The idyllic Grand Paradis cross-country ski circuit is the perfect training ground for beginner, intermediate or expert skiers, just a stone's throw from Champéry.
Nestled in a fairy-tale landscape, the Champéry cross-country ski circuit winds through snow-covered spruce forests.
Located 2 km from Champéry, the trail is accessible by car or free shuttle (during lift operating hours). Three adjacent loops, n°1 ‘Grand-Paradis’ (ideal for beginners), n°2 ‘Les Couailles’ (a few small inclines), and n°3 ‘Les Planchamps’ (the most technical) are groomed for both classic and skating styles.
The first loop is also illuminated every evening until 9 pm.
Depending on snow conditions, the first loop may be open even if the second or third loops are closed. Please consult the snow report for more information.
The cumulated length of the three loops is approximately 3.4 km with about 90 m D+.
A cross-country ski pass is available for purchase at the Tourist Office and the Palladium sports centre. Equipment can be rented from local sports shops.
Turn-by-turn direction
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. Then, re-enter the forest and take a sharp left to then return to the clearing on an 's-shaped' path.
Back at the bottom of the clearing, go straight through the forest and rejoin the first loop to return to your starting point.
If you wish to do the third, more technical loop, take the turning to the right on the straightaway in the middle of the second loop. Cross the river and head uphill, following the trail as it turns back on itself two times before descending down the opposite side of the field. At the edge of the forest, the trail will curve round to your left, before crossing the river and re-connecting with the straightaway on the second loop.
Best time of year
Open in winter depending on snow conditions.
Subject to snow conditions.
Accessibility
Prestations
- Car park
- Parking nearby
- Coach parking
- Motorhomes allowed
Prices
Payment methods
- Bank/credit card
- Cash
Useful links
Location
By car: Take the Route de la Fin 2 kilometres past Champéry to Grand Paradis. Free parking at the Grand Paradis picnic shelter.
By public transportation: 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 Champéry, take the free shuttle bus from the cable-car to the Grand Paradis chairlift (5 minutes). Timetables at www.pds-ch.ch