TL;DR
Les Portes du Soleil, the cross-border ski area straddling France and Switzerland, is rolling out several upgrades for the 2025-26 season. While some improvements offer genuine benefits, others seem more focused on marketing hype than enhancing the skiing experience.
New Lifts Promise Faster Rides, But at What Cost?
Les Portes du Soleil, the sprawling ski area spanning 12 resorts across France and Switzerland, is gearing up for the 2025-26 season with a mix of upgrades that warrant closer scrutiny. While the area's marketing team is keen to trumpet these changes, a more measured analysis reveals a mix of genuine improvements and questionable 'enhancements' that may not justify their likely impact on lift ticket prices.
The most substantial changes come in the form of two new chairlifts. In Les Gets, the old 4-seater La Rosta lift is being replaced by a modern 8-seater, while Châtel is upgrading its Linga gondola to a high-speed 6-seater chair. Both promise faster ride times and increased capacity, which should help alleviate queues on busy days. However, it's worth noting that these upgrades are largely playing catch-up to industry standards rather than pushing any boundaries.
Beyond the lifts, Les Portes du Soleil is touting several accommodation and dining upgrades that seem more focused on generating press releases than improving the core skiing experience. The new Cabane du Col de Cou mountain hut, while offering a unique overnight option for backcountry enthusiasts, is likely to be priced at a premium that puts it out of reach for most visitors. Similarly, the renovated Le Centre restaurant in Champéry appears to be chasing the high-end market with its 'gourmet' offerings and 'luxury apartments' – hardly a priority for the average skier looking for a decent meal and a place to rest.On the positive side, the new discounted beginner pass for the Swiss side resorts (Champéry, Les Crosets, Champoussin, Morgins) is a welcome addition that could help attract new skiers to the sport. However, the 15% early booking discount and the 'free child pass' promotion are standard industry tactics to drive early commitments and family bookings, rather than groundbreaking offers.The new 'Premier Ski Festival' in Les Gets, aimed at first-time skiers, is an interesting concept. But without pricing details, it's hard to assess whether this represents good value or is simply a way to fill beds during a traditionally quieter week in late March.
