Posted on 05 February 2021
As one of the world’s largest ski areas, resorts in Portes du Soleil gives skiers and snowboarders, easy access to fantastic slopes in a French Alps winter playground. Covering 12 ski resorts spread across Switzerland and France, each has something unique to offer, ensuring a bountiful choice of places for a holiday to buy skiing property. While some are purposely built, others present that traditional Alpine ambience and proof of its success is seen in the millions of visitors every year.
Most resorts are connected by the pistes, lifts, bus or in some cases, just a quick walk, so if exploration is your passion, Portes du Soleil is the perfect place to head to. Covering both sides of the border and sitting between Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva, snow fans have access to 307 pistes, 400 square kilometres of skiing area, 208 lifts, and 30 snow parks. Most pistes are red or blue, but black and green also cement its appeal to any hardcore skier of all abilities.
Two significant benefits promote Portes Du Soleil to an international audience. The first is that it is an outstanding value for money. The second is its easy access to Geneva airport, making it the ideal place for anyone buying a getaway property. Obviously, for better snowfall, head to resorts in the upper alpine region, but lower altitude resorts have also invested in snowmaking machines. Let’s look at which resorts are the most prominent and why they lead the way.
5 Prominent Resorts in Portes Du Soleil
1: Avoriaz Mountain Resort
Sitting at Portes Du Soleil’s centre, some who prefer traditional alpine ambience have criticised Avoriaz for its purpose-built, modern architecture. Yet, it still offers excellent ski-in, ski-out experiences. Sitting at 1800 metres altitude, more than 18,000 hotel beds make it an accommodation hotspot.
As well as accommodating skiers, Avoriaz does an excellent job of making snowboarders and freestyle skiers happy. Those looking at buying a property in Portes Du Soleil would do well to consider Avoriaz because they have also invested heavily in their summer tourism season. Activities like golfing, paragliding, hiking, and mountain biking make it one of the best French ski resorts and a summer haven.
2: Morzine: French Ski Resort
Low lying Morzine presents oodles of traditional charm and a lively après ski scene. Also operating as a year-round resort with lots to do in summer, Morzine breaks down into the town centre and several satellite communities. As the largest town in Portes Du Soleil, holidaymakers can expect plenty of choices regarding hotels, bars, and restaurants.
Likewise, house hunters have a healthy portfolio from which to start their search. Sitting at just 950 meters, time your visit carefully if you want the maximum and best snowfall conditions, but otherwise, there are bus services to cable cars, gondolas, and the lift pass connects it with Les Gets. Pistes are mainly reds and blues, although experienced skiers can head to the far side of Mont Chery.
3: Les Gets
Sitting on the edge of Portes du Soleil, if snow conditions are perfect, skiers can expect a good time. Although it is at higher altitudes in the Alps than Morzine and Avoriaz, the smaller population and size give a more personalised feeling, especially popular with families. Additionally, it is also marketed as ideal for intermediates and beginners. The other bonus is an authentic alpine ambience which for some skiers and house hunters is high on their list of criteria. Head to Les Gets, and you can expect stunning views of the Mont Blanc massif, and it is also just an hour drive from Geneva.
4: Chatel
Linking to six other resorts, Chatel, a pretty mountain village with three six sectors, the super Chatel, Linga-pre la Joux and Chapelle abondance is perfect for good skiing in the Alps. The latter two have nursery slopes, and although there are a few black pistes for advanced skiers, most will suit skiers below that grade.
Chatel’s most significant criticism is that the low altitude doesn’t make it snow-sure, although it has snowmaking machines. In recent years, Chatel has seen massive developments in its high-standard infrastructure and real estate market. Still, the town does an excellent job of staying true to its authentic alpine ambience. Sitting on the border with Switzerland, Chatel is always a good choice for snowboarding fans and skiers.
5: Relaxation in Abondance
Sitting 30 kilometres from Lake Geneva, Abondance is another Alpine ski resort boasting of tradition and authentic vibes. Famed for the area’s natural beauty, the family-friendly ambience makes it a dual season resort. Despite not being one of the more prominent resorts, Abondance offers a decent selection of outdoor winter ski activities including downhill skiing, ice-driving, husky dog sledges, and an outdoor skating rink. Shuttle services also link it to the other resorts. Given the area’s stunning natural beauty, it is no surprise that summer outdoor activities are also popular, including fishing, paragliding, trekking, and themed walks with a mountain guide through the surrounding countryside. While here, be sure to check out the local cheese production. It’s impressive.
Espace Killy Ski Area: As another central skiing playground of the world. Espace Killy links the resort of Val d’Isère with five villages of Tignes. Belonging to the Tarentaise Valley in southeast France, high-altitude peaks ensure a more extended ski season that Portes du Soleil.
3 Valleys in France: Last of the most prominent skiing areas in France, the Three Valleys links upmarket Courchevel, Meribel, Brides Le Bains, Les Menuires, Saint Martin De Belleville, Val Thorens, and La Tania. 3 Valleys is an absolute hit if you are looking for lively après ski social scenes; otherwise, it is the world’s largest ski area, offering more chances to get on the slopes.
About Us: We are Skiing Property, an international real estate agent with apartments and chalets for sale in most resorts in France and Switzerland. See our portfolio here and just use the enquiry form to find out more about any property via email, or to arrange a viewing. Additionally, to know more about resorts in Portes du Soleil, or about investing in ski homes in the Alps, contact us today.