Serre-Chevalier — a ski resort in the French Alps

Amid the endless slopes of the French Alps lies one of the most famous and sunniest ski resorts in Europe — Serre-Chevalier. This is a place where the mountains touch the clouds and winter smells of pine, where your winter morning starts with a cup of fragrant coffee at over two thousand metres above sea level. The Alpine Serre-Chevalier is not just about skis and pistes, it is an entire valley of twinkling lights, mountain villages and breathtaking views that turn an ordinary winter holiday in France into a story you will remember for the rest of your life.

The Serre-Chevalier winter complex is renowned for its 250 kilometres of perfectly maintained pistes, modern lifts and a special atmosphere where sporting excitement meets homely comfort. This ski resort in the French Alps is a place where the day begins with an adrenaline rush on the slopes and ends with a glass of hot wine by the fireplace. People come here not only to ski — they come to breathe, to laugh, to meet new people and simply to live slowly, just the way the French like it.

Here everyone finds their own pace: beginners calmly master the green runs, experts challenge the black slopes, and those who arrive “without skis” wander along the walking trails through aromatic pines or soak up the warmth of the thermal pools. The views from here are hard to tear your eyes away from — white peaks, wooden chalets, and sunshine reflected in crystal snow… even Instagram loses its self-control. This is a place where you seem to get your childhood back — only with better gear and hot chocolate instead of cocoa.

Why you should choose Serre-Chevalier

Serre-Chevalier is a mountain resort in France that combines three things: altitude, light and soul. It is often called “the sunny heart of the Alps”, as clear skies reign here for more than 300 days a year. Travellers come not only for skiing in the Alps, but also to soak up the calm of the mountains, sink into the hot springs of Monêtier-les-Bains and enjoy authentic French charm.

• Over 250 km of pistes of varying difficulty;
• Thermal baths that stay open even in winter;
• A valley that unites Briançon, Chantemerle, Villeneuve and Monêtier-les-Bains;
• The ideal balance of sport, nature and tranquillity;
• The chance to combine winter holidays in Serre-Chevalier with relaxation in the thermal baths.

If you dream of a winter holiday in the French Alps with the family, or a romantic escape to the mountains where snow crunches like freshly baked bread and the air smells of pine and coffee — this is just the place. In Serre-Chevalier every day starts with the slopes and ends with hot chocolate and laughter under a blanket. Even the skis seem happy here, gliding under the warmest sun in the Alps. So pack your gloves, good humour and a pinch of self-irony — because after Serre-Chevalier other resorts will feel like nothing more than training runs before real happiness.

The story of the Alpine resort of Serre-Chevalier is a real adventure that began back in the 1940s. In a small valley between the French Alpine peaks a few enthusiasts decided that sliding down the slopes was much more fun than sawing firewood. They built the very first lift with their own hands, with wooden seats that creaked so loudly they probably scared even the chamois. But from that simple creak was born one of the most famous high-altitude ski resorts in France. And if back then someone said: “C’est une folie!” — “this is madness!”, today that madness brings thousands of tourists happiness, sunshine and the perfect descent.

The name Serre-Chevalier comes from Old French: “serre” meaning “mountain” or “ridge”, and “chevalier” meaning “knight”. And indeed, these slopes have their own pride. They are gentle only with those who are gentle with them. One instructor once joked: “If you fall — smile, the mountain has accepted you.” That phrase has almost become a motto here. Because Serre-Chevalier in the French Alps is a place where traditions, nature and good humour are cherished. And above all — this is a place where people remember that life, like a descent, is best enjoyed with a smile and a little wind in your hair.

From village to world-class resort

In the 1950s the first hotels and ski schools appeared here. Gradually, the high-mountain complex of Serre-Chevalier began to attract tourists from all over the world — first and foremost with its authenticity. Unlike many other Alpine resorts in France, Serre-Chevalier never turned into a glossy, pretentious town and has preserved the soul of real mountain life. You can still see old stone houses, narrow streets and cafés where the staff remember regular guests by name.

• 1941 — the first lift opens in the Chantemerle area;
• The 1960s — expansion of the ski area and construction of new pistes;
• The 1980s — introduction of a single ski pass for the entire valley;
• The 2000s — modernisation of the lifts and development of thermal centres;
• Today — over 250 km of pistes and the status of one of the best ski resorts in France.

Traditions and spirit of the place

Locals treat their mountain resort of Serre-Chevalier with special affection. They do not simply love winter here — they celebrate it. Every December the valley slips into a festive mood, fairy lights decorate even the ski lifts, and the cafés fill with the scent of mulled wine and hot croissants. This is that very Serre-Chevalier winter complex where you feel part of one big family, even if it is your first time here. By the second day you are greeted in the café like an old friend: “Is your croissant today with chocolate, or with a view of the mountains?”

And as the locals joke: “We do not have bad weather — someone just climbed the wrong mountain.” You understand that phrase at once when you see the sun cutting through the clouds above the snow-covered peaks of the Alpine mountains.

A little warning: Serre-Chevalier in the French Alps is a trap for the eyes. The valley is so beautiful that even those who came “just to ski” suddenly start photographing every stone and snowflake. The mountains here are true aristocrats: tall, reserved, but with a sense of style. They dress in white every morning, as if for a fashion show in Haute-Savoie, and even the wind in the French Alps seems to be whispering in French.

The architecture of Serre-Chevalier is a harmonious mix of traditional Alpine houses and modern chalets where the fireplace and a cosy blanket are the main design elements, and the smell of freshly baked baguette in the morning is the official scent of comfort. Every village has its own soul and character: in Briançon everything breathes the Middle Ages, its narrow streets quietly whispering tales of knights; in Villeneuve you can feel youth, energy and the smell of freshly waxed skis; and in Monêtier-les-Bains time flows more slowly — even the clocks seem to yawn with relaxation.

And yes, in the local thermal baths you can sit outdoors in hot water, gazing at the snow-covered mountains of France, and feel like the star of a French mineral water advert: a little tired, but perfectly happy. Locals joke that in the Monêtier thermal baths people “do not grow old — they simply enjoy youth for longer”. They say that even if you arrive here in a gloomy mood, after an hour in these waters you start smiling like a true French person after their third croissant.

This high-altitude mountain complex knows how to be different: by day it is sporty and lively, by evening — romantic and bright, and at night — so quiet it feels like the very air is listening to the crackling of the fire. Best of all, everything here looks natural, without excessive gloss — like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, which does not try to impress because it has long since enchanted everyone.

A mountain valley with character

This Alpine resort stretches along the picturesque valley of the River Guisane (La Guisane), where every bend reveals a new panorama worthy of an Impressionist canvas. Among the Alpine peaks, Serre-Chevalier looks like a scene from a film — clean air, sparkling snow and silence broken only by the laughter of skiers or the clinking of glasses in cafés after a day on the slopes.

• Valley altitude — from 1,200 to 2,800 metres above sea level;
• 250 km of pistes winding through forests and glacial peaks;
• Traditional stone-and-wood architecture — modest, but full of soul;
• Villages arranged in terraces, as if dancing an endless waltz with the mountains;
• And in the evening — lantern light, the aroma of mulled wine and songs that sound merrier after the second glass.

Natural harmony and the mountains’ French sense of humour

In the Serre-Chevalier mountain resort nature definitely has a sense of humour. The wind loves playing with hoods, and the sun loves tricks: as soon as you put on your sunglasses it hides, and the moment you take them off it shines again. But that is the charm of this place: the mountains of Serre-Chevalier teach you not to rush, to savour the moment and to accept the weather the way people accept their French coffee — with a little patience and a lot of love.

No surprise that the Alpine resort of Serre-Chevalier is often called “the valley of happy skiers”. Even the locals say: “When the weather is good — ski. When it is snowing — ski. When it is raining — go to the thermal baths. And in any case — be happy!”

Serre-Chevalier in France is a pocket of good mood at two thousand metres above sea level. It unites four areas — Briançon, Chantemerle, Villeneuve and Monêtier-les-Bains — each with its own personality: one loves history, another speed, the third hot chocolate, and the fourth simply adores peace and thermal pools. Here the air smells of coffee, snow and freedom, and the local skiers claim that even the air has a taste of adventure with a hint of croissant.

If one morning you miss the first lift, it means you were delayed by the beauty of the mountains, not laziness. Because in Serre-Chevalier in the Alpine mountains every morning begins with the same dilemma: ski, stroll or simply sit with a view of the peaks and pretend you are planning exercise. In any case, the correct answer is always “yes, one more coffee!” and then skiing.

• Type of location: high-altitude ski resort in the French Alps.
• Altitude: 1,200–2,800 metres above sea level.
• Pistes: over 250 km, 60 lifts.
• Season: December – March (300 days of sunshine).

The ideal stay in Serre-Chevalier is a week. Three days to ski, two to rest, and another two to convince yourself it is time to go home. Although, to be honest, after a glass of hot wine in the Monêtier thermal baths you will not feel like leaving at all.

You can get here from Turin or Grenoble. The road through the French Alps is so beautiful that Google Maps gets jealous — because no one looks at the screen.

The Serre-Chevalier ski hub is a resort with not only impressive pistes for skiing in the Alps, but also its own personality — a little proud, a little romantic and always with a sense of humour. Even the weather behaves in a French way here: sometimes moody, sometimes flirting, but always leaving a pleasant impression. Locals joke that every mountain has its own opinion and the snow has its own mood: today fluffy and gentle, tomorrow proud and cheeky. French charm in the weather itself!

They say that in Serre-Chevalier in the French Alps the snow does not simply fall — it lands with grace, as if stepping out onto a catwalk in Paris. And the sun does not just shine — it poses for photos. It is this mixology of nature, humour and light-heartedness that creates the unique aura of a place where you feel like skiing, laughing and even doing a little philosophising with a glass of hot wine by the fire.

🥖 Facts that will surprise even seasoned travellers

• Serre-Chevalier enjoys more than 300 sunny days a year. Even the snow seems to tan here — so sunscreen and sunglasses are an absolute must-have.
• The highest lift takes you up to the summit of Pointe du Prorel — from there you can see Italy, and if you try really hard, you can almost smell the espresso in Turin.
• In the village of Monêtier-les-Bains you will find hot thermal springs known since Roman times. They say one submerged leg wipes away fatigue, and two wipe away the desire to go back to work.
• Briançon, part of the resort, is considered the highest-altitude town in Europe (1,326 m). Locals joke that it is the only place where pigeons fly downwards.

🗻 Legends and local tales

Legend has it that a knight called Chevalier once protected the valley from an avalanche by standing in its path with his shield. The mountain, impressed by his bravery, stopped the snow and has guarded the peace of the locals ever since. That is why the name “Serre-Chevalier” is translated as “the knight’s mountain”. And although nobody has seen that hero for a long time, locals are sure: every time a skier gets up after a fall, somewhere in the sky he applauds.

Another story goes that the locals invented mulled wine not for tourists, but for themselves — “so our hands would not freeze while we tell stories by the fire”. And it seems that is exactly why in the Serre-Chevalier mountain resort every evening ends in laughter, the smell of cinnamon and the quiet feeling that life has turned out rather well.

As the locals say: “You do not have to believe in legends, but after the third glass of wine the mountains start telling the truth.” And that is why tourists return here again and again — not for the snow, but for that feeling of warm, honest magic that the Alps so generously share.

Serre-Chevalier is an Alpine resort in France where the celebrations do not end with New Year’s Eve. Everything is worth celebrating here: the first snow, the last snow, a perfect run, a less-than-perfect run, and even the fact that the water in the thermal baths is warmer than the forecast. The locals say: “If you cannot find a reason to open a bottle of wine — just look at the Alpine mountains, and you will find one.” It makes perfect sense: at over 1,500 metres above sea level even an ordinary weekday feels like a little festival, adding extra joy to your winter holiday. All you need to do is take a deep breath, stop and look around.

The Serre-Chevalier resort pulses with life at any time of year — regardless of the weather or the mood of the sky. In winter there are ski competitions, snow and mulled wine festivals; in spring — concerts, fire shows and food fairs; in summer — marathons, jazz and bicycles; in autumn — peace and the smell of hot chocolate. They clearly know how to make every season magical. And the most fascinating thing is that even on the quietest days Serre-Chevalier somehow remains cheerful — as if someone is constantly topping up the air with a dash of champagne.

So if your soul is craving adventure in the snowy Alps and you want to feel the true taste of life à la française — pack your bags and set off on a trip to Serre-Chevalier! Here even the air smells of freedom, and the snow has a hint of happiness. By day you are skiing down pistes that lead straight into the clouds, and by evening you have a glass of wine, the smell of cheese and a warm fireplace, quietly whispering: “Stay one more day”.

They say that those who once conquer the French Alps return not only with photos, but with a new outlook on life. Here you learn to delight in the little things — the crunch of your boots in the snow, your morning coffee on the balcony, the smile of a stranger in the queue for the lift. And most importantly — you realise that sometimes happiness simply puts on skis and laughs out loud. So do not wait for the perfect moment — create it yourself. Serre-Chevalier is already waiting: with mountains, sunshine and that unexplainable magic that makes France steal your heart at first sight.

🎿 Winter events that set the mood

Winter at the Serre-Chevalier ski resort is like a long festival of joy where the slopes are the stage, snow is the smoke effect and puffer jackets are the costumes. The local events are so much fun that even snowmen seem to start smiling wider.

• Serre Che Snow Party — evening skiing with music, DJs and light shows straight on the slope. The main rule: ski while you dance, and dance until you fall.
• Derby de la Meije — a cult race for the boldest. Here they value not only speed, but humour too. If you manage to crack a joke on your way down — you are almost a winner already.
• Fête des Neiges — a snow festival where children and adults build forts, make snowmen and battle it out in “snow karaoke”. And at the end — a penguin parade in costumes (worn by people, of course, though it always somehow looks the other way round).

🎶 Festivals that warm you up even without a fireplace

When the last snow melts, the Serre-Chevalier Alpine ski resort does not fall asleep — it simply changes key. Skis give way to saxophones, bicycles and the smell of cheese. Locals arrange open-air jazz evenings where musicians play under the stars and the audience warms up not only from the rhythm, but from the wine as well.

• Altitude Jazz Festival — a festival with stages scattered all over the valley. You can listen to jazz in a bar, on a slope, in the thermal baths or simply sitting in the snow.
• Fête des Guides — the guides’ celebration, when serious instructors turn into philosophers and tell stories about the mountains so vividly that you start to think: perhaps the snow really does have a soul?
• Trail Blanc — a winter running marathon across the snow. It is hard, but beautiful. Locals joke: “Anyone who reaches the finish line has already earned their dessert.”

🍷 Traditions with a smile

In Serre-Chevalier every festival is a little about sport, a little about music and only a tiny bit about wine (not really). In the evenings the whole valley turns into a glowing fairy tale: lanterns, laughter, music, the aroma of mulled wine and cheese whose smell is stronger than any perfume. The French call it “art de vivre” — the art of living. And it seems they have perfected this art here.

If you ever end up here during a celebration, do not try to make sense of the schedule — it exists mostly in theory. Just follow the music, the laughter and the smell of baguette. And remember: in the high-altitude resort of Serre-Chevalier the main thing is not to find the party, but not to realise too late that you have already joined it.

The Serre-Chevalier ski resort is not only a paradise for skiers and a great way to enhance your winter holiday in the Alps. It is an entire world of adventures waiting for you between the peaks of the French Alps. Here you can live every day differently: today you are an athlete, tomorrow — an aesthete with a camera, the day after — a foodie with a fondue spoon. The main thing is not to rush. After all, as the French say, haste is the enemy of beauty (and of cheese, too).

Sometimes, to fall in love with a place, you do not need to do anything at all — just stop for a moment and look around. Here, in the high-altitude resort of Serre-Chevalier, even an ordinary sunset looks like a film you want to replay. Locals joke: “Even our Wi-Fi is slow — so people look at the sky, not at their screens.” And you know, that does make sense.

⛷ Skiing for everyone: from beginner to pro

The Serre-Chevalier ski resort offers more than 250 kilometres of pistes. It is a real paradise for anyone who loves speed, fresh air and that pleasant crunch of snow under the skis that sounds like music to the heart. There are pistes for beginners — gentle, scenic runs where you can stop at every turn just to say “oh là là!”. For experienced skiers there are real challenges where even the Alpine mountains seem to applaud if you make it down without falling.

• “Green” pistes for easy skiing and teaching children.
• “Red” and “black” runs — for those who love speed and thrills.
• Dedicated pistes for snowboarders and freeriders — freedom without limits (just do not forget your helmet!).

🧖‍♀️ Relaxing in the Monêtier-les-Bains thermal baths

After an active day on the slopes you should head for the famous Serre-Chevalier thermal pools — Les Grands Bains du Monêtier. Imagine yourself sitting in hot water under the open sky, surrounded by snow-covered Alps in France, and you can no longer tell whether it is the water or your happiness steaming more. It is not just relaxation — it is a little meditation, French style.

Locals joke: “In Monêtier all your problems dissolve like sugar in coffee.” And indeed — after a soak here even the most serious tourists start smiling, and sometimes even singing “La vie en rose” while wrapped in a towel.

🚴‍♀️ Summer: bikes, trails and adventures

When the snow melts, the Serre-Chevalier Alpine resort turns into a paradise for lovers of mountain trails and cycling. There are dozens of routes — from easy walks along the valley to real challenges for your legs and lungs. Even if you are only strolling, every turn reveals a new panorama — so beautiful that you may feel like applauding the mountains (and yourself a little too, for making it up there).

• Hiking trails through forests and along the River Guisane.
• Cycling routes passing historic villages and mountain passes.
• Paragliding and river rafting — for those who do not recognise the concept of a “quiet break”.

In Serre-Chevalier every day can be a small adventure — with no script, but a wonderful ending. Some people discover their perfect run here, others — the perfect coffee, and a few simply find themselves: calm and happy among the mountains. The most amazing thing is that even after your holiday a part of this place remains with you — in your memories, your smile and your desire to breathe in that fresh, slightly crunchy Alpine air once again.

So ski, laugh and enjoy — because the Serre-Chevalier mountain resort in France was made for exactly that. And remember: the best memories are born when you simply stop on the slope, look at the peaks and think — “This is it, happiness. Just me, the mountains and a slice of French sky”.

The Alpine resort of Serre-Chevalier is a charming point on the map that makes you want to head further in search of new impressions, adding to your holiday in the French Alps. As soon as the first sunlight touches the peaks, it feels as if the whole valley is whispering: “Allez, traveller, do not stand still — there is so much beauty around!”. Even the GPS here sounds like a French guide: laid-back, but with a hint of romance.

And indeed — if you decide to take even a single “day off from skiing”, do not rush to hide away in your chalet. Around the Serre-Chevalier Alpine resort there are such hidden gems that even the most dedicated skiers forget about snow and reach for their cameras. From mediaeval fortresses and ancient streets to high-altitude passes where the wind smells of freedom — every bend in the road can become the start of a new adventure (and sometimes a perfect selfie).

So put on your gloves, take a thermos of coffee — and set off exploring the surroundings. In France even the road from point A to point B can turn into a full-blown journey — especially if you stop for cheese and a croissant on the way.

🏰 Briançon — a town where history lives in the clouds

The nearest and best-known neighbour is Briançon, the highest-altitude town in Europe and part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. Its old town is like a book written in stone, time and the aroma of coffee. Forts, bastions, narrow streets where stone houses whisper tales of knights and merchants, and a cat on the roof is the chief chronicler who has seen more than any tour guide. You can wander here without a map — just do not look for logic in the street layout; it was clearly designed under the influence of French wine and a good mood.

Every turn is a tiny discovery: an antique shop playing Édith Piaf, a café where the barista speaks to you as if you were old friends, and balconies full of geraniums that smell of tranquillity. Briançon lives slowly, like a real Frenchman: it does not rush to impress you — it simply charms you until you notice.

Briançon is also the place to find the best hot chocolate in the valley. People here sip it slowly, in small sips, looking at the snow-capped mountains of France and thinking: “Yes, life definitely has a taste — and it is chocolate.” They say that even the strict Alpine peaks look softer here. Perhaps it is the cocoa, or perhaps it is that unfailing French charm that turns any trip to the Alps into bright memories.

🌿 Col du Lautaret — where earth meets sky

The Col du Lautaret pass is a place where the sky feels closer and your thoughts feel clearer. It stands at over 2,000 metres, but the views are so spectacular that even photos cannot keep up (and your smartphone seems to beg for “one more attempt”). It is worth taking a pause here, breathing in the cold air, looking into the distance and realising: life is wonderful, especially when it smells of mountains.

Up on the pass you will often find travellers with flasks of coffee, cyclists with sparkling eyes and photographers who have been trying to negotiate with the wind not to ruin their hairstyle for an hour. You will also meet local farmers selling honey and cheese seasoned with the aroma of the Alps. They smile with a calm confidence, as if they know the secret of a good life: do not rush, and enjoy every moment.

They say that at the Col du Lautaret even the air has a French accent — light, fragrant and just a little philosophical. If you stay here for at least a few minutes, you will understand why everyone who passes through this pass smiles, seemingly for no reason at all. The mountains here teach you how to be happy… in a French way — without drama, but from the heart.

🏞 Écrins National Park — a kingdom of wild nature

Not far away lies the Écrins National Park, a true paradise for those who love nature without filters and Photoshop. The mountains here do not pose — they are simply beautiful by nature. Deep valleys, crystal-clear lakes, waterfalls and Alpine flowers that look as if they were painted by an artist with too much inspiration and a bottle of wine by their side. Locals say that the silence here is louder than any music — and indeed, sometimes even the wind seems to whisper “shhh… this is France, enjoy it”.

It is easy to lose track of time in the Écrins — not because you get lost (though that happens too), but because every step reveals a new picture: a stream sparkling like a crystal ribbon, or ibex looking at you as if they own the place. The French say this is where “the soul is cleansed and the legs are trained”, and it might just be the most honest description of the entire region.

🚗 Short trips — big impressions

If you have a car — or just a strong sense of adventure — head for Gap or Grenoble. These are towns with rich history, markets, museums and the kind of “everyday France” that tourists often overlook. There is the smell of coffee, fresh bread and life moving at an unhurried pace. Driving back to Serre-Chevalier, you will once again realise that the mountains are the best filter against everyday fuss.

Travelling around the Serre-Chevalier Alpine resort is like flipping through the pages of a French photo album: a little history, a little nature, a little wine and many moments you will want to relive twice. Everything here is beautiful, warm-hearted and unhurried. And even if you get lost somewhere — it is not a problem, because getting lost in France is a pleasure in itself.

The high-altitude resort of Serre-Chevalier impresses not only with its mountains, but also with how comfortable it is for visitors. It seems the French have even thought through how to make waiting in the lift queue more pleasant — everyone smiles because they know that happiness is not in speed, but in the hot coffee you drink while you wait. This is that rare resort where comfort is not a luxury but a way of life.

The infrastructure of Serre-Chevalier blends convenience and warmth: modern hotels, family-run restaurants, comfortable lifts, and shops filled with the aroma of coffee and baked goods. It is one of those places where you can arrive without a plan and still get the very best out of your trip. Here, even chance encounters and short stops turn into little moments of joy. The French would call it “art de vivre” — the art of living — and it seems they have perfected it.

🏨 Hotels and accommodation

The Serre-Chevalier mountain resort has taken good care of guests who choose a winter holiday in the Alps. There is everything from luxury chalets with views of snow-covered peaks to cosy family apartments where the hostess greets you with a warm croissant and a cheerful “Bienvenue!”. You will find eco-hotels with saunas, wellness complexes, boutique residences and hostels for those who believe the main thing is not the walls, but the window looking out onto the mountains.

Even the simplest accommodation has its own character: somewhere the fireplace crackles as if telling stories of winters past, and somewhere a flowerpot on the windowsill has witnessed more dawns than any tourist. As always, the French do everything with soul — even the pillow seems arranged so you fall asleep feeling as though the Alpine sun has just kissed your forehead. And if you wake up to the smell of fresh pastries — do not be surprised, it is just France saying “good morning”.

🍴 Cafés, restaurants and après-ski

Food at strong>the high-altitude resort Serre-Chevalier is a story of its own, and even the air seems to taste of butter. Each village has its own culinary highlights: somewhere they make fondue so thick your spoon stands upright, and elsewhere the mulled wine recipe has been a family secret for three generations. Nobody counts calories here — the slopes forgive everything.

In the evenings the valley comes alive: bars, terraces with fireplaces, live music, French laughter and the smell of baked cheese. This is true après-ski — not just “after skiing”, but “after happiness”. They say that even the strictest skiers start saying “merci” instead of “thank you” after their second glass of wine.

🚠 Lifts and transport

The Serre-Chevalier ski resort has more than 60 lifts — from fast gondolas to charming chairlifts where you can manage to take ten photos and make one declaration of love. Everything runs as smoothly as a French watch, with only the occasional slight delay — for character. The local transport system is so convenient that even without a car you can easily reach any point in the valley by bus or shuttle.

• Free ski buses run between the resort villages.
• From Briançon you can travel to Grenoble, Turin or Gap by train.
• The nearest airports are in Turin and Grenoble (2–2.5 hours away, if you do not stop for photos every five minutes).

🛍 Shopping and little pleasures

The local shops have everything — from technical gear to the finest French chocolate that “justifies” any spending. Cheese and wine shops are especially popular — the staff are so charming that even if you just popped in to browse, you will likely walk out with a bottle and a happy smile. And of course, with the feeling that you have not just bought a souvenir, but a little piece of France. Shopping here is an essential part of Alpine leisure, without which your holiday feels incomplete.

The infrastructure of Serre-Chevalier has been created with the same attention to detail as French cuisine: a little elegance, a little warmth, a little wine — and the result is flawless. Every day feels like a recipe for happiness: simple, sincere and incredibly satisfying.

The mountain resort in France of Serre-Chevalier is a destination where safety is organised with the same thoroughness as a cheese platter in a local restaurant: everything is thought through to the smallest detail. But, as the French themselves say, “a little caution never hurts, even when everything is perfect”. And they have a point — the mountains may be beautiful, but they only respect those who respect them in return. So before you head to the slopes, check your gear — not just because every guide recommends it, but because the French like to joke: “if the skis do not listen to you, maybe they are listening to someone else”. And always wear a helmet: it does not just protect you; it also gives you that “pro with attitude” look.

🌨 Weather and orientation

In the mountains the weather changes faster than the queue at the bakery at dawn. One moment it is sunny, the next it is a snowstorm, and you are wondering whether you should have had another hot chocolate before heading out. Always check the forecast and carry a map or an offline navigator — not everything in France has Wi-Fi, especially not snowstorms when your navigation app decides to “go on holiday”.

If you do get lost, do not panic — locals recommend the best way to be found: just follow the smell of fondue, it usually leads in the right direction. Better still, remember the mountain rule in France: “those who do not know the way but stay in a good mood will end up where they are meant to be anyway”. And after all, getting lost in the French Alps is not a tragedy — it is a chance to discover a new café with a fireplace that might become your favourite.

🧣 Equipment and preparation

Besides your ski suit, you should bring sunscreen — yes, even in January. The Alpine sun loves leaving “kisses” on tourists’ faces, and not all of them look romantic. A flask, gloves and a small first-aid kit are not signs of overcautiousness, but of respect for the mountains. Do not forget your goggles either: the snow-covered slopes sparkle as if competing with the Eiffel Tower for the title of “brightest in France”.

Add a pair of warm socks — the cold in Serre-Chevalier is not cruel, but polite: it simply reminds you that hot chocolate should not be drunk alone. A power bank will not hurt either, because taking 200 photos a day is basically a sacred duty. And of course, thermal underwear so you do not give in to the mountains. Above all, pack a good mood — without it, even the newest skis will not glide quite right. As the French say: “taking a smile with you is the best insurance against the cold”.

💳 Money and documents

Your holiday at the Serre-Chevalier ski resort is best started with some cash. Cards are widely accepted, but having a bit of cash is still useful — some small mountain cafés live by the principle: “money is like hot chocolate: it is better to have some to hand”. Keep your documents in the hotel safe or in a waterproof pouch — the French love order, but even they cannot tame the snow completely.

Do not be surprised if the card machine in the mountains suddenly “takes the day off” — that is just the universe hinting that it is time to pay in cash and share a genuine smile with your waiter. Locals insist that everything works perfectly in Serre-Chevalier, except the Wi-Fi in cafés — because instead of it the French offer conversation. Sometimes even with those at the next table sharing a fondue bigger than your head.

So keep your notes dry, your phone charged and your heart open. Your holiday in the mountains can turn even paying the bill into a charming little story — especially if it ends with the chef treating you to a croissant “on the house”.

🚑 Medical assistance

The resort has several first-aid points and mountain rescue teams that respond quickly — even the helicopters take off with French elegance. Of course, it is better not to test this in practice. If something happens, dial 112 — help will arrive faster than you can say “croissant”.

Most importantly — never forget common sense and a smile. Because, as they say in Serre-Chevalier: “Cold weather is not a problem if your soul is warm.” Here it is not just a saying, but a real way of life.