Portes du Soleil: Winter Activities Beyond the Slopes
As winter takes hold, many travellers are seeking destinations that offer more than just traditional skiing and snowboarding. Portes du Soleil stands out with its variety of off-skiing adventures, perfect for visitors of all kinds.
According to ABTA, there’s a growing trend toward experiences during winter breaks, with travellers seeking unique activities alongside traditional getaways. Wellness escapes, spa breaks, skiing, and snowboarding are all enjoying a resurgence in popularity. Portes du Soleil offers something for everyone, blending mountain beauty with experiential winter experiences.
Situated in the heart of the French and Swiss Alps, Portes du Soleil is one of the largest ski and mountain biking areas in the world. It encompasses 12 resorts, including Abondance, Avoriaz, Champéry, Châtel, La Chapelle d’Abondance, Les Gets, Montriond, Morgins, Morzine, St Jean d’Aulps, Torgon, and Val-d’Illiez - Les Crosets - Champoussin. With over 250km of waymarked cross-country skiing trails in the region and more than 600 kilometres of skiing and 208 ski lifts, the adventure never has to end.
Four Season Alpine Coaster in Les Gets
Located in the Perrières sector at the entrance of the Les Gets village, the Alpine coaster attraction has become a year-round favourite since its launch. With a journey time of nearly six minutes, the ride includes a 380-metre ascent followed by a 714-metre descent, with an exhilarating 105-metre elevation drop. Suitable for the whole family (minimum age three, accompanied by an adult, or eight to ride solo). The four seasons Alpine coaster is priced from £7 per descent (one or two people per luge) or £30 for five descents.
Mountain Biking in St. Jean d’Aulps
Roc d’Enfer resort in St. Jean d’Aulps offers a fun descent on three-wheeled, engine-free Mountain Karts, offering an exciting way to explore the mountains in summer and winter. With descents of up to 4 kilometres and vertical drops ranging from 600 to 800 metres, this activity is suitable for all skill levels. Safety is a priority, with helmets and headlamps included in the cost, starting from £21 per descent. For more information, visit https://en.portesdusoleil.com/experiences-to-live/mountain-kart-in-saint-jean-daulps/
Icefall Climbing in Abondance
Experience a different side of the mountains with Icefall Climbing in Abondance. Frost transforms water into sculptures of ice, creating a stunning natural playground perfect for an exhilarating adventure. Although often seen as an extreme sport, icefall climbing is surprisingly accessible, especially with the expert guidance of professional mountain guides. This unique winter activity offers a playful and unforgettable challenge. This is available daily from 1 December 2024 to 30 April 2025. Prices vary from £250-£420, with a half-day minimum; this includes all equipment. For more information, visit www.portesdusoleil.com/cascade-de-glace
Sled dogs in Morzine
Experience the magic of dogsledding in the Manche Valley, Morzine, with one-hour rides available in the Manche Valley, Morzine. The session includes a warm welcome, a 20-minute walk, and time to bond with the dogs. If snow conditions are unsuitable, the activity can be replaced with an exciting dog kart ride. Prices start at £160 / €190 for up to two participants or £202 / €240 for three. For more information, visit https://en.morzine-avoriaz.com/activity/sled-dogs/
Outdoor escape game in Torgon
Discover an outdoor escape game in the Swiss resort of Torgon, where children aged four to twelve can join forces to rescue the mascot of the village, Leon the Mouflon from the cursed cave. Guided by Juliette the Owl and a beautifully illustrated riddle book, young adventurers will uncover secrets, solve puzzles, and unlock the treasure tied to Leon's ancestor Maurice. A fun-filled adventure in nature awaits, with surprises for little treasure hunters at the end. For more information visit https://en.portesdusoleil.com/experiences-to-live/escape-game/
Fantasticable in Châtel
Embark on an unforgettable adventure unlike any other in the Alps with the Fantasticable zip line! As the sole attraction of its kind in the region, it offers an opportunity to soar through the stunning landscapes of Châtel during the winter months. Thrill-seekers will be suspended in the air at heights of up to 240 metres, hurtling at speeds nearing 100km/h across the valley, covering an impressive distance of over 1200 metres of cable. For those seeking to share the excitement, duo flights are available. Prices start from just £23 for a single flight or £46 for a duo flight. For more details, visit www.chatel.com/fantasticable-en-hiver.html
Spa le Nuage in Hôtel Beau Séjour, Champéry
The Beau-Séjour Hotel in Champéry invites guests to relax in its 120m² "Nuage" Alpine Spa, where entry is included with overnight stays (except special offers) or available for non-residents at 38 CHF per day by reservation. This adults-only haven features a jacuzzi, sauna, hammam, flotation chamber, Kneipp path, reaction pool, and a variety of sensory showers, alongside a relaxation room and a scent bench. For more details, visit www.portesdusoleil.com/ofres/spa-le-nuage-hotel-beau-sejour-champery-fr-3831088/
Nordic bath in Champoussin
Indulge in a relaxing escape at the Nordic bath "Chez Gaby" in Champoussin, where 38°C water, infused with the natural tannins of the wood, provides a soothing soak. With views of the Dents du Midi, this experience offers the perfect combination of relaxation and alpine beauty. Ideal for groups of two to six, sessions are available at £16 pp for 30 minutes or £23 for 50 minutes. Whether guests are unwinding after an active day or seeking peaceful moments in nature, this Nordic bath promises pure relaxation. For more details, visit https://en.portesdusoleil.com/offers/nordic-baths-chez-gaby-1670-champoussin-val-dilliez-en-4238272/
A six day lift pass for the Portes du Soleil area is priced from €336 / £280.72 for adults, €252 / £210.55 for children and €302 / £252.33 for seniors.
