PdS: Champoussin to Champéry

The Aiguille des Champeys Chairlift deposits you at about 2000 m (6600 ft) near the top of a ridge dividing two valleys. From there a narrow singletrack continues along the ridge for about 0.5 mile where you'll enjoy spectacular views on either side of you (unless of course the clouds are low). After this, the singletrack descends about 180 m (600 ft) in the next mile along a gently twisting trail. From there this segment follows a gentle gravel forest road which weaves its way through the les Crosets ski area. When you reach a 3 way intersection around mile 3, turn sharply right. The forest road then begins a long, steady descent towards Champéry. You'll lose a half mile of altitude over the next 6 miles.

This forest road takes you to the remote la Vieze valley where you'll enjoy spectacular views of the 2500+ m (8200+ ft) peaks along the other side of the valley which form the Franco-Swiss border. At 6 miles, the route makes an abrupt turn towards the east along the valley beginning a particularly steep descent. In front of you, you'll have the glacier covered 3054 m (10020 ft) Mont Ruan and the 3220 m (10564 ft) Tour Saliere. Try not to crash as you enjoy both the views and the descent.

Eventually all good things must come to an end though and as you reach the outskirts of Champéry, the road becomes paved. Use the guidewires to guide you to the base station for the Champéry cable car which takes you to the next section of the Portes du Soleil (Gateway to the Sun) circuit: PdS: Champéry to Les Crosets.