Les Portes du Soleil is among the largest linked ski domains in the Alps, with 277 runs over 580 kilometres between 985 and 2,254 metres, a vertical of 1,269 metres. The split is 53% beginner, 36% intermediate and 11% advanced, with nothing graded expert. Roughly 160 lifts keep the circuit turning, including 38 six-seat chairs, 28 quads, 10 gondolas and 73 T-bars. Snowmaking tops up natural cover on the lower slopes, and the scale of the place means a week rarely repeats itself. Distances are big, so plan your day around where you intend to finish.

On the Swiss side, the villages of Champéry, Les Crosets, Champoussin and Morgins feed a long run of linked slopes towards France. The best-known stretch is the Swiss Wall off the Pas de Chavanette, a steep mogul field that regularly draws onlookers from the chairlift beside it. Away from that, most of the area is cruising terrain, with gentle tree-lined runs below about 1,800 metres and open slopes higher up. It suits intermediates and families who like variety and range, though genuinely steep skiing is limited to a handful of runs.

The 2025-2026 season runs from 30 November 2025 to 21 April 2026, with some lower Swiss sectors closing earlier depending on snow conditions. Typical operations span early December through mid-to-late April, offering approximately 20 weeks of skiing. The Geneva-Mont Blanc microclimate between Lake Geneva and Europe's highest peak creates consistent snowfall patterns, with Châtel averaging 400 centimetres annually at 2,200 metres summit elevation. This geographic positioning generates reliable accumulation despite modest summit heights compared to higher French resorts.

Annual snowfall averages vary between 320 and 381 centimetres depending on aspect, with the French sectors averaging 8 metres total winter accumulation according to some measurements. The relatively low elevations from 985 to 2,254 metres benefit from moisture-laden systems crossing Lake Geneva, whilst pasture-covered lower slopes require only 20 centimetres of base to become skiable. Snowmaking covers lower elevations including Morzine at 1,000 metres, Morgins and the key valley connections. Base depths typically peak in February and March rather than January.

January and February deliver the most reliable powder and coldest temperatures, whilst December offers early-season conditions with shorter daylight. March combines deep snowpack with longer days and warmer temperatures, ideal for circuit touring between villages. April brings spring conditions with corn snow by afternoon, though north-facing Swiss sectors hold powder longer. The area opens some lifts for autumn glacier-free operations and extends through the French Easter holidays regardless of date.

The Pass'Portes mountain bike event runs 26-28 June 2026 in Avoriaz, marking the transition to summer operations beginning mid-May. No notable on-snow festivals feature prominently beyond local village celebrations. Night skiing does not operate across the main Portes du Soleil network. The shoulder seasons see reduced lift operations with Swiss valleys often closing connections by early April whilst French sectors maintain access through the final weekend.

Daily snow reports at Les Portes du Soleil go back to 1996, 31 winters on the books. Open the record to compare winters, lifts and piste.