THE VALLEY
From the village square to the seven summits: 2,300 metres of climb, without ever getting back in the car.
Val-d’Illiez — the square
Everything starts here: the church, the bakery, the little train’s station and Le Communal. Park the car; you won’t need it again.
Champoussin — the balcony
A south-facing hamlet above the valley: pastures in summer, gentle slopes in winter, and the valley’s best golden hour.
Les Crosets — the gateway
The valley’s resort, low-key and all about skiing. From here the Portes du Soleil open wide, with Champéry, Morgins and Avoriaz at the tips of your skis.
Pointe des Mossettes — the tipping point
The top of the ski area. From here you tip over into France on skis or a mountain bike, have lunch facing the drop, and always come down too late.
Les Dents du Midi — the guardians
You don’t climb them from Val-d’Illiez; they preside over it. Seven summits that change colour from morning to night and end up in every photo.
The little train
The AOMC runs up from Aigle to Champéry. The Val-d’Illiez stop is 1 min from Le Communal. In Champéry, the gondola goes up to Planachaux, linked to Les Crosets and the Portes du Soleil.
The bus
From the village square to Les Crosets in about 12 min, at the foot of the Portes du Soleil slopes.
On foot
Trails start at Le Communal. Ask Léon for suggested routes (in French for now); maps at reception.
