With the Portes du Soleil being one of our most popular luxury ski regions, we spoke with ski instructor Eilidh from Mountain Venture for her top 5 reasons to ski the Portes du Soleil. A ski region that links 12 resorts, 2 countries and 650km of piste. Being a qualified ski instructor in Châtel (and yoga teacher, massage therapist and general all-round lover of the outdoors!), Eilidh has first-hand knowledge of the vast Portes du Soleil, and we are super excited to feature this exclusive insight…
#1 ACCESSIBILITY
The Portes du Soleil is so near to Geneva, you can travel and ski all in the same day! Transfers are between 1 hour and 1 hour 30 mins depending on traffic, this means you can get the most out of your trip and maximise time on snow! This also makes last minute long weekends possible, which are becoming more and more popular – especially if taking a seasonal chalet rental.
If you are looking for the ultimate exclusive experience, you can book a transfer from Geneva to most of the Portes du Soleil resorts via helicopter! You will be on the snow in 20 minutes and will take in the most extraordinary views of Lac Leman, Mont Blanc and of course the Portes du Soleil itself.
#2 BREATHING SPACE
The Portes du Soleil is split into 12 towns. This means there is far less pressure on each town in comparison to some of the bigger resorts concentrated into just one or two areas. Although everyone has probably heard of Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz, the less well-known towns are just as beautiful and offer a quieter luxury ski holiday to the Portes du Soleil. In your next search, take a look at the towns such as Châtel (France). It’s only a couple of lift rides away from Avoriaz but offers vast expanses of peaceful pistes, smaller lift queues and links to the other less well-known areas of Torgon, La Chapelle d’Abondance and Morgins!
#3 ENDLESS SKIING FOR ALL LEVELS
From high alpine peaks and adrenaline filled off-piste, to tree skiing and cruisey runs home into the towns, the Portes du Soleil has it all. The Portes du Soleil boasts 650km of skiing with everything from wonderful controlled areas for those venturing onto the slopes for the first time, to the Swiss Wall – one of Europe’s most challenging ski runs! There is, without a doubt, something for everyone. For the most adventurous skiers and boarders, you can try and take on the entire area in a day and complete the ski safari. I would recommend hiring a ski instructor for this one, as you don’t want to be caught out missing the last lift home on the wrong side of the valley…
There are also some wonderful little ski areas that are part of the Portes du Soleil, but that are not linked to the main resort lifts. You can be dropped off to ski in the beautiful areas of St Jean D’aulps, Mont Chery, Abondance and Cret Beni. If you are visiting during February half-term weeks, we couldn’t recommend a couple of day trips to these resorts enough for perfect snow and zero lift queues!
#4 A FOODIE’S DREAM
Whether you are looking for the authentic alpine classics or some lighter, more modern fusion options, you’ll find the most amazing array of restaurants both on the mountain and in the surrounding villages. Many of the best mountain restaurants are also accessible on foot via one of the lifts, so everyone can enjoy what’s on offer, with the views to match. Definitely ask your chalet hosts or ski instructor for recommendations and get your bookings in early. We could easily write an article on all our favourite places to stop on the mountain, but we will save that one for another time! Feel free to contact me for any hidden gems, but for now, my top recommendation would be La Cabane in Avoriaz for the stunning interior and amazing menu!
#5 ALL THE BEST ACCOMMODATION
No matter whether you’re interested in catered or self-catered options, luxury chalets in the Portes du Soleil are some of the best in the Alps. From ski-in, ski-out, to central locations in town, there are lots to choose from. Some chalets have so many luxury amenities that you may never want to leave! It’s always good to stay somewhere that you can cosy up with the family on a poor weather day, perhaps somewhere where you can enjoy a movie in the home cinema, or relax in the spa area. There are also lots of options for alternative mountain activities in the Portes du Soleil such as snow-shoeing, dog sledding, ice driving, cross country skiing and many more – just ask your ski chalet concierge, and they can help you book these!
Luxury Chalets in the Portes du Soleil
Chalet Grange Au Merle, Châtel
With a small hand-picked selection of luxury chalets in Châtel, Grange Au Merle is a great example of what to expect on a ski holiday in Châtel. Originally a farmhouse, Grange au Merle has been lovingly decorated to retain as much of its traditional Savoyard character and mountain charm. In the living area, high ceilings showcase the chalet’s farmhouse origins, with a wood-burning fireplace providing a warm and inviting atmosphere following a ski day in the Portes du Soleil. In addition, modern facilities feature, including an outdoor hot tub with views and indoor sauna, as you’d expect from a luxury ski chalet in the Portes du Soleil. Accommodating for 10 adults and 3 children comfortably, Grange au Merle presents an authentic experience with a luxurious twist.
Chalet Tosca, Les Gets
With views of Mt Chéry and beautiful open-plan living interiors, luxury chalets in Les Gets don’t get much better than Chalet Tosca. Sleeping 8-14 guests, it’s a perfect luxury family ski chalet in the Portes du Soleil that’s just a 1-minute drive from the closest ski lift. Alternatively, it is also possible to ski-out from Chalet Tosca (depending on conditions), taking a gentle 200m traverse to join the blue ‘Bruyere’ piste. And at the end of your ski days, the outdoor hot tub, sauna and ‘cinema-esque’ TV lounge are sure to welcome you back for an evening of entertainment and relaxation!
Chalet Joux Plane, Morzine
With private and discreet access, Chalet Joux Plane is one of the best luxury ski chalets in Morzine – it’s no wonder why it features within our Ultimate Luxury Chalets collection! Built without compromise in quality, the living interiors and spa facilities are second to none. Arguably, the chalet’s best feature is an impressive indoor-outdoor swimming pool that spans an immense 23m in size! Additionally, further extravagant wellness facilities, such as an outdoor hot tub, steam room, massage room and more, are also on offer for groups of 10-14 guests. In terms of entertainment, a cinema room, TV lounge with table football and a discreet bar area, equipped with a pool table, further exemplify Chalet Joux Plane’s name as one of the top luxury ski chalets in the Portes du Soleil.
Thank you Eilidh for providing some great reasons to ski the Portes du Soleil! If on your next luxury ski holiday you would like to ski the Portes du Soleil, do get in touch with our ski specialists who will be happy to help you plan your trip. You can reach them by calling +44 (0)1202 203650 or sending an email. If you would like to book a guide or ski instruction for your trip, do get in touch with Eilidh via the Mountain Venture enquiry form – she will be sure to show you the hidden gems!
