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
USA - California
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.
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.
September 21, 2007
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.
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 ).
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.
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.
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
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
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.