Portes du Soleil, literally 'the gates of the sun’ is one of the largest ski areas in the world and is situated in France and in Switzerland, between the Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva.

Since decades it the competitor of Les 3 Vallées (ski area around Val Thorens) with no less than 650 kilometers of slopes from Les Gets in France to Champéry in Switzerland

 

650 km of slopes of which

• 170 km blue runs : 26%
• 380km red runs : 58%
• 100 km black runs : 15%
• Highest point: 2466 m
• Lowest point: 900 m
• 107 tows  - 83 chair lifts - 14 gondola lifts

 

Portes du Soleil offers skiers a real ski safari. You can ski from town to town, from valley to valley and even from country to country! With more than 200 mountain lifts almost all slopes are linked.

The ski area offers skiers and snowboarders a pristine environment, snowy woods and trails that make their way through alpine meadows and magnificent fir forests. In the beautiful mountain huts that have withstood the test of time, you can relax and enjoy Swiss and French food.

 

Strengths of Portes du Soleil

• Excellent for beginners: it is a dream area for beginners. You'll find lots of simple blue and red runs. You need not be an expert to make nice trips
• Suitable for advanced skiers: thanks to the ability to make long trips, the nice tight carve slopes and the some steep walls like the famous 'Le Mur', this area is great for the seasoned skier
• Ample off-piste: if you know the road a bit, this area is great for skiing off-piste. From just off the run and fairly easy to quite challenging (preferably with guide or teacher)
• Child friendly: the resort focuses on families and children. This can be seen on the slopes, the ski schools and opportunities for the youngest skiers.

 

The best slopes

• Plan de Croix: the blue runs in the bowl of Plan de Croix in Châtel, are great for beginners. The snow quality is often very good and you can ski really perfectly, including views of Lake Geneva
• Le Grand Paradis: this is a lovely red run which completely lies on the edge of the ski area and ends at the hamlet (near Champéry). It is never too busy on the slopes and the views are fantastic
• Mur de Chavanette: this track is also called the 'Mur Suisse' and is one of the steepest slopes in the Alps. This track consists mainly of icy, man-sized bumps on a steep slope. Only for the brave.