A Guide to Skiing in Portes du Soleil

Straddling the border of France and Switzerland, the Portes du Soleil ski area is one of the most iconic winter sports destinations in the world. Renowned for its exceptional beauty and accessibility, this sprawling region is made up of 12 interlinked ski resorts, boasting an impressive 650 kilometres of marked pistes. Whether you’re a seasoned skier seeking a challenge or a first-timer looking for slopes to learn on, the diversity of terrain guarantees something for everyone.

Consistently listed among the best countries for skiing, France and Switzerland deliver charm, hospitality, and exceptional snow conditions. Portes du Soleil is particularly celebrated for its reliable snow coverage and opportunities for exploration, making it a paradise for both skiers and snowboarders.

From wide-open alpine bowls to enchanting tree-lined trails, this remarkable destination truly offers an unforgettable experience for winter sports lovers. This guide to skiing in Portes Du Soleil will take you through all you need to know about the ski area, the slopes, and how it caters to different skill levels.

The Portes du Soleil Ski Area

Located between the iconic Mont Blanc in southeastern France and the shimmering Lake Geneva in Switzerland, the Portes du Soleil ski area is one of the largest and most diverse skiing regions in the world. Spanning two countries celebrated as the best countries for skiing, this vast network of 12 interlinked ski resorts offers a unique blend of French charm and Swiss beauty. Portes du Soleil is naturally divided into two parts, connected by a short town-train ride through Morzine which is a central hub for exploring this winter paradise.

To the east, skiers can enjoy the many slopes that connect French resorts like Avoriaz and Chatel with Swiss gems such as Morgins, Champery, and smaller picturesque villages. To the west, the slopes around Morzine and Les Gets provide a slightly more close-knit yet equally thrilling skiing experience. With its impressive 650 kilometres of marked pistes, the area caters to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers.

One of the most unique aspects of the Portes du Soleil ski area is the ability to ski from village to village, crossing borders easily while soaking in stunning alpine views. There is a designated ski circuit which connects most of the area’s resorts, crossing between France and Switzerland, and taking roughly six to seven hours to complete.

To ensure a smooth journey, skiers should start early, make use of a Portes du Soleil ski map, and plan their day carefully, particularly checking the timings for when the Portes du Soleil lifts are open to avoid being stranded.

Portes du Soleil Snow Report

The Portes du Soleil ski area is renowned for its reliable snow conditions, making it a favourite among skiers and boarders. Crossing over both France and Switzerland - consistently ranked among the best countries for skiing - this region benefits from its high-altitude slopes and diverse terrain, ensuring great skiing throughout the season. The area boasts 650 kilometres of pistes, with elevations reaching up to 2460 metres, providing excellent coverage for all ability levels.

Thanks to state-of-the-art snowmaking facilities, including 694 cannons, skiers can enjoy fresh-powder runs even during lighter snowfall periods. Regular weather updates and detailed snow forecasts are available to help visitors plan their adventures. Whether carving through powder or gliding down groomed trails, conditions in Portes du Soleil are consistently exceptional.

For the most up-to-date information, including snowfall totals, weather trends, and grooming updates, skiers can consult a Portes du Soleil snow report to ensure the best experience on the slopes.

Beginner Skiing in Portes du Soleil

Whilst the Portes du Soleil ski area is huge, this shouldn’t put beginner skiers off. This sprawling region offers plenty of gentle terrain, especially around the villages of Morzine, Avoriaz, and Les Gets, which are particularly popular with those learning to ski.

Is Les Gets Good for Beginners?

In Les Gets, beginners can take advantage of a free ski zone at the top of the Chavanne chairlift. This area features three nearby green pistes, perfect for mastering basic skills. Families will enjoy the fantastic ‘Le Grand Cry’ snow park, featuring totem poles, American Indian-themed decorations, and small tunnels and jumps for playful practice.

Is Morzine Good for Beginners?

Morzine slopes are fantastic for beginners who know the basics. This charming village provides a variety of gentle blues that are ideal for those ready to progress beyond green pistes. The Pleney slopes offer wide and flat terrain, ensuring skiers or boarders can develop confidence at their own pace. Instructors are readily available, with plenty of ski schools offering one-on-one lessons for novices.

Is Avoriaz Good for Beginners?

Avoriaz is another beginner-friendly option within the Portes du Soleil ski area. In the heart of the resort, the Ecoles and Dromonts pistes provide a safe and controlled environment to practice. These green runs are serviced by two convenient drag lifts.

Once those snowplough turns have been perfected, beginners can explore nearby blue runs such as Proclou or Seraussaix, which offer slightly steeper gradients without being overwhelming. Chatel also has several beginner areas and a good amount of blue skiing to progress to.

Intermediate Skiing in Portes du Soleil

The Portes du Soleil ski area is the ultimate paradise for competent skiers, offering a wealth of red and blue runs that crisscross the region. Once you’ve hit the slopes, skiers can explore most of the circuit and its scenic offshoots, taking in breathtaking views and a variety of challenging descents.

In the Chatel region, the reds around Linga and above Pre-la-Joux stand out as highlights, especially when snow conditions are at their best. These runs offer a mix of technical sections and exhilarating open stretches, perfect for refining skills. The Lindarets valley and the slopes of Hauts Forts are also fabulous runs for intermediates, on both sides of the Swiss Valley.

On the western edge of Portes du Soleil, the Arbis run from Chamossiere delivers a long and testing descent for the adrenaline-seekers amongst us. For something shorter and sweeter, Mont Chery offers a quieter experience with a selection of red runs ideal for carving turns. The variety and quality of runs in the Portes du Soleil ski area ensures that intermediates have no shortage of thrilling slopes to explore.

Expert Skiing in Portes du Soleil

Expert skiers will love the thrilling challenges on offer, from steep black runs to exciting off-piste opportunities. The most iconic of these is the Swiss Wall (Le Pas de Chavanette), known to be one of the toughest mogul runs in Europe. Its difficulty can vary significantly depending on snow conditions, but its steep incline and large bumps make it a bucket-list challenge for advanced skiers.

There are a few genuine black runs to tackle above Avoriaz, accessible via the Grandes Combe chairlift, which provides several technical descents. Mont Chery offers a quieter but equally demanding experience with runs like Mouflon, Chevreuil, Bouquetin, and Gazelle, all of which are perfect for testing precision and control.

Beyond the marked pistes, Porte du Soleil is a paradise for off-piste lovers. The un-pisted bowl at Chamossière offers an adrenaline-pumping descent, while Avoriaz boasts the largest area for easily accessible off-piste runs. Les Crosets and Nyon are also popular spots for lift-served off-piste terrain, with plenty of fresh snow waiting to be discovered.

It should be noted that to fully enjoy the off-piste options safely, it’s really important that you hire a guide and make sure you’re properly equipped.

Freestyle Skiing in Portes du Soleil

Offering 11 snowparks and 4 boardercross courses, the Portes du Soleil ski area is a dream destination for freestyle skiers and snowboarders. As one of the most innovative freestyle hubs in Europe, it features standout attractions like a permanent halfpipe and Europe’s first Burton’s Stash, so it’s easy to see why this region is so popular with freestyle skiers.

Morzine’s Nyon Snowpark, while smaller in size, provides a fun space to develop skills, particularly for beginners and intermediates. Over in Les Gets, the Snowpark at the top of Mont Chery combines well-designed features with stunning views across Porte du Soleil. This park caters to all levels, offering kickers, rails, and an airbag for safely practising tricks.

Avoriaz is the freestyle heart of the Portes du Soleil ski area, boasting six distinct zones. Among them, The Stash stands out as a unique eco-friendly park with three routes of varying difficulty weaving through the Lindarets forest, complete with natural wooden features. For advanced riders, Snowpark Arare offers technical challenges and big jumps, while Les Crosets is another hotspot for seasoned freestylers looking to push their limits.

Summary

Portes du Soleil is more than just a ski destination; it’s a winter sports paradise that caters to every kind of skier and snowboarder. Spanning the breathtaking landscapes of France and Switzerland, the region offers an unparalleled variety of terrain, from gentle beginner slopes to challenging expert runs and thrilling freestyle parks. With its extensive lift network, picturesque alpine villages, and over 650 kilometres of interconnected pistes, you’re guaranteed a skiing experience like no other.

Whether you’re exploring the family-friendly zones in Les Gets, tackling the legendary Swiss Wall, or enjoying the freestyle features in Avoriaz, this remarkable ski area truly has something for everyone. Add to that the stunning scenery, vibrant apres-ski options, and excellent snow conditions, and it’s easy to see why the Portes du Soleil ski area remains one of the most iconic winter destinations in the world.