Skiing in Serre Chevalier

Snowboarding in Serre Chevalier

Briancon is part of the Serre Chevalier ski system with about 220km of pistes, snow parks, tree runs and some excellent off-piste and back country skiing. The valley is very sunny and has 300 days of sunshine per year which compares to the French Riviera. Generally we see mostly blue skies and if not it's snowing!

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There is a great selection of green blue, red and black runs mainly tree-lined. We have good connections with friendly English run ski schools & ski hire places so you should be well set up. The ski lift is 350 meters from our apartments in Briancon so you can always come back for lunch unless you prefer to eat on the mountain; ask us for the best places: Troll, café soleil.....

Non-skiers Serre Chevalier

Snowboarding in Briancon is pretty rad. I grew up in Chamonix so I do know a good mountain when I see one. The good thing about Serre Che is that they have great parks, there is lots of off piste in trees (which don't make holes as they lose their leaves) and there is loads of sun. Once you have ridden Serre Che you will love it. There is a lot to explore on your snowboard, and these guys really make an effort with parks, hits, and also rails. There is even a tree slide terrain park in Chantemerle.

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I like it here as all the resort is linked, you don't have to get buses and stop and start riding like in Cham.  There is also good backcountry riding, and for the advanced La Grave (extreme glacier) is only 30 mins away. There is a mixed French English and Italian atmosphere in the resort which makes it friendly.

Briancon is a UNESCO heritage site, so there is a lot to explore as a non-skier; start by all the Forts created by world famous architect Vauban. Close to our Briancon ski apartments is a swimming pool complex with waterslide, and adult area with spa. Monetier has natural hot spas just 25 minutes drive or bus trip away. The old town is a must visit for non-skiers and there is also a theatre, cinema, river walks, tennis courts, badminton, squash courts and much more.

 

The apartment comes with a great a sun terrace so you could always top up your tan before visiting the many cafes close-by or shop just minutes away in Rue Centrale. The market every Wednesday (and most Sundays) is in the main street outside the apartment and is full of life comprising both French and Italian stalls with lots of great Fresh food at affordable prices. 

Nightlife in Serre Chevalier

Briancon is the highest city in Europe, and has the New town (where we are based) and the Old town (fortified- UNESCO heritage site). There are bars and restaurants lining the streets of both areas. My favourite for apres ski is the Saloon, or in the Club. Ash, Clive and Borough all run amazing live music venues in Briancon, Chantemerle and Villeneuve; Centrale, Station, and the Grotte. Duo in the old town and Chazaley provide some pretty alternative  nights out. There is a casino, a nightclub, and generally a busy nightlife throughout winter. Summer is pretty laid back with lots of BBQs. All within walking distance from the apartments are many restaurants, a cinema, theatre, casino, swimming pool complex and the 'Club', a very laid back jazz style bar/restaurant, the Centrale or Eden bar, for live music, pub style family bar with pool tables. A bus easily connects all the other resort villages and if you don't like walking uphill it links to the old town. Don't forget to see the Diable Rouges (Red devils) Briancon's local ice hockey team and French Champions of the premier league in 2014.