An Unforgettable Spring Adventure
Late March in Serre Chevalier was something out of a skier’s dream. After one of the best ends to the season in 20 years, we were blessed with feet of fresh powder, and I got to experience a very special moment: teaching my 16-year-old daughter to ski deep powder for the first time. We spent the day lapping the Cibouit chairlift, with her carving confidently on a pair of Black Crows skis (a huge thanks to Oxygène for the loan). She’s officially hooked, and I can’t wait to see what next season brings for her.
But back to the adventure at hand. It’s 3rd April at noon. I meet up with Nick Maxwell and a small, lively crew at the base of the Bachas chairlift. Our group is a mix - some of us have been skiing and snowboarding for over 40 years, whilst others only discovered the sport in their 30s. It’s proof that off-piste skiing isn’t just for experts or daredevils; with the right guide, you can find incredible terrain suitable for many levels. On this day, avalanche packs were a must, as there had been so much snow.
“March is the new February”
Meet our guide - Julien of Oxygène
Our guide for the afternoon is Julien, a lifelong resident of Monêtier and a ski instructor and guide with Oxygène in Serre Chevalier. Few people know these mountains as intimately as he does. Adrien has spent his entire life exploring every ridge and couloir here, whether on skis, on a snowboard, or on foot.
We hop on the Bachas chairlift, then transfer to the Yret chairlift to reach the highest point amongst the five peaks in Serre Chevalier. The sky has cleared, revealing stunning views stretching all the way to Montgenèvre, another beloved Ski Miquel resort.
From there, we traverse around a hidden corner, with skis and snowboards slung over our shoulders, and are greeted by an immense expanse of untouched powder. Despite it being peak Easter time and with no new snow in 48 hours, Julien knows exactly where to find fresh lines. We drop into the first face, whoops of joy echoing through the valley, before winding into a shaded couloir where the snow still feels as light as if it fell yesterday.
The east face
We regroup at the Yret chairlift and head for the east face directly beneath it. This off-piste section is a gem - easily accessible, offering line after line from west to east. You can find wide-open slopes perfect for practicing your technique, or opt for steeper couloirs and rock drops, like the locals we spotted training for the Freeride World Tour.
By our third lap, my legs are crying for mercy (and I’m definitely not alone), while Julien looks as fresh as if he’s just had a long lunch break. We take the front face and head straight for the short Cucumelle chairlift, planning a short hike along the ridgeline to a couloir off the the legendary Tete de la Balme peak at 2625m that I’ve been eyeing up for years. It’s north-facing and holds the snow beautifully. Only a couple of tracks are there, leaving plenty of clean lines for us. One by one, we drop in, linking turns down the face and finding fresh pockets even as the snow starts to get a little heavier (it is April, after all).
What an afternoon!
For this mission, I was on a pair of Stöckli Stormrider 95's - also available to buy or rent from Oxygène, conveniently located just 40 yards from the Chalet-Hotel Charlotte.
Our final sprint to catch the Yret chairlift ended with a heartbreak, as we arrived just as the pisteurs were loading up for the last ride. No worries, though - we jumped on the neighbouring Cibouit chair and snuck around to one of Julien’s old playgrounds. We weaved between the trees, ducking and diving, before reconnecting with an old black run for a final cruise back to base.
The big takeaway? There’s always more to discover. After skiing Serre Chevalier for over 30 years, I still uncovered new zones and experiences. You don’t need to be a world-class skier or snowboarder to enjoy off-piste terrain. With the right gear and an experienced guide, you’ll find runs that match your ability, and maybe even surprise yourself along the way. There are gentle off-piste options that work wonderfully in both powder and spring snow, adding a whole new dimension to your holiday.
So why not give it a try? And if you’d like to fine-tune your skills first, you can always book a lesson through our online portal with Oxygène before heading out on a guided adventure - all easily arranged through their booking portal.
See you on the mountain!
