The Portes du Soleil, for exceptional holidays, summer and winter alike

Created in 1964, the Portes du Soleil ski area comprises 12 ski resorts straddling the Swiss and French borders. Located in the Haut-Chablais region, the area is home to one of the world's largest ski areas, with 300 pistes spread over 600km. On the Swiss side, there are four resorts, including Morgins, Champoussins and Torgon. In France, there are 8 resorts: Abondance, Châtel, Avoriaz, Les Gets, Morzine, Saint-Jean-d'Aulps, la Chapelle-d'Abondance and Montriond. The ski area has 195 lifts and lies at altitudes of between 950 and 2400 metres.

Morzine, an Alpine village in the heart of the Chablais mountain range, was originally a French mining town, now a world-class resort. Straddling the French-Swiss border, the village has grown over the years to become a charming ski resort in winter and a popular destination for cycling, hiking and climbing in summer.

Morzine is just over an hour's drive from Geneva airport and its ski resort is filled with tree-lined blue and red runs, as well as being directly linked to the ski resorts of Avoriaz and Les Gets. A former farming and mining town, Morzine welcomed the first lift with the cable car in 1934 to access the dominant view of the Alps. Since then, the resort has become very popular.

What to see and do

For skiers and snowboarders, there are several large and small chains where you can hire and buy equipment. The long and beautiful Les Creux black run (11.5km ) from the top of Chamossière (with incredible views of Mont Blanc), and the Aigle Rouge from Pointe Noyon will appeal to hardened skiers. The ski slopes of Avoriaz and Les Gets can be reached via the Prodains cable car.

Morzine has two cinemas, an ice rink and swimming pool complex, as well as its own ice hockey team, the Penguins. Add to that paragliding, husky sledging and snowmobiling. It's an excellent winter destination that also caters for non-skiers.

The town also offers cyclists the best cycling terrain, with around 380km of signposted trails of varying levels of ability. Morzine is also picturesque for its traditional chalets, with their characterful slate roofs. It is also home to numerous bars and restaurants.

Situated on a pass at an altitude of around 1,172 metres, the resort of Les Gets offers both sun and snow. The town of Gets is characterised by its environment and its wood, which is the origin of its name. The "gitte" in Savoyard dialect refers to the rapid descent of the wood that was used. The town perfectly combines the charm and authenticity of a village dotted with stone and wooden chalets.

What to see and do?

There's something for everyone in both summer and winter. When the mercury rises, you can enjoy hiking and mountain biking. When the snow arrives, skiers flock to the pistes on two slopes, including Mont Chéry with its views of Mont Blanc and the Chavannes ski area with its 17km of marked runs.

As well as sport, you can admire the Aeolian organ in the church in Les Gets or visit the Mechanical Music Museum. This is Europe's largest museum, with its collection of organs, chimes, pianos and animated paintings.

Avoriaz is a contemporary, pedestrian resort that was founded in 1966. It stands out for its red cedar architecture and buildings. Rather futuristic, the resort has become a firm favourite with sports enthusiasts and walkers alike. Avoriaz sits high on the cliffs above Morzine and was voted best family resort and snowiest resort in France in 2013.

The town is completely pedestrianised and the only motorised vehicles allowed to cross are service vehicles. Everyone gets around on foot, on skis or in horse-drawn sleighs. All cars must be parked outside the resort. The town also has bars, restaurants, shops, a sports centre and nursery slopes. The heart of the resort is surrounded by high-rise flats and cliffs in various sectors: Falaise, Dromonts, Ruches, Festival, Crozats and Amara.

What to see and do

Most of the shops in Avoriaz cater for the skiing, snowboarding and hiking market. The town is home to an excellent aquatic centre, Aquariaz. Perched at 1,800 metres, this tropical paradise offers a backdrop of vegetation straight from Cambodia, with a pool featuring waterfalls, slides, geysers, a climbing wall and a jacuzzi.

Avoriaz also has a number of activities, including bowling, a cinema, a fitness centre and squash courts. As well as snowshoeing, winter sports fans can take advantage of the vast ski area, including the Combe de Machon and the breathtaking Mur Suisse. Avoriaz has 23 km of cross-country ski runs. Three trails are open day and night for ski touring, accessible from Place Jean-Vuarnet.