Champéry: Ski holidays between the slopes and village history

Champéry is a linear village in the Val-d’Illiez on the French border, and a municipality in the Monthey District of the Canton of Valais. Its winter sports profile ranges from the Portes du Soleil ski area to distinctive slope features; village history, themed trails and mountain scenery also offer other possible points of interest. When choosing where to stay, you can consider these interests separately and take the planned season into account.

Skiing and winter in Champéry

The Champéry–Croix-de-Culet cable car takes skiers to the Portes du Soleil ski area in five minutes. The Champéry sector has a snow park for freestyle skiing and snowboarding. The Pas de Chavanette slope, also known as the “Swiss Wall,” drops almost 400 metres in elevation over one kilometre, with a gradient of 50 degrees. These figures provide specific reference points for understanding the terrain. Check lift operations and conditions before your trip, as access and conditions vary by season.

Winter sports also have a historical connection: in 1969, Champéry became one of the founding villages of the Portes du Soleil ski area and holiday region. The village’s history goes back further: Champéry was first mentioned in 1286 under the name Champery.

Village history and cultural trails

A guided village walk focuses on rural traditions and inherited knowledge, and also tells the story of the Hôtel des Dents du Midi. The tour is offered year-round by prior reservation; confirm availability before your trip. The open-air museum “Champéry été 1863” presents a comic-strip look back at village life in the 19th century. The original panels are displayed along the village street and depict everyday scenes of haymaking, woodworking, mercenary service, emigration and tourism.

The Tour des oratoires leads through Rue du Village, as well as through the forests and idyllic paths of Grand-Paradis. The Galerie Défago has a different historical connection: local entrepreneur Emmanuel Défago opened it in 1864. Its path is more than 600 metres long, follows a natural rock ledge and offers views of Champéry. Numerous different plants bloom along the ledge. As mountain conditions can change, it is advisable to check accessibility before your visit.

Mountain trails and seasonal experiences

The Plateau de Barme is the starting point for dozens of hiking and climbing routes. A themed hiking trail explores the history of cross-border smuggling in the past. One of the most important ornithological stations is located at Col de Bretolet; the site is particularly suited to birdwatching from August to October. The Via Ferrata de Tière is 460 metres long and crosses the Tière stream waterfalls twice via footbridges. As technical information may be updated, check the latest route information before setting out.

For planning excursions, two circular routes are easy to distinguish by duration. The circular hike to the Lacs d’Anthème starts and ends at Champéry railway station; the stated duration for the 16.19-kilometre route is six hours. Its destination is several small mountain lakes beneath the jagged peaks of the Dents du Midi, surrounded by flowering meadows. The “Discovering water” themed trail covers 21.3 kilometres and takes a full day. Its 16 stations raise awareness of the protection and management of the natural resource of water. Mountain conditions can affect access to the trails.

More activities in the village

The Palladium sports centre includes an indoor swimming pool, an outdoor pool open in summer, an ice rink, fitness facilities, tennis courts, badminton and pickleball courts, and a climbing wall. The curling rink is open in winter. As opening hours for individual facilities may change, check the latest times before your visit. The Organic Adventure Park in Champéry offers six treetop courses; check current operating conditions before planning your visit.

The cycling route offers its own perspective on the landscape: stage 9 of the Valais Velo Tour runs from Champéry to Le Bouveret, crosses the Col de Champoussin at 1,588 metres and offers panoramic views of the Dents-du-Midi. Alongside winter sports and culture, visitors can therefore choose a specific cycling route as well as trails with different themes and time requirements.

Discover more destinations: Torgon, Port-Valais, Troistorrents, Saint-Gingolph, Monthey, Vionnaz, Morgins, Val-D'illiez.

Go to the main travel overview: Monthey.