HOW WE RATE IT Extent Fast lifts Queues Snow Expert Intermediate Beginner Resort charm Convenience Scenery
FAST FACTS Resorts 1200m-1500m Slopes 1200m-2735m Lifts
63 Pistes Snowmaking 250km
22% 28% 37% 13% 75%
Six-day lift pass €205 Serre Chevalier
Where is it? Hautes Alpes, France Why go? A mixture of ancient and modern at affordable prices
Lots of small, modestly priced, family-run hotels and restaurants make Serre Chevalier more affordable than many resorts. But it offers varied and extensive runs.
An unusual ambience the resort is made up of a string of 13 villages, including three main ones, set on a valley floor running below the north-east facing slopes of the mountain range that gives the resort its name. after coming over the col du lautaret from Grenoble, the first main village you get to is le monêtier (or serre chevalier 1500), followed by Villeneuve (1400) and chantemerle (1350), spread over a distance of 8km. Finally, at the far end of the valley,
is Briançon (1200). it’s not a village but the highest town in France. Part of it is an ancient walled city that’s a UnEscO World Heritage site, set high above the more modern town. in fact, all serre chevalier’s main villages have ancient parts and more modern buildings have been added.
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Extensive, varied terrain the 250km of varied slopes are on a single, very wide mountainside that is split into different segments, giving a great sensation of travel. What sets the ski area apart from the French norm is the large quantity of sheltered woodland runs, though there are plenty of open runs too. the runs ideally suit intermediates, who can buzz around without worrying about nasty surprises on the way. Experts can find good off piste and there are several long black runs down to valley level, including one run named after former World cup alpine skiing champion and local hero luc alphand. new Generation ski school (www.skinewgen.com),
run by top British instructor Gavin crosby, offers two-day Explore serre chevalier, trees and Powder programmes as well as group and private lessons. the Powder programme includes a day in the nearby cult off-piste resort of la Grave.
Great food and leisure facilities the mountain restaurants are among the best, friendliest and most affordable of any French ski resort and there are plenty to choose from. a splendid thermal spa complex in le monetier has indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, steam rooms and a waterfall. some areas are reserved for adults only.
But… > still some drag-lifts and slow, old chairs.
> Busy road runs through the villages. > a lot of unattractive 1960s and 1970s buildings.
Where is it? Savoie, France Why go? Attractive old
village in the Trois Vallées
a few miles down the valley from les menuires, st martin is an unspoilt old village with modern additions built in traditional style using wood and stone. it’s ideal as a quiet, fairly inexpensive base for the world’s biggest lift-linked ski area, which is brilliant for mileage-hungry intermediates. More info www.st-martin- belleville.com
Heavenly
Where is it? California/ Nevada border, USA Why go? Unique views and unique resort
Heavenly is like no other resort on earth. the town you stay in straddles the california-nevada border and is a mixture of tall buildings housing hotels and casinos and low-rise motels and wedding parlours. the slopes above have something for all, plus fabulous views over lake tahoe in one direction and arid nevada in the other. More info www.skiheavenly.com