A hidden gem kept secret from the rest of the Alps, Serre Chevalier is one of the largest resorts in Europe. Famed for its uncrowded slopes, tree-lined trails and wild off-piste zones, the resort spans three valleys in the Ecrins Massif.

Situated in the Southern Alps, the ski area is colossal with 250km of slopes and 81 marked runs, including a 9km leg-burner, the Luc Alphand Olympic black run, plus plenty of wide and cruisy groomers. Rising from 1,350m to 2,735m, there’s big freeride scope with everything from powdery bowls, forest riding, untamed off-piste and burly steeps.

With two thirds of the ski area covered by larch forests, which keep the snow fresh for longer, Serre Che boasts some of the best tree riding in Europe. There are some incredible off-piste zones, with ungroomed trails, natural powder fields and wild backcountry routes, plus access to the nearby climbing village and freeride playground of La Grave.

Serre Chevalier receives an average of 6 metres of snowfall each season. Due in large part to its north-facing slopes, high-altitude bowls and tree coverage, Serre Chevalier enjoys exceptionally good snow conditions across the resort. Deeper zones can often be found in the top powder bowls, plus lower down through the larch forests.

Serre Chevalier has a rich ski heritage, comprising four main villages in the Guisane Valley: Briançon, Chantemerle, Villeneuve and Le Monêtier. Each unique, but traditionally French and historic, all enjoy a laid-back vibe. Linked via a free ski bus, you can move easily between them.

The historic and atmospheric town of Briancon is the highest in Europe, boasting a wonderful old town of craft shops as well as a modern centre of facilities and restaurants. Villeneuve and Chantemerle are charming hamlets and the principal bases to access the ski area, with a good selection of eating options and bars. Le Monêtier has a wonderful outdoor thermal spa, perfect for a change of pace.

Nightlife in Serre Chevalier is generally quite low-key but can pick up on the weekends. Après ski is laid-back and friendly, with a handful of cosy bars located around the base-areas and lift terminals. In the evenings, you can usually find some live music in one of the bars dotted along the valley, stocked with regional wines and craft beers. There is a small nightclub in Villeneuve, plus a couple of bigger ones in Briançon.