Overview

Champéry is one of Switzerland’s most characterful ski villages — traditional Valaisan wooden chalets, a magnificent Gothic church spire, and the sweeping backdrop of the Dents du Midi massif. The village itself sits at 1,050 m, with skiing beginning via a cable car ride up to the Planachaux plateau at 1,800 m. What awaits above is access to one of the world’s great ski domains: the Portes du Soleil.

The Portes du Soleil links 12 resorts across Switzerland and France, covering over 600 km of marked pistes. From Champéry you can ski to Morgins, cross into France via the legendary Chavanette (Swiss Wall) to reach Avoriaz, and continue through Les Gets, Morzine, and Châtel — all on one lift pass.

Getting There

Champéry’s secret weapon is its train connection. From Geneva airport, the journey takes about 2 hours via Aigle and the narrow-gauge Mont-Blanc Express — one of Switzerland’s most scenic rail routes. No car required. Geneva Airport (GVA) is 90 km away by road. During peak season, direct ski trains run from London St Pancras through to Aigle via Eurostar.

The Skiing

The Champéry/Grand Paradis sector offers the full spectrum from gentle plateaus to extreme descents. The Planachaux plateau is ideal for intermediate cruising with excellent views. The jewel — and terror — of the area is the Chavanette (Swiss Wall): a notorious 35-40 degree mogul field, 400 metres long, depositing you in French Avoriaz at the bottom. There is no easy alternative — you either ski it or ride the chairlift back. It’s a bucket-list descent for expert skiers worldwide.

Beyond the Wall, the Avoriaz connection opens the full French side of Portes du Soleil: the Arare and Hauts Forts sectors, tree-lined runs of Morzine, and family-friendly Les Gets. A full circuit covers dozens of pistes and crosses the border multiple times.

Lift Passes

The Portes du Soleil lift pass is strongly recommended — it covers all 200+ lifts across the French and Swiss sectors. Local Champéry-only passes exist but limit you significantly given the cross-border connections are the main draw. Book online in advance for modest savings. Note that Swiss francs are the currency in Champéry.

Where to Stay

In Champéry village: Traditional Swiss chalets, small hotels, and apartment rentals. Hotel Suisse and the Beau Séjour are long-established options near the cable car. The atmosphere is quiet and authentically Swiss.

French side alternative: Basing in Avoriaz or Morzine offers ski-in/ski-out convenience and a more active après-ski scene while skiing the full Portes du Soleil area.

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Après-Ski

Champéry has an understated après scene befitting its traditional Swiss character. Mitchell’s Bar is the most atmospheric option — a classic pub popular with English-speaking visitors. Le Farinet is a resort institution for après drinks. Restaurants focus on Swiss mountain cuisine: fondue, raclette, rösti, and excellent Valais wine. The vibe is relaxed and social rather than high-octane nightclub.

Best Time to Visit

January through March is the reliable prime season. February gets very busy with French and Swiss school holidays — book months ahead. March brings excellent spring skiing with longer days and lower crowds than February. The lower village elevation means early-season and late-season conditions below the cable car can be unreliable.

Insider Tips

• Take the train from Geneva — one of Switzerland’s great scenic rail journeys and removes all parking stress.
• Don’t attempt the Swiss Wall unless you’re a confident expert. Watching from the chairlift alongside is entertainment enough.
• The Portes du Soleil circuit in one day is a fantastic challenge — start early and plan your route to cross back to the Swiss side before lifts close at around 4:30 pm.
• Champéry has no supermarket in the ski area — stock up on provisions when you arrive.
• The Dents du Midi views from the upper plateau at midday are outstanding.

Frequently Asked Questions