holiday resorts

 

Portes du Soleil travel guide

 

 

This lovely area tucked away between Lake Geneva and Mont-Blanc embraces 12 resorts in two countries. Its geographical location, in the most northern part of the French Alps, combined with the effects of the lake, produces a microclimate, which ensures a combination of optimal snowfall and above average sunshine throughout the winter – hence the name. Beyond the stark contrast between the charming traditional resorts such as Chatel and ultra modern Avoriaz the Swiss influence is ever-present.

 

The Portes du Soleil skiing area is very extensive with 650 km of pistes, 279 marked pistes, 9 snowparks, 1023 ski instructors and two countries to choose from. As a whole, it offers classic intermediate terrain but each resort has own appeal and challenges for the more advanced. For ease of navigation within such wide area, there are 12 discovery routes, signposted with different alpine animals according to the level of difficulty. Beginners are well catered for within each local area.

 

 

1. Les Gets

A charming village of mainly traditional chalet buildings nestling in the valley bottom with mountains rising on either side. The village has expanded to encompass the winter sports market and has a good range of shops and some excellent restaurants.

 

 

2. Morzine

Morzine is right in the heart of the Portes du Soleil area, it is an ideal point from which to set out and discover the area. Morzine is a village keen to preserve its authentic Savoyard style.

 

 

The region is easy to get to, being particularly close to Geneva.

 

Northen Alps Map

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