The Portes du Soleil ski area is one of the largest ski areas in the world, spanning across two countries, France and Switzerland. With over 600 kilometers of slopes and close to 200 ski lifts, the area is a paradise for skiing enthusiasts from all around the globe. If you’re planning a skiing trip, the Portes du Soleil should definitely be on your radar.
One of the most appealing aspects of the Portes du Soleil is the sheer variety of slopes on offer. There’s something for every level of skier, from complete beginners to seasoned experts. Whether you’re looking for easy, gentle runs or steep, challenging black pistes, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for here. And with such a vast area to explore, you could spend weeks skiing in the Portes du Soleil and still not have tried every run.
For beginners and intermediate skiers, there are plenty of gentle slopes and well-maintained runs to enjoy. Morzine is a great choice for those who are new to skiing, as it has a number of wide, gentle runs and excellent ski schools. Les Gets is another popular choice for beginners, with plenty of nursery slopes and easy runs to build up confidence.
For more experienced skiers, there are a number of challenging black runs and off-piste areas to explore. Avoriaz is renowned for its challenging terrain, with some seriously steep and technical pistes that will put even the most skilled skiers to the test. The Swiss resort of Champery also has some impressive black runs, as well as some great off-piste skiing opportunities.
Some of the best choices
One of the standout resorts in Portes du Soleil is Avoriaz. With its high altitude, snow sureness and varied terrain, Avoriaz is a great choice for intermediate and advanced skiers. The resort is also known for its unique architecture, with buildings that blend seamlessly into the natural environment. The accommodation options in Avoriaz range from budget-friendly apartments to luxury chalets, making it a great choice for skiers on any budget.
Another top resort in Portes du Soleil is Les Gets. With its picturesque setting and family-friendly atmosphere, Les Gets is a great choice for beginners and families. The resort has a dedicated children’s area with gentle slopes and a ski school, ensuring that little ones can learn to ski in a safe and fun environment. Accommodation options in Les Gets range from cozy apartments to luxurious chalets, making it a great choice for families or couples.
If you’re looking for a challenge, then head to the resort of Morzine. Known for its steep slopes and off-piste opportunities, Morzine is a great choice for advanced skiers. The resort also has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from. Accommodation options in Morzine range from budget-friendly hotels to luxury chalets, ensuring
Challenging runs
The Portes du Soleil ski area offers a wide range of off-piste skiing opportunities for experienced skiers, with some of the most challenging runs in the region. Here are a few examples:
Swiss Wall, Avoriaz: This is one of the most notorious ski runs in the Portes du Soleil, and it’s not for the faint-hearted. The run is steep, narrow, and littered with moguls, making it a challenge even for experienced skiers. The views from the top are stunning, but you’ll need nerves of steel to tackle this run.
Hauts Forts, Morzine: This off-piste run is one of the longest and most challenging in the region, with over 1,000 meters of vertical descent. The run takes you through a variety of terrain, including steep couloirs and wide-open powder fields, and requires a high level of skill and experience.
La Chavanette, Avoriaz: Known as the “Swiss Wall’s little sister,” this run is a popular choice for experienced skiers looking for a challenge. The run is steep and bumpy, with a number of narrow sections that require precise turns and quick reactions.
Le Pas de Chavanette, Chatel: This off-piste run is often referred to as the “Mur Suisse,” or Swiss wall, due to its steepness and challenging terrain. The run takes you through a narrow, rocky chute before opening up into a wide powder field, making it a challenging but rewarding experience.
Family friendly
When it comes to skiing with young families, there are a number of resorts within the Portes du Soleil that are particularly well-suited to families with children. Here are a few of the best options:
Les Gets: This charming, family-friendly resort is perfect for families with children of all ages. It has a wide range of gentle slopes and beginner-friendly areas, as well as a fantastic ski school with English-speaking instructors. There’s also a great selection of family-friendly restaurants and activities, including an ice rink, a cinema, and a mini-snowmobile course.
Morzine: Another excellent choice for families, Morzine has a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a great selection of beginner-friendly slopes. The resort also offers a range of family-friendly activities, including a toboggan run and an indoor swimming pool.
Avoriaz: While Avoriaz is known for its challenging terrain, it’s also a great choice for families with older children who are more experienced skiers. The resort has a number of gentle slopes and easy runs, as well as a wide range of family-friendly activities, including an indoor water park and an ice skating rink.
Chatel: This picturesque resort is ideal for families with younger children, with plenty of gentle slopes and beginner-friendly areas. The resort also has a good selection of family-friendly restaurants and activities, including a children’s snow park and a toboggan run.
Is the Portes the Soleil expensive?
Of course, price is always a consideration when planning a ski holiday, and the Portes du Soleil is no exception. While some of the more exclusive resorts can be expensive, there are plenty of affordable options to choose from. Morzine is a great choice for those on a budget, with a good selection of budget-friendly accommodation and affordable lift passes. Les Gets is also a good option, with a range of chalets and apartments that won’t break the bank.
All in all, the Portes du Soleil is an excellent choice for skiing enthusiasts looking for a varied, exciting, and snow-sure ski holiday. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert skier, there’s something here for everyone. So why not book your trip today and discover all that this incredible ski area has to offer?
Getting there
Portes du Soleil is a ski resort located in the French Alps, near the border with Switzerland. The nearest airport is Geneva International Airport (GVA) in Switzerland, and the nearest train station is in Thonon-les-Bains, France.
To get to Portes du Soleil by train, you would need to take a train to Thonon-les-Bains train station. From there, you can take a bus , transfer service or a taxi to reach the ski resort.
To get to Portes du Soleil by plane, you would need to book a flight to Geneva International Airport (GVA) in Switzerland. From the airport, you can take a bus, a shared shuttle, a private transfer, or a taxi to reach the ski resort. The journey time is around 1 hour and 30 minutes.