Cross-country skiing

Cross-country Ski Trail Grand Paradis Champéry

Champéry

3/11°

Closed

Just a stone's throw from Champéry, the idyllic Grand Paradis cross-country ski circuit is the perfect training ground for beginner, intermediate or expert skiers.

Difficulty

Easy

Length

4.35 km

Duration

1:05 h
Ski de fond

Description

Nestled in a fairy-tale landscape, this Champéry cross-country ski circuit winds through snow-covered spruce forests just 2 km from Champéry.

The circuit is comprised of three adjacent loops. The first, 'Grand-Paradis' is ideal for beginners as it is almost completely flat. The second loop, 'Les Couailles', has a small incline. The third loop, ‘Les Planchamps’, is the most technical, with a downhill slope followed by a turn.

The cumulated length of the three loops is approximately 4.3 km with about 90 m D+.

Depending on snow conditions, the loops will be groomed for classic and skating. Also, the first loop may be open, even if the second or third loops are closed. Please consult the snow report for more information.

A cross-country ski pass is available for purchase from the Tourist Office and the Palladium sports centre. Equipment can be rented from local sports shops.

Turn-by-turn directions

The starting point is located just behind the Grand Paradis picnic shelter. Follow the turquoise Romandie Ski de Fond markers to begin the first loop.

Head to the right, skiing around the large field, and making a second smaller loop around the Alpes'Huskies chalet in the middle of the meadow. 

To reach the second loop, continue to the top of the field and follow the markers through the forest to a second clearing. After a small incline, follow the trail to the left to ski along the river in a long, straight line.

 

To stay on the first two loops, re-enter the forest and take a sharp left, then return to the clearing on an s-shaped path. A slight descent in a straight line will take you back to your starting point.

If you wish to do the third, more technical loop, cross the river and head uphill, following the trail that zigzags through the pasture before descending down the opposite side of the field. At the edge of the forest, the trail will curve round to re-connect with the clearing on the second loop.

Start

Grand Paradis, Champéry, Valais (1056m)

Destination

Grand Paradis, Champéry, Valais (1056m)

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Author's recommendation

The first two loops are illuminated every evening until 9 pm.

Technical information

Altitude

1095m

1056m

Ascent

+90m

Descent

-90m

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Tags

  • Round trip
Getting there
Information

Public transport

From the CFF train station in Aigle, take the AOMC (Aigle – Ollon – Monthey – Champéry) train to the terminal station 'Champéry'. Timetables on www.cff.ch ou www.tpc.ch.

 

From the Champéry cable car, take the free ski shuttle bus from the cable car to Grand Paradis (five minutes). Shuttles operate during lift operating hours. Timetables at www.pds-ch.ch

Approach

Take the St-Triphon exit off the A9 Lausanne-Sion motorway and follow the signs for Pas-de-Morgins | Champéry. Take the tunnel and follow the Route de la Vallée to the village of Troistorrents. At the roundabout, take the second exit to Val-d'Illiez and on to Champéry. In Champéry, stay on the main road to bypass the village, continuing on to Grand Paradis, 2 km further on. You can park at the Grand Paradis picnic shelter (Route du Grand-Paradis 23).   

Parking

Free parking is available at the start of the route by the picnic shelter.

Equipment

We recommend :
  • good cross-country skiing equipment
  • clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket
  • hat or cap
  • sunscreen
  • bottle of water, picnic
  • camera
  • printout of this hike (click “Print” icon, top right, to download)

Safety information

Use of the trails and the information on this website is at skiers’ own risk. Valais/Wallis Promotion accepts no liability for the accuracy and completeness of information on this website.
  • Bring a map. Download full description of this route including large-scale map by clicking on “Print” icon, top right of this page.
  • Use marked trails only, and observe all signposting – for your own safety, to safeguard grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
  • Please be considerate to other trail users, and to the plants and animals.
  • Do not leave any waste in nature, take with you waste from others.
  • Take extra care protecting yourself from the sun at altitude. UV radiation can be exceptionally strong, even in cloudy weather.
  • Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential. 
  • Take note of the warning signs that point out the constant danger, especially the danger of avalanches.

Additional information

Literature

Brochures and information:

Region Dents du Midi tourist offices offer a detailed PDF of the three loops on the Grand Paradis cross-country ski circuit.

Download it for free here: https://www.regiondentsdumidi.ch/files/CarteSkiFond-Champery-GrandParadis.pdf

 

We also offer a map of winter itineraries, including cross-country ski and back country ski trails, as well as  snowshoe and winter walking trails. You can find this at www.regiondentsdumidi.ch (brochures). The paper version of this map costs CHF 5 and is sold at the Morgins and Champéry tourist offices. 

Maps

Swisstopo snowsports map 1:50 000 N° 272S St-Maurice ISBN: 978-3-302-20272-3

The cross-country ski trail is not included on this map. We suggest you consult the SuisseMobile maps.

Source

This activity is brought to you by Région Dents du Midi. Valais/Wallis Promotion is not responsible for the content provided.

The Swisspeak Resort in Vercorin in a winter setting

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