Les Portes du Soleil

Explore the largest cross-border ski domain in Europe

When we ski, we’re very much about flexibility and choice, but also getting going with the minimum amount of fuss - we believe the Portes du Soleil ticks all of our boxes.

Amongst the most accessible and varied skiing in Europe, Les Portes du Soleil, is located about 80 km / slightly over one hour from Geneva (GVA) airport, straddling the French Chablais / Swiss Valais border. With it’s twelve linked resorts (including Avoriaz 1800, Morzine, Les Get, Chatel, Champery, Torgons, St Jean d’Aulps, plus others) it offers 600 km of ski terrain from gentle greens to the challenge of the “Swiss Wall”, supported by 214 lifts, 11 snow-parks and 4 boardercross all under one ski-pass. So whether you’re a beginner, an expert, a skier, a boarder, into freeride or cross-country, there is plenty for you !

Each day you can choose a different area to explore, depending on conditions and your ambitions. It really is a place where you can do as much or as little as you wish, in the surrounds of a well-supported family and English-friendly resort.

We have been fortunate enough to ski all over the world, but kept coming back to Les Portes du Soleil, as our family grew up, for its convenience and friendliness. Whether we’ve been stealing a quick weekend away or staying for a week or more with family and friends, its proximity, friendliness and the simple fact it always puts a smile on our faces: winter or summer.

Based in St Jean d’Aulps, you have the privilege of choice every day. You can ski locally, or, in 10 mins you can be in Ardent, which accesses Les Lindarets bowl with immediate access to Avoriaz, Chatel or Les Croset. Alternatively, a 15 minute drive brings you to Ys parking, providing access to Morzine and Les Gets.

For those with the legs and the ambition – you can even attempt the “Big Circuit” – traversing Avoriaz > Chatel > Morgins > Champoussin > Les Croset > Avoriaz in a single day … possibly completing this marathon with a late descent of the Swiss Wall … only for the brave and fit!

Portes du Soleil has recently been awarded the prestigious Flocon Vert for its environmental standards.

St Jean D'Aulps

An undiscovered gem in the Portes du Soleil

With the exception of Avoriaz, which is purpose built for winter sports, the other resorts in Les Portes du Soleil are lovely historic Chablais or Valais villages – and St Jean d’Aulps is one of these, at the foot of the 2,244 m Roc d’Enfer.

La Ferme offers unparalleled access to the ski area Roc d'Enfer, being situated 50 metres away from the base of the gondola, the tourism office, the ESF and three ski rental stores. Roc d'Enfer is part of the wider Portes du Soleil, and offers 51km of pisted ski runs - 2 black, 12 red, 11 blue and 7 green runs. The ski area is much quieter than many others in the surrounding area, which makes for an ideal place for beginners, intermediates and those that want to take it a little bit easier ... often with no lift queues. There are two beginner areas, located at the top of gondola, and the St Jean d'Aulps ski school is across the road from La Ferme, making for an easy drop off for children! Club Piou Piou provides the perfect environment for children aged 3+ to learn to ski. Older beginners or anyone who wants to brush up on their skills can book a lesson with the local friendly ESF instructors, who have expert knowledge of the Roc d'Enfer domain.

For the more experienced skier, the Circuit du Roc d'Enfer provides a scenic 20km circuit, with two 5km ski runs - the longest in the Portes du Soleil. Enjoy skiing through snow-covered forests, and picturesque views of Mont Blanc and Dents du Midi, as well as authentic mountain cuisine and refreshments in a traditional mountain restaurant. The circuit is a unique experience within the Portes du Soleil and is not one to be missed!

For the more adventurous, the Roc d'Enfer provides the opportunity for excellent off-piste skiing.

Ski passes both for Roc d'Enfer or the Portes du Soleil can be purchased at the base of the gondola, 50m away from La Ferme. Roc d'Enfer lift passes are great value, and you also avoid the long queues seen elsewhere.

Other winter activities include a snow karting, snow-shoe trekking, walks around the nearby Lac du Montriond (with ice diving if this takes your fancy), plus small ice-rink located at the base of the gondola, perfect for entertaining the children whilst you recover from a great days skiing.

La Terche has its own vibrant apes-ski, all within 50m of La Ferme. L'Auberge de la Terche, L'Afanle and the Avalanche Bar offer a range of apres options, often with live music.