Some 40 years ago a group of friends dreamed of creating an immense linked ski and snowboard area across France and Switzerland. Soon afterwards the Portes du Soleil was born, a beautiful, huge sports playground spanning two countries with 650 km of glorious pistes!

The skiing and snowboarding in the is among the most varied in the world, the summits and valleys of the Portes du Soleil just beg to be explored. Click to download Portes du Soleil piste map.

This immense area tucked between Lake Geneva and Mont-Blanc embraces 12 resorts. Its geographical location in the most northern part of the French Alps, combined with the effects of the lake, produces a microclimate which ensures a combination of optimal snowfall and above average sunshine throughout the winter – hence the name. Beyond the stark contrast between the charming traditional resorts such as Chatel and the purpose built more modern Avoriaz, the delightful Swiss influence is ever-present.

The Portes du Soleil ski area is very extensive with 650 km of pistes, 279 marked pistes, 9 snow parks, 1023 ski and snowboard instructors and two countries to choose from. As a whole, it offers classic intermediate terrain but each resort has its own appeal and challenges for both the more advanced and the beginner. To ease navigation of this wide area there are 12 discovery routes each signposted with different alpine animals according to their level of difficulty. Beginners are well catered for within each local area.

For individual resort information please click on the list below.