Local insider guide · Winter
Beyond the Slopes in Serre Chevalier Valley — Family activities & thrills
The mountain, differently
What to do in Serre Chevalier Valley in winter without skiing? Here are our favourite activities from Briançon, combining well-being, nature and thrills.
« Because the winter mountains are a celebration for everyone — skis or no skis — we created this guide to share our favourite activities. From the thrill of the zip line to the thermal baths of Monêtier, we share with you the art of experiencing winter from Briançon. »
Sandrine & Philippe
Owners of Chalet Mont Milo
From Briançon, every adventure begins at our doorstep, snowshoeing through the larch forest, sledging in the meadows, thermal baths at Monêtier, thrills on the zip line… This guide is the fruit of our own discoveries and personal favourites, the activities we recommend to friends and family when they come to visit.
Would you like to enjoy all these activities from a private chalet in the heart of Pramorel? Discover our chalet stay in Serre Chevalier beyond the slopes.
❄️ Snowshoeing — the larch forest of Briançon
Snowshoeing is our favourite off-slope activity. The larch forest surrounding Briançon transforms in winter into a magical setting, complete silence, light filtering through snow-laden branches, animal tracks in the fresh snow. Routes start directly from the chalet.
The Prorel forest — starting from the chalet
Direct from the chalet · 1h30 to 3h · All levels
Our signature route. We set off directly from the chalet and climb through the larch trees towards the Prorel. Panoramic views over the Guisane valley as your reward. Ideal for a restorative morning before the thermal baths.
The Chantemerle loop
5 min by car · 2h · Ideal for families
A marked circuit perfect for families with children. Varied scenery between forest and alpine meadows, never too demanding. Children love spotting animal tracks in the snow.
The Guisane Valley
Starting from Chantemerle · Half-day · Intermediate
Along the river, in the very heart of the valley. A breathtaking setting with the snow-capped peaks of the Écrins as a backdrop. Our recommendation for a full outing.
Our tip
Head out in the morning, the light over the Écrins is incomparable and the snow still untouched. We provide trekking poles at the chalet.
Snowshoe hire & guided outings
Snowshoes available to hire from our partner Skimium in Briançon, negotiated rates for Chalet Mont Milo guests. For unmarked routes, local guides are essential.
👉 Skimium Briançon — book online 👉 Briançon Mountain Guides office❄️ Wellness — Les Grands Bains du Monêtier & Spa La Rotonde
Just a few kilometres from the chalet, Les Grands Bains du Monêtier are the most iconic natural thermal baths in the Southern Alps. Around ten indoor and outdoor pools, with direct views over the snow-capped peaks, the perfect place to unwind after an intense day in the mountains. And to extend the relaxation on your return, the chalet's private sauna is waiting for you.
Les Grands Bains du Monêtier
Monêtier-les-Bains · Open throughout the season · From age 3
Outdoor and indoor pools, jacuzzis and thermal spaces inspired by Roman baths. Jets, bubble baths, steam room — everything you need to recover after a day on the slopes. Our favourite moment: around 6pm, as night falls and the first stars appear above the peaks. From the outdoor pools, the panorama is simply breathtaking.
Spa La Rotonde — New for winter 2025-2026
Within Les Grands Bains · Adults only from age 16
A space entirely dedicated to premium wellness, child-free, opening for the first time this winter. Sauna, treatments, soothing atmosphere, a true haven of calm designed for deep relaxation. Booking essential, slots fill up fast.
Our tip
Go around 6pm as night falls and the stars begin to appear. From the outdoor pools, the panorama over the snow-covered Écrins is absolutely breathtaking, a moment of pure alpine magic.
Book
Online booking strongly recommended, especially for Spa La Rotonde, slots disappear quickly during school holidays.
👉 Les Grands Bains du Monêtier 👉 Spa La Rotonde❄️ Sledging — the meadows of Pramorel
Guaranteed fun for young and old alike. The snow-covered meadows surrounding the chalet naturally transform into sledging runs — no need to look far, the adventure starts right at our doorstep.
From the chalet — sleds provided
Pramorel meadows · Immediate access · All ages
We provide several sleds for memorable family challenges. The gentle slope in front of the chalet is perfect for the youngest, while the steeper sections will thrill the older ones. A spontaneous, free and unforgettable activity, a Pramorel tradition.
❄️ Ice rink & swimming pool — Briançon
For a change of scenery, Briançon offers two aquatic and ice activities just 5 minutes from the chalet. Reliable favourites for families, ideal in bad weather or as a complement to a half-day of skiing.
Briançon ice rink
Town centre · Open throughout the winter season · From age 2
Covered ice rink open throughout the winter season. Skate hire available on site. Ideal for a family evening, children love it and adults rediscover the joy of gliding on ice.
If you're lucky, you may catch a match featuring the Briançon Diables Rouges, the city's ice hockey team, competing in the top division of the French national league. An electric atmosphere in a human-sized arena, an authentic local sporting experience we highly recommend to our guests.
Briançon aquatic centre
Town centre · Open all year round · Children's area & water slides
Briançon's aquatic centre features an Olympic pool and a fun zone for children with water slides and an aquatic play area. An excellent option in bad weather, children come out exhausted and happy.
Your off-slope stay in Serre Chevalier Valley
Chalet Mont Milo is your ideal base for enjoying all these activities, 5 minutes from Briançon, with sleds and snowshoe poles available and our personalised advice included.
Check availability & book your stayBest price guaranteed — around 15% less than Airbnb & Vrbo
❄️ Dog sledding — a Grand Nord adventure
A Far North experience in the heart of the Alps. Pulled by a team of husky dogs, you glide through the silence of the snow, guided by a passionate musher. One of the most popular activities in the valley, advance booking is essential.
At Pontillas — La Salle-les-Alpes
15 min from the chalet · From age 3 · Booking required
The valley's go-to provider. Two options to choose from: a sled ride where you sit back comfortably while the musher drives, or a driving initiation where you take the reins yourself. A timeless experience that children will not forget in a hurry. Wrap up warm, there are few stops along the way.
❄️ Giant zip line — fly over Serre Chevalier
For thrill-seekers, the Giant Zip Line at Serre Chevalier is an experience to be had at least once. From the summit at 2,491 m altitude, launch yourself solo or in tandem at over 100 km/h, guaranteed 360° panoramic views over the Écrins National Park.
Giant zip line — Chantemerle
2,491 m altitude · Solo or tandem · From 25 kg · Booking recommended
From the Grand Serre, take a deep breath and launch yourself into a vertiginous descent. A radar measures your speed on arrival, and a souvenir photo is waiting for you. A few seconds of pure, utterly unforgettable adrenaline.
❄️ Snow trail running — running in winter
The Briançon area is one of the birthplaces of snow trail running in France, Serre Chevalier organised one of the first snow races in the country in the early 2000s. Each winter, three events take place in the valley and surrounding area, to the delight of runners of all levels.
Trail Blanc Vauban by Night — Briançon
January · Briançon · 7 km and 14 km · Night race
An iconic night race around Briançon's Vauban fortifications. Two accessible distances, a 7 km discovery route and a 14 km confirmed runner's course. A unique atmosphere, head torches lighting the winter night, with the illuminated citadel as a backdrop.
Serre Che Snow Trail — La Salle-les-Alpes
January · La Salle-les-Alpes · 10 km, 20 km and night race 8 km
The winter edition of the famous Serre Che Trail Salomon. Three formats on the programme, a night trail on Saturday evening (8 km) and two races on Sunday (10 km and 20 km with 1,000 m of elevation gain). The Grand Parcours winds through the Guisane valley all the way to the Col du Granon, breathtaking scenery throughout.
Snowrace de Montgenèvre
February · Montgenèvre · 9 km and 17 km · 30 min from the chalet
France's oldest ski resort hosts one of the finest snow races in the Hautes-Alpes. Two routes, the Rocher Dizeur (9 km, 350 m elevation gain) for those new to the discipline, and the Tour des Bois (17 km, 650 m elevation gain) through larch forests, ridgelines and woodland. Fully snow-covered courses with views over the Durance valley.
Enjoy all these activities from Pramorel, 5 minutes from Briançon and the slopes of Serre Chevalier Valley.
👉 Chalet rental in Serre Chevalier Valley Check availability & book your stay❄️ Paragliding — fly over Serre Chevalier Valley
For an unforgettable perspective over the Guisane valley and the surrounding peaks, paragliding is an experience to be had at least once. Take-off is from the summits of Serre Chevalier, 360° views over the Alps, with a professional instructor by your side. No experience required.
Tandem flight with instructor
Briançon · Throughout the season · From age 7 · Booking required
The instructor flies, you enjoy. Take-off is on skis or on foot from the mountain summits. Choose your experience: a scenic flight to soak up the panorama over the valley and villages, or an acrobatic flight for thrill-seekers. A majestic way to discover the full scale of Serre Chevalier Valley from the air.
Our tip
Choose a clear day with little wind, conditions are generally excellent in the morning. Book the evening before based on the weather forecast. A moment you will never forget.
❄️ FAQ — Off-slope activities in Serre Chevalier Valley
Serre Chevalier Valley offers an exceptional programme of off-slope activities that can fill an entire stay without ever putting on skis. The must-dos: snowshoeing in the larch forest starting directly from Chalet Mont Milo, sledging in the Pramorel meadows, dog sledding, tandem paragliding, giant zip line, covered ice rink in Briançon, Olympic swimming pool, snow trail running and thermal baths at Les Grands Bains du Monêtier. The valley is also known for its cross-country ski trails and marked snow trail routes for all levels.
Prices at Les Grands Bains du Monêtier vary depending on the option chosen — expect around €22 to €28 per adult for access to the indoor and outdoor pools, and up to €45 for packages including Spa La Rotonde. Reduced rates apply for children (ages 3-12). Online booking is strongly recommended during school holidays — evening slots sell out very quickly. From Chalet Mont Milo in Pramorel, allow 15 minutes by car or 25 minutes on the free shuttle via Chantemerle.
Several family-friendly snowshoe routes start directly from Pramorel and Chantemerle — no car or shuttle needed. The larch forest trail around Pramorel is ideal from age 4 (low elevation gain, clearly marked). For families wanting to go further, the ski lifts give access to high-altitude routes with views over the Grand Aréa. Snowshoes can be hired from sports shops in Chantemerle — Skimium Briançon offers negotiated rates for chalet guests.
Yes — Briançon has a covered ice rink open throughout the winter season, welcoming children from age 2. Public sessions are organised in 1h30 slots, with skate hire available on site. The rink is ideal in bad weather or for children who want a break from skiing. It is also the home ice of the Briançon Diables Rouges — the city's ice hockey team, whose home matches you can attend throughout the season. An authentic local sporting experience not to be missed with children.
Yes — Serre Chevalier Valley has a cross-country ski network of over 35 km of groomed trails spread across Chantemerle, Villeneuve and Monêtier. The Monêtier plateau trails are the most highly regarded, with routes for all levels in both classic and skate technique. The cross-country pass is separate from the downhill ski pass and can be purchased directly at resort ticket offices. Equipment hire is available from our partners in the resort.
Serre Chevalier Valley is particularly well set up for families with young children. Sledging in the Pramorel meadows is accessible from age 2 — and equipment is provided at the chalet. Briançon's ice rink welcomes children from age 2 with appropriately sized skate hire. Les Grands Bains du Monêtier are open from age 3 (Spa La Rotonde is reserved for ages 16 and over). Dog sledding welcomes children from age 3. Snowshoeing on the easy trails around Pramorel is manageable from age 4.
Yes, for the most popular activities — dog sledding, tandem paragliding and Spa La Rotonde are often fully booked several days in advance during school holidays. Book as soon as your stay is confirmed to avoid disappointment. Snowshoeing and sledging at the chalet are freely accessible, with no booking required. Les Grands Bains du Monêtier can be booked online — evening slots sell out very quickly in high season.
Yes — several activities are perfect in bad weather or during a storm. Briançon's Olympic swimming pool, the covered ice rink, Les Grands Bains du Monêtier and Spa La Rotonde all operate whatever the weather. Our tip: keep these in reserve for grey days and make the most of the sunny ones — plentiful thanks to 300 days of sunshine a year — for outdoor activities. Back at the chalet, the games room (pool table, table football, air hockey) and the private sauna are your allies for evenings and snowy afternoons.
Winter guides — explore further
Alpine art of living
