How To Ski The Swiss Wall Like A Pro

The Swiss Wall, or 'Chavanette,’ is one of the most famous ski runs in the world. It starts in the ski resort of Avoriaz, France. On the border with the Swiss resort of Les Crosets. The whole area is known as the Portes du Soleil, spanning over 2 countries and joining 12 resorts together. For some, it’s a thing of terror, something to ski in a far-fetched dream. For others, it’s on their bucket list of runs to ski.

To help you conquer this iconic descent, British ski instructor, Tom Hudson from All Mountain Snowsports, shares his expert tips on how to tackle the Swiss Wall like a pro below.

The Wall is for advanced skiers only; once you enter, there is no easy way out. So make sure you are confident skiing the black runs around the resort, including bumps, before attempting it.

The conditions on the wall can change throughout the week. It can vary from firm, grippy snow to moguls reaching the size of small cars, so make sure you assess the conditions every time you ski it.

When you reach the bottom, you are in the Swiss resort of Les Crosets, so make sure you have the correct ski pass. The Avoriaz only pass won’t allow you to return up the chairlift.

Skiing moguls is one of the ultimate challenges of skiing. Unlike skiing on piste, navigating moguls demands a combination of rapid movements and precise timing, making it a challenge even for experienced skiers.

Before you tackle the Swiss Wall, take some time to practise on smaller bumps and focus on mastering these key techniques:

1. Pivot Turns: Learn to rotate your skis 180° under your body on a sixpence. Having the ability to turn your skis quickly in a tight space is a skill you’ll need skiing the Swiss Wall.

2. Side Slipping: Work on skidding your skis down the hill; practise doing this straight down the fall line; and also skid them sideways down the hill whilst traversing across. To help prepare for the Swiss wall, make sure you work on these skills in some easier bumps; sliding sideways over a bump will make controlling your descent of the Swiss wall easier.

3. Be Balanced: Often on steeper slopes, the temptation is to ‘hug’ the hill. If you start turning while your upper body is leaning up the slope, you’ll find yourself in the back seat, picking speed up straight down the hill. Working on a strong pole plant can help with this.

4. Use the bumps. Don’t always try skiing around the bumps; there can be very little space to turn your skis in the ruts. Practise skiing on top of the bump; when your feet are on top, the tip and tails of your skis are off the snow; this makes pivoting your skis easier. Once you’ve turned them, practise sliding sideways down the back of the bump.

There are so many great instructors in the Portes du Soleil. It’s worth having a few lessons if you really want to conquer moguls and prepare for skiing the Swiss Wall. Bumps are often more forgiving in the afternoons, so look out for some deals for cheaper afternoon ski lessons.

If skiing the Swiss Wall is on your bucket list, there’s no better place to stay than in the heart of the Portes du Soleil, with access to the legendary slopes of Avoriaz, Morzine and Les Gets. After mastering the techniques outlined above, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle this iconic run and experience some of the best skiing in the world.

At VIP SKI, our luxurious catered ski chalets and hotels offer the perfect base for your alpine adventure.

Book your next ski holiday with us and let the slopes of the Portes du Soleil set the stage for your ultimate ski challenge.