The 2024-2025 winter sports season marks a monumental milestone for the Portes du Soleil, as it celebrates its 60th anniversary. Nestled between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc, just an hour from Geneva, the Portes du Soleil remains one of the largest and most celebrated ski areas in the world. Spanning the Franco-Swiss border, the ski paradise boasts 12 resorts, offering skiers and snowboarders the unique opportunity to glide seamlessly between France and Switzerland.
All 12 resorts in the Portes du Soleil can be easily accessed from Geneva Airport. A six-day lift pass for the Portes du Soleil area is priced from €336 for adults, €252 for children and €302 for seniors (web prices, until 28 March 2025). See more at portesdusoleil.com
Portes du Soleil: the 12 resorts
- Avoriaz (France): perched at 1,800m, Avoriaz is known for its futuristic architecture and ski-in, ski-out convenience. With abundant snow due to its altitude, it offers varied slopes suitable for all levels. The resort is car-free, adding to its eco-friendly appeal, and it boasts a vibrant après-ski scene, including Aquariaz, a tropical-themed water park.
- Morzine (France): Morzine is a charming, traditional alpine village that offers a perfect blend of modern amenities and old-world charm. Its extensive beginner and intermediate slopes are ideal for families and leisure skiers, while its bustling town centre, lined with shops, bars, and restaurants, offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
- Les Gets (France): Les Gets is a family-friendly resort known for its relaxed atmosphere and wide-open pistes. It’s a fantastic destination for beginners and intermediates, with plenty of ski schools and easy slopes. The resort is also renowned for its excellent mountain restaurants and après-ski activities, including ice skating and paragliding.
- Châtel (France): close to the Swiss border, Châtel is a traditional Savoyard village offering direct access to the vast Portes du Soleil ski area. The resort has a laid-back atmosphere, with a good mix of runs for all abilities and some excellent off-piste terrain. Its rustic charm, with wooden chalets and gourmet dining options, appeals to those seeking an authentic alpine experience.
- La Chapelle d’Abondance (France): this quiet resort is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds. Offering picturesque scenery, it’s ideal for cross-country skiing enthusiasts, with a large network of Nordic trails. La Chapelle d’Abondance also provides easy access to the larger Portes du Soleil area while maintaining a tranquil, village-like ambiance.
- Abondance (France): Abondance is a small, lesser-known resort that exudes traditional alpine charm. It’s ideal for beginners and families, with a more relaxed pace than the larger resorts. The village itself is picturesque, offering beautiful old buildings and a peaceful atmosphere, while still providing easy access to the larger ski area.
- Montriond (France): a hidden gem for those who want quick access to the larger resorts without the hustle and bustle. Located near Morzine, Montriond is a small, quiet village that offers easy access to both the Morzine-Avoriaz area and the stunning Lac de Montriond, a picturesque spot for snowshoeing or ice diving.
- Saint-Jean-d’Aulps (France): a small, family-oriented resort, Saint-Jean-d’Aulps offers a quieter alternative to busier areas in the Portes du Soleil. Its ski area, known as “Espace Roc d’Enfer”, is a hidden treasure, with scenic runs through forests and stunning views. It’s particularly well-suited for beginners and intermediates.
- Torgon (Switzerland): Nestled on the Swiss side, Torgon offers stunning views of Lake Geneva and the Rhône Valley. This small resort is quieter than its French counterparts but provides excellent off-piste opportunities and access to the larger Portes du Soleil network. It’s perfect for those looking to escape the crowds.
- Champéry (Switzerland): Champéry is one of Switzerland’s oldest and most picturesque resorts, offering charming architecture and stunning views of the Dents du Midi mountain range. The resort’s efficient lift system connects it seamlessly to the Portes du Soleil area, making it a prime spot for intermediate and advanced skiers. It also boasts a lively village atmosphere and great après-ski options.
- Les Crosets (Switzerland): Les Crosets sits at 1,670m, making it one of the highest resorts in the Portes du Soleil. Its sunny, south-facing slopes provide excellent conditions for skiers, and its proximity to some of the area’s steepest and most challenging runs makes it a favourite for experts. The resort is also known for its off-piste terrain and freestyle parks.
- Morgins (Switzerland): Morgins is a peaceful resort known for its beautiful, tree-lined slopes and excellent snow conditions. Located on the Swiss-French border, it’s well-connected to the larger ski area. Morgins has a relaxed, family-friendly vibe, offering a range of activities beyond skiing, including winter hiking and wellness retreats.
A brief history
The vision for Portes du Soleil was born in 1964 when a 3m x 3m scale model of a cross-border ski area was unveiled at the Lausanne World Fair. Initially called the “Haute Route des Familles”, referencing the Chamonix-Zermatt crossing, the project sought a name that would resonate more broadly. Jean Vuarnet, Olympic ski champion and native of Morzine Avoriaz, was a key advocate of a linked ski domain.
In 1965, during a meeting at Carnotzet du Grand Paradis, the name “Portes du Soleil” was proposed and unanimously adopted, inspired by the pass at Les Crosets. The development of cross-border ski links soon followed, beginning with the first lift connecting Châtel and Morgins in 1956. By 1968, further links like the Champéry-Avoriaz connection and the famed Swiss Wall run solidified the area’s status as a pioneering ski destination.
What’s new for 2024-2025?
Carbon footprint reduction: Avoriaz has become the first ski resort to conduct a comprehensive global carbon footprint assessment through an ambitious partnership with TakeAir. This pioneering project evaluates the carbon emissions of all shops, services, and accommodations in the resort, aiming to significantly reduce environmental impact and promote a more sustainable future for mountain tourism. See avoriaz.com
Events
Rock The Pistes: the Alps’ largest music festival Rock The Pistes is back for its 12th edition, promising an unforgettable fusion of music and mountains. From 16-22 March 2025, more than 20,000 music lovers will gather at altitudes ranging from 1,600m to 1,950m for this iconic festival, featuring five major performances on the pistes and more than 30 après-concerts spread across the Portes du Soleil in both France and Switzerland. With free entry for lift pass holders, festival goers can ski from one concert to the next, enjoying the freedom to dance and sing along amidst the stunning alpine backdrop. While the headliner is yet to be revealed, Rock The Pistes promises to deliver an electric atmosphere that celebrates the perfect blend of live music and skiing adventure. See rockthepistes.com
Rock On Snow: the winter season in Avoriaz kicks off with Rock On Snow, running from 13-15 December 2024. This exciting event brings together more than 65 brands, offering a unique chance to test the latest snow sports equipment – skis, snowboards, bindings, boots, helmets, masks, and more – before it hits the market. Visitors can explore the test village, where hands-on trials of all the gear are completely free! Simply register in November to secure your test card. Over three days, participants will be able to ride the slopes, meet industry professionals, and test gear in real conditions. Plus, don’t miss out on celebrating the start of the winter season with the first raclette of the year. Attendees can also take advantage of special lift pass rates, with an Avoriaz pass priced at €24 for one day, €45 for two days, €65 for three days. See rockonsnow.com
Les Gets Comedy Festival: the Les Gets Comedy Festival is set to return to the picturesque slopes of Les Gets from 25-31 January 2025. This week-long event will infuse the serene mountains with waves of laughter. Showcasing the finest talents from both the French and British stand-up comedy scenes, comedians will take turns passing the torch. From the delightfully absurd to the daringly cheeky, from French to English humour, hilarity is guaranteed. This festival offers a unique opportunity to discover the up-and-coming generation of comedians seeking to carve their names among the comedy greats. Tickets are priced from €10- €40 per person for individual sessions. See lesgets.com
Les P’tits Flambeaux: The beloved tradition of the torchlight descent returns to Châtel with a special charity event, Les P’tits Flambeaux, on Thursday 20 February 2025. This national initiative aims to unite ski resorts across France in raising funds to help children who are unable to go on holiday experience the joys of the mountains. Proceeds will benefit three associations: Enfance & Montagne, Génération Montagne, and Petits Princes. Torches will be available for purchase at the ESF office and Châtel Tourisme, priced at €10 each. The evening begins with participants taking the Pierre-Longue chairlift. As dusk falls skiers will descend the “La Belette” green run, accompanied by instructors from Châtel ESF (a good level of skiing is recommended). Throughout the event, attendees can enjoy musical entertainment and refreshments served in front of the Plaine Dranse hors-sac, with voluntary donations supporting the associated charities. See chatel.com
Activities
Icefall climbing in Abondance: this winter, experience a different side of the mountains with icefall climbing in Abondance. Frost transforms water into breathtaking sculptures of ice, creating a stunning natural playground perfect for an exhilarating adventure. Although often seen as an extreme sport, icefall climbing is surprisingly accessible, especially with the expert guidance of professional mountain guides. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or simply curious, this unique winter activity offers a playful and unforgettable challenge. This is available daily from 1 December 2024 to 30 March 2025. A half-day costs from €250, including all equipment. See portesdusoleil.com
Overnight in Saint Jean d’Aulps: in the enchanting setting of Saint Jean d’Aulps, visitors can immerse themselves in a magical night within a perched Dome nestled on the edge of the forest. These panoramic domes, designed for optimal transparency, allow guests to fully embrace the stunning surroundings and enjoy a truly unusual overnight experience. As the sun sets, they can admire the breathtaking views of the Vallée d’Aulps peaks before being captivated by the twinkling stars that fill the night sky. To enhance this unique getaway, guests will savour a delicious meal crafted from 100% local produce, making for a perfect blend of nature and gastronomy. One night costs from €345, which includes breakfast and dinner for two people. See hebergementinsolite-hausesavoie.com
AlpinExpress Pass: the Montagne Verte Association has introduced the AlpinExpress Pass, an initiative aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of holidaymakers visiting Morzine-Avoriaz and Les Gets. By encouraging visitors to travel to the resorts by train, the pass promotes eco-friendly travel while offering exclusive discounts from local accommodation providers and ski schools. This initiative not only supports sustainable mobility but also benefits the local economy. See montagneverte.org
For more information see portesdusoleil.com
Image: Association Internationale des Portes du Soleil