Inside Serre Chevalier: What makes it work for school groups

When most people think about a school ski trip, they think about the skiing. After spending two winter seasons at Clubhotel Fréjus, first as a General Assistant and later as a Ski Rep, Jasmine learned that what makes a trip successful often happens away from the slopes. 

From helping groups settle in after a long journey to supporting teachers throughout the week, Jasmine saw first-hand what helps students gain confidence and what makes life easier for party leaders. She also came to understand why so many groups return to Serre Chevalier year after year. 

Combining reliable snow conditions, varied terrain and a Clubhotel designed specifically around school groups, a Serre Chevalier school ski trip offers much more than great skiing. Staying at Clubhotel Fréjus provides an environment where students can thrive and teachers can feel supported from arrival to departure. 

Clubhotel Fréjus is located in Villeneuve, one of the main villages within the Serre Chevalier valley. 

For school groups, convenience is one of its biggest strengths. The slopes are only a short walk from the hotel, meaning less time travelling each morning and more time skiing. The recently refurbished Pontillas gondola has further improved access to the mountain and helps groups get skiing quickly. 

Villeneuve itself is compact and easy to navigate. Students quickly become familiar with the village, while teachers appreciate being based somewhere that feels manageable and safe. Local bakeries, cafés, shops and supermarkets are all within walking distance, allowing groups to experience the atmosphere of a traditional French mountain resort. 

The village also offers excellent options for evening activities. The indoor swimming pool and nearby floodlit ice rink are popular choices for school groups looking for something different after a day on the slopes. 

For groups wanting to explore beyond the resort, Briançon is only a short journey away. The town is home to the UNESCO-listed Vauban fortifications, one of Europe’s highest fortified towns, and offers opportunities for sightseeing alongside activities such as bowling and ice hockey.  

Behind the scenes, resort teams work throughout the week to coordinate equipment fittings, organise evening activities, distribute lift passes and support teachers whenever needed. The goal is simple: to ensure schools can focus on their students while knowing support is always available. 

Having worked both front-of-house and as a Ski Rep, Jasmine saw how much planning goes into creating a smooth experience for schools. Before groups arrive, activity programmes are organised, equipment fittings are scheduled and logistics are coordinated. Throughout the week, resort staff remain available to support both students and teachers, helping ensure any issues are resolved quickly and efficiently. 

One of the benefits of staying at a Clubhotel is that staff quickly become familiar faces. Whether helping a student with their equipment, answering a teacher’s question or adjusting plans when circumstances change, support is never far away. 

That combination of great skiing, a purpose-built Clubhotel, a welcoming village and dedicated support is what makes Serre Chevalier such a popular choice for school groups.