Skiing in Serre Chevalier Valley: A Briançon Local's Guide
The best sectors, itineraries and tips for navigating the resort like a local.
Welcome to a sanctuary for skiing. Staying at our chalet in Serre Chevalier Valley means treating yourself to privileged access to one of the most authentic ski areas in the Alps. Here, skiing isn't just an activity, it's a culture expressed across 250 kilometres of slopes, 4 villages and a diversity of landscapes unlike anywhere else in the French Alps, from untouched powder mornings to the golden light that sets the larch trees ablaze at day's end.
Purists of the carved turn on groomed runs, freeride explorers of untouched slopes, families chasing unforgettable memories: the valley unfolds a mosaic of experiences for everyone. From the hushed calm of our chalet, you're just moments away from a limitless playground. This comprehensive guide shares our insider secrets, gathered season after season, to help you navigate the resort like a local.
Contents of your ski stay at Mont Milo
Who we are
"Passionate about Serre Chevalier Valley and the Guisane Valley since childhood, we renovated Chalet Mont Milo to create a family retreat in Briançon, in the hamlet of Pramorel. This guide is our intimate knowledge of the valley, shared with you."
Sandrine & Philippe
Owners of Chalet Mont Milo
❄️ The Resort: A Giant at the Heart of the Hautes-Alpes
Serre Chevalier Valley stretches from Briançon to the Lautaret Pass, linking four sectors in one continuous run. It's the largest ski area in the Southern Alps and one of the ten largest in France. The resort also generates over 30% of its electricity needs from renewable energy, a commitment that is particularly close to our hearts.
What makes this resort unique is its Provençal micro-climate, with over 300 days of sunshine a year. Thanks to the altitude, the snow falls cold and dry, under a sky that's almost always blue. You ski with sunglasses on, jacket open from March onwards, and come home with a tan, a genuine privilege in the Alps.
A vast area, and yet just minutes away from Pramorel. If you're looking to rent a ski chalet in Serre Chevalier Valley, Chalet Mont Milo is your ideal retreat.
Serre Chevalier Valley Ski Area
- ›250 km of slopes
- ›1,200 m to 2,800 m altitude
- ›15 green runs
- ›26 blue runs
- ›28 red runs
- ›13 black runs
❄️ The 4 Sectors: 4 Moods, One Valley
One of Serre Chevalier Valley's greatest strengths is its diversity. Each sector has its own personality, its own atmosphere and its signature runs. In a single week, you can experience four different resorts while enjoying the absolute comfort of your retreat. Here is our insider's take, built over years of skiing and passion for this valley. And because a stay is about more than the slopes, we also share the life of each of these villages.
The Prorel sector (Briançon)
Just 5 minutes from the chalet.
The Prorel gondola whisks you straight up to 2,567 metres, at the heart of Briançon, the highest town in France, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for a magnificent view over the Écrins. This is the sector we recommend at opening time, for cold snow on beautifully groomed runs, before the resort wakes up. Your teenagers will love its terrain features and fun zones, before crossing the Col du Prorel and dropping onto the vast Serre Chevalier ski area.
The Chantemerle sector
Your most direct access to the heart of the ski area.
Just 5 minutes from Pramorel by car or by our private shuttle, Chantemerle is your gateway to the big ski area. This is the slope where Luc Alphand learned to ski, and where the black run named after him takes off: 650 m of vertical drop, 1,990 m of descent through larch forest and mountain hamlets. It's also home to the children's ski schools. You'll spend the day exploring the vastness of the ski area, before coming back to the peace of the chalet, away from the bustle of the snow front.
The trip to Villeneuve
For a sunny lunch break.
As you ski your way across the resort, cross over to the Villeneuve sector around midday. It's the ideal stop to reach L'Échaillon, our favourite mountain restaurant, and share a meal facing a spectacular view of the peaks, before carrying on with your day.
Monêtier's gentle side
Your late-afternoon destination.
Later in the day, ski up to the summit of L'Yret at 2,800 metres, the highest point of the resort. This wild sector is the perfect way to end your day in style. Once your skis are put away, treat yourself to the natural hot springs of Les Grands Bains du Monêtier, then head back to the comfort of your pellet stove in Pramorel for the evening.
🏆 The Valley's Champion DNA
Luc Alphand, born in Briançon, son of ski instructors, trained in Serre Chevalier Valley. Triple World Cup downhill champion (1995, 1996, 1997) and overall World Cup champion in 1997, the first Frenchman to do so since Jean-Claude Killy in 1968. A unique feat: winning the overall title while only competing in speed events. The black run named after him in Chantemerle has hosted four women's World Cup races. Pierre Vaultier, also a valley native, is a double Olympic gold medallist in snowboard cross (Sochi 2014, PyeongChang 2018).
❄️ Our Ideal Day Itinerary
On a fine day with good snow, here's exactly how to experience the best of the resort in a single day.
Setting off from Chantemerle
Straight onto the Ratier gondola. The famous Luc Alphand run is our morning highway: wide, engaging, with a splendid view over the valley to warm up the legs.
The heights of Prorel (Briançon)
Head up to the summits of the Prorel sector. At altitude, the snow quality is remarkable and the runs carve out ideally smooth lines, under beautiful low-angle light facing the Écrins. Your teenagers can enjoy the freestyle and fun zones between runs.
Lunch stop at L'Échaillon
A sun-soaked terrace, a spectacular panoramic view over the Écrins, and hearty mountain cooking. It's our favourite mountain restaurant, an unmissable stop in your day.
The summit of L'Yret at 2,800 m (Monêtier)
Welcome to the roof of the resort. Thanks to its ideal exposure, the snow here stays fresh and perfect throughout the afternoon. The panorama is breathtaking before you start heading gently back down towards Chantemerle.
The grand finale on the Luc Alphand
The golden late-afternoon light pierces through the larch trees and lights up the mountain hamlets. It's a memorable run to savour with a smile on your face, the best possible finale before heading back to the warmth of the pellet stove or the sauna at the chalet.
Resalp, our private shuttle to the slopes
Up to 8 people · By reservation · Exclusive rate for guests
From Pramorel, the slopes of Chantemerle and Prorel are 5 minutes away by car, with free parking less than 100 metres from the lifts. And if you'd rather not drive, our partner shuttle Resalp (available on request, at a preferential rate negotiated exclusively for our guests) picks up to 8 passengers directly at the chalet and drops you at the foot of the Luc Alphand run in Chantemerle, or at the Prorel in Briançon, whichever you prefer. In the evening, it brings you back whenever suits you, the sauna will be waiting.
Before you hit the slopes
Check real-time conditions to plan your sector for the day.
🌤️ Live weather 🎿 Slope & lift status 📷 Live webcamsExperience Serre Chevalier Valley at its best
By choosing Chalet Mont Milo, you get the absolute calm of the hamlet of Pramorel and ultra-fast access to the valley's finest peaks. Tell us about your stay and get all our insider addresses as soon as you book.
Check rates & lock in your dates❄️ Off-Piste & Freeride Skiing: The Hidden Side of the Resort
Serre Chevalier Valley stands out as a secret garden for freeride, particularly loved by enthusiasts. The resort's natural layout, varied slopes, century-old larch forests, sheltered vales and generous altitude, creates optimal conditions for backcountry skiing. Over a hundred routes are mapped out by local guides.
The Tour du Prorel
The iconic route. From the summit of the Prorel, enjoy a 360° panorama over the Écrins National Park in a majestic setting. Accessible to confident skiers, it's our benchmark route.
La Forêt des Éduits
A beautiful off-piste run through larch forest from Villeneuve. It's our top pick in snowy weather: the trees offer great visibility and the powder stays fresh for longer.
Le Vallon des Corneilles
After a short 20-minute walk from the summit, this completely secluded vale reveals rare, untouched snow and a spectacular high-mountain setting. A firm favourite among the valley's guides.
La Tête des Grands Prés
A varied route with often remarkable snow conditions. Highly rated by high-mountain guides, it's a freeride must in Serre Chevalier Valley.
La Montagnole
Accessible from the Yret chairlift, this route offers steep pitches followed by fabulous untouched bowls. The ultimate wild skiing experience.
Le Couloir de la Balme
The resort's most challenging route. Technical, steep and stunning after fresh snowfall, this demanding line must always be tackled with a professional guide.
Off-piste safety
Always carry an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe for any off-piste outing. For committed routes, going with a professional guide is essential, it's also the best way to discover spots you couldn't reach on your own.
Guides & support
The Briançon Mountain Guides Office runs off-piste and ski touring outings for all levels, all season long.
Briançon Mountain Guides Office Mountain safety
Ski hors piste Serre Chevalier Vallée
❄️ Nordic Skiing & Fresh Air: 44 km Between Sky and Forest
At Chalet Mont Milo, we believe the mountains can be enjoyed in every way, from the speed of gravity to the gentleness of a contemplative walk. The Nordic ski area winds along the river from Chantemerle to the hamlet of Le Casset, offering 44 kilometres of groomed classic and skating trails in a remarkable natural setting.
The reference site: Le Pontillas to Les Boussardes (Monêtier)
This site offers trails for all levels, in a calm, authentic and utterly peaceful setting. Our insider tip: pair a morning here with an afternoon at the hot springs of Les Grands Bains du Monêtier. The perfect match of sporty complicity and recovery.
The Colombiers site (Chantemerle)
Located 10 minutes from the chalet, free access. Ideal for gently getting started and sharing a family moment in a safe, friendly setting. The perfect activity for a first taste of the valley as soon as you arrive.
The Mont Milo advantage: the mountains right at your door
No need to take the car to enjoy the great snowy outdoors. For young and old alike, we provide sledges so you can race each other on the gentle slopes of the fields surrounding the chalet. And for lovers of open spaces or ski touring, Mont Milo's ideal location means you can set off skis or snowshoes on directly into the Chantemerle forest and its majestic larch scenery.
One area, two techniques: classic Nordic skiing (in tracks) and skating (skate-style, more athletic). The valley's ski schools offer tailored Nordic lessons for adults and children from day one of your stay.
Nordic resources
Everything you need to plan your Nordic outing: trail maps updated daily, rates and online tickets.
NordicFrance — trail map Nordic Pass — buy online Nordic skiing — serre-chevalier.com
Cross-country skiing in Serre Chevalier Valley
Ski touring in Serre Chevalier Valley
FAQ: Skiing in Serre Chevalier Valley
Which sector should we choose for family skiing in Serre Chevalier Valley?
Chantemerle and Villeneuve are remarkable sectors for family skiing. They offer wide, well-protected runs and learning areas suitable from age 3. The ESF ski school in Chantemerle runs group and private lessons for all levels, from first turns to the most technical runs. For your equipment, our partner Skimium Briançon, conveniently located at the foot of the Prorel gondola, rents out gear at preferential rates negotiated exclusively for Chalet Mont Milo guests.
What's the best time of year to ski in Serre Chevalier Valley?
January and February are perfect for fresh powder and optimal snow cover. The resort's high altitude (up to 2,800 m) guarantees remarkable ski conditions. March is ideal for spring skiing, with generous sunshine and lively terraces. Thanks to the sheer size of this 250 km ski area, skier traffic stays wonderfully smooth and pleasant throughout the season. From Chalet Mont Milo, you'll reach the Chantemerle and Prorel lifts in just 5 minutes, for a calm start every morning.
How can we ski off-piste safely?
Off-piste skiing in Serre Chevalier Valley reveals stunning wild routes that demand rigorous preparation. Full safety equipment (avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe) is essential for every skier. Always check the snow and avalanche bulletin before heading off marked trails. Our top recommendation for peace of mind: trust your route to the Briançon Mountain Guides Office, professionals who know every slope and every couloir of the resort intimately.
Is the Serre Chevalier Valley ski area suitable for beginners and children?
Absolutely. Serre Chevalier Valley stands out as one of the most welcoming Southern Alps resorts for children and beginner skiers. The area has 41 green and blue runs spread across all sectors, with secure beginner zones equipped with comfortable magic carpets. Ski schools (ESF and independent) welcome young children from age 3 in dedicated snow gardens. On top of that, children's lift passes come at reduced rates, and access to the ski area is free for under-6s.
Where and how do you buy a ski pass?
The best option is to book your pass online on the resort's official website. Early booking rates let you make real savings compared to buying at the ticket office. Passes are also available for purchase at the ticket offices of each sector (Briançon, Chantemerle, Villeneuve, Monêtier). Find all the pass options and dematerialised pass formats in our Lift Passes & Ski Schools guide.
Alpine art of living
