Champagny-en-Vanoise is a delightful French ski resort nestled at the gateway to the majestic Vanoise National Park, blending traditional alpine charm with direct access to the vast Paradiski area. Sitting at 1,250 metres (4,101 ft) altitude on a sun-kissed, south-facing slope, the village offers breathtaking mountain vistas and convenient gondola connections to La Plagne’s expansive network of slopes. With its welcoming atmosphere, family-friendly amenities, and excellent range of terrain, Champagny-en-Vanoise provides the perfect balance between authentic mountain living and exhilarating winter sports experiences.
From skiing across the vast Paradiski domain to exploring quiet, scenic trails in Champagny-le-Haut, this guide covers all you need for a memorable Champagny-en-Vanoise ski holiday.
Let’s dive in!
Champagny-en-Vanoise is situated in the Savoie region of the French Alps, close to both La Plagne and Les Arcs ski resorts.
Nearest airport
Transfer time
Champagny-en-Vanoise comprises two distinctive areas:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Charming traditional village | Limited après-ski & nightlife |
| Direct access to Paradiski area | South-facing slopes may affect snow lower down |
| Family-friendly facilities and slopes | Limited local snowpark facilities |
| Superb non-ski activities | Runs back to village can be challenging |
This short video provides a glimpse of everything Champagny-en-Vanoise has to offer.
(Ref: Lukazure)
Champagny-en-Vanoise links directly to La Plagne via a swift gondola, providing immediate access to high-altitude, snow-sure slopes ideal for all levels. From Champagny, skiers easily explore La Plagne’s diverse runs and continue into Les Arcs via the spectacular Vanoise Express cable car. The local slopes boast a variety of intermediate-friendly pistes, along with challenging reds and off-piste routes for advanced skiers.
Champagny offers excellent beginner facilities, including a dedicated learning area and snow garden at the gondola’s upper station. Gentle green and blue pistes (approximately 15 green and 10 blue runs) nearby enable novices to build confidence quickly, while ski schools provide friendly tuition tailored to newcomers.
Champagny is an intermediate skier’s paradise, with a vast selection of blue and red runs both locally and throughout the extensive Paradiski area. Highlights include scenic cruising trails and well-maintained slopes that connect effortlessly across La Plagne, offering endless enjoyable skiing options.
Advanced skiers will appreciate challenging red and black slopes, including the famous technical red runs descending directly back into the village, such as the Mont de la Guerre, a spectacular and lengthy descent highly praised by experienced skiers. Extensive off-piste opportunities in La Plagne and Les Arcs are easily accessible, offering exhilarating powder experiences.
Champagny-en-Vanoise is an ideal base for off-piste adventures, offering untouched powder areas and stunning descents. Local guides help skiers safely navigate backcountry terrain, ensuring unforgettable, serene experiences amid breathtaking alpine landscapes.
Snowboarders have numerous freeride options and wide-open runs ideal for carving. While there is no local snowpark directly in Champagny, riders can easily reach impressive terrain parks in La Plagne and Les Arcs, making it suitable for all snowboarding abilities.
The ski season in Champagny-en-Vanoise for 2025/26 is scheduled to run from 7 December to 26 April. These dates are provided by the resort of La Plagne, and may be subject to change depending on snow conditions and other operational factors.
Champagny offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 34 cm (13.38 in) and 33 cm (12.99 in) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 3.0 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases to 26 cm (10.23 in) but occurring across 3.2 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the second week of December, traditionally the snowiest week in Champagny, with an impressive 49 cm (19.29 in) of snow over 3.3 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days, when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 19 cm (7.48 in) of snow over 3.4 days, perfect for softer snow under brighter skies.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 34 cm/13.38 in | 3.1 days |
| January | 33 cm/12.99 in | 3.0 days |
| February | 26 cm/10.23 in | 3.2 days |
| March | 28 cm/11.02 in | 3.5 days |
| April | 19 cm/7.48 in | 3.4 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
Dining options are varied, showcasing traditional Savoyard cuisine alongside international dishes. Highlights include:
Mountain restaurants:
Village restaurants:
Champagny’s après-ski is friendly and inviting. Notable spots include:
Download Champagny village map pdf here
