Portes du Soleil Resorts Guide: Compare All 12 Resorts & Choose the Right One

A practical, local comparison of every French and Swiss base

The Portes du Soleil is a huge cross-border ski area linking 12 resorts in France and Switzerland under one lift pass. For most visitors, the best all-round base is Morzine: it combines a lively, authentic town, straightforward access to both the Morzine-Les Gets slopes and the higher Avoriaz sector, plenty for non-skiers, and a wide choice of accommodation. However, Avoriaz is stronger if ski-in/ski-out convenience and altitude matter most; Les Gets is particularly easy for families; Châtel suits traditional-village fans who want extensive skiing; and the Swiss resorts offer quieter slopes, dramatic scenery and a distinctly different atmosphere.

There is no single “best” Portes du Soleil resort for everyone. The right choice depends on whether you value altitude, nursery slopes, nightlife, village charm, short transfers, quiet pistes or the ability to explore widely. This guide compares every resort village and sector so you can choose with confidence.

Table of Contents 

• Portes du Soleil at a glance
• Quick resort comparison
• The eight French resorts
• The four Swiss resorts
• France or Switzerland?
• Which resort is right for you?
• Lift pass guidance
• Practical local tips
• Frequently asked questions

Portes du Soleil at a glance

The Portes du Soleil spreads across the Chablais mountains between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc. The official ski area covers 600km of skiing, 12 resorts, roughly 300 pistes and more than 200 lifts, with terrain ranging from around 900m to 2,460m. Its greatest strength is not one enormous high-altitude bowl. It is the variety created by many valleys, wooded slopes, open ridges and traditional villages, all connected into one international playground.

One morning can begin in Avoriaz and cross into Switzerland before lunch. Another can be spent cruising the tree-lined pistes of Morzine and Les Gets, or escaping to the quieter Roc d’Enfer circuit. That “ski safari” feeling is what makes the area special.

The domain is especially good for intermediates, families and mixed-ability groups. Confident blue- and red-run skiers have an exceptional amount to explore. Beginners can learn in several well-designed local sectors, although they should not expect to tour the entire domain immediately. Advanced skiers have famous challenges, steep itineraries, snowparks and extensive off-piste possibilities, but should use a qualified guide beyond marked pistes.

The 12-resort count can initially seem confusing because some names refer to municipalities, some to villages and some to linked ski sectors. In this guide, the official group is presented as eight French bases - Morzine, Avoriaz, Les Gets, Montriond, Châtel, La Chapelle d’Abondance, Abondance and Saint-Jean-d’Aulps; and four Swiss bases - Champéry, Morgins, Torgon and Val-d’Illiez, whose main slope-side villages are Les Crosets and Champoussin.

Quick comparison: which Portes du Soleil resort should you choose? 

The eight French Portes du Soleil resorts

1. Morzine: the best all-round base

Morzine sits at about 1,000m in the heart of the domain. It is not the highest resort, but it is arguably the most complete holiday base. This is a real Savoyard town with a year-round community, traditional chalets, shops, restaurants, bars, an ice rink, a market and a swimming complex. It feels lively without being a purpose-built party resort.

The town offers two principal directions of travel. The Pleney lift accesses the Morzine-Les Gets sector, where wooded blue and red pistes suit families and cruisy intermediates. On the opposite side, the Super Morzine gondola leads towards Avoriaz and the wider cross-border circuit. The Prodains cable car and the Ardent gondola are also easily reached by bus, transfer or car. This choice is valuable: groups can select terrain according to ability, visibility, snow and mood rather than committing to one mountain all week.

Morzine works particularly well for mixed groups. Beginners have approachable learning areas; improving skiers can build confidence around Pleney and Les Gets; strong intermediates can cover huge distances; and experts can head towards Avoriaz, Châtel and Switzerland. Non-skiers are not stranded in a tiny collection of apartment blocks. They can walk into town, browse shops, meet skiers for lunch, use the pool, go snowshoeing or settle into a café.

Après ranges from slope-side drinks at Le Tremplin to craft beer, wine bars, restaurants and later-night venues. It is more varied than in smaller villages and less one-dimensional than a pure party base. Families can eat early while groups of friends can keep going.

The main caveat is altitude. Snow in the town itself is not guaranteed throughout winter, and the lowest home runs may suffer during warm periods. That does not mean a Morzine holiday becomes snowless: Avoriaz’s higher slopes are readily accessible. It does mean you should distinguish between snow outside the chalet and snow available for skiing.

Best for: families, mixed groups, short breaks, non-skiers, nightlife and visitors who want one base with the widest range of options.

Local verdict: If nobody in your group has one overriding requirement, choose Morzine. Its combination of access, atmosphere and everyday convenience is difficult to beat.

2. Avoriaz: best for altitude and ski-in/ski-out convenience

Avoriaz occupies a dramatic plateau at 1,800m above Morzine. Its angular timber-clad buildings divide opinion visually, but the resort’s practical design is brilliant for skiing. It is car-free, snow-covered streets replace normal roads in winter, and many buildings offer genuine ski-to-door access.

This is one of the most strategically placed bases in the Portes du Soleil. From Avoriaz, you can move towards Châtel, descend into Switzerland, or return towards Morzine. It is an efficient launch point for the recognised Portes du Soleil circuit and a good choice for strong skiers who want to spend maximum time on snow.

The local terrain is varied. Beginners have dedicated areas, intermediates can travel in several directions, freestylers have excellent parks, and experts will know the reputation of the Swiss Wall. The latter is steep, heavily moguled and conditions can change dramatically; it is a challenge, not an obligatory rite of passage. There are alternative routes and lifts for anyone who does not want to ski it.

Avoriaz is also one of the better bets in poor natural snow years because of its altitude and broad high-level network. The resort has restaurants, shops, bars, a large aquatic centre and high-energy on-mountain après, including La Folie Douce. Families appreciate the traffic-free environment, although hauling luggage through snow and navigating large residences can feel less intimate than arriving in a traditional village.

Best for: ski-in/ski-out holidays, snow reliability, keen skiers, snowboarders, freestylers and visitors who prefer convenience on the mountain to historic village charm.

Choose Morzine instead if: your group includes several non-skiers, you want a broader town atmosphere, or you prefer a traditional chalet holiday while retaining easy access to Avoriaz.

3. Les Gets: best for an easy family ski holiday 

Les Gets is a traditional village on a sunny col, linked directly to Morzine. Its slopes are among the most approachable in the domain, with attractive tree-lined pistes, accessible beginner zones and a layout that makes family logistics relatively simple.

The Chavannes side is the main hub for lessons and family skiing. Across the village, Mont Chéry offers a different character, often with quieter runs and superb views towards Mont Blanc. Good skiers should not overlook it simply because Les Gets has a family-friendly reputation; its red and black pistes can be excellent, especially when visibility is poor elsewhere and the trees provide definition.

The village is polished, compact and easy to enjoy. There are good restaurants, shops and family activities, but the nightlife is gentler than Morzine’s. It is well suited to parents who want a manageable routine: breakfast, a short journey to ski school, lunch close by and an uncomplicated return at the end of the day.

The trade-off is its position on the western edge of the wider network. Reaching Avoriaz and the Swiss side involves crossing or travelling through Morzine, so ambitious daily tours take more planning. Many families will not care because the local terrain is ample for several days.

Best for: young families, first ski holidays, beginners, relaxed intermediates and anyone who values village charm over maximum touring efficiency.

Choose Morzine instead if: your group wants stronger nightlife, more non-ski activities or easier access in both directions.

4. Montriond: best for quiet accommodation with fast Avoriaz access

Montriond is the village next to Morzine, extending towards Lac de Montriond and the Ardent gondola. It is sometimes misunderstood as a conventional ski resort with a central lift. In practice, its appeal is as a quieter residential base with one of the best access points into the Avoriaz sector.

Ardent is extremely useful. The gondola rises into the Lindarets bowl, from where skiers can head towards Avoriaz, Châtel or Switzerland. Confident groups can cover serious distance without first crossing Morzine town. At the end of the day, the long descent to Ardent is an enjoyable final run when open.

The village itself is calmer than Morzine and accommodation can feel more secluded. Lac de Montriond is beautiful in winter and the valley has a strong mountain atmosphere. The compromise is that restaurants, shops and nightlife are more limited and spread out; a bus, transfer or car often makes life easier.

Best for: repeat visitors, self-contained groups, keen skiers prioritising Ardent access and guests who want peaceful evenings.

Choose Morzine instead if: you want to walk to a large choice of restaurants, bars and shops or have non-skiers who value independence.

5. Châtel: best blend of traditional village and extensive local skiing

Châtel lies in the Abondance valley near the Swiss border. It has preserved much of its farming-village identity, with timber chalets and a strong local food tradition, while developing a substantial ski network.

Its terrain is split into several sectors. Super-Châtel links towards Switzerland and is useful for families and intermediates. Linga and Pré la Joux provide sportier pistes and connections towards Avoriaz through the Lindarets area. This gives Châtel both attractive local skiing and a credible position for wider exploration.

For skiers who want a traditional French village but consider Les Gets too far from the eastern half of the domain, Châtel is a strong answer. It is generally quieter at night than Morzine, although it has enough restaurants and bars for a sociable holiday.

The dispersed geography is the main consideration. Depending on where you stay and which sector you plan to ski, you may use buses. “Châtel” accommodation can be close to the centre yet not walkable to the exact lift you need that morning.

Best for: couples, families, intermediates and traditional-village fans who want extensive skiing and convenient Franco-Swiss exploration.

Choose Morzine instead if: you want a more compact holiday routine, stronger nightlife or the option to alternate easily between two very different ski sectors.

 La Chapelle d’Abondance: best for peace, space and gentle local days

La Chapelle d’Abondance is a long, traditional valley village between Abondance and Châtel. It suits visitors who prefer quiet evenings, beautiful scenery and a slower rhythm to a busy resort centre.

The local ski sectors are friendly rather than vast. Beginners and families can enjoy uncrowded learning and cruising, while more experienced skiers can travel to Châtel to enter the main Portes du Soleil network. This arrangement works well for a group happy to combine relaxed local days with planned excursions.

Accommodation can represent good value compared with the headline resorts, and the village retains a genuine agricultural character. The cost of that tranquillity is convenience: depending on location, a car or bus is useful, and skiing the full domain is not as seamless as it is from Avoriaz, Morzine, Montriond or Les Crosets.

Best for: quiet family holidays, drivers, value-conscious groups and visitors who do not need nightlife or doorstep access to the full circuit.

7. Abondance: best for authentic village character

Abondance sits near the entrance to its namesake valley and is known for its abbey, traditional architecture and the celebrated cheese produced locally. It feels like a mountain village first and a ski resort second.

Its local ski area is modest, scenic and well suited to easy-going days. This can be a virtue for novices and families who find enormous lift systems intimidating. Stronger skiers will want transport to Châtel or another gateway for big-domain days.

Abondance is a good example of why “part of the Portes du Soleil” does not always mean “step outside and ski continuously through all 12 resorts”. The wider pass and brand connect the destination, but physical access from peripheral villages may require a bus or car.

Best for: authenticity, heritage, relaxed beginners, lower-key breaks and travellers willing to drive for wider skiing.

8. Saint-Jean-d’Aulps and Roc d’Enfer: best for uncrowded scenic skiing 

Saint-Jean-d’Aulps is a working village north of Morzine. Its local ski area, Roc d’Enfer, is one of the domain’s best-kept secrets. The signature circuit winds through forest and remote-feeling mountain scenery, giving confident skiers a memorable sense of journey without the bustle of the central network.

Families also benefit from a friendly local base and smaller-scale learning environment. On busy peak weeks, Roc d’Enfer can feel refreshingly calm compared with major hubs. Prices may be more approachable too.

The area is not lift-linked to Morzine. To explore the main Portes du Soleil circuit, you need road transport. The full Roc d’Enfer loop also requires suitable snow and lift conditions, so check the daily status before setting off.

Best for: repeat visitors, quiet family trips, wooded skiing, value and those who enjoy discovering less obvious sectors.

The four Swiss Portes du Soleil resorts 

9. Champéry: best for historic Swiss character and dramatic scenery

Champéry is one of the most attractive bases in the whole domain. The historic village sits beneath the huge limestone wall of the Dents du Midi, with traditional chalets, restaurants and a refined but unshowy Swiss atmosphere.

A cable car carries skiers from the village to Croix de Culet and the high Swiss sector. From there, Les Crosets and the links towards Avoriaz are within reach. This makes Champéry a rewarding base for capable skiers who want a genuine village below and an extensive network above.

It is not classic ski-through convenience. You return to the village by cable car rather than expecting every street to be beside a piste. Swiss pricing can also make meals, drinks and accommodation feel expensive to visitors paying in pounds or euros.

Best for: couples, scenery, food, Swiss ambience and skiers who prefer historic character to slopeside apartment convenience.

10. Morgins: best for quiet cross-border cruising

Morgins lies close to the French border opposite the Châtel side of the domain. It has an intimate village feel, wooded slopes and attractive intermediate terrain. The area around Foilleuse and the links towards Champoussin provide a relaxed alternative to busier French hubs.

Its position creates appealing touring possibilities when all connections are operating. You can move between Switzerland and Châtel, then onwards into the wider circuit. Like several lower, peripheral sectors, however, the experience is more sensitive to snow, wind and lift status than the high Avoriaz core.

Morgins suits visitors who want mountain calm and do not measure a holiday by the number of bars available after dinner. There are restaurants and places for a drink, but the pace is restrained.

Best for: couples, quiet families, intermediates and repeat visitors seeking a less obvious base.

11. Torgon: best for seclusion and views 

Torgon sits on a balcony above the Rhône valley and Lake Geneva. It is the most peripheral and least resort-like option in this comparison, which is exactly why some visitors like it. The surroundings are peaceful, the views expansive and the slopes can feel far removed from the busiest parts of the Portes du Soleil.

Its local terrain and links are limited compared with the central resorts. Anyone whose dream is to complete huge cross-border mileage every day will find Avoriaz, Morzine, Châtel or Les Crosets more efficient. Torgon makes more sense for independent travellers who value quiet, space and a slower holiday.

Best for: tranquillity, value, self-sufficient groups and visitors seeking an escape rather than a famous resort scene.

12. Val-d’Illiez, Les Crosets and Champoussin: best Swiss-side position for serious skiing

The official resort is Val-d’Illiez, but skiers are most likely to recognise its high-altitude satellite villages, Les Crosets and Champoussin. They occupy exceptionally useful positions within the Swiss network.

Les Crosets is the more ski-focused base. It sits beneath the slopes with direct movement towards Champéry, Avoriaz and the major cross-border links. If your priority is getting onto the mountain quickly and covering distance, it is one of the strongest Swiss choices. It also places the Swiss Wall nearby—whether you plan to ski it or simply use the surrounding links.

Champoussin is smaller and more chalet-like, with spectacular views towards the Dents du Midi. It works well for families and groups who want doorstep access without the scale or architecture of Avoriaz. Both villages are quieter in the evening than Morzine.

Val-d’Illiez itself sits lower in the valley and offers a more residential, rural base. Check an accommodation’s exact location carefully: “Val-d’Illiez” may mean the valley village rather than ski-in/ski-out Les Crosets.

Best for: keen skiers, Swiss-side touring, slope access, quiet groups and visitors who prioritise the mountain over nightlife.

French vs Swiss Portes du Soleil resorts

Neither side is universally better. The French resorts generally offer more accommodation choice, livelier village centres and easier access from Geneva for international visitors. The Swiss side often feels quieter, more scenic and less hurried, with dramatic views of the Dents du Midi and a different style of mountain restaurant.

Border-crossing is part of the fun, but remember that you are genuinely entering another country. Carry identification, make sure insurance covers both France and Switzerland, and check roaming arrangements. Mountain restaurants may price in euros or Swiss francs depending on location, although cards are widely accepted.

Which Portes du Soleil resort is right for you? 

Best overall: Morzine

Morzine wins for the broadest range of holiday needs. It has enough skiing for beginners nearby, access to the high Avoriaz network for experts, a genuine town for non-skiers and a lively but flexible evening scene. It is also a practical choice for groups whose priorities change during the week.

Best for snow reliability: Avoriaz

At 1,800m with skiing rising to about 2,460m, Avoriaz is the safest single choice for visitors who want snow around the accommodation and immediate access to high terrain. No resort can promise perfect conditions, but altitude gives Avoriaz an advantage.

Best for families with young children: Les Gets or Morzine

Choose Les Gets for the easiest small-village routine and approachable local slopes. Choose Morzine if the adults want more nightlife and variety, or if non-skiers need plenty to do. Central accommodation near the right lift matters almost as much as the resort name.

Best for beginners: Les Gets, Morzine or Avoriaz

Les Gets has an especially friendly learning environment. Morzine combines accessible nursery areas with a town that works even if skiing is only part of the holiday. Avoriaz offers snow-sure beginner terrain and ski-in/ski-out convenience, although its busier through-routes can feel intimidating at first.

Best for intermediates: almost anywhere - but Morzine is the most versatile 

The Portes du Soleil is an intermediate skier’s dream. Morzine allows relaxed wooded cruising towards Les Gets one day and a cross-border safari through Avoriaz the next. Châtel and Les Crosets are also excellent for covering mileage.

Best for advanced skiers and snowboarders: Avoriaz or Les Crosets 

Avoriaz puts snowparks, steep pistes, itineraries and cross-border routes close at hand. Les Crosets offers similarly strategic access from the Swiss side. Morzine remains a better all-round holiday base for experts travelling with mixed abilities.

Best for nightlife and après-ski: Morzine

Avoriaz has energetic on-mountain après, but Morzine offers the most rounded evening. You can have a slopeside drink, eat in a quality restaurant, visit a wine or craft-beer bar, and continue later if you want. It also gives quieter guests plenty of alternatives.

Best for a traditional village: Champéry or Châtel

Champéry has outstanding historic character and scenery. Châtel combines a traditional French valley village with more extensive doorstep ski options. Abondance is even more authentic, but it is less convenient for accessing the full domain.

Best for peace and quiet: Saint-Jean-d’Aulps, Morgins or Torgon

Saint-Jean-d’Aulps offers the rewarding Roc d’Enfer circuit and easy road access to Morzine. Morgins provides a quiet Swiss village with useful links. Torgon is the true escape, provided you accept its peripheral position.

Best for non-skiers: Morzine 

A walkable centre, cafés, shops, market, pool, ice rink and winter walking options make Morzine the clearest choice. Non-skiers can enjoy an independent day rather than waiting in a remote apartment, and can often meet the skiing group for lunch or après.

Best for a short break: Morzine

Morzine is relatively close to Geneva and offers enough choice to make three or four days feel complete. Central accommodation reduces friction, while access to two sides of the valley helps you respond to weather and snow conditions.

Which lift pass do you need? 

The full Portes du Soleil pass covers the linked French and Swiss domain and is the right choice if you intend to tour beyond your local sector. It is most valuable for confident skiers based in Morzine, Avoriaz, Châtel, Montriond or Les Crosets who expect to cross resort boundaries regularly.

A local-area pass can be better for beginners, children in lessons or anyone who expects to stay close to home. There is little benefit in paying for 600km of potential skiing while spending the week on nursery slopes. Morzine-Les Gets and Avoriaz have their own local products, as do other sectors, and exact offers vary by season.

For mixed groups, do not assume everyone needs the same product. A confident adult may use the full-domain pass while a beginner buys the pass recommended by their ski school. Always check current prices, age bands, family offers, insurance options and opening dates before booking.

More Mountain guests can have their lift passes arranged and waiting in their accommodation, saving them a trip to the ticket office on their first morning. See More Mountain’s holiday services for current details.

Practical tips from a Morzine base

Think in sectors, not kilometres

The headline figure is impressive, but a better plan is to choose one or two sectors each day. Try Morzine-Les Gets for wooded cruising; Avoriaz and Lindarets for high, varied terrain; Châtel for a full exploratory day; and Switzerland for scenery and a cross-border lunch.

Start long tours early 

The full circuit and ambitious Swiss days depend on a chain of lifts. Leave time for queues, navigation, lunch and unexpected closures. Your final lift home matters more than squeezing in one extra run. The More Mountain guide to the Portes du Soleil Ski Circuit explains the recognised day route in more detail.

Use the weather intelligently

On a stormy or flat-light day, wooded pistes around Morzine, Les Gets, Châtel and Roc d’Enfer can be easier to read than exposed high slopes. In warmer weather, start high and follow the best snow rather than insisting on a pre-planned itinerary.

Do not underestimate travel time 

Much of the ski area is linked, but the Portes du Soleil covers a vast area rather than a single mountain served by one lift. Travelling from one side to the other takes time, so groups with lessons, young children or restaurant bookings should allow a generous margin.

Book guides for off-piste adventure 

The Portes du Soleil contains enormous off-piste potential, but familiar-looking tree runs and bowls can conceal cliffs, avalanche terrain and complex exits. Use a qualified local guide, carry the appropriate equipment and follow current avalanche advice.

Match accommodation to your actual routine

A central apartment near Super Morzine may suit keen tourers; a property near Pleney is excellent for Morzine-Les Gets and ski-school routines; a catered chalet with slope transfers can remove daily logistics for a large group. Browse More Mountain’s Morzine chalets and apartments and ask the local team which location fits your group rather than choosing on photographs alone.

The verdict: where should you stay?

Choose Avoriaz when snow-sure ski-in/ski-out convenience dominates the decision. Choose Les Gets for a gentle, family-focused first trip. Choose Châtel or Champéry for village character, Les Crosets for a strategic Swiss ski base, and the smaller villages for peace, value and local atmosphere.

For the widest range of people, however, Morzine remains the best all-round base in the Portes du Soleil. It gives you two contrasting ski areas from town, straightforward access to Avoriaz and Switzerland, excellent options for families and non-skiers, and enough restaurants and nightlife to make the holiday work after the lifts close.

More Mountain has been helping guests enjoy Morzine and the Portes du Soleil for over 20 years. Explore our luxury self-catered chalets and apartments, view our catered chalet holidays, or contact the local team for honest advice on the best location for your group.