Champoluc ski resort guide & reviews Monte Rosa ski area, apres-ski, things to see & do
Overview
Champoluc is a high altitude resort sitting at 1564m in the Val d’Ayason valley on the border of Italy and Switzerland. It is part of the Monte Rosa ski carousel that includes Gressoney-la-Trinite in the adjacent valley and Alagna in the pretty Valsesia.
Of all the resorts in the Monte Rosa area, Champoluc is the largest and liveliest. It has a wonderful old town with winding cobbled streets dotted with shops, bars and great family run restaurants serving traditional local dishes - not to be missed.
Champoluc Après-ski
There is always something going on after the slopes for apres-ski entertainment with several lively bars. The Atelier Gourmand at the base of the village gondola is usually the first port of call especially if the sun is shining with its sun terrace.
For late night dancing, the Pachamama club is the place to head to.
| Key information (whole area) | |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 1564m |
| Top lift | 2971m |
| Family | |
| Beginner | |
| Intermediate | |
| Expert | |
| Piste (km) | 180 |
| Longest run | 8 km |
| Off piste | |
| Cross country | km |
| Season | Dec - April |
| Snowboard parks | 1 |
| Heli Skiing | ✔ |
| Summer skiing | ✘ |
| Glacier skiing | ✔ |
| Babysitting | ✘ |
| Creche | ✔ |
| Apres ski | Lively & Fun |
Champoluc - Monte Rosa ski area guide
The Monte Rosa ski area is one of the largest in Italy with 180km of pistes spread across three valleys and vertical drops of 1760m. Surrounded by 4000m peaks and the Monte Rosa glacier, the snow reliability is generally very good plus there is extensive snow making facilities. The ski season typically starts in the first week of December and runs through to late April. Ski touring continues in to June where the mountain huts are used for overnight stays. From Champoluc, you can ski to Gressoney-la-Trinte and continue on to the off-piste mecca area of Alagna in the next valley.
Beginners
There are many wide, open and gentle pistes around Champoluc for beginners and also between Champoluc and Frachey.
Intermediate
A paradise for intermediates especially if you like touring with literally more piste than you could possibly cover in a week when you explore the full extent of the Monte Rosa trails.
Advanced
The local ski area is not that challenging so advanced skiers tend to head over to Gressoney-La-Trinite to try the very scary “Gialla” piste and then on to Alagna. This area is where you will find long off-piste itinearies flowing down and around the 4000m peaks and are best tackled on a guided ski tour.
Heli-skiing is also very popular as the Monte Rosa massif offers high altitude drop-off points giving over 2000m of vertical! These back-country trails flowing off the high peaks are some of the best in the Alps.
Snowboarding
As Champoluc has many wide and gentle pistes and few draglifts, it is an ideal resort for beginner and early intermediate snowboarders. Experienced boarders will love the off-piste trails especially on the Alagna side and heliboarding from the 4000m peaks is not to be missed.
Things to see & do in Champoluc
- Ice skating
- Tobogganing
- Snowshoeing
- Hand-gliding
- Parapenting
Children
Champoluc has some excellent childrens clubs which provide half and full day care with skiing lessons if required.
Featured chalets & apartments
See all rentalsOur view on Champoluc
We think Champoluc is a great family resort with the kid's especially well looked after. You are spoilt for choice in terms of where to ski and during the summer, the resort transforms itself in to a fun and action packed adventure resort.
