The Portes du Soleil ski area is one of the largest linked ski areas in the world, consisting of 12 resorts in the French and Swiss Alps ranging from charming towns and villages to purpose-built, pedestrianised resorts where the piste is on your doorstep. The resorts cater for skiers and snowboarders of all standards and with 650kms of ski runs across the whole area, you can cover as much or as little ground as you like. The Portes du Soleil is also renowned for its excellent snow parks where you can perfect your half-pipes and jumps before showing off your newly acquired skills to music in front of your friends and onlookers!

On the French side, lively Avoriaz 1800 and the charming mountain village of Chatel are on the main circuit, with some smaller outlying ski areas also accessible with an area pass. The larger town of Morzine and neighbouring Les Gets share their own area of pretty, partly wooded slopes which can be reached via Avoriaz. A lot of investment has taken place in the main resorts over the past few years, with several new high-speed chairs and other amenities on the piste including indoor picnic areas, marked discovery trails and fun parks.

With an airport transfer time of only one and a half hours, resorts in the Portes du Soleil region are a great choice for weekenders as well families and anyone keen to get on the piste with the minimum of delay.