A multi-faceted ski area, straddling two countries
The most adventurous of holidaymakers should be sure not to miss the legendary “Chavanette” run, more commonly known as the “Swiss Wall”. Ideal “freeride” zones, such as the corridor from Pierre Plate towards Tovassière, the corridors departing from La Pointe de l'Au und La Combe de Bonnavau and the Aiguille des Champeys area, are all situated in the immediate vicinity of Les Crosets and the lower-down resort of Champoussin.
Snowboarders and freestylers will be delighted by one of the resort’s particular highlights. Situated near to the “Crosets 2” lift, Les Crosets’ snow park is one of the best in Switzerland, and contains everything a boarder could want for hours of enjoyment: gaps, rails, kickers, a quarter pipe and a half-pipe.
Of course there is also the option of using Les Crosets as a springboard to explore the whole expanse of the “Portes du Soleil” ski area, with its enormous selection of almost 300 ski runs, connected by around 200 lifts. On top of this, Portes du Soleil offers 10 separate snow parks and 243km of cross-country runs.
On the trail of the alpine marmot
The range of activities and entertainment on offer at Les Crosets will ensure nobody goes away disappointed. Floodlit skiing, night-time tobogganing, and the legendary “Waterslide” contest combine for an unforgettable holiday experience. The “Waterslide” contest takes place at the end of every season, and challenges skiers to make it across a green-coloured stretch of water without getting their feet wet.
A somewhat less adventurous option, though nevertheless equally as exciting, is a hike round one of the seven snowshoe routes in the area surrounding Les Crosets and Champoussin, or alternatively a ride on a horse-drawn sled. On one night each week, the gondola cableway to Champéry remains open right through until 22 o’clock. This gondola gives visitors easy access to Champéry’s sports centre, which offers clay tennis courts, an indoor and an outdoor swimming pool, an ice rink, a curling hall, an indoor climbing wall and a fitness centre.
After an exhilarating time on the ski slopes or elsewhere, the warmth of the après-ski atmosphere in Les Crosets’ many restaurants, bars and pubs is a fitting way end to bring the day to a close.
Top tip: Those who want to find out more about the alpine marmot, a typical native of the Swiss Alps, should make sure they visit Champoussin, just 6km away. There they will find a marmot reserve, which has been created especially to allow visitors to observe these fascinating animal in their natural habitat.
