Les Portes du Soleil: New Lifts and Overpriced Upgrades for 2025-26
Michael Fulton
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.
While any investment in lift infrastructure is generally positive for skiers and riders, it's important to view these upgrades in context. Les Portes du Soleil remains a vast, diverse ski area with plenty to offer, but these changes are unlikely to fundamentally alter the skiing experience for most visitors. The focus on high-end accommodations and dining options suggests a push towards a more affluent clientele, which may come at the expense of the area's traditional value proposition.
As always, savvy skiers should look beyond the marketing hype and focus on the fundamentals – snow conditions, lift ticket prices, and overall value for money. While Les Portes du Soleil's upgrades for 2025-26 offer some genuine improvements, they're unlikely to justify any significant price increases. Skiers would do well to compare options across the Alps before committing to what may turn out to be an increasingly premium-priced destination.