The Swiss Wall
Do you dare to ride down Europe's most difficult track ?
Border
The Swiss Wall is located on the French-Swiss border. Start from Avoriaz in France and arrive at Les Crosets in Switzerland.
Les Portes du Soleil
The Swiss Wall is located in the Portes du Soleil ski area. The first Franco-Swiss cross-border ski area is also one of the largest in France.
Skier
The Swiss Wall is one of the most difficult slopes in Europe. Don't try it if you're a beginner.
The Swiss
Wall
The most difficult slope in Europe.
You’ve probably heard of it. Between France and Switzerland stands a mythical wall that only the bravest and most daring have dared to challenge! A slope that makes the best of us dizzy. A place where mistakes are not allowed. Its name alone sends shivers down skiers’ spines. Some call it « Chavanette ».
But the whole world knows it as the Swiss Wall.
Welcome to the Swiss Wall
» Welcome to the Swiss Wall, a 90% slope with 333 meters of negative elevation, reserved for experienced skiers. »
That’s what you can read at the entrance of the slope. It immediately sets the mood…
The starting area is located at the exit of the « TK Chavanette » and next to the O’Padcha restaurant. On one side, there’s a beautiful view of the Avoriaz resort; on the other side, a breathtaking view of the Dents du Midi. A small red net warns you that you are on the most dangerous slope in the area! Some skiers glance at it, their legs trembling. Others take a souvenir photo but dare not venture onto it.
Only a few brave riders (including you!) take on the challenge of the slope.
In the bumps
Here we go on the first meters of the slope! The most impressive ones. It feels like plunging into the void.
In the first 100 meters of descent, you’re in the most vertiginous part, a 90% slope where the bumps reach up to your waist. In this field of bumps, there’s no room for improvisation! You must have a perfect terrain reading to anticipate each of your turns. An exercise that’s as much mental as it is physical.
Once this first terrifying part is over, the slope softens a bit. But the legs start burning and the breathing quickens. Every turn demands real physical commitment! In the distance, the slope seems endless… A field of bumps as far as the eye can see…
At this precise moment, only one thought obsesses us:
« Why am I here? Why didn’t I just take the chairlift like everyone else? »
But giving up is not an option! There’s no way out on the Swiss Wall!
You've arrived in Switzerland
Welcome to the region of the Dents du Midi.
Les Portes du Soleil
To ski down the Swiss Wall, you must have a Portes du Soleil ski pass!
Discover all our ski passes on this page.
The Portes du Soleil ski area, besides being the first Franco-Swiss cross-border ski area, is also one of the largest ski domains in the Alps. Between France and Switzerland, the area offers you a majestic panorama and a complete change of scenery!
Ben Cavet vs The Swiss Wall
The slopes not to be missed!
Among the numerous slopes in Avoriaz, a few are iconic and capture the imagination of many skiers! Let us introduce you to the slopes that are an absolute must when you come to stay in Avoriaz!
The must-not-miss slopes of Avoriaz!
