Portes du Soleil

Les Portes du Soleil is a large region of the Alps (Chablais Alps) encompassing thirteen resorts between Mont Blanc in France and Lake Geneva in Switzerland, popular for skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports. The region offers 650 km of marked runs and about 230 lifts in total, spread over 14 valleys and about 400 square miles.

Snow dumps over the Portes du Soleil are common and snowmaking ensure that slopes are kept healthy during warmer periods. However due to its low altitude it is not known for its guaranteed snow.

Resorts

There are twelve major winter sport resorts in the Portes du Soleil region. Of the twelve Avoriaz is guaranteed to have the best snow due to its altitude.

Avoriaz

The most modern area of the Portes du Soleil is the resort of Avoriaz, the self-proclaimed capital of snow-boarding. Perched atop dramatic cliffs, this 1960's resort is unusually attractive amongst those built during this era, featuring wooden buildings of a distinctive character and a car-free policy.

Avoriaz's altitude makes it the resort out of the 12 major resorts in the Portes du Soleil to have the best snow.

Morzine

A traditional market town in the heart of the Portes du Soleil, Morzine is dominated by attractive chalets spread across a river gorge, bordered by partially wooded slopes allowing skiing in poor weather conditions.

The immediate terrain makes the area best suited for beginners and less-seasoned skiers and snowboarders, which has led to the resort being especially popular with families. However more challenging slopes can be found at Avoriaz via the Prodains lifts which are only five minutes away on the excellent local bus service.

Morzine, at 1000m is the most northern of the French Alpine resorts and benefits from the regional microclimate between Mont Blanc and Lac Leman.

= Châtel =

A typical Savoyarde village on the border with Switzerland. The village stretches from Lac de Vonnes (near the border) down to centre. There are 3 main ski areas in the village, the nearest being Super Châtel, the others are Linga and Pre - La - Joux, the latter being the most convenient for the Portes du Soleil. There are a number of bars and restaurants. Another haunt, popular with season workers and holidaymakers alike, is the large Pub L'Avalanche (known as 'The Av'). With lively bar staff, and a band every Thursday during the winter season, this is one place you really must visit during your stay!For more information visit the tourist office website [http://www.chatel.com]

The resort lies at 1200m but many of the slopes are north facing and do retain the snow throughout the season.After the poor snowfall in 06/07 Châtel had a fantastic season with superb snow during the majority of the 07/08 season!

Morgins

Also part of the Portes du Soleil, but located in Switzerland, this village has kept some of its traditional charm and is not as crowded as the larger resorts in France. A fantastic holiday location for families with what must be the friendliest Swiss locals you've ever met. The resort is not a large skyscraping hotel type of place. Rather a mix of small traditional chalets owned by local Swiss families and several chalet operators. The village has a ski torch light descent each Wednesday during the winter which is open to all.

Les Crosets

A very small resort in the Portes Du Soleil again located in Switzerland. It is easily reached by skis from Chatel and Avoriaz. It too also has a microclimate and allows splendid views of the Dents Du Midi. The famous Swiss wall (a black mogul run) can be reached from Les Crosets.

Other resorts

*Montriond (France)
*La Chapelle-d'Abondance (France)
*Saint-Jean-d'Aulps (France)
*Les Gets (France)
*Champéry (Switzerland)
*Val D'Illiez (Switzerland), Champoussin, Les Crosets
*Torgon (Switzerland)
*Abondance (France)

Lodging in the Portes du Soleil

A wide variety of accommodation for tourists exists in the Portes du Soleil region. From large ski-hotels to independentally owned chalets, the wide variety of resorts offers something for all.

External links

* [http://www.portesdusoleil.com Portes du Soleil Tourism Website]
* [http://www.mountainairholidays.co.uk Catered Ski Chalet in Chatel, Portes Du Soleil]
* [http://www.alpinefarmhouse.com/ Traditional Portes du Soleil farmhouse]
* [http://www.alpine-connection.com Ski accommodation Chatel]
* [http://www.chaletbook.net Ski accommodation Morzine]