Hotel le Cristal Lodge, Serre Chevalier

France

Hotel le Cristal Lodge

France

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Hotel
Bed and Breakfast
600m to slopes
800m to Resort Centre

Overview

‘Alpine simplicity’ sums up the theme of the Cristal Lodge – a minimalist design with peaked roofs, balconies and lots of natural wood and stone, a classic wellness area and a restaurant that dishes up traditional Savoyard favourites. But keep an eye out and you’ll spot a few quirky touches too, like the disco balls in the lobby and neon yellow table football in the games room.

The Lodge is in Chantemerle, one of Serre Chevalier’s main villages, and you can stretch your legs on the short stroll to the chairlift or ski school in the morning. Then wander back in the afternoon to après the laid-back way – whether that means sinking into the warmth of the hot tub, sauna and steam room, flopping onto a bean bag in front of the fire or beelining to the bar for a vin chaud before dinner.

Speaking of food, you'll get breakfast included so you can fill up on things like pastries and charcuterie. And in the evenings, you can eat here à la carte or head out to try somewhere in town instead.

Description

Location

6 minutes' walk to the Blêtonet chairlift in Chantemerle

7 minutes' walk to the ski school meeting point and nursery slopes

8 minutes' walk to the resort centre

Rooms
All rooms have a satellite TV, free WiFi and hairdryer.

Double room - sleeps 2- North-facing room with double bed, private shower and WC.

Triple room - sleeps 3- South-facing room with double bed, single bed, private shower, WC and balcony.

Facilities

Wellness area with sauna, steam room and hot tub

Extra charge for massages

Savoyard tapas bar

Lounge

Games room

Ski room with lockers and heated boot rack

Extra charge for laundry facilities

Free WiFi

Lift to all floors

20 rooms

Catering

cold buffet breakfast

Accommodation Facilities

Hot Tub

Sauna

About Serre Chevalier

'Serre Chevalier', home of Luc Alphand, the downhill world champion from 1995 to 1997, is found near the Italian border. Offering indirect links to Montgenèvre and the Milky Way, it has its own 250km of pistes and another 900km available with the Grande Galaxie Pass. The resort itself is very much an intermediates' paradise, good for beginners, and there is still plenty to keep the more advanced skiers happy. More accomplished skiers are best advised to head for Monetier for some good black pistes, or a considerable variety of off-piste terrain. Two-thirds of the mountain enjoys wooded surroundings and, as the slopes are north-facing, they do hold snow. Boarders will find masses to do, particularly those more advanced, with a specialist park and good off-piste.

The overall impression of Serre Chevalier is one of traditional, almost 'provencal' charm, particularly in Monetier. It is an atmospheric venue, of good value and unpretentious, also with a strong French feel. The restaurants serve good local fare, a car is a good option, allowing you to try each village's eateries but there is also a bus linking up the resorts. Briancon is a great destination if you are looking for off-snow activities. Families may be particularly attracted, with a very good ski school and decent childcare provision. Turin and its airport are two and a half hours away.

Briancon has many activities including their famous ice skating ring where the ice hockey team Briancon will play their home matches.

Resort Attributes

Beginner Friendly

Choice of Restaurants

Easy Slope Access

Family Friendly

Good Beginners

Great Off-Piste

Great for Mixed Abilities

Large Ski Area

Scenic

Snow Park