Latest posts for the topic "Serre Chevalier"

Serre Chevalier

Tony_H — GMT

Missed out on a day trip from Sauze last year, but have heard nothing but great things about here. Nearly went early Jan, but the deal I went for sold out at the last minute. Thinking about going for a week next season, but put off generally because its France, and I prefer Austria or Italy to be honest. But I keep hearing good things, and really want to give it a go. Anyone got any places to recommend for doing it on a budget or with a group? I would like to be obviously close to the lifts or ski in/out if there is any? Dont mind going through a tour operator or DIY. Would prefer to fly to Turin unless anyone knows better? Advice greatly appreciated.

Re:Serre Chevalier

jonG — GMT

:Dhi,have been to Serre Chevalliere a couple of times with a company called Ski Miquel (in fact like the company so much have used them for trips to St.Anton a couple of timesand two weeks in Whistler),they offer flights,full board accommadation,fully qualified chefs and transfers and are very reasonably priced for what you get in return,definately worth a look. many regards jon.

Re:Serre Chevalier

Tony_H — GMT

jonG wrote:

:Dhi,have been to Serre Chevalliere a couple of times with a company called Ski Miquel (in fact like the company so much have used them for trips to St.Anton a couple of timesand two weeks in Whistler),they offer flights,full board accommadation,fully qualified chefs and transfers and are very reasonably priced for what you get in return,definately worth a look. many regards jon.

Thanks, not come across them before, looks very interesting.

Re:Serre Chevalier

pjheystack — GMT

tony i am going there tonight for a week will give you a report on my return,going with inghams fullboard 299,staying in villeneuve.

Serre Chevalier

pjheystack — GMT

tony h came back on sat 9th fantastic place great skiing for all levels ,i,ve been to 11 rsortts including bannf and tignes and maybe i was lucky with m assive dump on first day half metre,but so many runs for all levels and so empty has definitly gone to my no.1 spot,also locals friendly and prices for france very reasonable ,i will return.

Serre Chevalier

Tony_H — GMT

pjheystack wrote:

tony h came back on sat 9th fantastic place great skiing for all levels ,i,ve been to 11 rsortts including bannf and tignes and maybe i was lucky with m assive dump on first day half metre,but so many runs for all levels and so empty has definitly gone to my no.1 spot,also locals friendly and prices for france very reasonable ,i will return.

Thats the sort of report I was hoping and actually also expecting - a lot of people rate this place now, and yet its still under used in comparison, which wont last long with recommendations like this one! I think I will be making a trip to Serre Che in the next year or so. Sounds good. Glad you had a good time PJ, thanks for remembering the report!

Re:Serre Chevalier

jonG — GMT

:DHi, one of my happiest memories(or strangest come to think of it) of Serre chevalier was ending the night taking a hot dip in one of the hot spring fountains about 2am in the town after one too many beers,oh the joys of youth. indeed a great place :D

Serre Chevalier

boardbiker — GMT

Tony - i was also in Serre Che first week Feb (with Inghams) and we were very lucky with the huge dump of snow on Monday. I did one day last year and loved it so much wanted a full week this year! i'l go bak there next year, no doubt bout it! People so friendly in comparison to some French resorts and reasonably priced on the slopes. Warning tho, Inghams are likely to drop their club chalet as not up to scratch accomodation (although reps etc were great) so beware if book with them as could get moved to another resort at later date (ie after you've booked). neilsons have hotel next to La Grott lift, looks worthwhile looking into.. (i am). Nightlife restried though, you have been warned (not like Sauze) but the pistes are fantastic! 10/10 from me.

Re:Serre Chevalier

Tony_H — GMT

Cheers guys. I know Sauze is mad for nightlift if you want it, but to be honest I am more concerned about quality skiing, and more and more people swear about this place. You can make your own entertainment at the end of the day. I have used Inghams before, but last 2 trips have been Airtours and Neilson, they all seem much of a muchness (with the exception of Thomas Cook Airlines who are garbage).

Serre Chevalier

boardbiker — GMT

Bit like me, its the pistes that matter, everything else comes second! I'm off to Austria (SOLL) next Saturday and having seen weather forecasts (gonna be warm!), i'm so wishing was going to Serre Che again.... fingers crossed major weather shift and dump of snow on the Monday!!

Re:Serre Chevalier

Misunderstood20 — GMT

I got back from Serre Chevalier 2 weekend's ago and had a fantastic time - fresh snow on the Monday made for a perfect week's skiing. I will definitely be going back to this resort next year, runs to suit every level of skier, and some great half-pipes and off piste-ing for that added fun factor! LOVE IT! We stayed at Hotel Cimotel with Nielson - ski in/ski out, perfect! Food was excellent, location great, not expensive. Rooms could do wtih a bit of revamping, but with how little time is spent in the room, not really an issue! :D

Re:Serre Chevalier

Alicebing — GMT

Hi misunderstood.. can you tell me anything else about the cimotel? Good food etc? Did your room have a bath? I'm worried i'm gonna need a bath to ease those aching joints after a hard day! Can't wait to get to Serre...

Re:Serre Chevalier

Misunderstood20 — GMT

Alicebing wrote:

Hi misunderstood.. can you tell me anything else about the cimotel? Good food etc? Did your room have a bath? I'm worried i'm gonna need a bath to ease those aching joints after a hard day! Can't wait to get to Serre...

The rooms did have bath's, not a huge bath though, and the shower attachment isn't fixed on the wall so a bath is the only option really. As for the food, it was fantastic the week we were there, I was very impressed. They have a group of very talented chefs. Great cakes each afternoon, the homemade soups were wonderful, and there wasn't one dish I could complain about. Have fun, it's a great resort :-)

Re:Serre Chevalier

wkw198 — GMT

off to serre che tomorrow. staying in the grand aigle (equity ski). have read some unfriendly things about the hotel so hopefully will be pleasantly surprised but at least forewarned. i'm more interested in there being plenty of the white stuff. will comment again when i get back ! bring it on.

Re:Serre Chevalier

Chamoissiere — GMT

Off on Thursday to enjoy the last days of the season. There's still loads of white stuff on the webcams.

Re:Serre Chevalier

Tony_H — GMT

Well, my time has come to make the trip to Serre Che, and I am going 20th March next year, having found a brilliant deal to a clubhotel (not the one with Inghams!) with flights in and out of Grenoble from Manchester. The piste map looks better every time I look at it. I understand the accommodation is in Chantmerle - not sure if thats particularly good or bad. Now, the big question is do we take the one extra day on the lift pass in Les 2 Alpes, Alpe d'Huez, Puy St Vincent or pop over to Italy and return to Sauze/Sestriere where I have skied before?

Re:Serre Chevalier

caron-a — GMT

option number one. quench your thirst for new places :mrgreen: . probably better snow too.

Re:Serre Chevalier

boardbiker — GMT

I'm back to Serre Che in Jan and hoping the snow falls like last season (the day after we arrived!). I snowboarded in 2Alps the year before and enjoyed the resort - its strange that near complete beginners can ski from the very top on easy runs. Also if conditions aren't great, then more likely to get better conditions in 2Alpes. Friend of mine took helicopter to Alp D and enjoyed his day there. Dont go ski where you already know on the one day - try something different to Sauze / Sestriere in my opinion.

Re:Serre Chevalier

Tony_H — GMT

In that case, I am going to give PSV a go. Looks quite a tidy little place, perfect for a day out. I just dont fancy Les2Alpes and I think I would want a week at Alpe d'Huez to make the most of it.

Re:Serre Chevalier

RoseR — GMT

Do lots of people on J2 ski in France? I have never been, some of the resorts look beautiful. Perhaps I am being silly but my first winter holiday In Austria was a bit of a nightmare, there were 100 french students staying there, and they rampaged the hotel every night, they all stood around the hotel bar and would not let any-one else get served. Then the ski bus, they just pushed and shoved, it was a nightmare. I am just afraid they are all like that. Daft I know but I just can not get it out of my head :lol:

Re:Serre Chevalier

Wanderer — GMT

RoseR I go to France with a large group (30-40)most years. We like it for a number of reasons incl: - plenty of large, well-connected ski areas, with lots of skiing suitable for everybody in the group; - lots of high altitude resorts so snow sure; - lots of ski-in, ski-out accommodation that can take large groups(great if you have kids in tow); - good food (though sometimes you do have to look for it). On the other hand ............ - villages are often soulless concrete messes - very unattractive; - drinks and food can be very expensive; - apres ski is usually useless (not that big a deal when you have the kids with you) - rudeness can often feature! Its a matter of deciding what your priorities are and finding out if a particular resort matches up. One bad experience shouldn't really put you off. Hope this is of some help :lol:.

Re:Serre Chevalier

bandit — GMT

RoseR wrote:

Do lots of people on J2 ski in France? I have never been, some of the resorts look beautiful. Perhaps I am being silly but my first winter holiday In Austria was a bit of a nightmare, there were 100 french students staying there, and they rampaged the hotel every night, they all stood around the hotel bar and would not let any-one else get served. Then the ski bus, they just pushed and shoved, it was a nightmare. I am just afraid they are all like that. Daft I know but I just can not get it out of my head :lol:

Rose, what France does well is build big (really enormous) ski stations. These are fed by large apartment blocks containing lots of folks. As Wanderer correctly points out, they are soulless concrete messes by and large. However, not all of French skiing is like that. There still exist real French villages, with a proper population and life outside of skiing. The resort in the title of this thread is a good example. Several villages linked together on snow, each with their own identity. Many French villages which have ski areas still have agriculture as their main industry, and have avoided the "ski factory" approach common to the Tarentaise resorts. To experience French skiing, ask around, do your homework and avoid rent-a-crowd )

Serre Chevalier

Geoff Smith — GMT

Tony, I have ski-ed a few days, on and off, at Puy St.Vincent.It is an attractive resort with quiet pistes on weekdays.. A lot of the skiing is tree lined. It has a good snow record.It is an ideal resort, in my opinion, for a day's visit. Geoff Smith

Serre Chevalier

Tony_H — GMT

Geoff Smith wrote:

Tony, I have ski-ed a few days, on and off, at Puy St.Vincent.It is an attractive resort with quiet pistes on weekdays.. A lot of the skiing is tree lined. It has a good snow record.It is an ideal resort, in my opinion, for a day's visit. Geoff Smith

Sounds perfect, thanks Geoff. As for the French thing, I have said it before and I will say it again, French skiing holidays are ruined by the French. From people I know who have been, they say the locals in Serre Che are as nice a bunch as you will meet, but believe me, the attitude on the piste and in lift queues changes the second you cross the border into France. Over in Sauze/Sestriere, everything was very chilled out and relaxed, but step onto Montgenevre, and you get people skiing across your skis, banging into you in the lift queue, barging past, pushing in, etc etc. From my many experiences of France in general, I would say this is par for the course. This is why I find Austria in particular and Switzerland and Italy so refreshing. In addition, the French just dont understand apres ski. However, there are a number of French resorts I would like to visit, once I have taken out a mortgage extension to buy the coffee with of course! I think when you choose where you want to go, you have to consider so many things. When I make lists of places I want to go, strangely the French ones seem to end up getting lower on the list compared to the Italian, Swiss and Austrian places, although Serre Che has been a target of mine for some time. I just hope I dont find the usual stereotypical French attitudes down there, although believe me - I can give as good as I get! Rose - more Brits ski in France than any other country in the world: Fact. I guess you would be stupid to ignore that.

Serre Chevalier

Chamoissiere — GMT

Hated Switzerland, it was the worst food I have had in years, and I missed a powder week in Serre Chevalier for wind and slush in Wengen . The locals in Serre Chevalier are very friendly, particularly so in Monetier, there are a couple of anti-English ESF instructors, but that is about it. Prices are not as eye-watering as the Trois-Vallées or Val d'Isere either.

Serre Chevalier

Tony_H — GMT

Chamoissiere wrote:

The locals in Serre Chevalier are very friendly, particularly so in Monetier, there are a couple of anti-English ESF instructors, but that is about it. Prices are not as eye-watering as the Trois-Vallées or Val d'Isere either.

That, coupled with an exciting looking piste map, is exactly why I have booked to go. Cant wait.

Re:Serre Chevalier

Chamoissiere — GMT

And the webcams are showing up white this morning http://www.serre-chevalier.com/Webcam-Serre-Chevalier-summit :D

Re:Serre Chevalier

souldrive — GMT

I also can't wait to visit the place!! Only been to andorra x 2 and les carroz but I thought the locals were all really nice considering they have to put up with brits invading their towns 10 months of the year!!

Re:Serre Chevalier

Tony_H — GMT

Chamoissiere wrote:

And the webcams are showing up white this morning http://www.serre-chevalier.com/Webcam-Serre-Chevalier-summit :D

Fog?

Re:Serre Chevalier

Ian Wickham — GMT

Had a week in Serre Che some six years ago the amount of skiing was great, snow conditions fantastic, but I agree with a common fault there was a lot of old slow lifts . Now they could have made improvements over the last six years but that would need a lot of investment, interested to find out if the improvements have been made before I return.

Serre Chevalier

boardbiker — GMT

I'm back off to serre che in Jan again (day trip in o7, week in o8) and i have to say i love the place! Possibly helped by SO much snow falling last year the day after we arrived!! but still... There has been some improvements there over the past year or so in the lifts but there are still some slow older ones, but what resort doesnt have lifts with 'character'.....

Re:Serre Chevalier

Chamoissiere — GMT

Tony_H wrote:

Chamoissiere wrote:

And the webcams are showing up white this morning http://www.serre-chevalier.com/Webcam-Serre-Chevalier-summit :D
Fog?

Nope,real white stuff!!! :D Boardbiker, the lifts have greatly improved since 2002. Many of the long steep draglifts and bottlenecks have been upgraded to high speed 6 man chairs. The lifts on the Monetier side haven't changed much unfortunately.

Re:Serre Chevalier

souldrive — GMT

Tony-H Just to make you that little bit jealous that I'm gonna be out there before you!! http://www.serre-chevalier.com/Webcams,164 Look at the middle pic My mouth is watering!!

Re:Serre Chevalier

Tony_H — GMT

And just to really annoy you, I will still be waiting to go out after you have had your trip out!!!! The webcams look great. Looking forward to it immensely.

Serre Chevalier

pjheystack — GMT

tony glad your going to sc,if you would like more info,pop on to snowheads,on snow reports for serche there is a young lady snowangel who lives in chantermele and is a bundle of info and friendly advice ,and also plays at legrotte apres ski bar in abba band,worth visit.

Re:Serre Chevalier

bandit — GMT

J2ski does rather comprehensive snow forecasting :D http://www.j2ski.com/snow_forecast/France/Serre_Chevalier_snow.html

Re:Serre Chevalier

souldrive — GMT

Tony_H wrote:

And just to really annoy you, I will still be waiting to go out after you have had your trip out!!!!

:cry: D'OH!!

Serre Chevalier

Tony_H — GMT

pjheystack wrote:

tony glad your going to sc,if you would like more info,pop on to snowheads,on snow reports for serche there is a young lady snowangel who lives in chantermele and is a bundle of info and friendly advice ,and also plays at legrotte apres ski bar in abba band,worth visit.

Cool, thanks for the info. Leg Rot. I like that.

Serre Chevalier

easyrider — GMT

hi i am new have just had to join to comment on serre che, i prefer in general italy, austria and switzerland as i despise the concrete monstrosities that france has built, but my exception is serre che and for that reason i am off there at xmas,this is not my first trip there but i love the old towns and if the snow is good the skiing is ace, they have put in more cannons this year which will help and chaged some of the lifts as there are a few drags lifts that are horrid. We are going with san miquel after picking up a offer at the ski show in brum so will see how that goes, i normally stick to inghams or neilson

Re:Serre Chevalier

Tony_H — GMT

I looked at Ski Miguel (san miguel is a very pleasant beer )) and they have a couple of good chalet hotels in the villages, but we ended up finding a much cheaper deal with Rocket Ski. LIke you, I have avoided France for a number of years for those reasons you mention, and also because the prices are so high in resort and on the slopes generally (particularly 3V), and also because as I have said before I find the french so annoyingly rude on the slopes. However, I do believe Serre Che is one of the few exceptions to the rule, and moreover offers an excellent skiing area, which is perhaps most important of all to me. I made the point before about it being "less French" than the usual places, but what I probably should have said was it appears to be "more French", which is a good thing, as many French ski resorts are purpose built with no soul to them, and full of poshoes from Surrey. I am hoping Serre Che will be exactly what I am looking for: pretty, traditional, varied, and snowy!!!!

Serre Chevalier

easyrider — GMT

oops yes realised my mistake....obviously drank too much san miquel in the past..i did mean ski miquel of course...i skied there in '95 and 2005 and loved it so hoping for another good one, we had a private off piste lesson with eureka ski in monetier and thought it was great, really learnt a lot. it retains a lot of charm as the villages are still traditional, although val d'isere i like but its very expensive and full of groups of british blokes! we did have a good week there though last january

Re:Serre Chevalier

factual — GMT

Tony_H, You ask about Villeneuve and if any good. I'm guessing that you know by now there are four biggish ski areas. Villeneueve and Chantemerle are the two middle ones and the two best. The top and near the top of Chantemerle is one of the best ski regions in the world I.M.H.O. Villeneuve always surprised me as being more popular than the nearby Chantemerle, especially in the top half of the mountain, where slopes get thin to the Monetier side. Villeneuve (or La Salle des Alpes) is joint 1st best part of S.C. to stay in with Chantemerle, or 2nd best after Chant., who knows? Strangely, although Briancon is the highest city in France (I read somewhere recently, in Europe), it is much quieter, though much more charming and much more rewarding for someone who is not a resort only fan. Monetier is really, really quiet at nights but the new spa resort centre has opened (at 10 to 20 times the size it was last year). Accommodation prices are going up. Last year, staying in Monetier was a really, really quiet affair, and nice (very unlike the 2 next along towns of the 5 - St. Chaffery is quiet too, but if driving or getting a taxi Briancon is v. close, and its only a 25 minute walk from Chantemerle). Skiing wise: Villeneuve, Chantemerle and Monetier are great, whatever your ability, for the gorgeous green, winding slopes. They should always be tried after a red or black, even blue, to remind you you are in the fresh mountains, in lovely, foreign scenery. Actually, the greens can be rarely touched. If you have a flask of coffee, you might enjoy all of it on a green without seeing a person. It can be rare to find yourself skiing with others or many others through the miles of undulating, relaxing, pleasant green slopes. But I really feel Serre Chevalier will be catching on very soon in terms of popularity. I realised enjoying the greens is a substantial part of what skiing is about - enjoying the mountain and not fretting - as well as experiencing what your technique is on steep slopes. Briancon has both reasonable and moderate slopes, and fast, undemanding intermediate skiing, but only one of the greens (near the top) that the other 3 areas have. You seem to be an experienced skiier and so you would benefit from the Nordic area in Monetier. You go right (facing upwards) rather then left at the top of the lifts, and just find your own way through the miles of extremely steep slopes around here. I' m really not quite solid intermediate yet at all (have been beyond that, but am far from it now). So it frightens me to see the leagues of ski impressions on the unpisted laden, sometimes sheer cliff mountains as you go up the Monetier lifts. It's black and black. And you are required to have a transceiver for any Serre Chevalier area where you go off piste, whether the 'more welcoming' off piste areas of Briancon or these intimidating areas which run for miles and miles at Monetier. (Not just a 'reflector' - it's not enough).

Re:Serre Chevalier

bandit — GMT

factual wrote:

And you are required to have a transceiver for any Serre Chevalier area where you go off piste, whether the 'more welcoming' off piste areas of Briancon or these intimidating areas which run for miles and miles at Monetier. (Not just a 'reflector' - it's not enough).

Would you mind quoting, or linking to the local Ordnance that specifies this requirement. Thanks :D

Re:Serre Chevalier

factual — GMT

The web site doesnt' seem to be up and running this year yet. I don't know why - I think it was by this time last year. It was www.serre-chevalier-ski.com I've got various error messages this year. I'm thinking maybe it's my computer - I get messages sometimes that I don't "have access" to this site, recently! If you need to know this try emailing the tourist office at Serre Chevalier or Briancon (www.ot-briancon.fr). As far as I am aware, from looking last year, you can buy Avalanche Transceivers for around 60 pounds minimum, online and for example around Serre Ch's shops, maybe less elsewhere like Ebay, Amazon, I don't know. I guess that it's obvious - it's about being located if you fall and can't get up. The usual site is up and running - serrechevalier.com, but it was not much on the site I listed above last year.

Re:Serre Chevalier

andyhull — GMT

I've only skied there for a day, we were there of a day trip from Alpe D'Huez I think. A couple of Ski Miguel reps hosted us for the day, they were brilliant. As much as I enjoyed it and would happily go back, it wouldn't be anywhere near the top of my list of French resorts to visit. Don't let this be the limit of your exploration of french skiing, because you'll miss some of the best skiing in the world if you do. As for the rudest skiers, that would have to be Germans in St Anton. (My favourite area, I think) I can't say I've ever had a particularly bad experience in France, I tend to ski during quieter weeks, perhaps that makes a difference?

Re:Serre Chevalier

Ian Wickham — GMT

I've skied france for the last god knows how many years and all the French that I have met have been polite with the odd grumpy bugger thrown for good luck but don't you find that anywhere. I think our french cousins are very similar to us that's the problem, 1066 etc.

Re:Serre Chevalier

bandit — GMT

factual wrote:

As far as I am aware, from looking last year, you can buy Avalanche Transceivers for around 60 pounds minimum, online and for example around Serre Ch's shops, maybe less elsewhere like Ebay, Amazon, I don't know. I guess that it's obvious - it's about being located if you fall and can't get up. The usual site is up and running - serrechevalier.com, but it was not much on the site I listed above last year.

Okay, I have looked at the official website, and see that they have an ARVA park, but can see nowhere anything to verify your statement that wearing of transceiver is mandatory off piste. How is this enforced? Particularly in France, the local Mayor's sometimes do make local laws which affect the ski areas, but I will post this enquiry on pistehors.com, and see what turns up. Transceivers for £60 in the shops :shock: Which brands? I got my Ortovox from a retailer in the French Pyrenees for £160 several years ago, and that was quite a competitive price. Personally I would not buy one from ebay, as it would then need to be sent to the maker for function testing, which would probably negate any "savings".

Re:Serre Chevalier

factual — GMT

I didn't think the requirement for the A. T. might have changed for this year. Don't know. It was in place last year (and as far as I remember before that) and was enforced - wardens around the mountain asked me if I was going off piste and did I know it was not allowed unless I have a transceiver. To be honest, I can't remember if I saw the rule last year before I read the rules which are given in the literature when you buy a skipass. There are some off piste areas forbidden altogether in S.C. (particularly Briancon) - many resorts don't bother to do that - leaving it up to the skiier to ski where wanted or jump off the mountain if they want. I have asked in the past, about the Recco Reflectors which are relatively cheap and also come free on some outdoor jackets. These were not considered adequate. As you can't find the rule this year, it's a good idea to contact someone and ask - the Office Du Tourism is a good start and should answer the enquiry or direct you to the company who run the slopes. Prices may be dearer, actually, I was mentioning the cheapest I saw around a year or more ago at about 60 pounds. -------- Edited addition: Yes, I'm wrong, as I remember, that was a price for an Ebay / similar transceiver. Sorry about that. The prices were much more. I remember now some people told me that 100 pounds would be the cheapest but it would be very hard to find a transceiever at that price. Re: using an old one / buying second hand - it is right that it should be tested first. If the transceiver works O.K. and you know that, fine, but it's hardly worth risking it, and there may be a requirement that it's new, recent or recently checked anyway for to use the slopes, I don't know. Maybe a ski warden could tell you if yours is transmitting when you arrive - it's likely - it's normal to say you want to make sure before going off piste. However, if you contact the resort in advance to ask about this, they may say they do not provide this service and the transceivers should be professionally checked first. If you find a regulation about this year and the requirement for having an ARVA (as the French say), please post.

Re:Serre Chevalier

ise — GMT

factual wrote:

There are some off piste areas forbidden altogether in S.C. (particularly Briancon) - many resorts don't bother to do that - leaving it up to the skiier to ski where wanted or jump off the mountain if they want.

permanent restrictions are likely to be nature reserves. "many resorts don't bother" - indeed not, there's no legal instrument for them to do so, the department can try to make temporary restrictions at times of extreme risk, for example following the Montroc incident a few years back when risk ran at 5/5 the prefet tried to do this but backed down in a few days. Those bans can never cover area outside the ski domain anyway.

Re:Serre Chevalier

bandit — GMT

Current prices for a wide range of Avalanche Transceivers from Telemark-Pyrenees.com http://www.telemark-pyrenees.com/shop/index.php?cPath=1_68_78&osCsid=bae347f15d086af12ec3b4f33c324ec2 Ranging from 139 Euros to 419 Euros. This is a reputable full service supplier.

Serre Chevalier

factual — GMT

Quite a few people were asking about accommodation in Serre Chevalier earlier. It's a place which is not chock full of hotels and guesthouses, for a renowned ski resort. This year I'm booking in 2 resorts in Austria over the Christmas season, both are towns which are nearly taken up by guest accommodation places. A really good idea for Serre Chevalier, to save money or just have private, convenient accommodation, usually with a bath and a balcony is to try studio appartment lettings (or 1 /2 bedroom appartment lettings). This is information for those who want to go to Serre Chevalier independently, rather than with a tour company. It's certainly possible, and can be even cheaper than a good priced tour brochure holiday. Transfer prices are around 30 Euros each way from Grenoble, less from Turin, 11 Euros more than Grenoble e/w from Chambery, and it is expensive from Geneva. Looking for 2009, it would cost more for a return transfer to S.C. from Geneva than my budget return flight. Prices for the bus from Marseille are quite good and makes this journey worth checking - it should be a nice experience - ideal if you have an extra night or so, to stay in Marseille. You can scour The Web for owner's own places, though a solid place to look is Estate Agencies (Immobiliers in French). Serre Chevalier is quite well represented in the national holiday letting chain: Urbania. The other main Immobilier specialising in holiday lets is Les Agneaux, with places in and around Monetier les bains. www.urbania-vacances.fr/ in English also http://www.les-agneaux.com/location/accueil.php in French only If you don't understand French, go to Google, type in the searchbar: http://www.les-agneaux.com/index2.php and select Search, and when this entry comes up, select 'Translate this page'. On the translated page, select 'Locations' in the top - left menu. Also, www.SkiHorizon.co.uk let studio properties in Serre Chevalier around the same price as Urbania, often Urbania properties. I stayed for 2 weeks in 2008 with in an Urbania property, it was really cheap (by myself). Ensuite bathroom with bath, studio room with kitchennette including, 2 hobs, oven, microwave, coffee machine. How many hotels have those at 155 pounds per week, all included? I also stayed in an Agence Les Agneaux property for a week in Monetier, which had the same facilities, and also a dishwasher. This was around 200 pounds for a week (per studio, not per person, but the Monetier prices are increasing substantially all round this year.) There are 3 things to be aware of (not really 'catches', it's great value and private and comfortable). You need to give a deposit of 2 or 3 hundred Euros per appartment when you arrive and collect the same notes you've left when you leave. You may need to bring your own bedding or pay a small bedding fee. Last year I packed a duvet cover, undersheet and pillowcases, which didn't take too much room in my bag (check size of bed). Finally, you need to spend 2 to 3 hours cleaning everything before you leave or pay an extra cleaning charge - it's up to you. If you take a studio room, this is not a great lot of bother - take a sponge and a cloth and clean the bathroom in 25 minutes, mop all the floors of the studio in another 35 minutes or so. Then, it's just to clean the table tops, wash the dishes and the ovens, and fold up sheets etc. For solo skiiers, this is excellent value also, as the basic 2 star hotels can often charge at least 60 pounds per night for a single room, or you'll have to pay the double rate in a cheaper place at around 75 pounds per night. For solos, Serre Chevalier outside Briancon doesn't cater well usually, many of the hotels being badly advertised also. And many are there to take package tourists, where there generally aren't options not to share a room with a companion. Briancon is better for solos in 2 and 3 star places - Hotel de Paris is around 60 Euros for a single ensuite, the Hotel de la Gare is very basic but O.K. and cheaper. There are a few other 2 stars in Briancon - the Mont Brison can be good value, but as a single person staying, you're not gauranteed getting an ensuite room. The Mont Prorel Auberge hotel is in the best location - prices are anyone's guess here - can be 50 pounds single or slightly less, can be over 80 pounds single at other times.

Re:Serre Chevalier

Chamoissiere — GMT

Some owners also provide bedding and bath towels and cleaning. You can see prices for my apartment by following the link in my signature.

Re:Serre Chevalier

Chamoissiere — GMT

The season starts on Saturday and the snow conditions are fantastic already.

Re:Serre Chevalier

factual — GMT

Re: The earlier questions about an ARVA being necessary - I've found the piste plan and information from the Serre Chevalier mountain company. The 2007 / 2008 resort information includes this part (find it on the main piste and lifts map, with lift times and other information): Your Safety Do you sometimes ski off-piste? Then you must carry an avalanche transceiver. Check regularly that your gear is functioning well with one of our 6 checkpoints. If you have an avalanche transceiver, it is very important to know how to use it! Come and train yourself on the the Serre Chevalier ARVA Park located in Monetier-les-Bains (arrival of the Bachas chairlift / 10). So - I guess there's a better option than having an old item serviced if you don't care so much about skiing off piste (that would be if the ARVA doesn't work). I've been told it costs a lot for a professional check and service. Once more, I don't know about 2008-9, but this was not a new instruction for 2007-9, and I don't guess that it's going to be lifted since having been established, without it being mentioned on the main resort website. That website hasn't mentioned the rule this year, nor did it last year.

Re:Serre Chevalier

ise — GMT

factual wrote:

Re: The earlier questions about an ARVA being necessary - I've found the piste plan and information from the Serre Chevalier mountain company. The 2007 / 2008 resort information includes this part (find it on the main piste and lifts map, with lift times and other information): Your Safety Do you sometimes ski off-piste? Then you must carry an avalanche transceiver. Check regularly that your gear is functioning well with one of our 6 checkpoints. If you have an avalanche transceiver, it is very important to know how to use it! Come and train yourself on the the Serre Chevalier ARVA Park located in Monetier-les-Bains (arrival of the Bachas chairlift / 10).

That's not an instruction or law, it's just advice. Good advice but just advice.

factual wrote:

So - I guess there's a better option than having an old item serviced if you don't care so much about skiing off piste (that would be if the ARVA doesn't work). I've been told it costs a lot for a professional check and service.

sorry, I missed that, what's the other option? It doesn't cost a lot to get a transceiver checked out though.

Re:Serre Chevalier

souldrive — GMT

Just 2 days to go!!!!