Serre Chevalier is a long south-facing valley between the Col du Lautaret and Briançon with several villages and hamlets dotted along the way, ranging from the ultra modern to the most traditional. Sometimes over looked by UK holidaymakers, it is a wonderful mountain base, with one of the biggest lift-served areas in Europe, you really feel like you are in the heart of the mountains. The resort enjoys an almost Mediterranean climate, with over 300 days of sunshine every year!

Please note that the list below is just a taster of what is available, and full up to date details of all available activities can be found on individual resort websites.

White-water activities

Taking place on the Guisane river which, with no raging torrents or steep-sided gorges, is the ideal place for an introduction to river sports. Contact Serre Che Canyon on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or  +33 (0)6 79 12 98 98, open from the middle of June until the middle of September.
Prices from €35 for children and €45 for adults.
Rivieres Evasion offer rafting and white-water swimming courses from €30.
Details available through their website www.rivieres-evasion.com.

Mountain biking

The Guisane valley has a wonderful selection of mountain bike trails that climb up mountain paths through larch forests and descend the green fields of Alpine pastures, letting you explore all aspects of the mountain environment. There are hundreds of kilometres of trails graded from 'easy' to 'very hard'.

Hiking and walking

The peaks surrounding the valley are extremely popular with mountaineers. They include the Barre des Ecrins (4,102m) as well as the Pelvoux, Meije, Les Agneaux and Mont Thabor and Le Grand Galibier. Ailefroide, in the Vallouise valley, is France’s second most popular mountaineering destination.

For those looking for something a bit more gentle, there are over 300km of tracks and paths to explore. A Cartoguide will come in very useful and is available from the tourist office for €7.50.

For more detailed information and guidance please contact Serre Chevalier guides via their website at www.guides-serrechevalier.com.

Fishing

Only those holding valid permits, on sale in the Tourist Office and newsagents, are allowed to fish in the valley, and with permit in hand can head to the crystal clear waters which are home to brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout and arctic char.

Via Ferrata

There are some excellent via ferrata routes in Serre Chevalier and the surrounding area, offering something for all ability levels.  go to www.montagne-virtuel.com for information on the various routes in the local area.