Champex-Lac Ski Resort Switzerland
Champex-Lac is part of the Pays du St Bernard ski region combining it under the one lift pass with nearby Vichères Liddes & La Fouly for affordable secret stash powder skiing plus some wonderful steep tree riding.
Before we write more about this secret stash, check out the Champex-Lac Ski Trail Map below.
Pros & Cons for Champex-Lac Ski Resort
Pros
- Fresh powder on north-aspect slopes untracked for days.
- Nearly 800m of skiable vertical.
- Fun freeride terrain with a long, groomed trail for easy access & exits.
- Steep tree-skiing opportunities aplenty.
- Deserted slopes during the week.
- Incredible views.
- Affordable, great value lift pass price that includes La Fouly & Vichères-Liddes.
- Sensational array of exceptionally high-quality hotels & restaurants.
- Possible to access via public transport by train to Orsieres, then bus to Champex-Lac.
- Free car parking right at the ski lift base.
- Ice-skating & other ‘ice’ activities on the frozen lake.
Cons
- Slow chairlifts.
- Despite its stats, there is not much for novices/beginners.
- Small ski area that may not hold your interest for too long without fresh snow.
Pro or Con (depending on your perspective!)
- A petite, quiet, but high-class alternative to Verbier & the 4 Vallèes.
- Village is an awkward walk from the ski lifts & the free ski bus only runs on weeke3dns & school holidays (but the public bus will do the job all winter!).
- Limited on-mountain dining (actually none when we visited).
Where is Champex-Lac Switzerland?
The Champex-Lac ski resort is in the canton Valais, southwest Switzerland. The ski lifts are less than 1km west of the centre of Champex-Lac village. The ski area is located just under 11km by car (16min drive in good conditions) west via a winding route from the nearest main town of Orsieres. From Geneva (GVA) airport by car, Champex-Lac is 150km (under 2hr) away by road via Martigny. From Zurich (ZRH) airport, the ski area is 270km (over 3hr) drive away. Well-heeled Verbier is about 35min by road.
If you the time and the inclination, the recommended mode of travel to get to Champex-Lac is a combination of train and bus, direct from the airport. Taking the train here is easy from Geneva to Orsières via Martigny (around 2½hr), then going further on the bus. The route 271 bus heads to Champex direct from the train station at Orsieres. The bus first passes through the village by the lake, then continues on to the ski lift base at the ‘Champex, télé’ stop in around 25min from its departure point at Orsières train station (Gare). From Zurich, the train journey to Martigny is quickest and best via Brig and Martigny.
Day-tripping to the ski area is handy via the bus or a rental car. Car parking at the ski lifts is ample & free. the bus stop is directly at the chairlift too.
Champex-Lac Accommodation
The village of Champex-Lac is nestled comfortably around the sunny side of the frozen lake less than kilometre from the base of the lifts. Situated at around 1,470m altitude, the village is snowsure and the lake all but guaranteed to be wonderfully frozen. It seems divinely peaceful and includes more fancy hotels & restaurants than such a small place has a right to. Au Club Alpin is the standout, but Hotel Mont.Lac, Hotel Splendide, and Hôtel du Glacier are not far behind. The unassuming Broc'n Pub is the place for drinks and simple meals.
Worth knowing about staying in Champex-Lac village is that the free ski bus shuttle only runs at certain peak times during the season, i.e. weekends and school holidays, so having an alternative way of getting around is essential if walking in ski gear is not your favoured pastime! Note that the public bus from Orsieres runs all the way to the ski lifts via the village throughout winter and hence is a viable option.
Search & book a place to stay via the Champex Lac Ski Accommodation Listings.
If seeking the best central location to stay when skiing the entire Pays du St Bernard, plus a cheeky day or two at Verbier & Bruson, Orsières is the obvious choice. At the end of the train line and with bus and road links to all the ski areas, Orsières also has one of the best restaurants in the region at the simple, but fantastic Hôtel Terminus. Another option in the old town centre is the highly-rated Hotel de l'Union.
Search & book a place to stay nearby via the Orsières Ski Accommodation Listings.
Ski Rentals
Ski rentals are available via our local partners opposite the Champex-Lac chairlift base, and in the centre of the nearby Orsieres village. Receive a discount when you compare, search & book via our Pays du St Bernard Ski & Snowboard Rental page.
Reviews & More Info
The Powderhounds reviewed Champex-Lac in January 2026 and aside from a charred ruin of a restaurant at the top, found plenty of challenging terrain that would keep the most ravenous powder hound sated all day in the right conditions. Click on the review link in the left column (or top of the page if on a mobile) to read all the reviews.
See how Champex Lac compares to the rest of the Swiss ski resorts on the Switzerland ski resort ratings page, or compare to the rest of Europe on the European ski resort ratings page.
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