The Portes du Soleil ski area, encompassing the resorts of Avoriaz, Les Gets, and Morzine, offers an expansive winter playground perfect for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. To help you make the most of your trip, here’s an overview of the ski opening times and essential information for each resort.
Avoriaz Ski Opening Times and Information
Opening Dates:
The ski season in Avoriaz typically runs from early December to late April, with the lifts opening in line with snow conditions. For the 2024/2025 season, the projected opening date is 9th December 2024, and the closing date is 21st April 2025.
Lifts and Slopes:
Avoriaz is known for its snow reliability and diverse terrain, making it a popular choice for families and advanced skiers alike. The resort boasts 34 ski lifts, giving access to over 75km of pistes within Avoriaz itself, with many more across the wider Portes du Soleil.
Key Facilities:
Avoriaz is a pedestrianised resort, which adds to its charm. The snow-covered streets are accessible on foot, skis, or even by horse-drawn sleigh, making it a unique experience. The ski school meeting points are conveniently located in the heart of the village, and there are numerous rental shops offering a wide range of equipment.
Tips:
Avoriaz’s Aqua Park, Aquariaz, is a great alternative for families wanting a break from the slopes. It offers pools, slides, and a lazy river, making it an ideal spot for both children and adults.
Les Gets Ski Opening Times and Information
Opening Dates:
The season in Les Gets is set to open from 16th December 2024 to 14th April 2025, although the dates may vary depending on snow conditions.
Lifts and Slopes:
Les Gets is a family-friendly resort offering 71 slopes and 48 ski lifts. It’s part of the wider Portes du Soleil area, meaning visitors can easily access other resorts for a more varied skiing experience. Les Gets itself is perfect for beginners and intermediates, with plenty of gentle slopes and wide pistes.
Key Facilities:
The charming village atmosphere makes Les Gets a favourite among families. The Milka purple slope is a particular highlight for young skiers, offering a fun route where children can learn more about alpine wildlife. There are also several ski schools that cater specifically to children and beginners.
Tips:
If you’re not skiing, Les Gets has plenty of activities, such as ice skating and snowshoeing. The Mechanical Music Museum is a unique attraction worth visiting for a cultural break from the slopes.
Morzine Ski Opening Times and Information
Opening Dates:
The Morzine ski season is anticipated to run from 16th December 2024 to 14th April 2025, subject to snowfall.
Lifts and Slopes:
Morzine offers access to over 120km of pistes and 49 ski lifts within its sector. It’s an excellent resort for beginners, intermediates, and families, with lots of gentle runs as well as some more challenging routes that link to the Portes du Soleil area for those seeking a greater challenge.
Key Facilities:
The central location of Morzine within the Portes du Soleil means it’s well-connected to both Avoriaz and Les Gets. The village itself has a traditional charm, with plenty of restaurants and shops. There are several ski rental shops, and the ESF Morzine ski school is highly regarded for its lessons for both adults and children.
Tips:
For a unique experience, try night skiing on the Pléney slope, which usually operates a couple of evenings each week. Morzine also has a lively après-ski scene, with bars and restaurants that cater to all tastes.
General Information for Skiers
- Lift Passes:
The Portes du Soleil lift pass covers all three resorts (Avoriaz, Les Gets, and Morzine), giving you access to one of the largest linked ski areas in the world. Passes can be purchased online in advance, often with early bird discounts available. - Snow Conditions and Updates:
Snow conditions can vary, so it’s advisable to check regularly on the official websites of the resorts for live updates on snowfall, piste grooming, and lift operations. - Transport Between Resorts:
Free shuttle buses run regularly between Morzine, Les Gets, and Avoriaz, making it easy to move between areas without needing a car.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly ski holiday in Les Gets, a pedestrian-friendly winter village in Avoriaz, or a traditional alpine atmosphere in Morzine, the Portes du Soleil offers a wide range of options. With convenient lift connections, great facilities, and plenty of activities off the slopes, these resorts provide everything needed for a memorable ski holiday.