Set at around 1,570 metres in the green Val d’Ayas, Champoluc is one of the most loved mountain resorts in the Aosta Valley: a welcoming village dominated by the glaciers of Monte Rosa, perfect both in winter, thanks to the great Monterosa Ski carousel, and in summer for hiking and nature. In this guide we look at the areas where it’s best to stay, what each one offers, and a selection of properties for every need.
Champoluc at a glance
Champoluc is the largest centre in the municipality of Ayas and the gateway to Monte Rosa, the second-highest peak in Europe. It keeps an authentic alpine soul, with its characteristic rascard in wood and stone and the nearby Walser tradition, a people of Germanic origin who shaped the higher villages of the valley. From the village centre, ski-in/ski-out, you reach the lifts directly, while all around lie quiet hamlets and pastures that in summer become a paradise for hikers.
The areas to stay in
The centre of Champoluc
Staying in the centre is the most convenient and versatile choice: you’re a few steps from the Champoluc-Crest gondola, the starting point for skiing in winter and hiking in summer, and close to shops, restaurants and services. It’s the ideal solution for those who want everything within reach and like to enjoy the village atmosphere après-ski.
Frachey and the upper valley
Heading up towards the head of the valley you reach Frachey, from which the funicular to Alpe Ciarcerio departs — the first for tourist use in the Aosta Valley — along with the lifts towards Colle Sarezza and Bettaforca. It’s the right area for those who want to be even closer to the high slopes and seek quiet, while still being connected to the ski area.
The villages and hamlets
Around Champoluc you’ll find small nuclei of great charm, such as the Walser village of Mascognaz, compact and silent, immersed among traditional rascard, or the lower-lying spots towards Antagnod and Brusson, often with gentler rates. They’re perfect for those seeking peace and authenticity, accepting a short drive to reach the main lifts.
3 recommended properties in Champoluc
A balanced selection across different ranges and types, from a five-star with spa to a family-run bed & breakfast, in the Val d’Ayas area.
If you’d like to know how we choose the properties, we explain it on our about us page.
Au Charmant Petit Lac – Ecohotel Parc & Spa
A five-star in Champoluc with a full spa, indoor pool, restaurant and panoramic views over lake and mountains. The choice for those seeking comfort and wellness surrounded by nature, with an eco-friendly soul.
Hotel Breithorn
A four-star in the heart of Champoluc, with a full wellness centre, restaurant and rooms with a view, plus direct access to the Monterosa Ski area. Ideal for those who want the lifts within reach without giving up on relaxation.
B&B Eco Chalet Merlet
An eco-friendly bed & breakfast in Antagnod, within the Monterosa area, with rooms featuring a private patio, mountain views, a buffet breakfast and genuine family hospitality. Perfect for those seeking warmth and good value for money.
Want to see all the options? Browse all the properties in Champoluc, to compare by area, type and price.
Skiing: the Monterosa Ski area
Champoluc is the heart of Monterosa Ski, one of the largest carousels in the Alps, linking three valleys ski-in/ski-out — Val d’Ayas, Gressoney Valley and Valsesia (Alagna) — with a single ski pass. The slopes, wide and panoramic, wind around the Monte Rosa massif with significant elevation changes and runs of varying difficulty: an ideal destination for intermediate and advanced skiers who love covering kilometres and changing scenery. For off-piste enthusiasts, the area is famous as a Freeride Paradise. The winter season runs roughly from late November to April.
If you’re after another major Aosta Valley ski resort not far away, take a look at where to stay in Cervinia, at the foot of the Matterhorn.
What to do in Champoluc in summer
In summer the Val d’Ayas is an outdoor paradise. From the centre, the lifts stay open to reach panoramic altitudes and trails for every level, with views of the Monte Rosa glaciers. Among the most loved options are walks towards the alpine pastures and refuges, hikes to Walser villages such as Mascognaz, mountain biking and the large Ayas Cross-Country Ski Centre (at Periasc), which in summer becomes terrain for walking and running. It’s a valley that suits both families and more experienced hikers.
One of the most loved walks climbs to Alpe Larecchio and the Ospizio Sottile, in the upper Val d’Ayas, among pastures and views of the glacier; lower down, the loops around Champoluc and its hamlets offer easy routes suitable for everyone. For those who love culture, the Walser villages are worth a visit, with their centuries-old rascard, witnesses to a unique alpine history. The cool high-altitude climate makes the valley a pleasant destination even in the warmest summer months.
How to get to Champoluc
By car, exit the A5 motorway at Verrès, continue towards Ayas and climb the Val d’Ayas up to Champoluc, about 30 minutes. There’s also a bus service from the Verrès station. The reference airports are Turin Caselle and Milan Malpensa. To compare properties by area, type and price, take a look at all the properties in Champoluc in our listing.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best area to stay in Champoluc?
The centre of Champoluc is the most convenient choice, close to the Champoluc-Crest gondola, shops and restaurants. To be closer to the high slopes you can choose Frachey, while the villages and hamlets such as Mascognaz or the spots towards Antagnod offer more peace and often better rates.
Is Champoluc suitable for families?
Yes, very much so. The wide slopes of Monterosa Ski, the ski schools, the easy walks and the characterful villages make it a family-friendly destination, both in winter and summer. In the village you’ll find services, rentals and restaurants designed for children too.
When to go to Champoluc?
Winter (roughly late November to April) is ideal for skiing in the Monterosa Ski area. Summer (June to September) is perfect for hiking, mountain biking and nature, with a cool climate and lifts open to reach the panoramic altitudes. The shoulder seasons offer peace and softer rates.
Can you really ski straight from the village?
Yes. From the centre of Champoluc the Champoluc-Crest gondola takes you directly onto the Monterosa Ski slopes, and many properties are just steps from the lifts. The area links Val d’Ayas, Gressoney and Valsesia with a single ski pass.
How far is Champoluc from the motorway?
Champoluc is about 30 minutes by car from the Verrès motorway exit (A5): from there you climb the Val d’Ayas up to the village. A bus service from the Verrès station is also available.
