A Summer Guide to Champéry Switzerland – صحيفة الصوت

One of 12 resort villages in the vast Portes du Soleil recreational area and also the newly formed Region Dents Du Midi area which comprises the 6 smaller Swiss resort in the Portes Du Soleil.

Champéry Switzerland

With the Dents du Midi & Dents Blanches as the backdrop, Champéry Switzerland is both a postcard-perfect alpine village and a modern bike and ski resort. Situated just 90 minutes by car from Geneva International Airport, Champéry is the ideal year-round destination for hikers, bikers, skiers alike.

As a gateway to the Portes du Soleil and at the foot of the Dents du Midi, Champéry Switzerland is a very popular place for hikers during the summer period. If hiking is not your thing there is no shortage of activities during the summer period from mountain bike riding, Tandem Paragliding to zooming down the mountains on downhill scooters.

Not to mention all the yummy traditional Swiss food you can indulge in during or after your adventures. Making it a perfect spot for both families and friends for a holiday. 

⇒  Do you like skiing? How about checking out Champéry Switzerland in this Winter guide.

Tip

• In winter Champery is home to one of the worlds most dangerous ski runs, The Swiss Wall.

Champéry Summer Season 

The Summer season in Champéry, Switzerlandstarts in early June and closes late September, with the Champéry Croix de culet cable car running during this time. There are different start and ending dates for the various activities during Summer but they are roughly open at similar times. 

Whether you are hiking, bike riding or enjoying one of the other many activities, cable cars can be used by everyone.

Make sure that you have the right travel insurance for your piece of mind before you go on holiday. Compare the best holiday insurance for FREE

The Multi Pass for Les Portes du Soleil

I used a Multi Pass across the Portes Du Soleil during my summer trip to try out the activities on offer. It is a card that you can use for various activities with unlimited access to more than 60 activities in the 12 resorts across  Switzerland and France.

Not to mention discounts as well on other services and businesses. You never run out of things to do.

Check out the other resorts within the Portes Du Soleil to see what activities they offer in detail with the Multi Pass. 

Tip

• The Multi Pass card is offered to all the visitors who are staying in the Swiss side of the Portes du Soleil for one night or more, in the Region Dents du Midi.

Types of Multi Pass 

There are different types of Multi Pass and they are super flexible, you can get them for a day, a week or even weekends. It really depends on your needs and budget. 

• The Multi Pass  Séjour (visitor) for those who are staying at a Multi Pass  hotel
• A daily Multi Pass, for the occasional walker or hiker
• Season Multi Pass  for those who live near the Portes du Soleil

⇒  How about using your Mulit Pass on the Frenchside – Morzine France

The Multi Pass is ideal for those who want to make the most of the mountains without spending too much money and is great for families. Some of the activities include access to outdoor swimming pools, cable cars for walking and hiking, tennis courts and mini golf, the list goes on. The best place to get a Multi Pass is at the ski lift ticket offices.   

What is included in your Multi Pass in Champery

• 22 lifts for pedestrians
• Indoor & outdoor Swimming Pool
• Climbing Wall
• Tennis Courts (Will need to book before you play)
• Champéry Croix de Culet Cable Car

How about some guidebooks of Switzerland

Activities discount with a Multi Pass in Champéry

• Trott en stock (Downhill scooters)
• Bikeshop Scott (Electric MTB Hire)
• Montagne Experience (Guiding, via ferrata)
• Refuge Lapisa (Cheese making demonstration)

Downhill Scooters (Trott en Stock)

If you are looking for an adventure and something a little different, then you must check out the Trott En Stock’s rugged downhill scooters. It is a great activity and with 20 adult scooters and 6 junior scooters on site, both family and friends can enjoy the thrills of speeding down the slopes.

These are not your average scooters though and I was a little intimidated when I first saw them. They are equipped with fat tyres and suspension to absorb the impacted of the rugged terrain, as well as disc brakes, so you have control going down. To make sure you stay safe you are also kitted out with kneepads, elbow pads, helmet and gloves.

Just like MTB the 10kms of tracks are sign posted and graded at different levels, it really depends on how comfortable you are and your ability to where you want to explore. With a 1000 m descent, it is an easy way to get a maxim of thrills in the Swiss Alps.

I have to admit at first I was not sure what to expect, or if it was just for kids. I could not have been more wrong, these scooters pick up some serious speed and I had a few hairy moments zooming around the mountains. It was a lot of fun that I wanted to do it again and take my husband to show him how great it was.

Make sure that you have the right travel insurance so your mind can be at ease on your adventures holiday in the Alps. Compare the best holiday insurance for FREE

Addition Information

Tip

• Ask them about the route that goes straight back into town instead of getting the Télépherique Champéry – Croix-de-Culet.
• Be careful as some of the tracks are shared with other transportation like cars. 

Tandem Paragliding

If you are up for the ultimate adventure of a lifetime then you can’t go past trying Tandem Paragliding, where you will have 360°views of the Portes du Soleil. It is one of the most popular activities in the region and this activity is available through Val-d’Illiez paragliding school. You will be excited and scared at the same time while taking in the views of the beautiful summits of the Alps; Massifs du Chablais, Monts du Jura, Dents-du-Midi, Le Mont-Blanc or le Lac Léman.

As it is tandem paragliding, your professional pilot will not only make sure that you are ok but will make you feel at ease during your flight, all the way to your landing point. 

I have been Tandem Paragliding a few times before and I just love it, especially if you have a professional pilot, who puts you at ease and makes you feel safe. So all you need to do it sit back, relax and take in the amazing views. Just remember when your pilot says run, you have to run!

  ⇒ Here are some other great idea of places to go paragliding in Switzerland 

Additional Information

• Your journey from the top to the landing area should take around 25-45mins depending on wind conditions etc
• 20% Discount with your Multi Pass 
• Price – CHF 80.- to CHF 160.- (depending on altitude loss)
• Groups on request

Eating in Champery Switzerland

Cantine des Rives

Address: Route des Rives 12, 1874 Champéry, Switzerland

Considered to be one of the regions most popular alpine restaurants is the inviting and rustic Cantine des Rives. It is situated at the trail end of the iconic Galerie Défago hike (open only in summer) and high above the village of Champéry. Not only does this place offer panoramic views of Champéry but the food is really delicious too.

I would have loved to try the famous Valaisan Raclette, cooked on a wood fire, and the delicious ‘Tzeudron des Rives’. However, it was super hot the day I arrived and I was not keen on having a cooked meal. Instead, I opted to have a chicken salad which was still mouth watering and full filling. 

I completely understand why people love coming back here time and time again.

Tip

• During Summer you can catch the Dents du Midi tourist train to the restaurant.
• I was there for lunch but I think it would be amazing to go to for dinner and watch the sunset.

The Croix de Culet

Address: Route de Planachaux 160, 1874 Champéry, Switzerland

Situated at the top of the Télépherique Champéry – Croix-de-Culet, with views overlooking both Dents du Midi and the Dents Blanches and the Swiss Wall, is the Restaurant de LaCroix-de-Culet. It is a modern Swiss restaurant with all your traditional Swiss specialities with a great terrace displaying some of the best views in the Alps.

I have eaten here a couple of times in both Summer and Winter as the views are just amazing. If you are not hungry though but still want to enjoy the views, you can also stop in there for a coffee or apres-ski.

Tip

• Even though the restaurant is on the mountain, you can just get a pass to go up on the gondola separately. 

L’Alta Restaurant- Pizzeria- Wine Bar

Address:  Rue du Village 71, 1874 Champéry, Switzerland

Situated in the centre of town and on the main street is the trendy Alta restaurant, a wood-fired Pizzeria and wine bar. This is my ideal place, I love wine and I love Italian cuisine especially when they are paired together.

Not only does this place have a great selection of wine and food but has some pretty nice views of the Dents du Midi. As well a friendly welcoming atmosphere. The best bit is because where it is situated this place is opened all year round.

I had delicious crumbled cheese for starter and then a mouth water risotto paired with local Swiss wine. This is definitely a great spot to come in the afternoon after a day of exploring, to relax, take in the surrounds with a glass of wine. 

Tip

• If you don’t want to sit in that is not a problem, you can also get take away from here. 

Le Nord Cafe

Address: Rue du Village 106, 1874 Champéry, Switzerland

Another great option is Le Nord Cafe Restaurant, which is situated in the centre of Champery village underneath Le Chalet de l’Atelier is the cosy Le Nord Cafe restaurant. It is definitely one of the best places to eat in town and it is easy to see why, with its selections of fondue and other traditional Swiss food. My problem was deciding on what to have and when I did choose(steak tartare with salad), I was not disappointed.

I had dinner at the restaurant during my time in the winter period. However, Le Nord Cafe Restaurant was part of my ‘Evening Meal Deliveries’ service while I was staying at The Lodge Champéry by Mrs Miggins during summer. I had an a la carte meal for two from Le Nord Cafe restaurant, that included delicious fresh and tasty Steak tartare.

This was definitely not your normal meal delivery for sure and it was so good that I could have easily had it every night. 

Tip

• If you are going to the Restaurant, I definitely recommend booking as it only has two sitting times 11:30 to 14:00 and 18:30 to 21:30.

Accommodation in Champery

Given the size of Champéry Village, nearly everything is within 10-15mins walking distance from the centre of town and also the main gondola Télépherique Champéry – Croix-de-Culet. There is a variety of different types of accommodation available from bed and breakfast to luxury chalets. There is even a cute hostel Le PetitBaroudeur which is perfect if you are on a budget.

I have stayed at both the Le Chalet de l’Atelier and The Lodge Champery by Mrs Miggins. Even though they were completely different from each other both were still great places to stay for their own reasons and recommend them both. Whether you are skiing or enjoying a summer holiday hiking in the mountains.

Tip

• Electrical equipment: Switzerland uses two different types of plugs. Plug type C (which has two round pins) and type J ( which has three round pins).

The Lodge Champéry by Mrs Miggins

If you are looking for a Luxury Ski Chalet apartment and some of the most stunning views of the Swiss Alps, then The Lodge Champéry by Mrs Miggins is definitely the place for you. I stayed here during my time in the Summer season and I just loved everything about it, especially my own private jacuzzi.

⇒ Wanting to read a full review on The Lodge Champery by Mrs Miggins 

Not only does it have everything you want from a luxury ski chalet apartment but it has the Dents du Midi & Dents Blanches as your backdrop. It is also in the prime position, 1-minute walk to the Télépherique Champéry – Croix-de-Culet and to the supermarket

Address; Route des Tavys 8, 1874 Champéry, Switzerland

I stayed at the charming Le Chalet de l’Atelier while I was on my ski safari across France and Switzerland in the Portes du Soleil. Situated in the centre of Champery at the foot of the Dents du Midi and within 1 mi of the Croix de Culet Cable Car, is in an ideal location.

  ⇒ Read a full review on Le Chalet de l’Atelier Champéry and see how beautiful this boutique hotel looks. 

There are only 4 rooms in the chalet hotel and it has two restaurants, The Lounge Bar and the L’Atelier Gourmand. The Lounge Bar serves cocktails and tapas and the L’Atelier Gourmand serves a Gastronomy menu, considered to be one of the best in town. 

Address; Rue du Village 106, 1874 Champéry, Switzerland

Getting to Champéry

Geneva is the closest international airport and is only an hour and a half away from ChampérySwitzerland via car. Making it an easily accessible resort to get to in Europe, especially for a weekend break.

The best way to get to ChampérySwitzerland is either via transfer (Shared or private) or car. All vary in price depending on what you can afford.

Transfer

I have been to Champéry a couple of times and it has always been via a transfer through the tourism office. There are not as many transfer companies in the summer as during the winter season, however, there are still good ones available. 

Hire a car

Alternatively, you can hire a car, especially if there is a group of you or if you have a family. Check out Travel Supermarket for FREE, easy fast comparison on car hire. 

Tips and helpful information about Champéry

• WIFI: If you can’t find any, you can go to the tourism office and use the wireless access for FREE. 
• Courtesy train: Goes from the main gondola to the centre of town, instead of walking.
• Trips to other Swiss Resorts (Morgins, Les Crosets and Champoussin) are free from Troistorrents with your Multi Pass card.
• Palladium Sports and Cultural Centre offers a variety of activities, like a swimming pool and indoor rock climbing.
• The currency used is both Swiss and Euro’s

Other activities to do in Champéry

Here are some other top activities that you can do while in and around Champéry Switzerland area

• Hike on one of the many trails

• Try your hand at indoor curling

• Do some MTB and take the cable car up to the Bike Park

• Take an adventure and hang from the rock doing via Ferrata (attached climb)

• Go angling fishing

• Visit the forest adventure park

Other Resorts in the Portes du Soleil

If you are interested in discovering more of the Portes Du Soleil in either Summer or Winter, you can check out my following articles. All are great options for a ski weekend trip with friends or with family.

⇒ Remember that you need to get some good Hiking Boots before your next adventure.

Thank you for reading this summer guide on Champéry Switzerland. I hope it helped you to decide where to go for your next action-packed Summer Holiday.

Have you been to ChampérySwitzerland or the Region Dents Du Midi are before during the Summer or Winter? I would love to hear your experiences in the comments below.

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Champéry Switzerland is definitely a great all year round resort in the Portes Du Soleil

If you want to take a break from your Adventures or are staying in Geneva for the day before or after your trip. Then there is plenty to do.

Disclaimer: Even though I was invited by the Champéry ( Region Dents Du Midi) Tourism and Portes Du Soleil All views are my own and based on my own experience.

“This post contains affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you if you click on one of the product links, we may earn a commission.”  For further details, you can view our Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions or contact me directly. 

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