European Ski Resorts A-Z
Champéry, Champoussin, Les Crosets (Portes du Soleil), Switzerland
Resort height: |
1050-1660m |
|
Slopes: |
1050-2275m |
(950-2275m Portes du Soleil) |
Pistes: |
100km |
(650km Portes du Soleil) |
The Portes du Soleil area has abundant natural snowfall, but is not high and the Swiss side does get quite a lot of sun.
Snow cover is rarely a problem, but snow quality is more variable on the Swiss side of the Portes du Soleil than it is in Avoriaz, or indeed in Châtel’s Plaine-Dranse and Linga sectors, which have a more northerly orientation (and are easily accessible).
Snow-making is improving, but is not yet comprehensive.
Where to ski in bad weather:
There are very few trees in this part of the Portes du Soleil. If the weather closes in, try to get to Avoriaz's Lindarets sector, but note that the lifts may close in high winds.
Where to head in poor snow conditions:
In poor snow conditions, the best skiing is likely to be on the French side of the Portes du Soleil, either above Avoriaz (especially in the Arare and Hauts-Forts sectors) or over in Châtel (Plaine-Dranse and Linga).