Beginner & Small Area Skiing

We're talking about the first time on skis, of course!

Are you or your child ready to discover the joys of skiing ? What a great idea!

It's an addictive activity, but one that's good for your body and mind! The Serre Chevalier ski area offers a gentle introduction to skiing. Everything we do at Serre Chevalier is designed to make yourlearning experience as easy as possible.

Start with confidence in our "Discovery" areas.

Located on the snow front* or at altitude (easy access), our "Discovery" areas serve short green runs. They allow you to gradually get to grips with the slopes on each of the sites: Briançon, Chantemerle, Villeneuve and Monêtier(single price per day, per person and per sector).

Are you a^first-timer?

Briançon - A specially reserved area at altitude

• 1 return trip on the Prorel gondola, section 1
• Unlimited access to the Pitchounet ski lift

Chantemerle - A specially reserved area at altitude

• 1 return trip on the Ratier gondola, section 1
• Carpet accessible to all and 2 Pré Ratier lifts

Villeneuve - 3 sectors are specially reserved for you

- snow front*

• 3 lifts: Chazelet, Mickey, Aiche

- then at altitude

• 1 round-trip Aravet gondola lift
  • Aravet Discovery Area with 2 carpets

OR

- on the snow front*

• 3 lifts: Chazelet, Mickey, Aiche

- then at altitude :

• 1 round trip Pontillas gondola lift
  • clot ski lift
  • pré de Jeanne ski lift (new)

  • méa covered carpet

Monêtier - A special area is reserved for you on the snow front**

• 2 ski lifts: Ecole, Pré Chabert

Each of these "beginner" zones allows you to train safely on green runs.

**Bottom of area

Useful information

• Free access: if you're a first-timer (i.e. you've never put on skis before), a gondola lift (near the Chazelay, Mickey and Aiche lifts) and the Bez lift (near the Pontillas gondola) are available on the snow front* in Villeneuve.
  NB: a telecorde is a type of ski lift consisting of a man-height cable that is gripped by hand and gives access to a gentle slope.
  The Chanteloube ski lift and the carpet on the snow front at Monêtier are also ideal for beginners.
• Visit Ski Bus for easy access from one area to another. To find out more

Not quite a beginner, but not yet a champion?

You've already had a chance to put on your skis, but that was a long time ago. Skiing is like cycling: you never forget! Or have you gained enough confidence in the "Beginner" areas and feel ready to take on the green and then blue runs of the resort?

Then the " Petits Domaines*" are for you! You'll have fun, make progress and feel more and more at ease. Just imagine how happy you'll be when you feel you've mastered your turns on steeper slopes, and experience the joy of sliding. Because yes, that's what's going to happen to you, and certainly sooner than you think. You don't need to be an expert to experience these sensations; you'll enjoy every step of the way.

• Briançon: 3-hour or day pass >> 2 green runs and 3 blue runs for beginners
• Chantemerle / Villeneuve: day pass >> 7 green runs and 5 blue runs at Chantemerle & 5 green runs and 11 blue runs at Villeneuve for beginners
• Monêtier: 3-hour, full-day or 6-day pass >> 6 blue runs for beginners

then, of course, you can continue your learning on the red and black runs also available at each of these sites.

New The Pass Découverte 5 passages: the ideal alternative for those who want to progress or those who prefer to take their time and explore the Serre Chevalier area at their own pace. You can also take advantage of a picnic area, equipped with planchas, for a moment shared with family and friends.

A few tips

You're almost there. Your impatience is at its peak. We know what you mean! We've come up with a handful of recommendations to help you get the most out of your skiing.

• Fitness is essential. To prepare yourself physically, we recommend that you take part in an activity before your stay. If you're short of ideas or don't know where to start, you can easily find numerous tutorials online.
• Make sure you have the right outfit for the activity: waterproof pants and jacket, breathable under-sweater and fleece(s), gloves, hat.. Serre Chevalier's shops are stocked with skiwear and accessories.
• When it comes to your equipment, you'll find it at a valley professional who will be able to advise you. Don't forget your helmet ;)
• To learn to ski and make rapid progress while adopting the right technique, nothing beats the services of a ski instructor. You'll be able to progress with complete peace of mind and in total safety.

Enjoy your skiing ;)

*subject to change