Portes du Soleil

Straddling the Franco-Swiss border, the Portes du Soleil is one of the world's largest linked ski areas, with 12 resorts and over 600 kilometres of pistes. In summer, the same lifts open up a hiking and mountain-biking paradise, with wildflower meadows, alpine lakes and traditional mountain huts. Whether you're carving winter powder or pedalling through summer singletrack, this cross-border region offers an intoxicating mix of French savoir-faire and Swiss efficiency.

Highlights & What to See

• Avoriaz: A car-free, purpose-built resort with striking architecture and direct access to the Swiss side; its snowpark is legendary among freestylers.
• Morzine: A charming Savoyard village with a lively town centre, excellent restaurants and a huge range of accommodation; a perfect base for families.
• Châtel: A traditional alpine village on the French side, known for its authentic atmosphere, cheese-making heritage and the stunning Lac de Vonnes.
• Les Gets: A picture-postcard resort with a strong mountain-bike scene, including the world-class bike park and the nearby Lac des Gets for swimming.
• Swiss Side (Champéry, Morgins, etc.): Quieter, groomed slopes and impeccable Swiss hospitality; take the lift over for a fondue lunch with a view.
• Cross-Border Skiing: The thrill of skiing from France into Switzerland (and back) on the same day, passing through scenic border lifts like the Mossettes.

Suggested Time to Spend

For a ski trip, a week is ideal to explore both countries and avoid repeating runs. In summer, 4–5 days allow you to tackle the best hiking circuits and bike trails. If you're short on time, a long weekend based in Morzine or Les Gets gives a taste of the region, but you'll miss the full cross-border experience.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Lake Geneva (Lac Léman): An hour's drive north, the lake offers cosmopolitan cities like Montreux and Evian, plus cruises and Chillon Castle.
• Chamonix & Mont Blanc: 90 minutes south, this iconic mountaineering capital provides world-class skiing, the Aiguille du Midi cable car and the Mer de Glace.
• Annecy: Known as the 'Venice of the Alps', this beautiful lakeside town is 90 minutes west, with a medieval old town and crystal-clear lake perfect for paddleboarding.
• Geneva: The international city is just an hour away, ideal for pre- or post-trip city culture, shopping and the UN headquarters.
• Verbier: A two-hour drive through Swiss valleys, Verbier offers challenging off-piste terrain and a glamorous après-ski scene.

Please check official sources for current details.