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Les Crosets ski holidays

Les Crosets ski holidays

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Top features of this resort

Off-piste skiingOff-piste skiing
Stunning viewsStunning views
Top facilitiesTop facilities
Off-piste skiingOff-piste skiing
Stunning viewsStunning views
Top facilitiesTop facilities

Top features of this resort

Off-piste skiingOff-piste skiing
Stunning viewsStunning views
Top facilitiesTop facilities
Off-piste skiingOff-piste skiing
Stunning viewsStunning views
Top facilitiesTop facilities

Les Crosets ski resort

Les Crosets is a compact, car-free village perched on a sunny plateau at 1,670m in the Swiss Alps. Nearly every property here is ski-in, ski-out, lifts and pistes fan out from the village in every direction, and the whole place has an intimate, unhurried feel that suits those who want to spend more time on the mountain than navigating a resort. It's small, just a handful of chalets, restaurants, and bars clustered around the slopes, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in position: Les Crosets sits at the heart of the Portes du Soleil, one of the world's largest interconnected ski areas, with over 600km of pistes spanning 12 resorts across Switzerland and France.

Locally, the skiing stretches from 1,040m to 2,277m across a mix of wide blues and flowing reds that suit intermediates well, with steeper black runs higher up, including the famous Swiss Wall, 1km of ungroomed moguls with a gradient exceeding 70% and widely regarded as one of the most challenging pistes in the world. North-east-facing slopes above the village hold snow reliably, and with an average of 8 metres of snowfall per season, conditions are strong from late November through to late April. A snowpark in the heart of the village has eight lines redesigned annually and a superpipe for freestylers. One fast lift from Les Crosets crosses the French border to Avoriaz, from where the entire French side of the Portes du Soleil opens up for those wanting to explore further.

Away from the slopes, Les Crosets keeps things simple and relaxed. Horse-drawn sleigh rides through frozen forests, snowshoeing, and night skiing on Wednesdays and Saturdays provide variety, and the thermal baths at Val d'Illiez are a welcome rest-day option. One of the unique pleasures of staying here is the cross-border dining: a Swiss mountain lunch with local wine, then ski across to France for a completely different meal in the afternoon, all on the same lift pass. For a change of pace in the evening, Champéry is connected by cable car, with a pedestrianised main street lined with century-old chalets, a sports centre, and a wider selection of restaurants and bars.

Check out Les Crosets ski deals to start planning your trip.

Les Crosets resort facts
Ski areaPortes du Soleil
Total skiable terrain650 km
Total slopes307 runs
Easy slopes39 runs
Intermediate slopes130 runs
Difficult slopes105 runs
Expert slopes33 runs
Number of lifts208
Snow range900 m - 2,460 m
Resort height1,460 m
Snow parks30
Rating by ski level
Beginners
7/10
Intermediates
10/10
Experts
9/10
Snowboarders
7/10
Rating by group type
Friends
7/10
Families
6/10
Couples
7/10
Transfer times to Les Crosets
Sion airport55 min
Geneva airport1 hr 35 min
Bern Belp airport1 hr 50 min
Zurich airport2 hr 50 min

Les Crosets ski resort

Les Crosets is a compact, car-free village perched on a sunny plateau at 1,670m in the Swiss Alps. Nearly every property here is ski-in, ski-out, lifts and pistes fan out from the village in every direction, and the whole place has an intimate, unhurried feel that suits those who want to spend more time on the mountain than navigating a resort. It's small, just a handful of chalets, restaurants, and bars clustered around the slopes, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in position: Les Crosets sits at the heart of the Portes du Soleil, one of the world's largest interconnected ski areas, with over 600km of pistes spanning 12 resorts across Switzerland and France.

Locally, the skiing stretches from 1,040m to 2,277m across a mix of wide blues and flowing reds that suit intermediates well, with steeper black runs higher up, including the famous Swiss Wall, 1km of ungroomed moguls with a gradient exceeding 70% and widely regarded as one of the most challenging pistes in the world. North-east-facing slopes above the village hold snow reliably, and with an average of 8 metres of snowfall per season, conditions are strong from late November through to late April. A snowpark in the heart of the village has eight lines redesigned annually and a superpipe for freestylers. One fast lift from Les Crosets crosses the French border to Avoriaz, from where the entire French side of the Portes du Soleil opens up for those wanting to explore further.

Away from the slopes, Les Crosets keeps things simple and relaxed. Horse-drawn sleigh rides through frozen forests, snowshoeing, and night skiing on Wednesdays and Saturdays provide variety, and the thermal baths at Val d'Illiez are a welcome rest-day option. One of the unique pleasures of staying here is the cross-border dining: a Swiss mountain lunch with local wine, then ski across to France for a completely different meal in the afternoon, all on the same lift pass. For a change of pace in the evening, Champéry is connected by cable car, with a pedestrianised main street lined with century-old chalets, a sports centre, and a wider selection of restaurants and bars.

Check out Les Crosets ski deals to start planning your trip.

Les Crosets resort facts
Ski areaPortes du Soleil
Total skiable terrain650 km
Total slopes307 runs
Easy slopes39 runs
Intermediate slopes130 runs
Difficult slopes105 runs
Expert slopes33 runs
Number of lifts208
Snow range900 m - 2,460 m
Resort height1,460 m
Snow parks30
Rating by ski level
Beginners
7/10
Intermediates
10/10
Experts
9/10
Snowboarders
7/10
Rating by group type
Friends
7/10
Families
6/10
Couples
7/10
Transfer times to Les Crosets
Sion airport55 min
Geneva airport1 hr 35 min
Bern Belp airport1 hr 50 min
Zurich airport2 hr 50 min

Les Crosets skiing & snowboarding

Skiing and snowboarding from Les Crosets has a sense of freedom that comes from the village's position. You step out of your accommodation, clip in, and within minutes you're skiing in multiple directions across wide, sunny slopes stretching in every direction. From the top of the Pointe des Mossettes at 2,277m, the highest point in the Portes du Soleil, you can drop into France and reach Avoriaz within 20 minutes, or head the other way and explore quieter Swiss sectors without seeing another lift queue all morning.

Local terrain suits cruising and exploration, with wide groomers, flowing reds, and rolling terrain that changes character as you move between sectors. The Ripaille-Grand Paradis run is the longest piste in the Portes du Soleil, a varied descent through open slopes, rolling bumps, and silent, snow-covered forest that captures the best qualities of this area. Easy-access tree skiing between the marked runs adds off-piste flavour without needing a guide, and the snowpark right in the village is redesigned annually with eight or more lines for freestylers. Avoriaz, just one lift away, adds a world-famous superpipe and further terrain parks for those wanting more.

Skiing for beginners in Les Crosets

Les Crosets is a good place to learn to ski. The nursery slopes sit right in the village on a wide, sunny plateau at 1,670m, which means you're learning on proper snow at altitude rather than on a slushy valley-floor practice area. Terrain is gentle and forgiving, with dedicated practice lifts and enough space to find your rhythm without feeling crowded. As you build confidence, you can try the blues around the village - these are a natural next step, with wide, well-groomed runs that let you cover real distance while staying within comfortable territory.

Ski schools in Les Crosets offer group and private lessons with English-speaking instructors, and the intimate scale of the resort means you quickly become familiar with the mountain. Once you're ready to explore beyond local slopes, the wider Portes du Soleil opens up gradually, so progressing from nursery slopes to skiing between resorts feels achievable within a week.

WeSki insider tip: On your third or fourth day, take the chairlift up to Pointe de l'Au and ski the long blue back down to the village. It's a flowing, scenic descent that gives you your first taste of proper mountain skiing while staying well within beginner-friendly terrain.

Intermediate skiing in Les Crosets

The local slopes around Les Crosets are where intermediates will spend some of their best mornings. Flowing reds across the sunny plateau suit a rhythmic, carving style, and the Ripaille-Grand Paradis run (the longest piste in the Portes du Soleil) is a varied descent through open terrain, rolling bumps, and quiet forest that engages intermediate riders. North-east-facing slopes above the village hold their condition through the day, so you can ski the same runs in the afternoon and still find good snow.

From there, the wider Portes du Soleil opens up over 600km of terrain across two countries. One lift from Les Crosets takes you into France and the vast network above Avoriaz, where the intermediate-friendly terrain is impressive and feels completely different from the Swiss side. The full Portes du Soleil circuit, linking multiple villages across Switzerland and France in a single loop, is one of the great intermediate adventures in the Alps, and comfortably fills a full day.

WeSki insider tip: Ski the Portes du Soleil circuit clockwise from Les Crosets, crossing into France at the Mossettes and returning via Morgins and Champoussin. On the French side, stop for raclette at a mountain restaurant above Châtel, where the quieter return leg means you can take your time without worrying about making the last lift home.

Advanced and expert skiing in Les Crosets

Les Crosets gives advanced skiers a quiet Swiss base with serious terrain on the doorstep. Four black runs on the Swiss side provide sustained challenge, the off-piste through the forests between marked runs is easily accessible without long traverses, and north-facing slopes above the village hold powder well after a storm. The famous Swiss Wall sits just above the village at the Pas de Chavanette: 1km of ungroomed moguls with a gradient exceeding 70%, connecting the Swiss and French sectors. It's one of the most challenging marked pistes in the Alps and a run that rewards committed technique and strong legs.

Beyond the local terrain, the wider Portes du Soleil has extensive freeride across both countries, and Avoriaz, one lift away, adds steep couloirs and guided off-piste options. Thanks to its cross-border position, you can spend a morning hunting powder on the Swiss side and an afternoon exploring completely different terrain in France.

WeSki insider tip: After fresh snowfall, skip the Swiss Wall - instead, head for the off-piste trees between the Mossettes and Grand Conche. The north-facing forest holds untracked powder longer than the open slopes and the spacing between trees is generous (most visitors ski straight past this on the groomed runs without realising what's there).

Snowboarding in Les Crosets

Les Crosets is a strong mountain for snowboarders. Wide, sun-drenched groomers across the plateau suit flowing carving runs, and the forest terrain between the marked pistes offers natural banks, rollers, and side hits that make every descent different. North-facing slopes above the village hold snow well, and after fresh snowfall the accessible tree skiing is some of the best on the Swiss side of the Portes du Soleil. For those with the nerve, the Swiss Wall is a legendary snowboard challenge that every rider should at least watch from the chairlift above.

The freestyle setup is impressive for a village this size. The snowpark right in Les Crosets has eight or more lines redesigned annually with features for all levels, and Avoriaz, just one lift away, adds a world-famous superpipe and some of the best freestyle facilities in Europe. Riding the full Portes du Soleil circuit on a board is a satisfying all-day adventure, though it's worth planning your route around a couple of flat connecting sections to keep the momentum going.

Off-piste skiing

Off-piste is easily accessible from Les Crosets, with tree skiing between the marked runs and open freeride terrain on the north-facing slopes above the village that holds powder well after a storm. There are no marked freeride routes here as you'd find at some Swiss resorts, so local knowledge or a guide is recommended for anything beyond the trees. Avoriaz, just 20 minutes away on skis, adds steep couloirs and guided freeride options, and the wider Portes du Soleil provides vast off-piste potential across both the Swiss and French sectors for those wanting to explore further afield.

Les Crosets ski school and lessons

The Swiss Ski School (SSS) Les Crosets-Champoussin has been running for over 50 years and offers group and private lessons across alpine skiing, snowboarding, telemark, freeride, freestyle, and slalom. Instruction is available in English, French, German, and Dutch. SnowPros Ski School provides a more boutique option with English-speaking instructors and a focus on personalised technique coaching.

Beyond standard lessons, both schools offer private freeride sessions with video analysis for those wanting to explore the off-piste safely, freestyle coaching in the snowpark for riders looking to develop trick technique, and Portes du Soleil discovery days where an instructor guides you through the cross-border network, showing you the best runs and hidden corners you'd never find on your own.

Les Crosets terrain parks

The Les Crosets Snowpark sits right in the heart of the village, accessible within minutes from the Crosets 8 chairlift. Eight or more lines are redesigned annually with features for all levels, from beginner-friendly boxes and rollers through to more advanced kickers and rail combinations. A halfpipe near Champéry adds further options on the Swiss side. For those wanting more, Avoriaz is just one lift away and has a world-famous superpipe and some of the most extensive freestyle facilities in Europe, all accessible on the same lift pass.

  1. Les Crosets Family ski holiday
  2. Things to do in Les Crosets
  3. Planning your trip in Les Crosets
  4. How to get to Les Crosets
  5. Les Crosets FAQs

Les Crosets family ski holiday

Les Crosets is one of the best family bases in the Portes du Soleil, and a lot of that comes down to how simple it makes everything. The village is compact, car-free, and nearly every property is ski-in, ski-out, so mornings involve stepping out the door and clipping in rather than loading a bus. The sunny plateau setting feels safe and enclosed, and the relaxed pace means parents can enjoy the holiday as much as the children.

A village crèche takes children from three months to six years, open daily from 8am to 7pm, giving parents real freedom on the mountain. Nursery slopes sit right in the village, and ski schools run small groups from age three. As confidence builds, older children and teenagers have the full Portes du Soleil to explore: 600km of terrain across two countries, a snowpark redesigned annually right in the village, and the option to ski into France and back in a single day, which gives advanced young skiers and snowboarders an engaging sense of adventure.

Point Sud, Switzerland's highest treetop adventure park at 1,690m, is right on the doorstep for a fun afternoon off the slopes. Horse-drawn sleigh rides through the surrounding forests, snowshoeing, and the thermal baths at Val d'Illiez add rest-day variety, and Champéry, connected by cable car, has an indoor sports centre with swimming, climbing, and an ice rink. Dining across the village is relaxed and welcoming, with mountain restaurants serving Swiss classics like rösti and raclette on sun terraces with views that make even a simple lunch feel special.

Things to do in Les Crosets

Whether you're skiing every day or mixing in rest days, Les Crosets and the surrounding valley have a quiet variety that suits the village's relaxed character. The mountain is right on your doorstep, the activities beyond skiing make the most of the Alpine setting, and the cross-border position adds a sense of adventure to the week.

Snow activities

Beyond skiing and snowboarding, there's plenty to enjoy on and around the mountain:

  • Night skiing: Illuminated piste at Les Crosets for evening sessions under the stars.
  • Horse-drawn sleigh rides: Traditional rides through frozen forests beneath the surrounding peaks, with evening options available.
  • Snowshoeing: Trails through the forests and plateaux with views across to the surrounding mountains.
  • Point Sud treetop park: Switzerland's highest treetop adventure park at 1,690m in neighbouring Champoussin, with panoramic views and courses for all levels.
  • Husky walks: Guided walks through the forest led by a husky, a gentle alternative to dog sledding and a memorable experience.
  • Paragliding: Tandem flights launching from the mountain, soaring above the valley and the surrounding peaks.
  • Cross-country skiing: The Grand Paradis circuit near Champéry with trails for all levels.
  • Tobogganing: Runs in the valley for a fun afternoon or evening off the slopes.
  • Fat biking: Explore the snow-covered trails on oversized tyres for a different perspective on the mountain.

Non-snow activities

For time off the slopes, the valley below Les Crosets and neighbouring Champéry have enough to keep you busy without needing to travel far:

  • Thermal baths (Val d'Illiez): Spa and thermal bath complex fed by natural hot springs in the valley below, with indoor and outdoor pools and mountain views.
  • Palladium sports centre (Champéry): Indoor climbing, curling, swimming, and an ice rink, all under one roof and connected by cable car from Les Crosets.
  • Champéry village: Pedestrianised main street lined with century-old chalets, local shops, cafés, and traditional Swiss charm.
  • Cable car panoramic ride: Non-skiers can ride up for sweeping views of the surrounding 3,000m peaks without needing skis.
  • Brasserie La Mine (Val d'Illiez): Local craft brewery offering guided tours and tastings. A fun afternoon for beer lovers.
  • Bell-founding workshop (Champéry): Visit one of Switzerland's last traditional bell-founders, a unique cultural experience.
  • Val d'Illiez Heritage Foundation: Museum exploring the valley's history, traditions, and Alpine heritage.
  • Snowshoe fondue evening: Guided evening snowshoe hike followed by fondue dinner in a mountain chalet. One of the most memorable experiences in the valley.

Les Crosets restaurants

Dining from Les Crosets draws on Valais traditions, with raclette, rösti, and fondue featuring prominently on menus across the village and on the mountain. One of the unique pleasures of skiing here is the cross-border dining: you can have a Swiss mountain lunch with local wine and cheese, ski across the border, and finish the afternoon with a Savoyard French meal in Avoriaz, all on the same day and the same lift pass.

  • Chez Coquoz (Croix de Culet): Local favourite with panoramic mountain views and traditional Swiss cooking. Worth booking ahead.
  • Chez Gaby (above Champoussin): A must-stop for rösti with views that justify lingering over coffee.
  • Lapisa: On the way to Grand Paradis, recommended for Swiss specialities and a sunny terrace.
  • Le Toupin: Slope-side restaurant with sun terrace and regional dishes.
  • Mountain Lodge restaurant: The best chalet hotel in Les Crosets with refined cuisine.
  • Cookie Café (Pointe des Mossettes): Sitting right on the Swiss-French border at the highest point of the Portes du Soleil. Gourmet burgers, fresh juices, and craft beers with views that often sit above the clouds.
  • La Ferme des Lindarets (French side): A charming 1860s farmhouse in the "Goat Village" above Avoriaz, serving Savoyard classics and Italian dishes. Accessible by ski from Les Crosets.

WeSki insider tip: Ask for Malakoffs at any Swiss-side restaurant. These deep-fried Gruyère cheese balls are a Valais speciality that most visitors never discover, crispy on the outside, molten on the inside, and perfect with a glass of cold Fendant white wine on a sun terrace. Once you've tried them, they'll become a daily ritual.

Les Crosets après-ski

Après-ski in Les Crosets has a quiet, intimate character that suits the village. As the lifts close, the sun catches the surrounding peaks, and the bars and terraces fill up with skiers winding down over a glass of Fendant or a vin chaud. Night skiing on Wednesdays and Saturdays extends the day on the floodlit slopes, and skiing back to the village by moonlight after a drink on the mountain is one of those experiences that captures what Les Crosets is about.

Champéry, connected by cable car, adds a wider evening scene for those wanting variety, and during ski hours a quick run into Avoriaz puts you in the middle of one of the strongest après-ski scenes in the Portes du Soleil.

Après-ski spots to know:

  • Mountain Lodge bar: The cosiest spot in Les Crosets, with a fireplace, hot tub, and mountain views from the terrace.
  • L'Atelier de Jacky: Popular village bar with a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a loyal local crowd.
  • Le Croset Disco: Open until the early hours for those wanting a late night without leaving the village. Lively music and a fun, friendly crowd.
  • Chez Yoyo: On-slope bar with après-ski drinks and the option to ski back to Les Crosets under the stars.
  • Mitchell's Bar (Champéry): Well-known English-speaking pub in Champéry with live music, sports screens, and a sociable atmosphere.
  • Brasserie La Mine (Val d'Illiez): Local craft brewery with tastings and a relaxed evening vibe in the valley.
  • La Folie Douce (Avoriaz): The legendary French après-ski venue, accessible by ski from Les Crosets during lift hours. Live music, DJs, and an atmosphere that needs no introduction.

Planning your trip to Les Crosets

Les Crosets accommodation

Accommodation in Les Crosets is a compact collection of chalets, apartments, and small hotels clustered around the sunny plateau. Nearly every property offers ski-in, ski-out access, which is one of the village's strongest selling points: you can step out of your door, clip in, and be on the slopes in moments. The atmosphere across accommodation is intimate and personal, with family-run properties and views from the balcony taking in the surrounding peaks.

The village is small, so the selection in Les Crosets is focused rather than extensive, but the quality is consistent - and it's hard to beat the convenience of being right on the snow. For those who'd enjoy a more traditional Swiss village atmosphere in the evenings, Champéry is connected by cable car and offers a wider main street with century-old chalets, more restaurants, and a pedestrianised centre that's lovely for an evening stroll.

Les Crosets ski pass

Visitors have two options when visiting Les Crosets. The local Swiss pass covers 100km of slopes in Champéry, Les Crosets, Champoussin, and Morgins, while the full Portes du Soleil pass covers 600km+ across 12 resorts in Switzerland and France. The local pass is excellent value if you plan on only staying within the Swiss side. Multi-day, family, and season options are available. No passport is needed to ski between countries.

Check for family and multi-day pass options when booking your Les Crosets ski holiday package through WeSki to find the best fit for your trip.

Equipment hire

Equipment hire is available at sport shops in Les Crosets and Champéry. Shops carry current-season equipment from leading brands across all levels, from beginner packages through to performance skis and touring setups for those heading off-piste. Some hotel properties have in-house rental that stays open late, which is ideal if you arrive in the evening and want everything sorted before your first morning on the slopes.

WeSki partners with SkiSet shops in Les Crosets, letting you add equipment to your package and collect on arrival. Browse Les Crosets ski deals to build your perfect trip.

Getting around Les Crosets

Les Crosets is small enough that you can walk everywhere in the village within a few minutes. Nearly every property is ski-in, ski-out, and the restaurants, rental shops, and ski school are all clustered around the same sunny plateau, so you won't need transport for anything during the day. In the evenings, the village's handful of restaurants and bars are all within easy walking distance of each other. A cable car connects to Champéry for a wider selection of restaurants and shops, and free ski buses link the Swiss Portes du Soleil villages throughout the day. A car is useful for reaching Les Crosets, but once you're here it's not something you'll need.

How to get to Les Crosets

Les Crosets is in the Val d'Illiez in Switzerland's Valais, near the French border. Geneva airport is the closest and most convenient option, around 130km away with a transfer of approximately 90 minutes by car. Zurich airport is around 250km (approximately three hours), and Basel airport is around 280km (also approximately three hours). By train, the journey from Geneva to Champéry takes around two hours via Aigle, with a cable car connecting to the slopes. By car from Geneva, take the motorway to Monthey and follow the valley road to Les Crosets via Val d'Illiez.

WeSki offers car rentals from the airport as well as private transfers to Les Crosets. Add them to your Les Crosets ski holiday package for seamless door-to-door travel.

Les Crosets FAQs

What is the Portes du Soleil?

The Portes du Soleil ('Gateway to the Sun') is one of the world's largest interconnected ski areas, spanning 12 resorts across Switzerland and France between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc. It covers over 600km of pistes with around 200 lifts. The Swiss side includes Champéry, Les Crosets, Champoussin, and Morgins. The French side includes Avoriaz, Morzine, Les Gets, and Châtel. You can ski the full circuit in a day, crossing the border without passport checks. Les Crosets is the most central and convenient Swiss base for exploring the entire network.

What is the Swiss Wall?

The Swiss Wall (Le Mur de Chavanette) is a 1km ungroomed mogul field with a gradient exceeding 70%, connecting the Swiss and French sides of the Portes du Soleil at the Pas de Chavanette. It's widely regarded as one of the most difficult and intimidating pistes in the Alps. The moguls can grow to enormous size, and the steepness makes it a genuine test of technique and nerve. It's one of the most photographed runs in skiing and a bucket-list challenge for expert skiers.

Is Les Crosets good for families?

Les Crosets is excellent for families. The compact, traffic-free village with ski-in/ski-out access from nearly all accommodation makes daily logistics effortless. Nursery slopes in the village, small-group children's lessons, and the sunny plateau setting create a safe, welcoming environment. The Point Sud treetop adventure park, the Palladium sports centre in Champéry, and the thermal baths at Val d'Illiez add non-skiing variety.

How does Les Crosets compare to Champéry?

Les Crosets (1,670m) is on the mountain, a small, ski-in/ski-out micro-resort with better snow reliability and direct lift access in all directions. Champéry (1,040m) is in the valley, a beautiful, traditional Swiss village with more accommodation, restaurants, nightlife, and a direct train from Geneva. Both access the same terrain (connected by cable car). Les Crosets suits those who prioritise on-slope convenience and snow. Champéry suits those who want a charming village with evening variety.

How reliable is the snow?

Les Crosets sits at 1,670m with skiing to 2,277m, the highest point of the Portes du Soleil. The altitude ensures good snow reliability from mid-December to mid-April. The north-east facing slopes above the village hold snow quality well. The Portes du Soleil circuit provides access to varied aspects and altitudes across the Swiss and French sectors, meaning you can always find good conditions somewhere in the network.

How easy is it to get to Les Crosets from the UK?

Geneva airport is under 90 minutes by car, one of the shortest Swiss ski transfers. Regular UK flights (including budget airlines) serve Geneva year-round, and Zurich and Basel airports are also an option. By train, Geneva to Champéry takes around two hours (with the cable car connecting to Les Crosets). The short transfer makes Les Crosets practical for weekend ski trips. WeSki can arrange private transfers from Geneva airport when you book a Les Crosets ski holiday package.

Les Crosets family ski holiday

Les Crosets is one of the best family bases in the Portes du Soleil. The compact, traffic-free village with ski-in/ski-out access from nearly every accommodation eliminates morning logistics. Nursery slopes are right in the village, ski schools run small children's groups, and the sunny plateau setting with Dents du Midi views creates a safe, scenic environment. The snowpark provides progression for older children. Point Sud - Switzerland's highest treetop adventure park at 1,690m - adds a non-skiing activity right on the doorstep.

Champéry (connected by cable car) has the Palladium sports centre with indoor climbing, curling, swimming, and an ice rink. The thermal baths at Val d'Illiez provide a rest-day spa excursion. The train from Geneva to Champéry takes around two hours, making weekend trips practical. Dining includes mountain restaurants with Dents du Midi views - Chez Coquoz at Croix de Culet and Chez Gaby above Champoussin are local favourites for rösti and raclette.

The local Swiss pass (Champéry-Les Crosets-Champoussin-Morgins) provides good-value family skiing without paying for the full Portes du Soleil, while the full pass opens up 600km+ for families wanting to explore further. Geneva airport is under two hours away, making Les Crosets one of the most accessible Swiss ski destinations for UK families.

Things to do in Les Crosets

Les Crosets and the surrounding Région Dents du Midi combine Swiss mountain culture, cross-border skiing, and the dramatic scenery of the Dents du Midi and Dents Blanches ranges.

Snow activities

Beyond skiing and snowboarding:

  • Portes du Soleil circuit: A full-day ski tour through multiple resorts in Switzerland and France - over 600km of terrain.
  • Night skiing: Illuminated piste at Les Crosets for evening skiing sessions.
  • Cross-country skiing: The Grand Paradis circuit near Champéry with trails for all levels.
  • Snowshoeing: Trails through the forests and plateaux beneath the Dents du Midi.
  • Winter hiking: Gentle downhill trails through forests with views of the Dents du Midi and Dents Blanches.
  • Tobogganing: Runs in the valley for family fun.
  • Point Sud treetop park: Switzerland's highest treetop adventure park at 1,690m in neighbouring Champoussin.

Non-snow activities

For rest days and non-skiers:

  • Thermal baths (Val d'Illiez): Spa and thermal bath complex in the valley below - a relaxing rest-day excursion.
  • Champéry village: Pedestrianised Rue du Village with century-old chalets, shops, and traditional Swiss charm.
  • Palladium sports centre: Indoor climbing, curling, swimming, and ice rink in Champéry.
  • Dents du Midi views: Non-skiers can ride the cable car for panoramic views of the 3,257m peaks.
  • Val d'Illiez Heritage Foundation: Museum exploring the valley's history and traditions.
  • Bell-founding workshop: Visit one of Switzerland's last traditional bell-founders in Champéry.
  • Geneva day trip: Under two hours by car or train for the lakeside city, UN quarter, and old town.

Les Crosets restaurants

Dining from Les Crosets draws on Swiss Valais traditions - raclette, rösti, and fondue in mountain settings with Dents du Midi views. The French side of the Portes du Soleil adds Savoyard options accessible by ski.

  • Chez Coquoz (Croix de Culet): Highly recommended local favourite with stunning Dents du Midi views and traditional Swiss cooking.
  • Chez Gaby (above Champoussin): A favourite for rösti with magnificent mountain panoramas.
  • Lapisa: On the way to Grand Paradis - recommended for Swiss specialities.
  • Le Toupin: Slope-side restaurant with sun terrace and regional dishes.
  • Mountain Lodge restaurant: The best chalet hotel in Les Crosets with excellent cuisine.
  • French-side restaurants: Ski across the border to Avoriaz for Savoyard French mountain cooking.

WeSki insider tip: Have lunch at Chez Coquoz at the Croix de Culet - the views of the Dents du Midi are extraordinary and the raclette is authentic Valaisan. Then ski across the border to a French mountain restaurant for a completely different culinary style on the same day. The cross-border dining is one of the unique pleasures of skiing the Portes du Soleil from Les Crosets.

Les Crosets après-ski

Après-ski in Les Crosets is quiet and village-scale - this is a micro-resort that's blissfully undeveloped in the evenings. A handful of hotel bars and the Mountain Lodge provide cosy post-ski drinks. For a livelier scene, Champéry has more evening variety with bars, pubs, and live music, and Avoriaz on the French side has a developed après-ski scene accessible during ski hours.

Après-ski spots to know:

  • Mountain Lodge bar: The best après-ski spot in Les Crosets - cosy fireplace, hot tub, and mountain views.
  • Les Crosets hotel bars: Quiet, welcoming bars in the village's handful of properties.
  • Champéry (by cable car): More evening variety with bars, restaurants, and the Palladium centre.
  • Avoriaz (by ski): The French-side après scene - accessible during lift hours.

Planning your trip to Les Crosets

Les Crosets accommodation

Accommodation in Les Crosets is a compact collection of chalets, apartments, and small hotels - nearly all ski-in, ski-out. The Mountain Lodge is the standout property with modern alpine décor, a spa, and excellent cuisine. The micro-resort character means the selection is limited - book early for peak weeks. Champéry (connected by cable car) has a wider range of accommodation with more traditional Swiss charm. Morgins and Champoussin provide further options within the Swiss Portes du Soleil.

Les Crosets ski pass

The local Swiss pass covers Champéry, Les Crosets, Champoussin, and Morgins (100km+). The full Portes du Soleil pass covers 600km+ across 12 resorts in Switzerland and France. The local pass is excellent value for families staying on the Swiss side. Multi-day, family, and season options are available. No passport is needed to ski between countries.

Check for family and multi-day pass options when booking your Les Crosets ski holiday package through WeSki to find the best fit for your trip.

Equipment hire

Equipment hire is at sport shops in Les Crosets and Champéry. Some hotels (including the Mountain Lodge) have in-house rental shops that stay open late - ideal for arrivals wanting to collect equipment the same evening.

Getting around Les Crosets

Les Crosets is compact and walkable - the entire village is ski-in, ski-out. The Champéry cable car connects to the village below. Lifts from Les Crosets connect directly to Champoussin, Morgins, and (via one lift) Avoriaz in France. Free ski buses connect the Swiss Portes du Soleil villages. A car is useful for reaching Les Crosets but not needed for daily skiing.

How to get to Les Crosets

Les Crosets is in the Val d'Illiez in the Swiss canton of Valais, near the French border. Geneva airport is under 170km away (approximately 90 minutes by car). The train from Geneva to Champéry takes around two hours (via Aigle on the S36 line), with the cable car connecting to the slopes. By car from Geneva, take the motorway to Monthey and follow the valley road to Les Crosets via Val d'Illiez. The transfer is short by Swiss standards, making Les Crosets practical for weekend ski trips as well as full-week holidays.

WeSki offers car rentals from the airport as well as private transfers to Les Crosets. Add them to your Les Crosets ski holiday package for seamless door-to-door travel.

Les Crosets FAQs

What is the Portes du Soleil?

The Portes du Soleil ('Gateway to the Sun') is one of the world's largest interconnected ski areas, spanning 12 resorts across Switzerland and France between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc. It covers over 600km of pistes with around 200 lifts. The Swiss side includes Champéry, Les Crosets, Champoussin, and Morgins. The French side includes Avoriaz, Morzine, Les Gets, and Châtel. You can ski the full circuit in a day, crossing the border without passport checks. Les Crosets is the most central and convenient Swiss base for exploring the entire network.

What is the Swiss Wall?

The Swiss Wall (Le Mur de Chavanette) is a 1km ungroomed mogul field with a gradient exceeding 70%, connecting the Swiss and French sides of the Portes du Soleil at the Pas de Chavanette. It's widely regarded as one of the most difficult and intimidating pistes in the Alps. The moguls can grow to enormous size, and the steepness makes it a genuine test of technique and nerve. It's one of the most photographed runs in skiing and a bucket-list challenge for expert skiers.

Is Les Crosets good for families?

Les Crosets is excellent for families. The compact, traffic-free village with ski-in/ski-out access from nearly all accommodation makes daily logistics effortless. Nursery slopes in the village, small-group children's lessons, and the sunny plateau setting create a safe, welcoming environment. The Point Sud treetop adventure park, the Palladium sports centre in Champéry, and the thermal baths at Val d'Illiez add non-skiing variety. The local Swiss pass provides affordable family skiing without paying for the full Portes du Soleil.

How does Les Crosets compare to Champéry?

Les Crosets (1,670m) is on the mountain - a small, ski-in/ski-out micro-resort with better snow reliability and direct lift access in all directions. Champéry (1,040m) is in the valley - a beautiful, traditional Swiss village with more accommodation, restaurants, nightlife, and a direct train from Geneva. Both access the same terrain (connected by cable car). Les Crosets suits those who prioritise on-slope convenience and snow. Champéry suits those who want a charming village with evening variety.

How reliable is the snow?

Les Crosets sits at 1,670m with skiing to 2,277m - the highest point of the Portes du Soleil. The altitude ensures good snow reliability from mid-December to mid-April. The north-east facing slopes above the village hold snow quality well. The Portes du Soleil circuit provides access to varied aspects and altitudes across the Swiss and French sectors, meaning you can always find good conditions somewhere in the network.

How easy is it to get to Les Crosets from the UK?

Geneva airport is under 90 minutes by car - one of the shortest Swiss ski transfers. Regular UK flights (including budget airlines) serve Geneva year-round. By train, Geneva to Champéry takes around two hours (with the cable car connecting to Les Crosets). The short transfer makes Les Crosets practical for weekend ski trips. WeSki can arrange private transfers from Geneva airport.

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