Queyras or Serre-Chevalier?

Three destinations in the Hautes-Alpes, less than an hour and a half from one another, and three ways to experience the mountains. Serre-Chevalier for its vast ski area, Vars for its family-friendly resort, and Queyras for its villages, Nordic skiing and tranquillity. Here is how to choose.

All three share the same sunshine, nearly 300 days a year, the same high-altitude snow and the same railway stations: Montdauphin-Guillestre for Vars and Queyras, Briançon for Serre-Chevalier. What changes is the scale, the atmosphere and what there is to do when you are not skiing.

Each village has its own character, pace and way of experiencing winter. Some come for the pleasure of linking one run to the next, while others seek the charm of an unspoilt village. Beyond the kilometres of pistes, it is also an atmosphere and an experience that you choose.

Ski areas, natural surroundings, atmosphere and way of life: we invite you to discover what sets each destination apart, so you can find the one that best suits your wishes.

For alpine skiing

Serre-Chevalier is the department’s largest ski area, with nearly 250 kilometres of pistes between 1,200 and 2,800 metres, linked from one end of the Briançon valley to the other. Together with Risoul, Vars forms La Forêt Blanche, with around 180 kilometres of pistes between 1,650 and 2,750 metres, in a resort designed for families. These are two ski areas where you can ski for a week without taking the same route twice.

Queyras is in a different category. Four village resorts linked by a shared lift pass, the largest of which, Molines-Saint-Véran, offers 35 kilometres of pistes between 1,750 and 2,800 metres. Fewer kilometres, runs starting right from the houses, and views of the 3,000-metre peaks around every bend. It is often very comfortable for beginners and families.

The comparison

For everything else

Cross-country skiing, ski touring and snowshoeing are Queyras specialties, with several Nordic ski areas and 21 kilometres of trails starting from Saint-Véran. In the evening, enjoy dinner made with local valley produce and gaze at the Milky Way with the naked eye beneath one of France’s clearest skies.

Serre-Chevalier and Vars appeal thanks to their lively atmosphere and the variety of their facilities: shops, restaurants, ski schools and entertainment set the rhythm for your stay. Serre-Chevalier also benefits from its proximity to Briançon, whose Vauban fortifications are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Queyras offers a different approach to the mountains, more intimate and nature-focused. In summer, its Regional Natural Park reveals unspoilt landscapes, with the GR 58 trail, the legendary Izoard and Agnel passes, and high-altitude lakes. An ideal destination for those seeking wide-open spaces, peace and authenticity.

So, which one?

Serre-Chevalier for ski enthusiasts who want to enjoy a vast ski area, spend long days on the slopes and return to a lively resort in the evening.

Vars for families looking for simplicity, with child-friendly facilities, accessible ski schools and accommodation at the foot of the slopes.

Queyras for those who favour the charm of authentic villages, the tranquillity of wide-open spaces and a more unspoilt mountain experience, where alpine skiing, Nordic skiing and hiking follow the rhythm of nature.

Why not enjoy a change of scenery? These three destinations, located less than an hour and a half’s drive from one another, offer the opportunity to discover different facets of the Southern Alps.

In the heart of Saint-Véran, Alta Peyra, a 4-star hotel with 59 rooms and suites, offers a privileged setting for a stay in the Queyras. Its Nuxe spa, with indoor and outdoor pools overlooking the peaks, and its Le Célestin restaurant extend your days in the mountains. The slopes are directly accessible from the village, while the landscapes of the Queyras invite exploration in every season.

The hotel welcomes you from 18 December to 28 March and from 11 June to 19 September.