Champéry blends centuries-old Swiss charm with quick access to the Portes du Soleil, one of the world’s biggest international ski areas. Here, venerable chalets line a picture-perfect main street, the iconic red-and-white cable car rises swiftly to panoramic heights, and the Dents du Midi peaks stand guard above the valley. Champéry, the first Olympic Village in Valais (hosting curling events in 2020), marries sporting tradition and modern flair, from its well-known ice rink at Palladium to the classic Alpine raclette served in local eateries.
Here’s a practical guide we’ve put together for your perfect Champéry ski holiday. You’ll learn all about the resort’s ski areas, snow conditions, local flavours, and the best ways to relax after your day on the slopes.
Let's get started!
Champéry sits in the Valais canton of south-western Switzerland, a short distance from the French border.
Nearest airport
Transfer time
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Gateway to Portes du Soleil | No direct ski-in/ski-out |
| Picturesque Swiss village with centuries-old chalets | Not ideal for beginners |
| The “Swiss Wall” and other advanced options | Raucous nightlife is limited |
| Cutting-edge sports facilities | No direct slopes back to the village |
This short video provides a glimpse of everything Champéry has to offer.
Sitting above the village, Champéry–Les Crosets is a compact domain with slopes primarily between 2,000 m and 2,300 m (6,562–7,546 ft). You’ll access it by riding the Champéry–Planachaux cable car or taking a bus to the Grand Paradis high-speed chair. While there aren’t direct ski runs down to Champéry’s centre (except for two red descents to Grand Paradis, still some distance from the village), this area suits a broad range of ability levels, from near-beginners looking for easy blues to advanced skiers eyeing the Swiss Wall. Facing generally east or southeast, many slopes hit their best conditions by mid-morning. If you’re keen on exploring even further, Champéry’s local sector is just the doorstep to the Portes du Soleil, one of the world’s largest international ski areas, linking Swiss spots like Morgins and Champoussin with French resorts including Avoriaz, Morzine, and Les Gets.
Champéry’s base altitude and village layout mean true first-timers may find it tricky, there’s no conventional in-town nursery zone, and the run-off from the top cable car can be somewhat narrow and steep. That said, near novices who can handle easy blues will enjoy the resort’s calmer ambience and scenic slopes around Planachaux, Louis, and L’Echereuse. Over in Les Crosets, accessed by cable car or the Grand Paradis lift, several blue runs are a tad steeper than in other resorts, so it’s wise for newly confident beginners to stick to the gentlest sections at first. As you gain assurance, the Swiss sector’s predominantly mellow terrain will help you build up technique without overwhelming crowds. Just be aware you’ll likely need a bus or gondola at the day’s end, as there’s no dedicated slope returning to Champéry’s village centre.
Champéry is a launchpad into the broader Portes du Soleil, so intermediates have near-limitless exploration opportunities. Close to home, the red-graded Grand Paradis run arcs around Pointe de Ripaille, offering a satisfying top-to-bottom cruise. Mid-level visitors can also venture into Morgins, Champoussin, or even cross the Franco-Swiss border to Morzine or Avoriaz, all well-linked by lifts and mostly featuring red or blue pistes. The “Swiss side” alone covers around 100km of predominantly intermediate-friendly slopes. For a classic big loop, attempt one of the Portes du Soleil’s “circuits”, allowing you to sample a mix of wide reds and gentle blues across different valleys before returning to Champéry.
While not an out-and-out expert’s domain, Champéry hosts one of Europe’s most notorious challenges: the Swiss Wall (Le Pas de Chavanette). Ungroomed, steep, and dotted with imposing moguls, it’s strictly for confident, technically adept skiers or riders looking to test their nerve. As a warm-up, the red runs around Marcheuson offer short, steeper sections and occasional off-piste lines. More advanced terrain awaits deeper into the Portes du Soleil, from black runs near Les Hauts-Forts in Avoriaz to freeride spots around Châtel and Les Crosets.
Snowboarders appreciate the open slopes around Planachaux and Les Crosets, with fewer long flat sections than in some French resorts. The Superpark under the TSD Crosets lift draws freestyle fans, featuring a line-up of jumps, rails, and a half-pipe (depending on the season’s setup). Beginner boarders might prefer the quieter blue runs in the upper domain to hone their basics, while advanced freestylers or freeriders can easily roam the Portes du Soleil searching for fresh lines or bigger park setups in Avoriaz.
The ski season in Champéry for 2024/25 started on December 14th and it's expected to run until April 13th, though dates may vary depending on snow conditions. If you're planning a ski holiday to Champéry this winter, be sure to explore our Champéry deals for the best ski offers available.
Champéry offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 31 cm (12.2 in) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 3.0 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall decreases to 26 cm (10.2 in) but it occurs more frequently, averaging 3.2 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the first week of March, traditionally the snowiest week in Champéry, with an impressive 44 cm (17.3 in) of snow over 3.8 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days, when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 15 cm (5.9 in) of snow over 1.9 days.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 31 cm (12.2 in) | 2.9 days |
| January | 31 cm (12.2 in) | 3.1 days |
| February | 26 cm (10.2 in) | 3.2 days |
| March | 26 cm (10.2 in) | 3.0 days |
| April | 15 cm (5.9 in) | 1.9 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
Champéry’s dining scene offers a small but varied selection: from casual cafés for a quick bite after skiing to slightly upscale alpine restaurants showcasing local ingredients. Highlights include:
Champéry’s après-ski remains friendly yet low-key, overshadowed by bigger nightlife scenes in the French sector (Avoriaz/Morzine). The main street has a handful of bars or lounge spots, including:
Download Champery village map here
