Lessons (2007/08 prices)

The Swiss Ski School in Champéry (phone/fax: 024-479-1615); the Freeride Company (024-479-10 00; fax 024-479-14-52) offer down-hill lessons.

Private lessons (skiing and snowboarding): CHF140 for two hours, extra skier is CHF20. Half-day private lessons cost CHF200 extra skiers are CHF30. Full day is CHF360 plus CHF40 each extra skier.

Group lessons (skiing and snowboarding): CHF50 for a half day, and CHF200 for five half days.

A good way to get to know the area is through organized Ski Excursions Portes du Soleil groups of at least four skiers for €40 a day or €165 a five-day week. The groups, organized by the Swiss Ski School in Champéry, normally make a loop through Les Crosets, Champoussin, Morgins and Avoriaz, and then return to Champéry.

From Berra Sports (024-479-1390) in the center of town, you can get ski rentals demo quality for about CHF145 (six days) and CHF155 (seven days). Snowboard rentals are about CHF25 (one day) and CHF105 (seven days). Rentals are also available from Freeride Company, Gonnet, Holiday and Borgeat Sports.