Thu, 2 March 2023
Vertical Climbed: 463 meters (1,519 feet)
Vertical Descended: 463 meters
Discover villages and hamlets, each more charming than the next, over 44 km of cross country trails in a unique natural setting. Serre Chevalier Vallée Briançon is in the heart of an exceptional Nordic area. From Chantemerle to the hamlet of Casset, the Nordic site offers a wide range of activities in an exceptional setting: beginner green runs (easy access), sporty (wide skating and alternative tracks), family (nature trail, picnic area, activities, snowshoes), Nordic walking and a biathlon stadium.
The weather in the Cervieres area was grey and snowy so I looked on the Webcams for sun. Serre Chevalier Valley, with its 300 days per year claimed sunshine record came up trumps. Because of my dithering about where to go I didn't start until 10am and the snow was already melting in places with the sun and above zero temperatures. I set off from Monetier but it is possible to ski from la Salle des Alpes near the Pontillas lift, which makes more sense. Despite the proximity of a huge ski area you are quickly in a charming high alpine valley following the river up to le Casset then le Boussards at the head of the valley. You then turn into the daunting Petit Tabuc valley that leads up to the Davin Couloirs but it is just a little loop before picking up rolling and more shady trails down the right bank of the valley with even a small, sharp ramp coming out of le Casset. I basically followed the 27km la Virade black piste around.
Above zero at the car park at 10am. Soft snow on the left bank of the valley, largely firm on the right bank. Slushy below Monetier.Thin snow in some areas now.
