Snowshoeing

01. Parcours Champoussin - Frâchette

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Champoussin

-4/0°

This snowshoe hike offers panoramic views over the Dents du Midi and the Vaud Alps and the chance to stop at a quaint alpine restaurant.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

6.27 km

Duration

2:45 h
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Description

This itinerary begins at 1,600 metres altitude near the quaint village of Champoussin, at one of the high points in the Illiez Valley. It offers unparalleled views of the Dents du Midi mountain range, the Vaud Alps and the Rhône plain as it meanders through snowy pastures and tranquil forests. Near the end of the route, you’ll see the picturesque Champoussin Chapel and will have the opportunity to stop for a delicious meal of local specialties on a sunny restaurant terrace.

Turn-by-turn directions

Follow the pink snowshoe trail no. 1 (SuisseMobile 401).

Start from the large parking lot at the entrance to Champoussin.

Cross the river using the bridge and follow the watercourse on the right, continuing along the hillside. At "Sur Crête," then climb on the right along a somewhat steep, scenic path to the Frâchette shelter, which offers a nice picnic area with toilets.

After the shelter, follow the ridgeline on the right to the Gouille des Sangliers, a crossroads of different routes. Take the one that descends to the right towards the Champoussin resort, crossing a second wooden bridge and the ski slope. From there, you climb back up to the "Chez Gaby" inn, pass the "Ferme à Gaby," and descend between the Sepaya ski slope and the chalets of Champoussin to return to your starting point.

Start

Champoussin (1519m)

Destination

Champoussin (1518m)

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Author's recommendation

The Auberge Chez Gaby 1670 (with its typical décor and bell collection) and the Restaurant du Virage welcome you on their panoramic terraces, and the Ferme Chez Gaby offers local alpine cheese production.

Technical information

Altitude

1684m

1411m

Ascent

+370m

Descent

-370m

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 Aigle CFF train station, take the AOMC train line towards Champéry to the "Val-d'Illiez" stop. Take the bus from Val-d'Illiez to Champoussin. Timetables on www.cff.ch or www.tpc.ch

Approach

On the A9 motorway axis Lausanne-Sion, take the St-Triphon exit. Follow "Pas-de-Morgins/Monthey," take the Route de la Vallée tunnel to Troistorrents. At the roundabout, follow Val-d'Illiez/Champéry. At the Val-d'Illiez roundabout, follow Champoussin.

Parking

At the entrance to the village of Champoussin: the snowshoe parking is located on the right side of the road, opposite the first parking lot of the ski lifts.

Equipment

We recommend:

  • Good waterproof shoes
  • Snowshoes
  • Walking sticks
  • Clothing suitable for weather and cold: always have a waterproof jacket
  • Hat or cap
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle, picnic
  • Camera
  • Printed version of the route (click on "print" to download)

Safety information

The use of routes and information on this website is the responsibility of each hiker. Conditions on site may lead to route changes. Valais/Wallis Promotion disclaims all responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the website information.  

  • Carry a map. Download the complete route description with a large-scale map by clicking on the "print" icon at the top right of the page.
  • Follow only marked trails and observe all signage—for your safety, for livestock protection, and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
  • Be respectful of other users, as well as plants and animals. Do not litter in nature.
  • Be particularly careful to protect yourself from the sun at altitude. UV rays can be very strong, even under cloudy skies.
  • Plan your hike carefully: consider the physical level of each participant, weather forecasts, and the season.
  • Weather conditions can change quickly and unexpectedly in the mountains. It is essential to have appropriate clothing, as well as sufficient food and water supplies. In case of uncertain weather, turn back in time.
  • Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
  • Pay attention to warning signs of constant danger, especially avalanche risk.

Additional information

APIDAE Tourism data updated on 03/17/2023 by "Région Dents du Midi SA".
An error on this sheet? Write to the owner referencing these details:
Sheet name: 01. Parcours Champoussin - Frâchette | Sheet ID: 876469 | URL of this Outdooractive page.

Literature

Brochures and information: The tourist offices of Région Dents du Midi provide a map for snowshoeing or walking routes in the area: free download at www.regiondentsdumidi.ch (brochures section) or CHF 5 for the paper version.

Maps

SwissTopo national map 1:50,000: 272 St-Maurice

Source

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

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