Paths to
the passes
Passes on foot, ridges by bike, the pools at Champéry to end the day. Summer starts on the square and only stops in the evening.
In summer, the valley speaks a different language. Cowbells take over from the snow groomers, the alpine pastures reopen their huts, and the trails that slept under the snow head off in every direction from the village square. You only have to pick one: the Dents du Midi ahead, the Portes du Soleil ridges behind, and below, the Vièze running down to Champéry.
Walkers are spoilt for choice: the Tour des Dents du Midi for the big days, the Col de Cou and Col de Bretolet to watch the migrating birds go over, or simply the slopes above Champoussin for lunch at an alpine farm. The summer lifts shorten whatever needs shortening.
Bikes have their own kingdom: the Portes du Soleil mountain-bike area, with its Swiss–French links, waymarked trails and terraces where riders compare their lines. The house keeps a locked room for the bikes and a hose to clean them.
“In summer, the mountain gives back everything winter lends it.”
For those after something else, there’s the forest (treetop courses, waterfalls, bilberries in season) and there’s water: Champéry’s outdoor pools and rivers to dip your feet in after a walk.
Evening brings everyone back to the same place: the terrace, a glass of amigne, tomorrow’s map unfolded between the plates. Summer here isn’t a list of activities. It’s a way of filling the days without overloading them.
