Francia / Suiza · Northern Alps, Haute-Savoie (France) and Valais (Switzerland)
Portes du Soleil
Les Portes du Soleil
- 600 km of piste
- 2460 m top altitude
- Night skiing
- Altitudes
- 985m - 2460m
- Km of piste
- 600 km
- Lifts
- 200
- Lift pass / day
- 53€ (Portes du Soleil, adult 26-64)
- Airport
- Geneva (GVA) — ~1-1.5h
France / Switzerland · 985m - 2,460m · ~600 km of pistes · ~200 lifts · 12 resorts
Summary
Les Portes du Soleil is, together with Les 3 Vallées, the largest linked ski domain in the world: ~600 km of pistes and ~200 lifts spread across 12 resorts straddling France (Haute-Savoie) and Switzerland (Valais). The concept of a cross-border “ski safari” — starting in France and finishing in Switzerland without taking your skis off — is its hallmark.
The domain covers an enormous range of profiles: from the freestyle of Avoriaz to the family charm of Les Gets, passing through the freeride of Champéry (Switzerland) and the social life of Morzine. With 30 snowparks and fun areas, it is particularly strong in freestyle and playful terrain.
Technical data
| Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Domain | Les Portes du Soleil (France + Switzerland) |
| Km of pistes | ~580-600 km (307 pistes) |
| Altitudes | 985m - 2,460m |
| Lifts | ~195-208 (depending on source) |
| Snowparks | 30 snowparks and fun areas |
| Night skiing | Yes (in specific sectors) |
| Resorts | 12 (6 France + 6 Switzerland) |
| Season | Mid-December — mid-April |
| Day lift pass | ~65-75€ |
The resorts (selection)
| Resort | Country | Character | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avoriaz | France | Freestyle, car-free, snow | [[avoriaz]] |
| Morzine | France | Versatile, social life | [[morzine-avoriaz]] |
| Les Gets | France | Family-friendly, charming | [[les-gets]] |
| Châtel | France | Family, traditional | — |
| Champéry | Switzerland | Freeride, Swiss Wall | — |
| Morgins | Switzerland | Quiet, economical | — |
Why ski here
1. 600 km: rival to Les 3 Vallées Direct competitor for the title of largest linked domain in the world. More resorts, more variety, slightly more accessible profile.
2. Franco-Swiss ski safari Cross the border skiing, lunch on fondue in Switzerland and return to France for après-ski. A unique and unrepeatable experience.
3. 30 snowparks and fun areas The highest density of freestyle zones in any European domain. Avoriaz as the epicentre of French freestyle.
4. Geneva 1 hour away The largest domain with the best access from an international airport. Geneva 1-1.5 hours from Morzine/Avoriaz.
How to get there
| Route | Approx. time |
|---|---|
| Geneva (GVA) | ~1-1.5h |
| Lyon (LYS) | ~2.5h |
| Train: Thonon/Cluses | + bus ~30-45min |
Giora’s tip
Portes du Soleil is Giora’s recommendation for mixed groups and families seeking the largest possible domain with easy access and reasonable pricing. Lift pass cheaper than Les 3 Vallées, faster access from Geneva, enormous variety of resorts. Morzine for social life, Avoriaz for snow and freestyle, Les Gets for families.
Related pages
- [[avoriaz]] — Freestyle and snow
- [[morzine-avoriaz]] — Heart of the domain
- [[les-gets]] — Family-friendly
- [[les-3-vallees]] — Rival for the title of largest domain
Interested in Portes du Soleil?