Serre Chevalier and Alpe d'Huez both sit in the Southern French Alps and offer brilliant sunshine, high-altitude skiing, and vast terrain, but they serve up very different vibes. Alpe d'Huez is known for its lively atmosphere, glacier access, and iconic black runs like Sarenne, while Serre Chevalier stretches across a string of charming villages with wooded runs, scenic backdrops, and a quieter, more relaxed après-ski scene.
Whether you’re chasing big mountain lines, a family-friendly escape, or sunshine filled days in the Southern Alps, this guide compares Serre Chevalier and Alpe d’Huez to help you decide which resort fits your holiday goals best.
Serre Chevalier or Alpe d'Huez?
- Quick comparison table
- Ski area & terrain
- Snow fall history
- Accommodation & village atmosphere
- Après-ski & dining
- Families & beginners
- Advanced skiers & snowboarders
- Activities beyond skiing
- Accessibility & transfers
- Cost and value for money
- Which one should you choose?
Quick comparison table
| Feature | Serre Chevalier | Alpe d'Huez |
|---|
| Base elevation | 1,200 m (3,937 ft) | 1,860 m (6,102 ft) |
| Highest lift | 2,800 m (9,186 ft) | 3,330 m (10,925 ft) |
| Local piste (km) | 250 km (155 mi) | 250 km (155 mi) |
| Best for | Tree skiing, families, village charm | Sunshine, high-altitude access, adventurous skiers |
| Village atmosphere | Traditional valley villages (Briançon, Chantemerle) | Purpose-built with a lively resort centre |
| Accommodation | Chalets, small hotels, and apartments across villages | Large hotels, apartments, and ski-in/ski-out options |
| Après-ski scene | Relaxed and local (Le Frog, Station) | Lively and social (La Folie Douce, Underground Bar) |
Ski area & terrain
- Serre Chevalier features 250 km (155 mi) of pistes with excellent tree-lined skiing and a layout split across multiple linked villages. It’s great for poor visibility days, and its mix of terrain suits all levels. The Monêtier sector offers long descents and natural hot springs for recovery.
- Alpe d'Huez is famous for its sunny plateau and access to the Sarenne, the longest black run in the Alps at 16 km (10 mi). High-altitude glacier skiing ensures good snow, while beginner zones and snowparks keep things accessible and fun.
Check out Serre Chevalier piste map and Alpe d'Huez piste map
Snow fall history
| Month | Serre Chevalier (cm/in) | Alpe d'Huez (cm/in) |
|---|
| December | 25 cm/9.8 in | 39 cm/15.3 in |
| January | 22 cm/8.6 in | 33 cm/12.9 in |
| February | 21 cm/8.2 in | 29 cm/11.4 in |
| March | 22 cm/8.6 in | 32 cm/12.5 in |
| April | 12 cm/4.7 in | 20 cm/7.8 in |
(ref: snow-forecast.com)
Accommodation & village atmosphere
- Serre Chevalier spreads across several villages, each with a different vibe: Briançon blends historic charm with local life, while Chantemerle and Villeneuve offer more ski-in/ski-out access and après spots. Most accommodation is traditional and affordable.
- Alpe d'Huez is a larger resort village with more of a classic ski-town buzz. It has a wide range of lodging, from budget apartments to luxury hotels, all with easy lift access. The main village is busy but walkable.
Explore some accommodation options in Serre Chevalier and in Alpe d'Huez
Après-ski & dining
- Serre Chevalier keeps it laid-back. Popular venues include Le Frog and Le Station, where you’ll find local beers and relaxed vibes. Dining leans rustic with Savoyard and Hautes-Alpes specialities.
- Alpe d’Huez cranks up the energy. La Folie Douce kicks off the après on the slopes, followed by Underground Bar and Sphere Bar in the village. There’s also a strong dining scene, including L’Altiport and mountain-top gourmet restaurants.
Families & beginners
- Serre Chevalier is well-equipped for families, with multiple beginner zones, gentle greens, and a strong local ski school network. Off-slope fun includes sledging, indoor climbing, and ice skating.
- Alpe d'Huez has nursery slopes near the main village and a snow garden for young children. The wide blues and greens around the main bowl are perfect for learning, and the resort’s altitude helps with snow reliability throughout the season.
Advanced skiers & snowboarders
- Serre Chevalier features steep tree runs, moguls, and off-piste accessed from Cibouit and Yret. It’s great on stormy days thanks to its wooded terrain, with plenty of freeride possibilities.
- Alpe d'Huez delivers high-altitude thrills with steep chutes from Pic Blanc and challenging blacks like Sarenne and Tunnel. There’s also a large snowpark for advanced freestylers.
Activities beyond skiing
- Serre Chevalier offers snowshoeing, spa days, thermal baths at Monêtier, a medieval town to explore in Briançon, and scenic alpine walks.
- Alpe d’Huez packs in more adrenaline: snowmobiles, ice driving, paragliding, indoor pools, and the Palais des Sports leisure centre.
Accessibility & transfers
- Serre Chevalier is about 2 hr 15 min from Turin and 2 hr 30 min from Grenoble Airport. Transfers may include a train ride to Briançon or shuttle connections.
- Alpe d’Huez is around 1 hr 30 min from Grenoble Airport and 2 hr 30 min from Lyon. Access involves a long mountain road, but buses and private transfers are frequent.
Cost and value for money
- Serre Chevalier is generally better value for accommodation, lift passes, and dining. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting a quieter experience without high prices.
- Alpe d’Huez sits mid-to-premium in price. While lift passes and central lodging are costlier, you get a high-altitude experience and lots of extras for your money.
Explore our Serre Chevalier deals and Alpe d'Huez deals
Which one should you choose?
- Choose Serre Chevalier if you want charming villages, tree skiing, lower prices, and a more authentic alpine vibe.
- Choose Alpe d’Huez if you want high-altitude snow security, vibrant nightlife, and iconic runs like the Sarenne.
