Portes du Soleil
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Les Portes du Soleil is a large region of the Alps encompassing thirteen resorts between Mont Blanc in France and Lake Geneva in Switzerland, popular for skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports. The region offers 650 km of marked runs and about 230 lifts in total, spread over 14 valleys and about 400 square miles.
Snow dumps over the Portes du Soleil are common and snowmaking ensure that slopes are kept healthy during warmer periods.
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Resorts
There are twelve major winter sport resorts in the Portes du Soleil region. Of the twelve Avoriaz is guaranteed to have the best snow due to its altitude.
Avoriaz
The most modern area of the Portes du Soleil is the resort of Avoriaz, the self-proclaimed capital of snow-boarding. Perched atop dramatic cliffs, this 1960's resort is unusually attractive amongst those built during this era, featuring wooden buildings of a distinctive character and a car-free policy.
Avoriaz's altitude makes it the resort out of the 12 major resorts in the Portes du Soleil to have the best snow.
Morzine
A traditional market town in the heart of the Portes du Soleil, Morzine is dominated by attractive chalets spread across a river gorge, bordered by partially wooded slopes allowing skiing in poor weather conditions.
The immediate terrain makes the area best suited for beginners and less-seasoned skiers and snowboarders, which has led to the resort being especially popular with families. However more challenging slopes can be found at Avoriaz via the Prodains lifts which are only five minutes away on the excellent local bus service.
Although Morzine is located at a low altitude, it enjoys the advantage of the micro-climate created by its proximity to Mont Blanc.
Morgins
Also part of the Portes du Soleil, but located in Switzerland, this village has kept some of its traditional charm and is not as crowded as the larger resorts in France.
Lodging in the Portes du Soleil
A wide variety of accommodation for tourists exists in the Portes du Soleil region. From large ski-hotels to independentally owned chalets, the wide variety of resorts offers something for all.
Examples
- Sugar Mountain Snowboarding Chalet (http://www.sugar-mtn.com)
- Chalet Chardon (http://web.onetel.net.uk/~dougmacarthur/)