The fantastic ski area of Les Portes du Soleil is something special: it stretches over two nations! The Alpine region of Les Portes du Soleil is located southeast of Geneva. About half of them are located in the Swiss canton of Valais, the other half in the French department of Haute Savoie (Haute-Savoie). The most important resorts in the Swiss part of the ski area are Champéry, Morgins, Torgon, Val-d’Illiez and Les Crosets-Champoussin. Two impressive mountain ranges dominate the region: the Dents du Midi mountain range (approx. 3,000 to 3,200 m high) and the Dents Blanches (approx. 2,600 to 2,800 m high).
We would like to briefly introduce you to this winter sports area here, with the main focus on the Swiss part. At Les Portes du Soleil, however, it can happen that a skier starts with a lift ascent on Swiss territory and then weaves over the slopes to France from above – or vice versa. By the way, a single ski pass is available for the entire ski area, which is valid in both countries. And the pretty mountain villages on both sides of the state border also have a very similar effect on visitors: quiet, dreamy, built with lots of wood. Large hotel complexes that would block the view of the mountains are not to be found here – everything is quite tranquil. But the small hotels offer all the amenities. Many tourists also opt for a holiday apartment or a private guesthouse. The choice is large.
The ski area of Les Portes du Soleil – a paradise for downhill skiers
This ski area is record-breaking: it offers no less than 650 km of slopes, of which 170 km are classified as easy, 380 km as intermediate and 100 km as difficult. Beginners, advanced skiers and professionals will find plenty of variety on their winter holiday. 86 T-bar lifts, 86 chair lifts, 4 gondola lifts and 10 aerial tramways take skiers far up. At the top of the mountain stations there are numerous lovingly furnished mountain restaurants that invite you to stop for a bite to eat and take a break. How about a rest on a sun terrace before the next departure? All lifts and cable cars are in operation daily from 8.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. during the season. For beginners and children who may be spending their first winter holiday in a ski area and have never been on the “skis” before, there are several ski schools open in Les Portes du Soleil.
More winter sports in Les Portes du Soleil
In addition to the very popular downhill skiing, other winter sports have long since established themselves in the region. Cross-country skiers will find numerous well-groomed slopes. Toboggan runs are also available; one of them is illuminated after dusk! Snowboarding is becoming increasingly popular among young people, and older holidaymakers like to go snowshoeing. Everyone is well catered for at Les Portes du Soleil! Snowboarders have the choice between 11 snow parks with adventurous halfpipes. For snowshoe hikers who want to set off in a guided group or on their own, 385 km of winter hiking trails await. Alpine huts invite you to stop for a bite to eat along the way. If you would like to skate for a change, head over to the French part of the ski area, to Châtel. This winter sports resort has a 200 square metre ice rink, which is even open all year round.
Destinations
A day of winter holidays in Les Portes du Soleil should definitely be reserved for the city of Geneva. The city on Lake Geneva with its approx. 200,000 inhabitants is cosmopolitan and attractive as the headquarters of many international organizations. Geneva is located just a few kilometers northwest of the ski resort. One of the most famous organizations that has its headquarters in Geneva is the International Committee of the Red Cross. E
A visit to the Red Cross Museum in Geneva is definitely worthwhile. Art lovers will certainly want to visit the “Museum of Art and History” (“Musée d’Art et d’Histoire”). Here, archaeological finds and works of art from the Middle Ages and the later epochs up to the 20th century can be viewed. The Gothic Cathedral of St. Peter is also worth a visit. The Swiss reformer John Calvin worked at this church for many years. In the winter sports area Les Portes du Soleil, you can also admire beautiful historic churches. One example is the baroque “Eglise de Morgins” in Morgins.
Since 2000, there has been a large carillon in front of the church, the “Carillon de la Paix” – a pretty and unusual photo motif! Winter sports are fun! But many a holiday guest also wants to go swimming in winter. The thermal baths “Les Bains de Val-d’Illiez” offer wonderful opportunities for relaxation. The whirlpool and steam bath are open to bathers. It is especially fun to swim in the 36 °C warm water of the outdoor pool when the temperatures are below zero outside! After swimming, the café in the thermal baths invites you to stop for a bite to eat. If you feel like turning night into day, you will also find what you are looking for in the winter sports area. There are various discotheques to choose from: “Le Nid Bar” in Champoussin, “La Crevesse” in Champéry and the “Saf Club” in Morgins.
Important information about Les Portes du Soleil
Geographical location
Les Portes du Soleil is located in the Alps and connects 12 ski resorts, including:
- French side: Avoriaz, Morzine, Châtel, Les Gets.
- Swiss side: Champéry, Morgins, Les Crosets, Champoussin.
The area extends over more than 650 kilometers of slopes, which are connected by a network of 200 ski lifts.
Ski area at a glance
- Km of slopes: 650 km.
- Altitude: 900 m to 2,400 m.
- Slopes: 308 runs (33 black, 105 red, 120 blue, 50 green).
- Lifts: 200.
- Snow: Due to the altitude and state-of-the-art snow-making technology, the slopes are perfectly groomed from December to April.
Highlights in the ski area
- The “Circuit des Portes du Soleil”: A round trip through the entire ski area, crossing the French-Swiss border – a unique experience!
- Freestyle Parks: Snowboarders and freeskiers can let off steam in several snow parks, including the famous “The Stash” in Avoriaz.
- Night skiing: In some resorts, such as Les Gets, you can enjoy skiing under floodlights.
Summer
Les Portes du Soleil is not only a highlight in winter. In summer, the ski area is transformed into a paradise for outdoor activities:
- Mountain biking: With over 600 km of marked trails, it is one of the best mountain biking areas in Europe.
- Wander: Hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails crisscross the region and offer spectacular views.
- Climbing and paragliding: For the more adventurous, there are numerous via ferratas and paragliding spots.
Cuisine
The region is known for its alpine cuisine. Try:
- Raclette and fondue: Traditional cheese dishes that are perfect for cold days.
- Specialties from Savoy: Such as tartiflette (a potato casserole with Reblochon cheese) or regional cured meats.
- Swiss cheese: Champéry and Morgins are known for excellent Gruyère and Appenzeller.
Accommodation
The region offers a wide range of accommodation:
- Chalets: Ideal for groups or families looking for an authentic alpine atmosphere.
- Hotels: From luxurious 5-star hotels to cozy guesthouses.
- Apartments: Especially popular in Avoriaz, as most accommodations have direct access to the slopes.
Journey
Les Portes du Soleil is easily accessible:
- By plane: The nearest airports are Geneva (Switzerland) and Lyon (France).
- By train: There are direct connections from Geneva and Lausanne to the nearest train stations (e.g. in Cluses or Thonon-les-Bains).
- By car: The ski area is well connected to the road network, and there are plenty of parking facilities.
Sustainable tourism
Les Portes du Soleil is increasingly committed to eco-friendly initiatives:
- Energy-efficient lifts: The ski lifts will be modernised to reduce energy consumption.
- Regionality: Many hotels and restaurants rely on regional products.
- Sustainable mobility: Shuttle buses and cable cars promote car-free movement within the ski area.
Interesting Facts
- The name “Les Portes du Soleil” means “The gates to the sun” and comes from a mountain pass in the region.
- Avoriaz was designed as a car-free resort in the 1960s and is still only accessible on foot, skis or horse-drawn carriages.
- The region has already hosted several international ski championships.
