The Portes du Soleil is one of the largest ski carousels in the world with 12 linked resorts either side of the French-Swiss border providing over 650kms of pistes for all abilities. As the world's oldest cross-border ski area, the Portes du Soleil straddles the French region of Chablais and the Swiss canton of Valais. Apart from Avoriaz which is a purpose built resort, The Portes du Soleil is made up of beautiful hamlets and quaint villages where you'll find stunning chocolate box ski chalets that have stood the test of time.
Arriving via the Autoroute Blanche on the French side, the first resort you come to is the pretty village of Les Gets. A little further on brings you to Chatel, Morzine, Abondance, La Chapelle d'Abondance, Montriond and Saint Jean d'Aulps. Avoriaz, sits above Morzine at 1800m is the ultimate ski-in, ski-out resort and very popular for family ski holidays. On the Swiss side, there are the pretty and traditional resorts of Morgins, Champery, Les Crosets and Champoussin. This part of the carousel has less crowded slopes than the French side and has some excellent mountain restaurants.
Mountain Facts
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12 ski resorts |
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2466 m |
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650 kms |
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196 |
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31 |
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122 |
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100 |
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32 |
Families & Children
With its 3 family-friendly "Famille Plus Montagne" destinations - Châtel, Les Gets and Morzine plus numerous dedicated beginners'slopes, the Portes du Soleil is particularly well suited to family ski holidays and first time skiers and snowboarders.
In Avoriaz, there is the Children's Village that caters for 3 year olds and over whilst in Chatel, at the Pré-la-Joux, there's tobogganing, a snow play area for the whole family, an interactive winter trail and ski nursery.
Après-ski
Each resort around the Portes du Soleil offers something different. In recent years, an influx of young and dynamic chefs has made Champéry’s restaurant scene one of the best kept culinary secrets of the Alps delighting discerning guests and food critics alike.
For typical apres-ski bars and nightclubs, the main Morzine strip has a good selection as does Avoriaz.
Featured Resorts
Offering a warm and very friendly stay, the Portes du Soleil ski resorts are excellent value and provide nothing less than the highest quality in service and fantastic chalets for you to enjoy your ski holidays.
Things to See & do around the Portes du Soleil
Ski holidays in the Portes du Soleil offer so much variety in terms of what do see and do for all ages. From day trips to one of the nearby lakes to visting one of the other ski areas such as the Chamonix Valley or the Grand Massif.
From cultural events to places of natural beauty, Portes du Soleil and the surrounding valleys are a treasure chest of surprises and waiting to be explored. With towering peaks, countless lakes and not to mention the Haute Savoie culture and heritage, the choice is as wide as gets. However there are a few things that you shouldn’t miss during your stay such as...
Spa & Wellness
The main resorts offering spas are Avoriaz and Chatel. Aquariaz in Avoriaz is a tropical themed waterpark and is the highest in Europe at 1800m above sea level. It boasts state of the art facilities featuring lush vegetation, rocks, lazy river, massage benches and an open-air spa heated to 34 degrees!
If you are looking to get in shape, the lifeguards at Aquariaz offer 45 minute aquatic sports classes such as slim, aqua zumba, fitness and aqua step.
Les Bains Val d'Illiez
Les Bains du Val d'Illiez is part of the thermal centre Thermes Parc and is open throughout the year. The thermal waters bubble out of the spring at 34°C and are rich in magnesium, sulphur and calcium which is why the baths are popular with people who suffer from pains in their joints amonst other ailments such as skin and ciculatory problems. As well as the thermal area, there is a spa which offers various treatments including massages. There is also a restaurant where you can enjoy some snacks.
Les Bains du Val d'Illiez is a great family day especially if the weather is not great for skiing and children under 4 go free.
Our view on Portes du Soleil
The Portes du Soleil is probably one of the best places in the world for intermediate skiers and boarders with well connected blues and reds spanning 650km.
With short transfer times of around 1 hour from Geneva airport and excellent creche facilties throughout the area, all of the 12 ski resorts that make up this amazing carousel are popular for family ski holidays.
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