Champery

Champery Ski Resort Guide

Located in the heart of the Portes du Soleil ski area, Champery is a charming Swiss ski resort offering access to one of the largest interconnected ski regions in the world. Situated in the canton of Valais, Champery is surrounded by breathtaking alpine scenery, making it an ideal destination for skiers, snowboarders, and families looking to enjoy both outdoor adventures and a peaceful retreat. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, traditional village vibe, and extensive slopes, Champery is perfect for those seeking a mix of thrilling skiing and après-ski relaxation in a beautiful, less-crowded setting.

Here’s your complete guide to Champery Ski Resort:

1. Overview of Champery Ski Resort

• Location: Champery is located in the Valais region of Switzerland, just 90 minutes from Geneva by car. It is nestled in the Portes du Soleil ski area, one of the largest ski areas in Europe, connecting Switzerland and France.
• Best For: Champery is ideal for skiers of all levels, especially intermediate and advanced skiers, as well as families looking for a quiet, authentic Swiss ski village experience. The resort’s position within Portes du Soleil means it’s perfect for those who want easy access to expansive, well-maintained ski areas.
• Terrain: 650 km of ski runs (within the Portes du Soleil area), 211 ski lifts, with Champery offering access to 30 km of slopes.
• Annual Snowfall: Champery experiences excellent snowfall throughout the ski season, with an average of 6-7 meters of snow annually, ensuring great conditions from December through April.
• Season: The resort typically opens in mid-December and runs through to late April, depending on snow conditions.

2. Ski Terrain & Runs

Champery offers a wide range of ski terrain suitable for skiers of all abilities. Its position within the larger Portes du Soleil area allows easy access to vast and varied slopes.

• Beginner Terrain: Champery has several gentle slopes for beginners, especially around the Moulin area, located at the base of the resort. The Planachaux sector offers more beginner-friendly terrain with easy, wide slopes for those just starting out. Champery’s ski school is excellent for first-time skiers, and the Les Marmottons snowpark is perfect for families with children.
• Intermediate Terrain: The intermediate skier will appreciate the long, scenic red runs available in the Planachaux and Croix de Culet areas. Champery’s access to the larger Portes du Soleil area opens up even more intermediate runs across Switzerland and France, offering everything from smooth, cruisy slopes to more challenging terrain. The Combe de l’Ours and Moulin runs offer fantastic views and enjoyable skiing for intermediates.
• Advanced Terrain: Advanced skiers will find plenty of challenging slopes within the Champery region and beyond. The Croix de Culet offers a mix of technical red runs, while the higher areas of Les Lindarets and Les Gets in the Portes du Soleil provide steep runs and off-piste terrain for those looking for an adrenaline rush. Off-piste skiing in Champery can be an exciting experience, especially around the Les Chavanettes sector.
• Freeride & Off-Piste: Champery is perfect for freeride skiing, with extensive off-piste terrain in the surrounding mountains. The Les Croix and Les Chavanettes areas are popular for those seeking untracked snow and challenging descents. However, it is important to check avalanche conditions and be equipped with the appropriate safety gear, as this terrain can be dangerous for those unfamiliar with backcountry skiing.

3. Snow Conditions

• Snowfall: Thanks to its high-altitude slopes and proximity to the Dents du Midi mountains, Champery enjoys consistent snow coverage throughout the season. The resort receives between 6 to 7 meters of snow annually, ensuring reliable skiing conditions from December through April.
• Snowmaking: The resort is equipped with snowmaking facilities on lower slopes, especially around Moulin and Planachaux, which guarantees good conditions, even during less snowy winters.

4. Lifts & Accessibility

Champery is connected to the Portes du Soleil ski area through an efficient lift system, including gondolas, chairlifts, and surface lifts. The town is also easily accessible by car or public transport.

• Key Lifts:
  • Champery Gondola: This is the primary lift to access the slopes from the town, taking skiers up to the Planachaux and Croix de Culet areas. It’s modern, fast, and provides stunning views of the valley.
  • Planachaux Chairlift: Once you are on the slopes, this chairlift gives access to intermediate terrain, offering excellent views over the resort and across the Portes du Soleil area.
  • Croix de Culet Chairlift: This lift is one of the highest in Champery and accesses some of the resort’s most scenic and challenging terrain.
  • Les Crosets Cable Car: This connects Champery to the larger Portes du Soleil ski area, allowing easy access to French resorts like Avoriaz and Morzine.

5. Family-Friendly Features

Champery is a family-friendly destination, with a variety of activities and dedicated facilities for children and beginners.

• Ski Schools: The Champery Ski School offers excellent programs for children and beginners, with instructors specializing in helping kids get comfortable on the slopes. The Marmottons Park is a great area for children to practice skiing in a fun, safe environment.
• Childcare & Kids Zones: The Marmottons Snowpark and Moulin Nursery are popular with families, offering beginner slopes, fun obstacles, and a safe space for children. There is also a daycare facility where young children can be looked after while their parents ski.
• Family Terrain: Champery has several gentle slopes that are perfect for families, including the Moulin and Planachaux areas. These are ideal for parents and children to ski together, with wide, non-challenging runs.

6. Après-Ski & Dining

After a day on the slopes, Champery offers a more relaxed, traditional Swiss après-ski scene, with plenty of dining options to enjoy.

• Mountain Restaurants: Champery offers several mountain restaurants where skiers can rest and enjoy delicious Swiss cuisine. Le Grand Chalet and Restaurant Planachaux are great spots to take a break while enjoying stunning views. Many of the restaurants feature typical Swiss dishes such as fondue, raclette, and rösti.
• Village Dining: In the village of Champery, there are a range of restaurants, from casual dining to more upscale options. Restaurant de la Baita offers delicious Italian and Swiss cuisine, while La Table de Champery serves gourmet French dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
• Après-Ski Bars: Champery is known for its more laid-back après-ski atmosphere compared to some of the larger resorts. Popular bars for après-ski include Le Bar de la Poste and Le Coyote Café, where you can relax with a drink after skiing.

7. Other Activities

Champery offers more than just skiing, with a variety of other activities to enjoy during your stay.

• Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing: The resort offers a network of marked snowshoe trails and cross-country skiing routes. The Champéry Cross-Country Skiing Trail offers scenic routes through the forest and across the valley.
• Ice Skating: There is an outdoor ice rink in Champery, providing a fun and relaxing activity for families and groups. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day of skiing.
• Tobogganing: Families will enjoy the toboggan runs around the resort, particularly the Moulin Toboggan Run, which offers fun for both adults and children.
• Wellness & Spa: After a day on the slopes, visitors can unwind in the resort’s wellness centers. The Les Bains de Champery offers a range of spa services, including massages, saunas, and hot tubs, providing the perfect way to relax after an active day.

8. Tips for Visiting Champery

• Book in Advance: Champery is a popular destination, especially during peak season, so it’s advisable to book accommodation, ski passes, and ski lessons well in advance.
• Pack for Varying Conditions: The weather can change quickly in the mountains, so bring layers and be prepared for both sunny and snowy days.
• Avalanche Safety: For off-piste skiing, make sure you have the appropriate safety gear, including an avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel. Take an avalanche safety course if you plan to explore off-piste areas.

Conclusion

Champery Ski Resort offers a fantastic combination of family-friendly amenities, varied ski terrain, and access to the vast Portes du Soleil ski area. With its charming Swiss village atmosphere, excellent snow conditions, and a wide range of skiing options, it’s the perfect destination for skiers and snowboarders looking to explore the Swiss Alps while avoiding the crowds of larger resorts. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced skier, Champery has something for everyone.