Morzine is the centre of the largest internationally linked ski area in the world. The vast Portes du Soleil offers an immense variety of runs for all standards including 650 kilometres of marked piste and 260 lifts spanning 13 linked resorts in France and Switzerland. With gentle blues and greens for beginners, through tree lined reds and wide open motorways for intermediates, to some of the most well known Black runs (including the infamous 'Wall') in Europe, The "Portes de soleil" caters for all levels of skier. All of this on only one ski pass, it is possible to ski different areas for every day of a two week holiday

Even for those parts of the Portes du Soleil that sit at a moderate altitude, it's northern situation within the Alps region means that it often gets better snow than most of the other higher French resorts. The snow also lasts longer due to the abundance of North facing slopes. Last season the lifts in Avoriaz closed on April 30th 2009 plus the pistes are rigorously maintained, not forgetting the use of approx 520 snow cannons.

Chalet du Lac is perfectly positioned for access to the mountains. Those 'in-the-know' don't use the Morzine lifts to access the skiing area as the queues can eat in to the start of your day. The telecabine from Ardent, 4 minutes from the chalet, is the fastest access to the Portes du soleil circuit, the Avoriaz  sector and the Swiss resorts. There is plenty of parking at the lift and the ski bus stops right outside the chalet.   Other ski companies 'guarantee' late season snow but bussing their guests to the Ardent lift -  only 4 minutes from our breakfast table!

Why not have a gentle ski over to Les Gets & Mont Chery for amazing views of Mont Blanc. If steep is your thing, attempt the world famous "Swiss wall", icy and steep with waist high moguls or the "Combe de Machon"  by the Women's downhill run. There is also plenty of accessible off-piste skiing, however, you may want to try the Avoriaz "snowzones", patrolled designated off-piste areas, which provide an introduction to free riding, minimising the usual risks.

For beginners both Morzine and Les Gets have great nursery slopes to learn on with mellow cruisey blue and green runs. Once you've mastered these slopes you can follow the sun and work your way around the Portes du Soleil circuit experiencing the variety of inter-connecting blue, red and black runs to and from Switzerland, all of which are accessible with a full area ski pass.