Image credit (JB Bieuville)

This winter marks a monumental milestone for the Portes du Soleil as it celebrates its 60th anniversary! The Portes du Soleil ski area is nestled between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc, just an hour from Geneva, and remains one of the largest and most celebrated ski areas in the world. Spanning the Franco-Swiss border, the ski paradise boasts 12 resorts, including Avoriaz, Morzine, Champéry, and Les Gets, offering skiers and snowboarders the unique opportunity to glide seamlessly between France and Switzerland.

As we look ahead to the Winter 2024/2025 season, fresh enhancements await visitors, ensuring that the Portes du Soleil continues to evolve while preserving the charm and character that makes it a favourite for skiers across the globe.

Check out the press pack here and keep reading to find out what is happening in Portes du Soleil this winter…

Celebrating 60 years of Portes du Soleil – A brief history 

The vision for Portes du Soleil was born in 1964 when a three-metre by three-metre scale model of a cross-border ski area was unveiled at the Lausanne World Fair. Initially called the Haute Route des Familles, referencing the Chamonix-Zermatt crossing, the project sought a name that would resonate more broadly. Jean Vuarnet, Olympic ski champion and native of Morzine Avoriaz, was a key advocate of a linked ski domain. In 1965, during a meeting at Carnotzet du Grand Paradis, the name “Portes du Soleil” was proposed and unanimously adopted, inspired by the pass at Les Crosets. The development of cross-border ski links soon followed, beginning with the first lift connecting Châtel and Morgins in 1956. By 1968, further links like the Champéry-Avoriaz connection and the famed Swiss Wall run solidified the area’s status as a pioneering ski destination.

What’s New? 

Avoriaz Partners with TakeAir to Lead Carbon Footprint Reduction in Ski Resorts

Avoriaz has become the first ski resort to conduct a comprehensive global carbon footprint assessment through an ambitious partnership with TakeAir. This pioneering project evaluates the carbon emissions of all shops, services, and accommodations in the resort, aiming to significantly reduce environmental impact and promote a more sustainable future for mountain tourism. For more information, visit: www.avoriaz.com

Slow Food Travel: A Culinary Journey in the Région Dents du Midi 

The Slow Food Travel initiative has taken root in the Région Dents du Midi, connecting sustainable food producers and promoting the region’s rich gastronomic heritage. This international project unites farmers, cheesemakers, breeders, bakers, and winemakers, all dedicated to sustainable, local food practices. Twelve partners in the Vallée d’Illiez have signed the Slow Food charter, fostering a deeper connection between visitors and the local culinary traditions, from farm to fork. For more information, visit: www.regiondentsdumidi.ch | www.slowfood.ch

Events 

The Alps’ largest music festival, Rock The Pistes, returns for 2025

Rock The Pistes is back for its 12th edition, promising an unforgettable fusion of music and mountains! From 16-22 March 2025, over 20,000 music lovers will gather at altitudes ranging from 1,600m to 1,950m for this iconic festival, featuring five major performances on the pistes and more than 30 après-concerts spread across the Portes du Soleil in both France and Switzerland. With free entry for lift pass holders, festivalgoers can ski from one concert to the next, enjoying the freedom to dance and sing along amidst the stunning alpine backdrop. While the headliner is yet to be revealed, Rock The Pistes promises to deliver an electric atmosphere that celebrates the perfect blend of live music and skiing adventure. For more information, visit: www.rockthepistes.com

Gear up for the winter season in Avoriaz with Rock On Snow

The winter season in Avoriaz kicks off with Rock On Snow, running from 13-15 December 2024. This exciting event brings together over 65 brands, offering a unique chance to test the latest snow sports equipment—skis, snowboards, bindings, boots, helmets, masks, and more—before it hits the market. Visitors can explore the test village, where hands-on trials of all the gear are completely free! Simply register in November to secure your test card. Over three days, participants will be able to ride the slopes, meet industry professionals, and test gear in real conditions. Plus, don’t miss out on celebrating the start of the winter season with the first raclette of the year. Attendees can also take advantage of special lift pass rates, with an Avoriaz pass priced at £20 / €24 for one day, £38 / €45 for two days, and £54 / €65 for three days. For more information, visit: www.avoriaz.com | rockonsnow.com

A week of laughter in the Alps at Les Gets Comedy Festival

The Les Gets Comedy Festival is set to return to the picturesque slopes of Les Gets from 25-31 January 2025. This week-long event will infuse the serene mountains with waves of laughter. Showcasing the finest talents from both the French and British stand-up comedy scenes, comedians will take turns passing the torch. From the delightfully absurd to the daringly cheeky, from French to English humour, hilarity is guaranteed. This festival offers a unique opportunity to discover the up-and-coming generation of comedians seeking to carve their names among the comedy greats. Tickets are priced from £8 / €10 to £34 / €40 pp for individual sessions. For more information, please visit: www.lesgets.com/en/les-gets-comedie/

Les P’tits Flambeaux: Charity Torchlight Descent in Châtel

The beloved tradition of the torchlight descent returns to Châtel with a special charity event, Les P’tits Flambeaux, on Thursday, 20 February 2025. This national initiative aims to unite ski resorts across France in raising funds to help children who are unable to go on holiday experience the joys of the mountains. Proceeds will benefit three associations: Enfance & Montagne, Génération Montagne, and Petits Princes. Torches will be available for purchase at the ESF office and Châtel Tourisme, priced at £8.35 / €10 each. The evening begins with participants taking the Pierre-Longue chairlift. As dusk falls skiers will descend the “La Belette” green run, accompanied by instructors from Châtel ESF (a good level of skiing is recommended). Throughout the event, attendees can enjoy musical entertainment and refreshments served in front of the Plaine Dranse hors-sac, with voluntary donations supporting the associated charities. For more information, visit: www.chatel.com/torchlight-descent

Activities

Discover the Thrill of Icefall Climbing in Abondance  

This winter, experience a different side of the mountains with Icefall Climbing in Abondance. Frost transforms water into breathtaking sculptures of ice, creating a stunning natural playground perfect for an exhilarating adventure. Although often seen as an extreme sport, icefall climbing is surprisingly accessible, especially with the expert guidance of professional mountain guides. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or simply curious, this unique winter activity offers a playful and unforgettable challenge. This is available daily from 1 December 2024 to 30 March 2024. A half-day costs from £211 / €250 for a half-day, this includes all equipment. For more information, visit www.portesdusoleil.com/cascade-de-glace

Unique Overnight Experience in Saint Jean d’Aulps 

In the enchanting setting of Saint Jean d’Aulps, visitors can immerse themselves in a magical night within a perched Dome nestled on the edge of the forest. These panoramic domes, designed for optimal transparency, allow guests to fully embrace the stunning surroundings and enjoy a truly unusual overnight experience. As the sun sets, they can admire the breathtaking views of the Vallée d’Aulps peaks before being captivated by the twinkling stars that fill the night sky. To enhance this unique getaway, guests will savour a delicious meal crafted from 100% local produce, making for a perfect blend of nature and gastronomy. One night costs from £288 / €345, which includes breakfast and dinner for two people. For more information, visit hebergementinsolite-hausesavoie.com

Sustainable Travel for Morzine-Avoriaz and Les Gets with the Alpine Express Pass

The Montagne Verte Association has introduced the Alpine Express Pass, an initiative aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of holidaymakers visiting Morzine-Avoriaz and Les Gets. By encouraging visitors to travel to the resorts by train, the pass promotes eco-friendly travel while offering exclusive discounts from local accommodation providers and ski schools. This initiative not only supports sustainable mobility but also benefits the local economy. For more information, visit: www.avoriaz.com

Go to the Portes du Soleil  

All 12 resorts in the Portes du Soleil can be easily accessed from Geneva Airport, which benefits from low cost, direct flight access from London, Aberdeen, Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester. Return flights from London Gatwick during the upcoming winter season cost from £49 pp with EasyJet.

A six day lift pass for the Portes du Soleil area is priced from €336 / £280.72 for adults, €252 / £210.55 for children and €302 / £252.33 for seniors (web prices, until 28 March 2025) 

To plan your trip to the Portes du Soleil and for more information, please visit:  

https://en.portesdusoleil.com