Why Portes du Soleil is the ultimate winter sports destination

Are you looking for a winter sports destination where sport, nature and relaxation come together? Then the Portes du Soleil area  in the French Alps awaits  you. Here you will find powder-soft snow, endless slopes and the charm of authentic mountain villages. Whether you're on skis for the first time or have years of experience: this is the place where your winter sports dreams come true. Between the snow-capped peaks, sun-drenched mountain slopes and atmospheric chalets,  you will experience a unique mix of adventure and cosiness. And at our luxury holiday parks in the Abondance Valley, you will stay in the middle of this impressive ski area, with all the comforts within reach.

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650 kilometres of slopes for all levels

Portes du Soleil is one of the largest ski areas in Europe, with more than 650 kilometers of slopes connecting France and Switzerland. Here you can discover a new route every day, without ever having to take the same descent twice. Beginners start relaxed on the blue slopes (170 km), where they practice their first turns with a view of the Alps. Advanced skiers explore the red slopes (380 km), full of challenge and variety, while real daredevils try their hand at the black slopes (100 km) which guarantee adrenaline and adventure. Whether you choose the wide slopes of Les Gets, the challenging slopes of Châtel or the panoramic routes around Avoriaz, each slope tells its own story.

🔗 See also: The breathtaking slopes of the Portes du Soleil

Reliable snow and endless winter fun

With an altitude between 950 and 2,300 meters, the chance of there being snow in the Portes du Soleil is very high. Even in the valley there is often a thick layer of snow, while the higher slopes guarantee optimal winter sports conditions from December to April. Thanks to the modern ski lifts and the excellent connection between the villages, you can enjoy long days in the open air.

Dec Jan Feb Mrt
Average temperature day (°C)

-2

-4 -3 -3
Average temperature evening (°C) -2 -3 -3 -3
Precipitation (mm) 90 90 50 65
Sun (hours per day) 3 4 5 5

The magic of the Alps: fantastic days out

Not all members of your group may be eager to whiz down the mountain, and they don't have to. When staying in either winter sports resorts FranceComfort AlpChalets or FranceComfort AlpResort,  there is so much more to experience in the Portes du Soleil than just skiing or snowboarding.

The thrill of ice driving in Abondance

In the charming village of Abondance, you can experience for yourself what it is like to drive on snow and ice under the guidance of experienced instructors. Behind the wheel of an Alpine A110 or a Porsche Cayman, you will learn how to skid, brake and steer in a controlled manner on an enclosed ice rink. This is an unforgettable experience for car enthusiasts.

A trip with huskies: the silence of winter

If you are looking for peace and adventure, you should  not miss out on a dog sled ride.

In the Abondance Valley, you will be pulled by an enthusiastic pack of huskies and glide through a fairytale white landscape. All you will hear is the rhythmic panting of the dogs and the soft crunch of snow under the sledge.

La Grande Odyssée: a spectacle of strength and camaraderie

Prefer to be a spectator? Then visit La Grande Odyssée Savoie Mont Blanc, an international sled dog race of over 400 kilometers. Seventy mushers and six hundred dogs compete here in an impressive Alpine setting. Experiencing this is truly unforgettable!

A taste of the Alps: eating in Portes du Soleil

Winter sports in the French Alps not only means being active, but also enjoying the best of Savoyard cuisine. The smell of melted cheese, a crackling fire and a good glass of wine make every day complete.

Conviviality around the table

After a day in the snow, there is nothing more fun than sitting down together for a fondue, raclette or tartiflette. These dishes symbolize warmth, togetherness and pure mountain flavor. Sample local cheeses such as Abondance, Reblochon, and Beaufort, accompanied by a glass of fresh Apremont or spicy Mondeuse Noir.

🔗 Also read: Culinary enjoyment in the French Alps

Lunch with a view, dine in style

Along the slopes there are numerous mountain huts and restaurants where you can take a break with a panoramic view. Whether you opt for a simple soup or prefer to dine extensively with a view of Mont Blanc - the highest mountain in Europe - your meal here will always be a memorable experience. Popular spots include La Païka in Les Gets and the Igloo Village in Avoriaz, where you dine in a restaurant made of snow and ice.

Practical information for travelling to your winter sports destination

Are you travelling by car via Lille, Paris, Lyon or Geneva to your winter holiday in the Portes du Soleil? Please note that an environmental sticker (Crit'Air) is mandatory. In addition, it is also possible that the French government temporarily designates certain areas as environmental zones that are only accessible with an environmental sticker. The sticker only costs a few euros and is valid indefinitely. This way you avoid fines and can travel to the Alps without any worries.

🔗 Also read: Laws and regulations in France + useful tips

Experience Portes du Soleil: adventure, atmosphere and comfort in one

A winter sports holiday in Portes du Soleil is an experience full of nature, flavour and conviviality. This is where sport and relaxation come together, surrounded by the sheer beauty of the French Alps.

Book your holiday to Portes du Soleil