Around 40 years ago a group of passionate skiers wanted to open one of the largest linked ski areas in Europe, and they did……the Portes du Soleil ski area was created offering a winter sports playground covering 12 resorts in 2 countries – France and Switzerland.
With a massive 650km’s of pistes (not to mention the numerous km’s of off-piste!), the area offers superb skiing and snowboarding for all ages and levels. From spacious and wide slopes for beginners, cruising runs for intermediates, and challenging black runs and off-piste skiing for the more advanced skiers, the huge Portes du Soleil ski area and stunning scenery is shouting out to be explored.
The Portes du Soleil ski area itself offers a mix of open and wooded slopes suitable for all abilities. Nestled between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc, the ski area creates its own micro climate thus giving the area an amazing snow record – don’t be fooled by a higher resort having better snow, this is not always the case! With easy access to Avoriaz, Chatel, Morzine and the Swiss side of the Portes du Soleil ski area, the area is an extremely convenient location. Perhaps ski France one day and then Switzerland the next, the choice is yours!
With such a large ski area, the amount of off-piste is massive. It is even great for intermediate skiers wishing to experience their first powder run. For those in the know The Happy Valley at Chatel’s Linga ski area offers some of the best and varied off piste in the Portes du Soleil, and for the more adventurous, you can hike up to the bowls overlooking the Mossets chair lift to enjoy the fluffy powder fields and amazing views of Mont Blanc.
As for ski accommodation the Portes du Soleil provides lots of different options from hotels, catered ski chalets, self catered apartments and even camp sites!
The article was written by Paolo Sebastianelli who has been running a catered ski chalet since 2006.
Catered ski chalet Chatel