos
There are limitless deep snow runs, steep slopes and ravines on the tree-free slopes. Jumps over rocks and steep valley runs will make the hearts of advanced skiers beat faster.
Information for advanced skiers, freeriders
- very many freeride / deep snow areas
- many mogul slopes
Slope offering advanced skiers
Runs/slopes
Total 250 km
Difficult
32.5 km
(13 %)Most difficult run
-
Allefroide · Length 0 km · Altitude difference 250 m
Note: Always mind the avalanche warnings and barriers, please. Never ski into a closed and unsecured area.
Photos
The Serre Chevalier Snowpark leaves no wish unanswered. There are also two boardercross runs.
Information for Snowboarders
- few cat tracks
- no runs with ascent
- very many freeride / deep snow areas
Snow parks
- Snowpark Serre Chevalier
The Serre Chevalier Snowpark is located above Villeneuve and can be accessed using the La Fôret 6 person chair lift and the Alpage j-bar lift. The snowpark is divided into 3 zones and is spread out over 3 hectares and 700 metres in length.
- Boardercross Grand Alpe
The large boardercross run is located above Chantemerle and is great fun for young and old.
- Funny Cross Serre Blanc
The Funny Cross is located above Briancon near the Serre Blanc j-bar lift.
Offering snow parks
- Snow park/ Fun park
- No halfpipe
- Kicker (Jump/ Ramp)
- Rails/ Slides
- Boxes
- Wallride
- Corner / Hip
- Boardercross
- Waverides
- Pro Line
- Medium Line
- Beginner/ Easy Line
- Chill area with music
- Cross-country trail offering
Total trail length: 32 km
The cross-country trails run from Briancon along the valley base almost all the way to Col du Lautaret. A trial day on the cross-country trails is free for those with a 6 day ski pass.
Photos
Conclusion
Long runs, freerider areas, beautiful panorama view
No chair lifts with bubbles
Test Report issued on 2012-03-22
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