Portes du Soleil

SKI THE PORTES DU SOLEIL

ONE OF THE WORLD'S LARGEST SKI AREAS

ALTITUDE: 1000-2260m

12 ski resorts – 1 ski pass

Portes du Soleil boasts 12 ski resorts in two countries and holds the reputation as one of the world’s largest ski areas. Skiers & boarders can explore more than 600km of ski runs, including 14 valleys, 10 terrain parks, and 201 ski lifts. One lift pass covers the whole domain across France and Switzerland, making the Portes du Soleil a unique ski destination.

Chalet Cannelle sits in Chatel on the French side of the Portes du Soleil. The ski area is in the French Alps and is the nearest French ski resort to northern Europe. This makes it an easy drive from Calais or The Netherlands. Chatel is also only 90 minutes from Geneva airport.

12 SKI STATIONS

2 COUNTRIES

286 PISTES

122 BLUE

100 RED

32 BLACK

A chair lift over a walking trail in chatel in winter

let it snow!

SNOW RECORD

People often think that altitude is the most important factor when deciding where to ski, but this is not always true! The Portes du Soleil is home to resorts that are relatively low-lying, but they still have some of the most favourable skiing conditions around.

Snow is all about geography. Sandwiched between Lake Geneva and the majestic Mont Blanc, Portes du Soleil is in the perfect geographic position to create more snow. The area is often home to more snow than many high-altitude resorts thanks to the microclimate and atmospheric conditions.

The average season snow fall is about seven meters, and with the base of the piste being pasture, not rock, skiing is possible early in the season when there is less snow. There is also less chance of lift closure due to high wind. The treelined pistes and snow parks built in the forests make for some very beautiful ski slopes.

CATERED SKI HOLIDAYS

The Portes du Soleil is an outstanding ski area for both skiers and snowboaders. The one ski pass covers the well known French ski resorts of Morzine, Avoriaz, Chatel & Les Gets as well as the Swiss ski resorts including Les Crosets and the famous Swiss Wall piste.

SEE WHATS INCLUDED

Snow Sports in the Portes du Soleil

Enjoy All the French Alps have to Offer

Skier in a red jacket skiing on a mountain

Downhill on the piste

SKIING & SNOWBOARDING

Portes du Soleil is a top skiing destination with a vast number of groomed pistes of varied terrain. Ski lift links are fast and seamless, making the most of your time in the alps. There are facilities for all abilities, including beginner to the most daring skiers. Enjoy the gentle, tree-lined pistes or take a turn on the steep challenging black slopes.

Imagine yourself skiing the Narnia-like landscapes with stunning views of the Dents du Midi, Mont Blanc, and Lake Geneva all around you. Local guides can assist you in exploring off-piste areas and experiencing everything that Portes du Soleil has to offer.

A snowboarder on a rail in the stash at Avoriaz, portes du soleil

FREESTYLE

SNOWPARKS & BORDERCROSS

Portes du Soleil is home to world-class freestyle ski areas. You can choose from 11 snow parks and four border cross, all conveniently located. There are plenty of opportunities for air, including boxes, rails, tables, and more.

Don’t forget the famous Stash in Avoriaz, known for its all-wood construction running through the Linderet Forest. Whether you prefer a more tame experience, or you’re a freestyle pro, you can find it in the Portes du Soleil.

PISTE MAPS

WEB CAMS

NON SKIERS

The cookie cafe at the top of mossettes in the portes du soleil ski domain in winter

THE PERFECT BREAK TO YOUR DAY

MOUNTAIN RESTAURANTS

A perfect day on the pistes includes well-timed breaks with delicious food to provide plenty of fuel for the fun ahead. Mountain restaurants in the Portes du Soleil are plentiful, so you can always find something to eat or drink when you want it. Of course many of the restaurants serve traditional Savoyard style cuisine but there is a surprising amount of variety, even up at 2000m!

Our list of favourite mountain restaurants seems to get longer and longer each year. Whether you are skiing to eat or eating to ski, we love recommending our favourite lunch spots. Plan the perfect break for your ski day and enjoy a delicious meal in the French Alps.

why we...

♥ CHÂTEL

Châtel is in the perfect location to reach every corner of the Portes du Soleil. You can make the most of your ski pass by covering new and unique ski trails instead of backtracking over the same spots.

Chalet Cannelle is between 5-12 minutes drive from four ski lifts, which means you can start in a different place each day! Your options are open for ski touring on the quiet side of the Portes du Soleil as well, starting in La Chapelle D’Abondance, crossing into Switzerland, and finishing in Châtel. Ski up to 40km of piste without ever using the same lift twice.

Châtel is a snow-sure resort with extensive snow making for optimal skiing conditions. Skiiers also have the added benefit of many north-facing slopes where the snow pack on the piste lasts longer. Ski season in Châtel lasts until the third weekend of April!