Serre Chevalier consists of three main villages: Monêtier les Bains (Serre Che 1500), Villeneuve la Salle (Serre Che 1400), Chantemerle (Serre Che 1350) and the town of Briancon (Serre Che 1200). Luc Alphand, world champion 1995-97, is probably the area's most famous son - so famous he has his own beer!

Serre Chevalier's snow record is excellent with exceptional recent winters. In the 2006/7 ski season, further snowmaking facilities were installed in the Monetier sector – and its already north-facing slopes and high-altitude (village 1500m, highest lift drop-off 2830m) holds the snow right until the end of April.

Being pretty much the last resort to get noticed or be developed in France the lift network is new and the resort full of 'real'-types.. The locals are friendly, especially up the valley and there is precious little air kissing - darling or celebs. This has kept prices down and attracted expats, many to settle here, without bringing Eastenders on tape or whelks. It's not quite tie-dye, but it is a bit sabai, sabai, as the Thais often say when skiing.

Key info