Serre Chevalier

Serre Chevalier is a collection of 13 villages in a beautiful alpine valley nestled within the Serre Chevalier mountain range. The resort is on the doorstep of the Ecrins National park and benifits from superb vistas from pretty much everywhere you go. The ski area is one of the largest in Europe, is easily accessible from all of the villages and includes some truly world class skiing. Serre Chevalier is known for its enviable sunshine record with an amazing 300 days of sunshine per year. The resort is not famous for its nightlife but more than makes up for it with its friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

Ski Area

Serre Chevalier is a superb ski area with over 250km of piste served by 68 lifts. It is not the highest resort but its generally north facing slopes hold the snow and stay in good condition throughout the season. There is a good variety of skiing on offer for all abilities with an easy piste descending from every lift enabling groups of all abilities, including beginners, to roam the mountainside together. For intermediate/advanced skiers and boarders, there are plenty of blue and red runs to descend and an excellent selection of off piste terrain to explore. Serre Chevalier is known as the most snowboard friendly resort in Europe and the natural terrain is an excellent playground for the experienced rider.

Town Centre

The UCPA centre in Serre Chevalier is located in the village of Villenvue which is the largest and most lively of the villages. It has excellent lift access and acts as the main hub for the area. Villenvue is purpose built but has been designed in a tasteful and traditional manner. For those seeking alpine charm the local bus service will efficiently take you up and down the valley where you can visit historic sites. Many of the villages are still very small and have retained much of their original character. The highlight is the historical town of Briancon which has recently been declared a world heritage site. Serre Chevalier is not known for its nightlife although Villenvue has a reasonable selection of bars and a pleasant rather than manic après ski scene.

UCPA Serre Chevalier

The UCPA centre in Serre Chevalier is located at the foot of the piste in the main village of Villeneuve. You can ski straight from the centre in the morning and straight back to it in the evening, Villeneuve is also the ideal location from which to explore the valley with the best lift access and a good bus service. The centre is one of nicest UCPA centres in a modern building with a fantastic sun deck overlooking the slopes and a outdoor heated pool! All the usual UCPA services are present ski room, wifi, dining room
plenty of social areas and seating plus a lovely bar for après ski drinks.

 

SERRE CHEVALIER OVERVIEW

Pros

  • Beautiful scenery within the Ecrins National Park
  • Vast ski area with over 250km of piste
  • Picturesque villages up and down the valley
  • Briancon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Lots of varied terrain
  • Ski in Ski out
  • Very nice UCPA centre with heated pool

Cons

  • Not the best nightlife
  • Villenueve is not the prettiest resort
  • Very busy in French school holidays

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SERRE CHEVALIER FACTS

Best For: A relaxing break
Resort Charm:
Centre Comfort:
Nightlife:
Nearest Airport: Turin (132km)
Coach Available:
Fun Fact: 300 days sunshine per year
Snowsure Rating:

Testimonials

Read what our clients say about us

  • There isn’t a part of UCPA that I don’t enjoy, it’s some of the best holidays I’ve had and going to have.
    Peter E
  • One click and you’ve booked everything. No searching around for lessons, ski-hire etc. And the best thing is you can keep adding people to your group.
    Anna R
  • Alongside the excellent equipment, lessons, food and accommodation, the thing that brings me back year on year is the atmosphere, as made by the people who go to UCPA.
    Elliot B
  • The food offers great variety, choice (several options each night), quantity (as much as you want) and quality is decent (7/10). Cheese and yoghurts coming out of your ears, packed lunch option, afternoon...
    Anna R
  • Action Outdoors set up a personal group page and as a group leader, I did’t have to worry about taking everyone’s payments. Each group member is responsible to pay their own way through the group page directly to Action Outdoors. Win!
    Asim A
  • The food is PHENOMENAL at UCPA – brilliant for those with eyes bigger than their belly. 
    Asim A
  • All UCPAs are very friendly and sociable. The bar and dining areas are open with big tables, encouraging people to sit together and get to know each other. This makes it very easy as a solo traveller.
    Anna R
  • Lunch and dinner were epic. Buffet style with delicious and varied options each day and night. Not cheap foods either - Full roast chickens, ribs, roast beef, etc. Unreal!
    Ron H
    

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