Local insider guide · Winter
Skiing in Serre Chevalier Valley
A local's guide
The best sectors, routes and tips for skiing Serre Chevalier Valley like a local.
Staying at Chalet Mont Milo in Briançon means choosing the best ski chalet rental near the slopes to access one of the largest ski areas in Europe. But knowing Serre Chevalier like a local is something else entirely. We have been skiing these 250 km of pistes season after season for as long as we can remember, the powder mornings when the mountain still belongs to the early risers, the late afternoons when the orange light turns the larch trees into a film set. This guide is what we whisper to our guests on the evening of their arrival.
❄️ The ski area — a giant in the heart of the Hautes-Alpes
Serre Chevalier Valley stretches from Briançon all the way to the Col du Lautaret, linking four sectors in one continuous ski area. It is the largest ski resort in the Southern Alps and one of the ten largest in France. The resort generates over 30% of its electricity needs from renewable energy, a commitment close to our hearts.
What makes it truly unique is its Provençal microclimate, with over 300 days of sunshine a year. The snow falls cold and dry thanks to the altitude, but the sky is almost always blue. You ski in sunglasses, jacket unzipped in March, and come home with a tan, a rare luxury in the Alps.
A vast ski area — and yet just minutes from Briançon. To rent a ski chalet in Serre Chevalier, Chalet Mont Milo is your ideal base.
Who are we?
Sandrine & Philippe
Owners of Chalet Mont Milo
« Passionate about Serre Chevalier and the Guisane valley since childhood, we renovated Chalet Mont Milo to create an exceptional family retreat in Briançon, in the hamlet of Pramorel. This guide is our intimate knowledge of the valley, shared with you. »
Sandrine & Philippe
❄️ The 4 sectors — 4 atmospheres, one valley
One of Serre Chevalier's greatest strengths is its variety. Each sector has its own personality, its own atmosphere and its own signature runs. In a single week, you can experience four different resorts without ever leaving your chalet. Here is how we experience them, after years of exploring this valley in every direction.
🏛 Briançon
1,200 m · Prorel gondola → 2,567 m · 5 minutes from the chalet
The highest town in France, UNESCO-listed. The Prorel sector rises directly to 2,567 m, with breathtaking views over the Écrins. Our favourite sector in the morning, cold, fresh snow at opening time and rarely crowded. Fun parks and freestyle areas for teenagers.
⛷ Chantemerle / Saint-Chaffrey
1,350 m · Historic heart of the resort · Our starting point from Pramorel
The historic heart of the resort and our natural starting point from Pramorel. This is where Luc Alphand learned to ski. The black run that bears his name: 650 m of vertical drop, 1,990 m of descent through larch trees and mountain chalets.
🌲 Villeneuve / La Salle-les-Alpes
1,420 m · The liveliest sector · Aravet gondola
The liveliest and most family-friendly sector. We head over mid-morning, and it is from Villeneuve that you reach L'Échaillon, our favourite mountain restaurant with panoramic views over the Écrins.
🏡 Monêtier-les-Bains
1,500 m · L'Yret at 2,800 m · The most authentic sector
The most wild and the least crowded. L'Yret is the roof of the ski area at 2,800 m. Our go-to afternoon destination, we always finish at Les Grands Bains du Monêtier, our unmissable après-ski ritual.
🏆 The valley's champion DNA
Luc Alphand — born in Briançon, son of ski instructors, trained at Serre Chevalier. Three-time World Cup downhill winner (1995, 1996, 1997) and overall World Cup champion in 1997, the first Frenchman since Jean-Claude Killy in 1968. A unique achievement: winning the overall title competing only in speed events. The black run bearing his name at Chantemerle has hosted four women's World Cup races. Pierre Vaultier, also from the valley, is a double Olympic gold medallist in snowboard cross (Sochi 2014, PyeongChang 2018).
❄️ Our perfect ski day itinerary
In good weather and good snow conditions, here is exactly how we ski to get the very best out of the resort in a single day.
Set off from Chantemerle
Ratier gondola. The Luc Alphand run is our morning motorway, wide, engaging, with views over the valley to warm up gradually.
Top of the Briançon sector
High up on the Prorel side, cold, untracked snow and low-angled light over the Écrins. Fun parks and freestyle areas for teenagers between runs.
Lunch at L'Échaillon
Panoramic views over the Écrins, generous mountain cuisine and a sun-drenched terrace. Our go-to mountain restaurant, an unmissable moment.
Monêtier — L'Yret at 2,800 m
The roof of the ski area. The north-facing aspect means the snow stays excellent here when the south-facing runs start to soften. We gradually make our way back down towards Chantemerle.
Finale — the Luc Alphand run
The late afternoon light on the larch trees and chalets of Chantemerle is incomparable. Burning thighs, a smile on your face, the perfect end to a perfect day.
In bad weather
Stick to Chantemerle and Villeneuve, more sheltered, with more runs through the larch forests. Avoid Briançon and L'Yret in poor conditions: the altitude makes for a tough day.
Before heading out on the slopes
Check live conditions to choose your sector for the day.
🌤️ Live weather forecast 🎿 Piste and lift status 📷 Live webcamsYour ski holiday in Serre Chevalier
Chalet Mont Milo is your ideal base for experiencing Serre Chevalier like a local, 5 minutes from the slopes, with a sauna and games room for family evenings. Check our getting to the chalet page to plan your arrival.
Check availability & book your stayBest price guaranteed — around 15% less than Airbnb & Vrbo
❄️ Off-piste skiing & freeride — the hidden side of the resort
Serre Chevalier is an exceptional and still under-the-radar freeride destination. The layout of the ski area, varied aspects, centuries-old larch forests, sheltered valleys and generous altitude, creates ideal off-piste conditions. Local guides have mapped over a hundred different routes.
Le Tour du Prorel
The iconic route. From the summit of the Prorel, 360° views over the Écrins in a wild and unspoilt setting. Accessible to confident skiers in normal conditions, our benchmark run.
Le Vallon des Corneilles
20 minutes on foot from the summit. A completely secluded valley, guaranteed virgin snow and a pure high-mountain setting. The favourite of Serre Chevalier's local guides.
La Tête des Grands Prés
Often excellent conditions and a varied route. Highly sought after by mountain guides, a must-do freeride run at Serre Chevalier.
La Forêt des Éduits
Off-piste through the larch forest from Villeneuve. Our recommendation in bad weather, the trees provide shelter and the powder lasts much longer here.
La Montagnole
From the Yret chairlift, steep slopes followed by fabulous untouched bowls. A pure wild skiing experience.
Le Couloir de la Balme
The most committing run in the area. Technical, steep and sublime in powder, should only be skied with a professional guide.
Off-piste safety
Always carry an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe for any off-piste outing. For more committing routes, a professional guide is essential, and the best way to access spots you would never find on your own.
Guides & guided outings
The Briançon Mountain Guides office organises off-piste and ski touring outings for all levels throughout the season.
👉 Briançon Mountain Guides office 👉 Mountain safety information
Ski hors piste Serre Chevalier Vallée
❄️ Cross-country skiing — 44 km between sky and forest
At Chalet Mont Milo, we believe the mountains are just as rewarding at the pace of your legs as at the speed of gravity. The cross-country ski area winds along the river from Chantemerle all the way to the hamlet of Le Casset, 44 km of groomed trails for both classic and skate skiing, in an exceptional natural setting.
Pontillas aux Boussardes — Monêtier
Our favourite cross-country area. Groomed trails for both classic and skate skiing, suitable for all levels. Peaceful, authentic and far from the bustle of the downhill resort. Our tip: combine a morning here with an afternoon at Les Grands Bains du Monêtier, effort and recovery in the same magical place.
Colombiers — Chantemerle
10 minutes from the chalet, free access. Ideal for beginners and families in a safe and welcoming environment. Perfect for a first taste of cross-country skiing on day one of your stay.
Two techniques coexist: classic skiing (in set tracks) and skate skiing (a skating motion, more athletic). Both can be picked up quickly with an instructor, the valley's ski schools offer cross-country lessons for adults and children from day one.
Cross-country resources
Everything you need to plan your cross-country outing: daily updated trail map, prices and online ticketing.
👉 NordicFrance — trail map 👉 Nordic Pass — buy online 👉 Cross-country skiing — serre-chevalier.com
Cross-country skiing in Serre Chevalier Valley
Ski touring in Serre Chevalier Valley
FAQ — Skiing in Serre Chevalier Valley
Chantemerle and Villeneuve are the ideal sectors for family skiing in Serre Chevalier Valley — wide, sheltered green runs, experienced ski schools welcoming children from age 3. The Chantemerle ski school offers group and private lessons for all levels, from first-timers to red runs. Our partner Skimium Briançon provides equipment hire with exclusive negotiated rates for Chalet Mont Milo guests.
January and February for fresh powder and optimal snow cover — the resort's altitude (up to 2,800 m) guarantees excellent conditions. March for spring skiing with generous Provençal sunshine and lively terraces. Avoid Saturdays at the start and end of French school holidays for the lifts. Outside these windows, crowds are never an issue on a resort as vast as 250 km of pistes. From Chalet Mont Milo in Pramorel, you reach the Chantemerle and Prorel lifts in 5 minutes — stress-free and queue-free.
Off-piste skiing in Serre Chevalier Valley offers exceptional routes — but requires serious preparation. Essential equipment: avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe for every member of the group. Always check the snow bulletin and avalanche risk before leaving marked pistes. Our recommendation: the Briançon Mountain Guides office — professionals who know every couloir and every aspect of the mountain, from around €75 per person. An investment that makes all the difference for off-piste skiing with complete confidence.
Yes — Serre Chevalier Valley is one of the most family-friendly ski resorts in the Southern Alps. The ski area has 38 green and blue runs spread across the four sectors, with dedicated beginner areas equipped with magic carpet lifts at the base. Ski schools (ESF and independent) offer lessons from age 3 — snow garden, group lessons by level and private tuition. The AltiGo card, provided on arrival at Chalet Mont Milo, includes access to free shuttle buses between sectors — ideal for every member of the family to reach their level without any logistical hassle. Children's lift passes are available at reduced rates and some sectors offer free skiing for under-5s.
The easiest and most affordable option is to book online on the official Serre Chevalier Réservation website — early booking rates can save up to 20% compared to buying at the resort. Passes are also available at ticket offices in each sector (Briançon, Chantemerle, Villeneuve, Monêtier). The AltiGo card, provided on arrival at Chalet Mont Milo, gives you access to free shuttle buses between sectors. Find all the options in our Ski Passes & Schools guide.
Winter guides — explore further
Alpine art of living
