The Portes du Soleil Ski Circuit: How to Ski Europe's Largest Linked Ski Area in a Day

The Portes du Soleil Ski Circuit: How to Ski Europe's Largest Linked Ski Area in a Day

For many skiers, completing the Portes du Soleil Ski Circuit is the ultimate challenge during a ski holiday in Morzine. Crossing between France and Switzerland, riding dozens of lifts and exploring multiple resorts in a single day, it's one of the most rewarding ski safaris in the Alps.

With over 600km of pistes spread across 12 interconnected resorts, the Portes du Soleil is one of the largest linked ski areas in the world. The beauty of the circuit isn't about skiing every run – that's impossible in a day – but about successfully navigating the vast network of lifts and pistes, experiencing the best of both the French and Swiss sides of the domain, and making it back to Morzine before the lifts close.

Whether you're staying in Morzine, Avoriaz or Montriond, here's everything you need to know about completing the Portes du Soleil Ski Circuit.

What Is the Portes du Soleil Ski Circuit?

The Portes du Soleil is a vast ski area made up of 12 linked resorts across France and Switzerland, all accessible with a single lift pass. The resorts include Morzine, Avoriaz, Châtel, Les Gets, Champéry, Morgins, Les Crosets and Champoussin, among others.

The ski circuit is a full-day route that takes skiers around the heart of the ski area, crossing the border several times and visiting many of the major sectors. Most versions of the route start from Morzine, Ardent or Avoriaz and loop through Châtel and the Swiss resorts before returning via Avoriaz.

While there are many variations, the objective remains the same: complete a full circuit of the Portes du Soleil in a single day.

Can You Ski the Entire Portes du Soleil in One Day?

Not quite.

The Portes du Soleil offers more than 600km of pistes across 12 resorts, making it impossible to ski every run in a single day. However, it is entirely possible to complete the recognised Portes du Soleil Circuit and experience the major interconnected sectors within a day's skiing.

For most skiers, the circuit is a far more enjoyable goal than trying to clock up kilometres. It combines scenic cruising runs, spectacular mountain views, lively Swiss mountain restaurants and some of the most iconic pistes in the Alps.

Before You Set Off

A successful circuit starts with good planning.

Buy the Correct Lift Pass

You'll need a full Portes du Soleil lift pass. Local Morzine-Les Gets passes won't give you access to the Swiss side of the domain.

Start Early

Aim to be on the first lifts of the day. Lift queues, lunch stops and slower skiers can all eat into your schedule.

Check Lift Openings

Weather conditions and wind can occasionally affect key lifts that connect different sectors. Always check the latest lift status before setting off.

Download a Ski Map

The Portes du Soleil is enormous and route-finding is a key part of the challenge. A piste map is essential. Check out this handy interactive Piste Map of the whole Portes Du Soleil.

The Classic Portes du Soleil Circuit Route

The Start of the Route : Morzine to Avoriaz

Most skiers begin from Morzine and head towards Avoriaz via either the Super Morzine lift or the Ardent gondola.

This first section is usually straightforward and serves as a warm-up for the day ahead. Once you reach Avoriaz, you'll be entering the high-altitude heart of the ski area.

Avoriaz to Châtel

From Avoriaz, follow signs towards Lindarets and Châtel.

As long as you head for the Chaux Fleurie chairlift in the Linderets bowl, you can do the Portes du Soleil Circuit from Super Morzine, Prodains or Ardent. 

Once at the top of Chaux Fleurie head over to the next valley, known as the Plaine Dranse. From here, take the Chaux des Roses lift and head for the Les Combes chairlift which leads you to the top of the Linga bowl which then heads down to Chatel.

This is one of the most enjoyable parts of the circuit, with long cruising pistes and fantastic views across the Chablais mountains.

Take care to follow the correct route signs. Missing a key lift can add significant time to your journey.

Châtel to Morgins

From the top of Les Combes, there is a blue and red run to Chatel known as Linga. The red is great fun and ideal for practising those short turns or carves. It is wide and steep and you can get some serious speed before it turns into a blue.

As with most pistes the snow is best at the sides, but it can be quite icy as it doesn't get the sun until later. The blue from the top goes around the outside of the steeper section making it a more sedate experience.

Keep heading to the right, aiming for the Gabelou chairlift which takes you up and over the mountain to the Super Chatel area.

After reaching Châtel, you'll cross into Switzerland and arrive in Morgins

Torgon to Morgins to Champoussin

Torgon is the furthest point from Morzine on the Portes du Soleil circuit and one of the quietest areas in the ski domain. After a series of short runs and drag lifts, you'll arrive in the picturesque village of Morgins.

Champoussin to Les Crosets

From Champoussin, continue through the heart of the Swiss Portes du Soleil towards Les Crosets. This section features a great mix of wide cruising pistes and more challenging runs, all set against the spectacular backdrop of the Dents du Midi.

The skiing here is often quieter than on the French side, allowing you to cover plenty of ground while enjoying some of the best scenery in the entire ski area.

You'll also find some excellent traditional mountain restaurants along the way, making this a great place to stop for lunch and experience authentic Swiss alpine hospitality before continuing your journey.

Return to Avoriaz and Morzine

From Les Crosets, begin the final leg of the Portes du Soleil circuit, heading back towards Avoriaz via the spectacular Mossettes sector. By now, you'll have skied across two countries, explored multiple resorts and experienced some of the best terrain the Alps have to offer.

As you make your way back into France, the familiar sight of Avoriaz signals that you've almost completed the challenge.

Keep an eye on the clock and make sure you don't miss the final connecting lifts — nobody wants their epic ski safari to end with an expensive taxi ride home!

Once back in Morzine or Avoriaz, it's time to celebrate. Whether it's a well-earned beer on a sunny terrace at the Folie Douce, a vin chaud overlooking the slopes, completing the Portes du Soleil circuit is an achievement worth raising a glass to!

How Long Does the Portes du Soleil Circuit Take?

Strong skiers moving efficiently can complete the circuit in around five to six hours.

For most groups, however, it becomes a full-day adventure once lift queues, coffee stops, lunch and photos are included.

The biggest challenge is not skiing ability but maintaining a steady pace and avoiding unnecessary detours.

Is the Portes du Soleil Circuit Suitable for Intermediate Skiers?

Yes.

Confident intermediate skiers who are comfortable on red runs should have no problem completing the circuit in normal snow conditions.

The route is more about endurance and navigation than technical skiing. While there are some steeper sections available, most have easier alternatives.

If you're comfortable skiing all day and managing a variety of terrain, you'll find the circuit achievable and hugely rewarding.

Drag lifts

There are a few button lifts and T-bars on the route and not everyone likes them. But you need to do them at some point anywhere in the Alps, so this is an ideal opportunity to get some practice in.

Flat sections

There are a few semi flat sections. Snowboarders will need to keep their speed up to avoid scooting. However with the distance you travel on the circuit, in the grand scheme of the day it is not a massive problem.

The Swiss Wall: Should You Ski It?

One of the most famous pistes in the Portes du Soleil is the legendary Swiss Wall (Le Pas de Chavanette).

Frequently listed among the most challenging ski runs in Europe, the piste drops steeply through a field of enormous moguls and can become extremely demanding in poor conditions.

For advanced skiers, it's a memorable addition to the day.

For everyone else, there are easier alternatives and lift options that allow you to continue the circuit without tackling the Swiss Wall itself.

Remember: completing the circuit is a much better achievement than spending half the afternoon recovering from one difficult run.

Best Time to Ski the Portes du Soleil Circuit

The ideal time to tackle the circuit is between January and March when snow coverage is typically at its best and all major links are operating.

Bluebird days after fresh snowfall provide the perfect conditions, allowing you to enjoy both the skiing and the spectacular scenery that makes the Portes du Soleil so special.

If conditions are poor, consider postponing your attempt. Visibility and lift closures can make navigation considerably more difficult.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Portes du Soleil Ski Circuit?

The route varies depending on the exact lifts and pistes chosen, but most skiers spend a full day completing the circuit.

Can you ski around the Portes du Soleil in one day?

Yes. Experienced intermediates and advanced skiers regularly complete the recognised circuit in a single day.

Where should I start the Portes du Soleil Circuit?

Most skiers begin from Morzine, Ardent or Avoriaz.

Is the Portes du Soleil Circuit difficult?

The challenge comes from distance, navigation and time management rather than technical skiing.

Do I need a Portes du Soleil lift pass?

Yes. You'll need access to the full Franco-Swiss ski area to complete the circuit.

Final Thoughts

The Portes du Soleil Ski Circuit is one of the great ski adventures of the Alps. Few ski areas in the world allow you to cross international borders multiple times, visit several resorts and enjoy such a variety of terrain in a single day.

Start early, keep an eye on the map, and remember to stop occasionally to appreciate the incredible scenery. Completing the circuit is a memorable achievement and one of the highlights of any ski holiday in Morzine.