What’s new this winter in Portes du Soleil?
As the chill of winter approaches, preparations are underway in Portes du Soleil for a season that promises to captivate the hearts of British travellers, be they avid skiers or seekers of frosty, non-ski adventures. With its enchanting alpine landscapes, world-class ski resorts, and a cornucopia of activities beyond the slopes, Portes du Soleil beckons visitors to immerse themselves in a winter wonderland like no other. This season, the region is set to steal the spotlight as the go-to destination for unforgettable winter escapades, combining traditional Alpine charm with contemporary offerings that cater to every traveller’s desire for seasonal magic.
Portes du Soleil is a remarkable winter destination situated in the heart of the French and Swiss Alps. This expansive ski paradise seamlessly links 12 charming Alpine resorts, including Morzine, Avoriaz, Les Gets, and Châtel, among others. Nestled between the majestic Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva, Portes du Soleil offers skiers and snowboarders access to over 600 kilometres of interconnected slopes, making it one of the largest ski areas in the world. This alpine wonderland is renowned for its breath taking mountain views, diverse terrain, and a vibrant blend of French and Swiss culture that creates a truly unique skiing and snowboarding experience.
This winter, Portes du Soleil is set to dazzle visitors with a packed schedule of exciting events. Adventure enthusiasts can test their mettle in the Spartan Winter Trail in Morzine, while film buffs can indulge their passion at the film festival in Champéry. Avoriaz will come alive with the vibrant melodies of Rock on Snow, and laughter will fill the air at the Montreux Comedy Festival in Les Gets. These are just a few highlights among the myriad of thrilling experiences awaiting guests in the stunning Alpine region of Portes du Soleil this season. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping challenges or cultural delights, Portes du Soleil promises an unforgettable winter wonderland.
Check out the press pack here and keep reading to find out what is happening in Portes du Soleil this winter…
Four Season Alpine Coaster in Les Gets
For several years, the resort of Les Gets has been extending the seasons in order to offer an eclectic public a succession of activities throughout the year. Hence, for the summer of 2023 an alpine coaster was installed in the Perrières sector at the entrance to the village. With a journey time of almost 6 minutes, an ascent of 380 metres, a 714-metre descent and an elevation drop of 105 metres, this new attraction promises for its first winter of operation, wonderful moments of relaxation for the whole family. Minimum age three years accompanied by an adult and eight years to ride alone. The four seasons alpine coaster is priced from €8 / £7 per descent (one or two people per luge) or €35 / £30 for five descents.
Explore, survive and adjust with a two day snowshoe hike in Les Gets
This winter try a two-day snowshoe hike to learn about the particularities of the mountain environment, in the company of knowledgeable mountain guide Émilie. Various topics are approached with preparation at home beforehand and adjustments once you’re there in anticipation of a weekend in real-life conditions (protection against the cold, make-shift shelters, how to light a fire, etc.) The two day mountain experience will take place every weekend over the winter and is priced from €230 / £200 pp, this includes one night accommodation in a mountain refuge, an evening meal, breakfast and an experience tour guide throughout.
Montreux Comedy Festival returns to Les Gets
The Montreux Comedy Festival is set to return to the picturesque slopes of Les Gets in 2024 with “Montreux Comedy Fait du Ski.” From 13 – 20 January 2024, 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, united by a singular mission: to make the audience burst into laughter. From the delightfully absurd to the daringly cheeky, from French to English humor, 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. In collaboration with the renowned Montreux Comedy Festival, this alpine variation promises to breathe fresh, mountain-air-infused life into the world of comedy festivals.
Avo Kart in Avoriaz
New this winter, adventure seekers can experience thrills like never before by hopping aboard a cutting-edge 3-wheeled Avo Kart boasting hydraulic brakes and engineered with an impressively low center of gravity for exceptional road grip. With handlebars firmly grasped and nestled comfortably in a specially designed bucket seat, enthusiasts are primed for an exhilarating journey, descending a remarkable 3.5 kilometers with a staggering 600-meter change in altitude. The rendezvous point for this heart-pounding adventure awaits at the upper station of the 3S, where there’s no age limit, but a minimum height requirement of 1.40 meters ensures everyone can partake in the excitement. A ride on the Avo Kart is priced from €25 / £22 pp.
Lac-Intrêts Chairlift in Avoriaz
This winter, guests can make use of a new detachable six-seater chairlift (that will replace the old four-seater Lac-Intrêts chairlift) in Avoriaz. The new chairlift will be able to transport 3,000 people per hour (600 more people per hour than before). SERMA, the operator of the ski area, made a series of decisions to limit the environmental impact from the beginning of construction to the operation: work has been carried out to protect local habitats; the chairlift has a Direct Drive motor with no gearbox to reduce its carbon footprint; all installations are in keeping with the resort’s architecture, and the technical centre has been equipped with solar panels.
Spend the night in a tepee in Abondance
In the Vallée d’Abondance, nestled within the natural beauty of the Lac des Plagnes, a designated UNESCO Geopark site, stands a remarkable 12-meter-high tepee designed to accommodate up to 15 people. This winter season, the Alp’Evianature guides are unveiling a series of captivating excursions leading to this unique tepee experience. Young adventurers can participate in the “Indians and Trappers” hike, allowing budding trappers to engage in the intriguing world of deciphering animal tracks and mastering fire-lighting skills. Older participants can relish a night-time snowshoe expedition culminating in a delectable Savoyard fondue feast beneath the shelter of the tepee. Tucked away deep within the forest, the tepee, featuring a central fireplace, offers warmth, comfort, and an authentic Inuit-inspired adventure. Pricing varies from €25 / £22 to €50 / £43 per person, depending on the selected package.
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.
Ski Solutions offer a seven-night stay in the Portes du Soleil at Hotel Suisse in the charming and rustic Swiss resort of Champéry, arriving 6 January 2024, from £1,595 pp based on two adults sharing a standard room on a self-catering basis. Includes return flights from London Gatwick to Geneva and rail transfers.
Or Inghams offer a seven-night stay in the Portes du Soleil at the Saskia Apartments in the French snow sure resort of Avoriaz, arriving 6 January 2024, from £529 pp based on two adults sharing a one-bedroom self-catering apartment. Includes return flights from the UK to Geneva and airport transfers.
To plan your trip to the Portes du Soleil and for more information, please visit:
