The Official 2012 Snow Calendar

Visitor reviews for Champoluc Ski Resort

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• February 14, 2011
  David Glitz from United Kingdom
  

  Have just returned from a fantastic weeks skiing in Champoluc. Clear blue skies, fantastic snow conditions which held up well despite the warm weather. The Hotel Relais was superb with fantastic staff and great spa facilities in the basement. Champoluc is a great resort for couples and families, although as mentioned previously, those seeking lively apres ski should look elsewhere. It was the first time that our children have skied, and by the end of the week they were both coming down easier red runs (there are limited blue options at the resort). For the record, we experienced absolutely no queues for lifts and gondolas, apart from the weekend when we did have to wait 3 minutes for the main four man chair on the Frachey side of the slopes - big deal! It was our second time to Champoluc and had several people say to us that they wish they had found the resort years ago!
  Simply cannot wait to go back.

• Champoluc Ratings

  Based on 3 votes. Vote

  Access: 5.0 (1) At least one overnight stop, (2) requires a whole day, (3) requires more than half a day – you may have time for a few turns (4) arrive by lunchtime and ski all afternoon, (5) there is a main airport within an hour of Champoluc.	Public Transport: 5.0 (1) There are no buses or taxis to Champoluc, (3) there are slow or infrequent buses / trains available, (5) getting to the resort is easy with frequent bus / train connections.
  Scenery: 5.0 (1) An ugly resort in a bland setting, (3) average mountain views and resort, (5) a spectacular setting and a beautiful / historic resort town.	Accommodation: 4.0 (1) No places to stay in/near Champoluc, (3) a few places to stay in the resort, (5) a wide variety of accommodation suitable to suit all budgets.
  Cheap Rooms: 5.0 (1) No budget accommodation available, (3) just one or two hostels so book ahead, (5) several cheap hostels and pensions available.	Luxury Hotels: 4.5 (1) No luxury accommodation available, (3) just one or two luxury hotels so book ahead, (5) several up-market hotels in Champoluc.
  Ski in/Ski out: 5.0 (1) The ski area is located far from any accommodation, (3) a free ski bus takes you to the ski area in a short trip, (5) Ski-in ski-out accommodation is available.	Childcare: 5.0 (1) There are no child care facilities at Champoluc, (5) the resort has excellent child-care facilities including at least one reasonably priced creche.
  Snowsure: 4.5 (1) Occasionally gets enough snow for skiing, (2) is often closed due to a lack of snow, (3) occasionally suffers from a lack of snow, (4) rarely suffers from a lack of snow, (5) Champoluc is snowsure even in the poorest seasons.	Snowmaking: 4.0 (1) Champoluc relies entirely on natural snow, (3) there are just a few snow cannons, (5) there are snowmaking facilities on all pistes.
  Snow Grooming: 5.0 (1) There are no snow groomers at Champoluc, (3) occasionally some pistes are left ungroomed and in a poor state, (5) all the runs at Champoluc are groomed daily.	Shelter: 3.5 (1) there is nowhere to ski when it is windy or visibility is bad and lifts often shut, (3) there are some trees for poor visibility but main lifts sometimes close, (5) Champoluc is mostly in forest where you can ski in flat-light and windy days, lifts rarely close.
  Nearby options: 3.0 (1) If snow conditions are poor at Champoluc, it will be poor everywhere nearby, (3) there are good alternatives within an hours drive, (5) other locations on the same lift pass provide a rich variety of snowsure ski conditions.	Regional rating: 4.0 (1) Champoluc usually has poor snow conditions compared to other resorts in region, (3) has average conditions for the region, (5) usually has the best snow conditions in the region.
  Lift Staff: 4.5 (1) The staff at Champoluc are rude or unhelpful, (5) lift staff at Champoluc are pleasant, cheerful and eager to help.	Crowds/Queues: 5.0 (1) the resort is always busy and there are usually long lift queues, (3) it is quiet apart from occasional weekends and school holidays, (5) it is uncrowded and lift queues are very rare.
  Ski Schools: 5.0 (1) No ski schools available, (2) one or two ski schools but local language only, (3) a few ski schools but book early for multi-lingual instructors, (4) plenty of ski schools and multi-lingual instructors available, (5) excellent ski schools with friendly multi-lingual ski instructors.	Hire and Repairs: 4.0 (1) Nothing can be sourced, not even ski-wax or ptex. (3) there are some ski shops but rentals need to be booked in advance, (5) good quality ski equipment can be purchased or hired and overnight repairs are possible.
  Variety of pistes: 4.5 (1) The ski runs are featureless and unvaried, (3) the ski runs are varied but not extensive enough for a week, (5) Champoluc has diverse and interesting pistes including forests and high alpine terrain.	Beginners: 3.5 (1) Beginners can only watch others ski and snowboard, (3) a few gentle slopes but beginners will get bored in less than a week, (3) Vast areas of gentle terrain.
  Intermediates: 5.0 (1) No intermediate terrain at Champoluc, (3) intermediate skiers will get bored after a few days, (5) vast areas of cruising runs.	Advanced: 5.0 (1) Nothing for advanced skiers and snowboarders, (3) enough steep terrain for a few days with some good offpiste, (5) Enough steep terrain and offpiste areas to entertain advanced skiers for at least a week.
  Snow Park: 4.0 (1) Not even a kicker at Champoluc, (3) average sized park quite well looked after, (5) huge park area and expertly crafted pipes, jumps and boardercross trails.	Off-piste: 5.0 (1) No off-piste worth mentioning, (2) off piste is out-of-bounds, (3) some varied offpiste that stays fresh for one or two days, (5) a vast array of off-piste routes that can stay untracked for several days.
  Cross-country: 5.0 (1) There is nowhere to go for cross-country skiing around Champoluc, (3) there are some cross country trails available, (5) the area features many spectacular and well maintained cross-country trails.	Luge/Toboggan: 5.0 (1) No designated luge or toboggan runs, (3) there are toboggan runs that open quite often, (5) Champoluc has long and well maintained luge / toboggan facilities suitable for all ages.
  Mountain Dining: 4.5 (1) Nowhere to buy food by the pistes, (3) some places to eat up on the mountain but they are often busy and expensive, (5) there is a variety of excellent mountain eateries right next to the slopes to suit all budgets.	Eating: 4.5 (1) Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. (5) A wide variety of places to eat and drink in the resort, from fast food to fancy restaurants.
  Apres-Ski: 4.0 (1) Nothing to do, not even a bar, (3) there are a few bars in the resort but nothing special, (5) clubs and bars stay open until very late and have a friendly atmosphere.	Other Sports: 3.5 (1) No sports facilities at all apart from ski lifts, (3) resort has just a small public swimming pool, (5) resort has all kinds of sports facilities, including a full-size swimming pool.
  Entertainment: 3.5 (1) Besides the snow and walking there is nothing to do here, (3) the non-skier will find things to do for few days but may become bored after a week, (5) the resort area is a fascinating place to visit, regardless of winter sports.	Winter Walks: 5.0 (1) Very limited walking and no snowshoe trails, (3) a couple of designated scenic walking/snowshoe trails, (5) extensive and diverse winter walking trails for all abilities.
  Ski Pass Value: 4.5 (1) A 1 week ski pass is overpriced compared to the number of lifts available, (3) the ski pass is averagely priced and covers a reasonable number of lifts, (5) ski passes are excellent value for money and cover a lot of lifts spanning a big area.	Value (National): 4.5 (1) Overall, Champoluc is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the country and not worth the money, (3) overall represents average value for money, (5) overall offers the best value resort in the country.
  Value (Global): 4.5 (1) Overall, Champoluc is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the world, (3) overall it offers pretty average value for money compared to resorts from other countries, (5) internationally the resort offers excellent value for money.

  Based on 3 votes. Vote

• December 30, 2009
  David from Afghanistan
  

  I am off to Champoluc for, I think, the 12th year running on 17th Jan. I think it is a fantastic resort. It is not full of pushing people who have no manners. The shops are helpful, the ski/boot hiring is of a great quality and good value. The hotel we usually stay in is The Champoluc - right next to the gondola! The hosts are so helpful and welcoming that it almost feels like coming home.
  The ability to ski over the valleysand at Champoluc, have lunch far away and then come back during the afternoon is one of the great attractions. Last year we were a party of 12 all doing our own thing but meeting up at the great mountain cafes. There have been a couple of years when the snow has been poor but that is hardly the fault of the resort.

• August 24, 2009
  Bob Slattery from United States
  

  We visited Champoluc for as week in March 2009. We stayed at the Breithorn Hotel and really enjoyed it. We had about two and a half feet of snow while there so we had plenty of fresh tracks. We were more than happy with the terrain and the assortment of mountain restaurants. The town was small but we were able to visit a different restaurant each evening and did not have a bad meal. Apres-ski is relatively quiet so if you're looking for that you may want to look elsewhere. We didn't have any issues with the ski map and wait times at the lift were non-existent. We would happily return.

• March 18, 2009
  JENS JØRGEN EGEDE from Greenland
  

  Thanks for a wonderful week (9) in Champoluc. We stayed at Hotel Castor and the service was perfect. The skiing at Champoluc is also perfect with a lot of snow and sunshine everyday. One more very important thing - red wine, nice.
  Ciao

• March 25, 2008
  David Powell from United Kingdom
  

  We have recently had a wonderful week in Champoluc from March 2 to March 9. We were a family of eleven: four children and seven adults. We stayed at the Hotel de Champoluc and enjoyed that very much. There was plenty of snow and very good weather: the best combination. Everywhere people were friendly and helpful. Our only complaint would be the ski school. The children were between four & nine and had never skied before, likewise three of the adults. Ski school is supposed to be for two hours a day which is not very long, but it was made even shorter as it never started on time at 10.00 hrs and always finished at 11.45 hrs. The instructors were very friendly but lacked direction; as an example two of the adults should have been moved to a more advanced group after two days, but were not & the nursery slopes are pretty tame once you have got the hang of it, & the third adult gave up after two days & went walking instead, as he was bored stiff. I personally have been in many ski schools over forty years, so have some experience & the best ones carry out a short test right at the start to separate the wheat from the chaff, and they always give you at least your full time entitlement, after all you are paying for this.
  However, everyone loved the resort, and said they would return.

• February 09, 2008
  Petter from Norway
  

  A week has passed already since we left Champoluc and the Monterosa ski system in Italy. Man, life sucks afterwards! Champoluc is one of the three valleys that build up the Monterosa ski system. From what I could see, it was also the largest, not that it was any larger compared to towns in Austria... I liked it; small and cozy. Not many late night party places, but still, Panachama was all I needed (after ski). Food was good as well, though the pizzas were not good. Maybe I was unlucky, but the lasagna was brilliant no matter where you ate it. Also, I can say that there is a police force skiing, for security, emergency assistance and anything else you could imagine. I talked to one, and he said there were 221 across the Italian part of the alps!
  Skiing in the Italian part of the Alps is different from the Austrian, to a large degree, I would say. In Austria, you could go skiing to the peak/maximum top of every mountain (nearly) while in the Monterosa ski system that is a no go. The mountains are very steep and somewhat rocky. Intense, massive and wonderful. This reflects the skiing opportunities; some places I would not want to fall as you would fall 300 metres right down. Hopefully the fences will stop you, but I did not test them.
  Someone had written here that you can find powder no matter what, somewhere in the system. Me and my friend found wonderful powder after 4 days. We spent the last 2 days there. Hint: go skiing where the sun barely/does not appear, hehe ;)
  The Champoluc side of the Monterosa ski system is good in the afternoon/evening as then there is sun and not that many people. If the crossings over to the other valleys close, some queues might appear in the morning but as the day passes by they nearly disappear. The crossings to the other valleys were open 5/6 days whilst I was there. It takes a little more than an hour to get to the top of Alagna/Gressoney peak. The last loooong gondola takes forever, but you get transported a fantastic long bit.
  Why I decided to travel to Champoluc I do not know, but I do not regret either. I know I will travel back when I'm finished with my studies, as it is somewhat expensive. Not compared to the prices here in Norway, but generally across the Alps.
  We stayed at Hotel Ayas, a very nice hotel with helpful owners. I could not imagine anything better than that hotel. If you wish to travel to a ski destination where there is nearly always sun (at least in one of the valleys), huge, challenging and long pistes (both on/off) and few people in your way; Monterosa ski system with Champoluc (as your accommodation) is the place for you!

• January 06, 2008
  nina and george from United States
  

  We have just been to Champoluc for Christmas and we found it terribly disappointing. We have skied over much of the Alps in all countries. Although Champoluc is hidden and as someone has already said a 'hidden gem' and although there is skiing, it is almost non-existent in terms of numbers of runs. I think it is unfair on the true Trois Vallees to be likened to it. Also given the fact that we come from America, it pales into insignificance to what we have on offer back home. All in all, over hyped and over priced....a definite miss.

• December 24, 2007
  mike rowlands from Australia
  

  Indeed what was Peter Lion on about!!
  As most people have said it is a great resort but it does take a little while to get your bearings as the piste map is pretty bad.
  Great slopes on all three valleys which all have their pluses and minuses. The best place to stay that I stayed at was in Gressonay at the top of the main gondola a small little rifugio. Great rooms, great value, amazing food (for the price)and you can get to be first on the fresh early morning slopes.
  The lifts can be irritating but it's easy to find quite testing runs.

• March 13, 2007
  Henning from Norway
  

  Was in Champoluc (or more precisely; St. Jaques ) last week. There was, suprisingly, more snow than expected, but limited off-piste opportunities. They call the Monterosa area Freeriders Paradise, and it must be, when there is enough snow. In St.Jaques we stayed in an appartment within the Hotel called Bettaforca. This was very nice and the people there were very service minded. We had a terrible experience with a local taxi company called Saro. I have never met a more rude taxi company in my life. NEVER try this if you are looking for an airport transfer or local taxi tips. Had a great service from this one: Lavalle Franco tel. 339 50 33 525. It is hard to get taxis in Champoluc so be aware of this. I recommend Champoluc if the snow is good, but do not expect any party time. The best party days are Tuesdays and Fridays - Pachamamma is the place (2 min walk from the Gondol ).

• March 19, 2006
  Karen Blue from United Kingdom
  

  I think that Peter Lion from Monaco must have gone to a different Champoluc to the one everyone else has reviewed. What is he talking about? Perhaps he had his piste map upside down. I managed to find my way across all three mountains,they are easy to spot-great big pointy things with snow on top.
  There is more than one lift up to the ski area. I would expect some sort of queue at any decent resort at the weekend, but during the week we have never had to wait more than a few minutes to get on any lift.You can quite often have a whole piste to yourself during the week-lovely.
  The lift pass is very reasonable,considering the ski area that it covers,shame you couldn't find it Peter.
  We have been going to Champoluc for 4 years and looking forward to going back next year.

• January 29, 2006
  Nick from United Kingdom
  

  We have returned today from a week in Champoluc. Things you should or might want to know are: (1) they have not been having a good season for snow but it is currently improving. The link over to Gressoney is not yet open and the off-piste for which the area is famous is virtually non-existent but both should become available shortly. (2) It is still a very good place, particularly for intermediates. The pistes yesterday were fabulous. Also, the snow-making covers all of Champoluc bar the link and is very high quality as these things go. (3) Think carefully, however, about taking beginners. There is, realisticly, nothing between the couple of hundred metres of nursery slopes and steep reds. It is said that beginners will get onto these by the end of the week and that may be true, but not before they have fallen out with whoever organised the trip for not having taken them to Meribel. (4) Ski 2 are an exceptionally good tour operator, particularly in difficult circumstances (like lack of snow) and (5),the village is quiet but Le Sapin restaurant is all you need. Some of the best food, wine and service on the planet.

• January 06, 2006
  robin from United Kingdom
  

  The thing about Champoluc is its real feel. Its a village. The people are friendly. The prices are always surprisingly low. The skiing is very good - extended runs over the top to Salatie from Frachey are excellent and will keep you happy for a morning. The big red/black run down from the top of Bettaforca is a challenge to anyone if you want to do it fast and in one go (with every turn perfect!). Or you can spend all day on the Ostafa and Crest - if you can be bothered, do the whole downhill from top of Ostafa to bottom of Crest. Or do the racing red above Frachey and have lunch at the cafe Paradiso overlooking the valley.
  The food is tremendous - real wood fired ovens in cosy restaurants with home-made grappa offered at the end (no, not offered - insisted!!). The hotels are good. The quality of hired equipment is exceptional and I would say the lift pass is good value for money.
  In the evenings Champoluc is quiet - which is good if you like that sort of thing. We stay in St Jaques - a lovely Walser village at the tip top of the valley and walk/take the efficient bus service to several restaurants - Kremer Thal and La Grange being memorable.
  Lovely place all over really. We're off on Monday for the 6th time!
  Robin

• November 29, 2005
  conal O'Sullivan from France
  

  I feel I must defend Champoluc from the negative comments that Peter Lion made about the Skiing facilities.
  There is another way up to the pistes, go up the valley from the Gondola station to the Frachey chair lift- and save at least a half an hour!
  Also it seems to me that Peter never got out of the valley above Champoluc, and never got to ski the 3 valleys that are joined by cable car, gondola, high speed covered chair lifts.
  The Salati run is great (from 2800M to Gressony-la Trinite)
  No waiting, unlike Cervina where it takes 2 hours to get to the top of the Ventina run. I will say that the 14Kms of Ventina are worth every minute of the 2 hour slog to the top!
  Good skiing
  Conal

• January 25, 2005
  Odom from United Kingdom
  

  I've been visiting Champoluc every year for 5 years. The Monte Rosa is a beautiful mountain range and the daisy chain of lifts link three resorts Champoluc, Gresonnay and Alagna (easy off piste). The runs are mostly reds or blues - nothing that hard. Bad weather will close the links and leave you stranded in another valley - a very expensive taxi ride.

  The off piste is phenomenal and whilst Alagna is world famous the off piste in Champoluc is great.

  The resort is becoming more popular due to reports calling it this 'undiscovered gem' and it can't take high numbers of people. So avoid at high season and be prepared to queue at weekends.

• December 15, 2004
  PETER ROWSELL from United Kingdom
  

  WE'VE JUST ARRIVED BACK FROM CHAMPULUC, CONDITIONS WERE VARIED AND OFF PISTE WAS OK BUT NOT AS CHALLENGING ENOUGH FOR THE BETTER BOARDERS AMONGST US, ALTHOUGH MY BOARDING BUDDIES FOUND THE CONDITIONS GOOD, THE RESORT IS NOW DESPERATE FOR MORE SNOW.

• February 16, 2004
  Peter Lion from Monaco
  

  Booked a week at Hotel Breithorn(excellent)but moved after just two days to Cervinia (1 hour drive).

  Champoluc, whilst attractive by comparison with many purpose built resorts, offers very limited skiing at a very high lift pass price.

  Since there is only one gondola out of the village queuing is bad on weekdays and horrendous at weekends. There are no lift connections to the neighbouring valleys and the pistes are short and permanently overcrowded.

  Cervinia, by comparison, offers an enormous skiing area, on and off piste, an extensive queue-free lift system, and wonderful long runs over the Matterhorn glacier right down to Zermat and back.

  All this at much the same price as poor little Champoluc, described in the Sunday Times Travel Section last October in a report which we read and believed, as the 'trois vallees' of the Italian Alps !

• January 02, 2004
  Martin Nicholas from United Kingdom
  

  Beatifully situated under the 4500m Monte Rosa plateau, traditional village in wide valley with onion dome church, wooden buildings and hotels extending up to the end of the valley (Care when you book!) Busy with weekenders from N Italy but correspondingly quiet at weekends. Good lift system, only 30% of skiable terrain pisted, suitable for all but underconfident intermediates. Hands free lift pass allows gloves to stay on. Ski lockers at bottom of lifts so no clumping to and fro in boots. It can be cold and early snow cover unreliable.
  Hotels Breihorn and Castor recommended in village, I would avoid staying in Antagnod or Brusson.
  On the mountain the Belvedere refugio lives up to its name. No oustanding mountain gastronomic experiences however.
  2 hrs from Milan Malpensa,m 1.5 from Turin.

• 
  Mark Macdonald from United Kingdom
  

  Champoluc is a fantastic resort. Lots of skiing, well looked after pistes and all at typically reasonable Italian prices. Hotel Castor is good value for money with very friendly owners (Herman and Beatrice). Never had any problems and I always look forward to going back.