Nearest airports: Geneva (125km); Basel (222km); Zurich (247km)

On rail network: YES

Resort website: www.champery.ch

Resort email: info@champery.ch

Overview

The 700-year-old mountain village of Champéry forms part of the Portes du Soleil ski area which nestles between Mont Blanc and the Dents du Midi mountain range. Here no fewer than 12 ski resorts and ten ski lift companies have joined forces to create an unparalleled network that spans the Franco-Swiss border, offering skiers and snowboarders one of the biggest winter sports playgrounds in the world, all covered by one lift pass. 

With nearly 300 ski runs stretching for 650km, skiers and snowboarders can explore for a week and never carve the same route twice. Despite the vastness, it’s easy to ski from country to country, thanks to trail signs that point in the direction of each resort. 

For advanced skiers the area includes the infamous Swiss Wall, ranked orange (one above black), one of the world’s steepest ski slopes, and the Torvassière Run, a long, exposed piste that takes skiers miles from the comfort of the nearest ski lift. Closer to home, the Portes du Soleil have 21 snow parks, boarder and ski-crosses throughout the area. Families and beginners can choose from over 120 gentle blue runs and 35 greens, with an impressive array of ski schools and some 1,300 instructors and guides on hand. Whether you’re looking for an easy day on the slopes or a full-on challenge, there’s excellent choice for every level.  

Getting to resort

Airport transfers

The closest international airport is Geneva from where trains head for the main rail gateways to the Portes du Soleil region. 

To get to Champéry from Geneva-Cointrin airport, take the inter-regional CFF/SBB train to Aigle. From Aigle, change platforms and take the AOMC mountain railway to Champéry. Total journey time: 2h 30 mins. 

From Zurich airport, take the inter-city CFF/SBB train to Lausanne. Change platforms to take the inter-regional CFF/SBB train to Aigle. From Aigle, change platforms and take the AOMC mountain railway to Champéry (see above). Total journey time: 4 hours.

From Basel airport, take bus n°50 to Basel central railway station. From here, take the inter-city CFF/SBB train to Bern. Change platforms to take the inter-city CFF/SBB train to Lausanne. Change platforms again to take the inter-regional CFF/SBB train to Aigle. From Aigle, change platforms and take the AOMC mountain railway to Champéry (see above). Total journey time: 4h 15 mins. 

Click here for more information about flights to Switzerland and France.

By train 

Champéry is served by the cogwheel Aigle–Ollon–Monthey–Champéry (AOMC) mountain railway which connects with mainline services at Aigle. Journey time from Aigle approx. 1 hour. 

In resort

The Champéry railway terminus is right next to the Champéry cable-car, which takes you right onto the slopes of the Portes du Soleil ski resort.

Champéry offers a free shuttle-bus service from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. The Grand-Paradis bus runs from the Champéry cable-car to the Grand-Paradis ski lift every 20 minutes.