-- Worldwide Ski Resorts - France - Sere Chavalier--

In the scheme of things Serre-Chevalier does not springs to mind with the international jet set. However it has much to offer, a big resort with the ambiance one would expect on a summer holiday, could be the equivalent to Provence but has snow to replace the lavender. Plenty of established hotels, good restaurants and chalets creating the feel of the older style villages. Most hotels are family managed and restaurants built of stone.

The mountain is big and the slopes are usually quiet, there is something to suit all standards of skiers and therefore attracts the family group. Made up of 13 villages the resort is on the floor of the valley with north west to roughly south east facing slopes. Busy roads do run through the resort but the traffic is usually more intense at weekends. The woodland runs set this apart from the usual French resorts being able to ski even when the wind is blowing or it is snowing. The slopes are appealing being divided into varying sections so a great feel of travelling. As well as wooded areas there is not shortage of open slopes too.

Two thirds of the mountain is tree covered so even in bad weather skiing is possible. The slopes are pretty and varied with 155 miles of pistes spreading across the main sectors above four of the main villages. Above Villeneuve is where it is most extensive going back into the mountains and over 4 or 5 bowls. This is linked to Chantemerle which is below the tree line and from here is the link to Briancon. High winds or avalanche may result in closure with the link between Villeneuve and Le Monetier and travelling here includes a red run so the less experienced may be wise to use the bus.

There are 13% Black runs, 41% Red runs, 29% Blue and 17% Green. The resort is between 4,500 and 5,000 feet high. Snow reliability is good as most slopes are facing north or north east and hold the snow well. The pattern for weather differs from the northern Alps as Serre Chevalier has plenty of snow when other resorts are lacking. There is snowmaking on the long runs, about 25 miles, down to the villages, and grooming the pistes has a good reputation. Experts love it here with goods runs with a sustained gradient. For steeper slopes the moguls go higher up the mountain. The terrain for off piste is massive with plenty of excursions. This is an area which really appeals to the Intermediate group, with no shocks on the way down and the Red runs outnumber the Blue and most the Reds are on the easy side. With good grooming this group feels good here and when feeling more confident there is plenty to aim for. All villages have nursery slopes and Villeneuve has good Green runs. The schools and guides have been given a good report encouraging many to return year after year. The mountain eateries come up trumps with tasty French food plus reasonable prices and in some an open fire to keep the cheeks rosy.

After freshening up in the cosy hotels or luxury chalets the nightlife is fairly laid back but with the French cooking being an art form an evening spent indulging in Crepes and the extensive wine list or perhaps have a group booking to enjoy the fondue or raclette. With plenty of bars some with live music, happy hour and even free nibbles to work up a thirst everyone is going to go to bed feeling very well fed and watered.