The Portes du Soleil ski area: skiing without borders from Châtel
Skiing Without Borders
From one valley to another, from France to Switzerland
From Châtel, choose between the Châtel–Espace Liberté ski pass to ski around the resort, or the Portes du Soleil ski pass to explore the entire French-Swiss ski area. Ski passes can be customized to suit your preferences and the number of days of your stay.
– Châtel–Espace Liberté: 120 km of slopes, 69 runs, and 56 ski lifts.
– Portes du Soleil: 600 km of skiing and 296 runs.
– 12 interconnected resorts between France and Switzerland.
– 11 snowparks and 4 boardercross courses for freestyle enthusiasts.
– From Châtel, head straight to the slopes in Avoriaz, Morgins, Torgon, and La Chapelle-d’Abondance.
Our Partners on the Slopes
Well-equipped, well-supported
A beautiful resort isn't enough—you also need the right equipment and, sometimes, the right guidance. We've been working for years with professionals in the valley whom we know personally, and our guests enjoy special rates.
For equipment, Daniel Cruz Sports rents skis, snowboards, and boots just steps from the slopes, with a 20% discount for our guests. Ask us for the code when you book.
As for lessons, the ESF Châtel and Ski Academy provide instruction ranging from children’s first turns to advanced technique training for adults.
To get off the beaten path, the Abondance Valley Guide Office offers guided ski tours, ski touring, and snowshoe excursions to the area’s most secluded valleys. And when you’re ready for a change of scenery, Alpes’Huskies takes young and old alike on dog-sled rides.
Finally, Châtel Transfer provides transportation from the train station and the Geneva airport, which is convenient when you’re arriving from far away with luggage and equipment.
One of the largest in the world
A ski area of exceptional scale
It doesn't get much bigger than this: a total of 307 runs, including 39 green, 130 blue, 105 red, and 33 black runs, plus about 30 snowparks and bordercross courses.
Eight French resorts: Avoriaz, Morzine, Montriond, Les Gets, Saint-Jean-d’Aulps, Abondance, La Chapelle-d’Abondance, and Châtel. And four Swiss resorts: Champéry, Torgon, Morgins, and Val-d’Illiez–Les Crosets–Champoussin.
All of them are connected by the trails. You cross the border on skis, almost without realizing it, with a single lift ticket.
Two mountain ranges, two atmospheres
The Châtel ski area
In Châtel, skiing takes place in two distinct areas, connected by the Portes du Soleil and Gabelou chairlifts.
Super-Châtel and Barbossine, facing Switzerland, attract families and beginners with their gentle slopes and plenty of sunshine.
Linga, Pré-la-Joux, and Plaine Dranse—which are more technically challenging—are a delight for experienced skiers. Linga faces due north, ensuring cold snow that glides smoothly in all conditions, with its famous run featuring a steep, even slope.
Choose your ski pass
Two ways to ski
The Espace Liberté ski pass covers Châtel, La Chapelle-d’Abondance, Torgon, and part of Morgins—a total of 130 km of trails, 78 runs, and 59 lifts.
The Portes du Soleil ski pass provides access to the entire ski area.
Our tip: The Espace Liberté is more than enough for some great days of skiing. The Portes du Soleil pass is worth it as soon as you feel like exploring further.
Book your lift tickets online before you arrive, and you'll skip the line on your first morning.
Skiing on a grand scale
The connection to Avoriaz, right from your skis
This is one of Châtel’s greatest assets. From the resort, “ski-in/ski-out” access takes you to Avoriaz, Morgins, Torgon, and La Chapelle-d’Abondance.
The Linga/Pré-la-Joux area connects to the Avoriaz ski area via the red “Chaux Fleurie” run and the blue “Grand Plan” run. Set out in the morning from Châtel and have lunch in Avoriaz or on the Swiss side: a day of skiing quickly turns into an adventure from one resort to the next.
Designed for families
For all levels
Châtel remains a family-friendly village resort. With ski schools, beginner areas, and secure zones, everyone can learn at their own pace.
There’s no shortage of fun areas, starting with a 3.7-km green run equipped with 20 features to help you learn to ski while having fun, a speed radar, and two bordercross courses suitable for everyone from beginners to advanced skiers. Freestyle enthusiasts will find their niche at the Smoothpark, which is dedicated to features and jumps.
Finally, a good artificial snow system ensures that the main runs remain skiable even when snow conditions are moderate, from the beginning to the end of the season.
Ever-Greater Comfort
What's New for the season
The resort continues to invest. New for winter 2026: the Linga gondola will be replaced by a detachable 6-person chairlift, offering faster trips up to one of Châtel’s most popular areas.
The Best Starting Point
Savoya Lodges, 600 meters from the slopes
The best place to start enjoying all this? Our four unique chalets, located 600 meters from the slopes, with a free shuttle that stops right at the lodges. We also make it easy for you to purchase lift tickets and book activities, so all you have to worry about is skiing.
Learn More
All winter long in Châtel, beyond skiing
Skiing is just one aspect of winter in Châtel. Unique winter sports, snowshoeing, dog sledding, family fun, and evenings by the fire: there are a thousand other ways to enjoy the resort once you’ve put away your skis.
To discover everything winter in Châtel has to offer, visit our page dedicated to winter in Châtel.
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Tourism
Discover Châtel
Hiking, skiing, biking, yoga… There are a thousand and one things to do in Haute-Savoie. Whether you’re staying in one of our fully equipped chalets or just a short walk from your vacation spot, we’ll guide you and offer advice so you can enjoy the vacation of your dreams!
