Serre-Chevalier

Serre Chevalier links the villages of the Guisane valley — Briançon, Chantemerle, Villeneuve and Le Monêtier-les-Bains — into one of the larger domains of the Southern French Alps. It is defined by two things: superb tree skiing through dense larch forest, and the dry, sunny climate of the Hautes-Alpes. The forested slopes make it one of the best resorts in France for bad-weather days, giving definition and shelter when higher, open resorts are whited out, while the tops open onto broad bowls and freeride terrain. Anchoring it all is Briançon, a fortified Vauban town and UNESCO World Heritage site, which gives the area a depth of history few ski resorts can match.

Go for the rare combination of big, varied terrain, reliably dry and sunny snow, and real Alpine culture. The tree skiing is a genuine draw for intermediates and freeriders alike, the vertical is substantial, and the string of historic villages — capped by Briançon's ramparts — makes for atmospheric evenings well beyond the usual resort fare. It rewards skiers who want substance and character rather than glossy convenience.

The Hautes-Alpes climate delivers cold, dry snow and a high count of sunny days, a favourable mix that keeps the forested runs in good nick and the mood bright. Storms tend to come drier than in the northern Alps, and the extensive larch cover means there is nearly always skiable, sheltered terrain whatever the weather is doing on the ridgelines.