Travel book · Alpes du Sud

Serre Chevalier Vallée Briançon: 250km of slopes between Écrins and Galibier

Updated on 5 October 2026 3 min read

Serre Chevalier Vallée Briançon is not a single resort, but a succession of villages: four stations aligned along the Guisane valley, Briançon, Chantemerle, Villeneuve and Le Monêtier-les-Bains, linked by lift systems and a single vast larch forest descending to the slopes. It is this combination, expansive terrain, technical skiing, southern Alpine sunlight, and a historic town at its base, that sets it apart.

The domain covers 250km of slopes between 1200 and 2800 metres altitude, making it one of the largest skiable areas in the Southern Alps. 59 lifts serve over 80 slopes, spread across the flanks of the Écrins massif overlooking the Guisane valley.

Geography that changes the light

Aspect matters greatly. Slope orientation varies from one sector to another: the slopes at Le Monêtier descend on a north-facing aspect, hold snow late into the season, and remain cool during warm spells. This diversity of exposure allows skiing in very different conditions depending on the hour and sector, one reason why experienced skiers return.

The resort’s emblematic summit, Pic de l’Yret (2830m), accessible by chairlift from Le Monêtier, opens onto a 360° panorama towards the Écrins, Galibier and the Queyras massifs. At the opposite end, the Sommet des Prorel (2566m) overlooks Briançon and its Vauban fortified citadel.

Off-piste and quiet valleys

Beyond the marked slopes, Serre Chevalier ranks among the preferred resorts for guided off-piste skiing. Itineraries in the Cucumelle sector, accessible from Le Monêtier, offer long descents, little frequented, through larch trees and rocky crags. L’Eychauda, a vast glacial cirque, is a classic at the upper station for ski touring.

For these itineraries, guidance by a professional mountain guide remains essential; the slopes are committing, snow conditions can be treacherous, and detailed knowledge of local corridors cannot be improvised. The Compagnie des Guides de l’Oisans-Écrins and several independent offices operate from all four villages.

Briançon: the town at the resort’s base

A rare feature: Serre Chevalier descends into an actual town. Briançon (1326m), France’s highest town, is not a purpose-built resort village but a historic commune with its old town fortified by Vauban (UNESCO-listed since 2008), steep alleyways, restaurants and shops open year-round. The Prorel cable car departs directly from the centre, allowing visitors to stay in town and ski without shuttle buses.

The other villages, Chantemerle, Villeneuve, Le Monêtier, have retained a more traditional character: stone houses, old churches, family-run mountain restaurants. Le Monêtier, at the resort’s western end, adds natural hot springs, known since antiquity, to its skiing appeal.

Serre Chevalier

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When to visit

High season (Christmas, February, spring holidays) concentrates visitors around the central sectors. For those seeking fresh snow and open slopes, January outside school holidays and the first half of March offer an excellent ratio of conditions to crowds; the southern Alps’ sunlight guarantees sharp light and comfortable skiing. Late season, the north-facing slopes at Le Monêtier remain skiable longer than average.

Planning a stay at Serre Chevalier

AEC Collection selects and represents luxury chalets and apartments across all four villages, from slope-side accommodation at Chantemerle or Villeneuve to period properties in Briançon’s historic old town centre. Skiing and ancillary activities are booked directly with local operators.

By the AEC Collection team