How frustrating is it to reach a resort and find that you end up doing the same runs day after day? Ever had that sinking feeling when you ski past a restaurant several times in the morning, knowing that’s where you will be having your lunch? I can promise you this never happens in Portes du Soleil.
What if you could ski every day, where you know you are setting off on a journey. Wouldn’t it be more exciting to plan a route, ski from one valley to another?
Or even better, why not circumnavigate a range of stunning mountains? Isn’t that the kind of adventure you are looking for from your winter holiday?
What makes Portes du Soleil shine amongst the other winter ski areas?
Take a look at the facts:-
- 600 km of pistes
- 300 slopes
- 199 mountain lifts
- 90 mountain restaurants
- 80 minutes from Geneva
- 50 years since opening
- 30 snow parks
- 12 linked resorts each with their own personality
- 7.83 metres average annual powder
- 2 countries linked (France and Switzerland)
- 1 of the biggest ski areas in the world
Of course, size isn’t everything – it’s quality not quantity, I hear you say…….and you would be right. Portes du Soleil has snow loads of quality and variety. Experienced skiers and boarders can hunt out the steep and deep runs, whilst the beginners enjoy the more gentle tree-lined slopes.
That, of course, means that there is everything in between for intermediates, with 110 reds and 123 blues to choose from across all of the areas, you won’t get bored.
A Brilliant Adventure For All Abilities
It’s unusual for everyone going on a winter holiday together, be it family or friends, to have exactly the same ability. Portes du Soleil offers oodles of alternative routes down a mountain, giving the luxury of choice so that you get the most out of the area. There’s something to challenge all levels of ability so that everyone can improve and gain experience at their own pace.
We all love the thrill of a new piste and in an area this size, you can enjoy the challenge of skiing something new every day. There is nothing better than pouring over the ski map in the evening as you marvel at the distance you have covered and make exciting plans for the following day’s adventure.
Shall it be a day in Switzerland enjoying the slopes of Champery, Les Crosets and Champousin or heading to Morzine and Les Gets? Is it going to be a fun-filled day in Chatel and Avoriaz or are you venturing to Morgins or perhaps Torgon? To be fair, it doesn’t matter where you go, you will end your trip longing to return as you never feel like you have quite seen everything.
Long mountain journeys can be hungry and thirsty work so luckily there are 90 slopeside restaurants. Yes, a mere 90 oases of refuge to make sure that you are never far away from a refreshment stop to reward those trusty ski legs.
I will be writing other blogs dedicated to eating and drinking in the Portes du Soleil, but for the moment, I will break the habit of a lifetime when writing about food and drink, and be brief.
Hot Chocolate Fix at L’Alpage du Crôt (on the blue Crôt Piste just below Avoriaz)
This little restaurant is wonderfully traditional and a great place to stop and rest your legs. Especially if you’ve just skied the coupe du Monde run. Oh, and they have a hot chocolate menu too! Piping hot milk is served with a flavoured Belgian chocolate lollipop which you stir into the milk. A delicious treat made even more special with a shot of rum.
Lapisa – Rustic Fondue Chalet situated near the top of the Ripaille – Grand Paradis run, above Champery
A small rustic chalet offering traditional Fondue. You really feel you have stepped back in time at this place and the views are beautiful.
Chasse Montagne above Les Gets
Offers a stylishly modern retreat with a stunning interior and a lovely sunny terrace serving contemporary creations,
Kir Royal at the Yeti in Avoriaz
I always think this drink tastes better when it’s made by someone else and those people at the Yeti do a great job.
Vin Chaud and comfy sofas at Mossette on the French Swiss border
At Cookie Cafe their vin Chaud is lovely especially when you can warm up and chill out on the comfy sofas. Enjoy the breath-taking views at 2277m, at the same time.
So why not unleash the explorer in you and take to the vast array of slopes as you discover the varied resorts steeped in winter sports history. Plan your journeys as you travel from valley to valley and savour the spectacular views as you ski effortlessly from one country to another. All this on one ski pass – your passport to Portes du Soleil.
Here is the link telling you more about the Portes du Soleil ski area.
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