All-Mountain Improver Camp

A hidden freeride gem of the Alps, Serre Chevalier is one of the largest resorts in Europe, with beautiful tree skiing, wild off-piste and a valley of charming alpine villages.

We love Serre Chevalier for its ski heritage, local appeal and diverse terrain options, from open powder fields to some of the best tree-lined skiing in Europe, with the average snowfall of 6 metres kept fresh by the altitude and trees.

Situated in the Southern Alps of France, the ski area is colossal with 250km of slopes and 81 marked runs, featuring perfect groomers, a 9km leg-burner, and the Luc Alphand Olympic black run.

For us, there’s big freeride potential with everything from powdery bowls, weaving tree lines through the larch forests, untamed but accessible off-piste, burly steeps and wild backcountry routes.

Serre Chevalier comprises four main villages: Briançon, Le Monêtier, Chantemerle and Villeneuve, as well as other smaller local hamlets. Each unique, but traditionally French and historic, cosy bars and restaurants are home to a laid-back après ski vibe. Easily move between villages via a shuttle, to explore their local history, shops and character.

This camp utilises the varied freeride terrain in Serre Chevalier to develop your all-mountain prowess. Through drills, tips and guiding, expert coaches will push you at the perfect pace in ability-based groups to maximise your progression. Coaching focuses on balance, timing and rotational control, plus speed, line choice, fluidity and tactics to bolster your all-mountain riding.

We’ve teamed up with expert local coaches who know Serre Chevalier’s vast and varied terrain options as well as anyone in the valley. They will be guiding you in small but ability-based groups – of no more than six riders – around Serre Chevalier’s natural bowls, gulleys and larch forests to polish your freeride skills. We’ll be developing your all-mountain technique, boosting your skills and confidence in steeps, powder, chop and trees.

Throughout the camp you will be equipped with avalanche gear – a transceiver, shovel and probe – allowing us to milk the wild but accessible off-piste options, often via short book-packs and traverses. Coaches will be leading avalanche safety masterclasses throughout as you become familiar with the equipment, making sensible choices, and peer rescue techniques – although we’ll always be skiing in low-risk terrain.

The camp also features a powder-devouring away day as we take the group to a nearby resort mid-way through the week. We'll be flexible in choosing the exact day and location based on group appetite, weather outlook and snow conditions – but options rotate between historic backcountry mecca La Grave, the French region of Queyras, or Cesana in the Italian Alps. We'll travel as a group and pick up our lift tickets, before a fun day of exploration and, with any luck, powder snow.

You’ll stay in Hotel Mont Thabor, a homely ski lodge based in the beautiful village of Villeneuve, steps away from the historic centre.

The location of the lodge couldn’t be more ideal: just a few minutes from the Aravet gondola, where we will meet each morning, as well as close to a bus stop to get around the valley. The hotel features traditional en-suite bedrooms, with twin-share and private options available. There’s a large communal area and bar where Nonstop guests can hang out, with fresh cocktails, local beers and bar snacks on the menu. There’s also a modern wellness centre, equipped with a sauna, steam room and hot tub, although this costs extra.

Run passionately by French local Antonine, the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. A continental breakfast is served daily, with a spread of juices, coffees, teas, meats, fruits, yogurts, breads, croissants and jams – everything you need to fill your boots to fuel the day ahead.