Best described as a winter sports paradise, Portes du Soleil Portes du Soleilis located between the French Mont Blanc and the Swiss Lake Geneva. Ski and snowboard enthusiasts know that Portes du Soleil must not be disregarded when it comes to making the best of a vacation meant for being spent on skis or on snowboard. However, the region is extremely favorable to practicing summer sports, such as mountain biking, hiking or spelunking.

Several resorts, both French and Swiss, are located in the Portes du Soleil region. Avoriaz, Morzine, Châtel, Morgins, Les Crosets, Montriond, La Chappelle d'Abondance, Val d'Illiez and Torgon count as some of the many resorts which can be deemed either rather modern or displaying an air of small mountain village, or, why not, between these two extreme categories.

Short History of Portes du Soleil

Some of the localities are known to have been inhabited since the 11th century. Morzine, for instance, was an agricultural grange during the Middle Ages. Just as well, Saint Jean d'Aulps used to have hosted a Cistercian monastery which was in the mean time destroyed. However, it is likely that most of the localities have underwent a more consistent development ever since they became tourist destinations, tourism being their basic economic activity.

Accommodation at Portes du Soleil

Portes du Soleil is not a place to generate issues when it comes to accommodation. Most of the establishments offering accommodation services are mid range hotels. However, four-star hotels are available for those who are in Porte du Soleil for more than just skiing. The picturesque mountain chalets, so typical for the region, and holiday apartments may also represent a an answer for tourists in search of lodging services.

Traditional cuisine at Portes du Soleil

A serious ski or hiking vacation can only be complemented by hearty meals enabling the recovery of the strength necessary for further mountain ventures. The Portes du Soleil region is fully endowed with establishments able to offer to tourists both with eateries, lively bars and lounge areas where visitors can relax and enjoy the benefits of a rich meal in a friendly atmosphere. In terms of local dishes, tartiflette, a Savoy specialty, must be tried, and Les Gets is one of the best place to try it. Génépi is yet another traditional product, namely, a liqueur consumed as a digestive drink.

Tourist Attractions and Objectives at Portes du Soleil

A trip or a stay in Avoriaz may prove to be worth making, since the resort is an attraction in itself given the fact that its overall architecture features an unique personality, being the result of the joint work of four architects especially hired to conceive the general look of the resort. The Museum of Skiing in Les Gets is yet another possible tourist objective which is worth visiting.

Events at Portes du Soleil

The main event taking place in Portes du Soleil is the Grand Odyssey Savoie Mont Blanc Husky Race. The particularity of this competition is that it is placed in a rather topographically difficult region which raises the stake of the event in terms of winners' personal satisfaction of overcoming the vicissitudes of nature. Morzine, in addition, hosts the annual French Mountain Villages Football Tournament. As a historical mention, Avoriaz used to be the host resort of the homonymous Film Festival, dedicated to horror and science fiction movies. The biannual Mechanical Music Festival in Les Gets is also worth attending.

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