David Chabanal: "In Serre Chevalier, the summer season is historically important".

The Director of the Serre ChevalierDavid Chabanal gave us an interview just as the summer season kicked off in the Southern Alps resort.

READ MORE: Serre Chevalier: mountain activities, highlights, restaurants, hotels... What to do in summer?

How do you see the summer season developing in Serre Chevalier?

The summer season at Serre Chevalier has seen a significant change. Like many mountain destinations in France, we have seen a post-Covid change. Here, the summer season is historically important thanks to a rich tourist offer.

Early bookings show a positive trend, with an increase of 2 % compared with last year.

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With its wide range of outdoor activities and mountain heritage, Serre Chevalier has firmly established this trend over the years. In terms of visitor numbers, the summer season accounts for around 40 % of annual overnight stays, demonstrating the importance of this period. Summer business is growing steadily, while remaining stable at an already high level. Figures for the last winter season also show growth, with an increase on previous years.

Do you already have any indications about bookings this summer?

The forecasts for summer 2024 are encouraging. Since the beginning of June, all the major Alpine resorts have opened their doors, marking the start of the season.

Advance bookings are showing a positive trend, with an increase of 2 % compared with last year. The national trend is also favourable, especially for August, when we are seeing an increase in bookings.

What proportion of Serre Chevalier's clientele is foreign?

The summer season in Serre Chevalier is predominantly French, with only 10 % of foreign visitors, compared with 20 % in winter. However, we do see a significant number of foreign tourists passing through, thanks in particular to the many mountain passes, such as the Galibier, Granon and Izoard, which attract cyclists and campers. Foreign visitors also contribute to the local economy by spending in the region's shops and restaurants.

What are the events not to miss this summer in Serre Chevalier?

This summer, Serre Chevalier is hosting a number of major events. The Tour de France will pass through the Briançon valley at the beginning of July, a stage eagerly awaited by cycling fans.

At the same time, we will be hosting the Climbing World Cup, a historic event for the region that attracts the best climbers in the world. These events, combined with traditional mountain activities, make Serre Chevalier a must-see destination this summer.

What are Serre Chevalier's greatest strengths?

Serre Chevalier stands out for the diversity of its offer, which is not limited to sport alone. Culture and festivities play an important role, with events such as musicals and festivals.

Serre Chevalier has a unique structure, with a main town and three surrounding villages.

The Serre Chevalier Briançon valley offers a multitude of mountain activitiesFrom cycling over legendary mountain passes to climbing at a variety of sites. The region also offers water sports thanks to its rivers, making it a complete destination for all types of tourists.

What new features are announced and expected?

One of the main new developments is the forthcoming reopening of Club Med, one of the region's historic establishments. This renovation project aims to modernise the accommodation and attract an international clientele.

Club Med will be operational from December 2024, offering both winter and summer activities, particularly for cycling and trail enthusiasts.

How is the resort structured so that it can live all year round?

Serre Chevalier has a unique structure, with a main town and three surrounding villages. Unlike a high-altitude resort, the inhabitants live here all year round, combining various seasonal activities. For example, ski instructors in winter can become rafting guides in summer. This versatility of residents and seasonal workers, combined with comprehensive services such as a hospital and a theatre, contributes to a dynamic and well-connected community, offering a pleasant quality of life all year round.