Champéry
Intro
Located in the huge skiing area of "Les Portes du Soleil", the resort of Champéry in the Val d'Illiez in the Lower Valais has still managed to preserve much its traditional charm.
Description
The village is situated at 1050 m in the Chablais region at the foot of the Dents-du-Midi and the Dents Blanches and is one of Switzerland's oldest tourist destinations. Along the village street are numerous traditional chalets with their carved balconies and typical roofs, while visitors are delighted by the charming little shops, bars and restaurants. In the village is one of Switzerland's few bell-foundries still remaining in production.
Winter
The ski slope at Pas de Chavanette – often simply called "Le Mur Suisse" (the Swiss Wall) – is one of the steepest in the world. Although it is only a kilometre long, the descent covers a difference in altitude of nearly 400 metres, with gradients of up to 50 degrees.
Summer
On the high plateau of Barme at 1500 m, young and old can practise climbing. In this enchanting place, which is also ideal for family outings, woodland walks or mushroom gathering, there is a 40 m high limestone cliff with marked climbing routes of varying degrees of difficulty. The people of Champéry indulge their love of tradition and craftsmanship by staging numerous local festivals, and they gladly invite visitors to discover folk dances performed by the village ensemble.