Strengths- Reliable high altitude ski area- Cheaper prices than most other ski areas in the Haute Savoie- Some lovely traditional towns and villages that are free from herds of tourists- A good place for pleasant, year round living |
throughout the region, and is particularly noticeable in the summer when customs and traditions come to the fore during the traditional summer festivals. |
particularly strong on activities for children, with a multitude of leisure facilities ranging
from summer sledging and crazy golf to swimming pools and trampolining.
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Portes du Soleil
Heavy investment in ski facilities, a lively summer season and a wonderfully warm and welcoming family atmosphere have led to foreign buyers finally waking up to the charms on offer in the Portes du Soleil. Although perhaps not yet as fashionable as the world renowned resorts of Chamonix and Megeve in the neighbouring valley, the Portes du Soleil with its traditional Savoie towns and resorts now rightfully sits amongst the most popular areas in the French Alps.
It is perhaps the range of activities available in both summer and winter that have given the Portes du Soleil a strong family feel. Whilst it may not have the glitz and glamour of some of the shops and restaurants to be found in Chamonix or Megeve, prices are lower and
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there is a warmth and friendliness in its towns and resorts that gives it a welcoming atmosphere. For instance, those dropping into the Tourist Office in Morzine on Saturdays find themselves greeted with a cup of hot chocolate and a local patisserie. Those that pick up the weekly entertainment guide whilst they are there are regularly shocked at the sheer number of activities on offer in the region. Whether it’ s the entertaining“ Descente aux Flambeaux” when at the end of the day lift attendants ski down the mountain with flaming torches, or the weekly lumberjack competitions held in many of the towns, there is always something going on in this distinctly vibrant community.
The liveliness of its year-round attractions and well equipped towns, combined with their traditional atmosphere and strong family focus have meant that the Portes du Soleil is no longer
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the up-and-coming area it once was; it has now officially arrived!
Strengths- Very good access with Geneva airport one hour away- Large, varied and well equipped ski area- Strong summer season with a diverse range of activities- Warm, welcoming family atmosphere- Reasonably priced shops and restaurants
Weaknesses- Still not as big a name as world renowned resorts- Unreliable snow cover in the resorts on the lower runs, mitigated by good snow making facilities.- An ever increasing number of British buyers in the area.
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Weaknesses- Less fashionable than other world renowned resorts such as Chamonix- The stark architecture of Flaine.
Annecy – Aravis
Many visitors to the villages and resorts of Aravis, including the ski resorts of La Clusaz, Le Grand Bornand, Manigod and St Jean de Sixte, comment on a difference in feel to other ski areas in the Haute Savoie. The fact that the mountain landscape is less severe than in those areas to the East certainly helps, and many people actually find the softer, green countryside more picturesque. However, perhaps contributing more than anything is the sense that the area is made up of working mountain communities, rather than ones solely dependent on tourism. In particular, one cannot fail to notice the strong agricultural influence on the area- dairy-farming linked to the production of reblochon cheese has kept the Alpine countryside rich and green, and has preserved the traditional life and activities of the villages. Farming has a strong presence
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Despite maintaining their working routes, the Aravis resorts also offer an increasingly varied range of tourist attractions. In terms of skiing, there are good runs at all levels even if the area doesn’ t enjoy the variety of the Portes du Soleil or the might of the Chamonix Valley. The four resorts have made more of an effort in recent times to promote themselves in the UK and are beginning to become a viable alternative to other, more established areas. In a similar fashion to the Portes du Soleil, the Aravis pass allows skiing in several resorts- La Clusaz, Le Grand Bornand and St Jean de Sixt.
It’ s not just skiing on offer though, and Aravis arguably carries more year round appeal than many other Alpine areas. A thriving summer season offers plenty of paragliding and cycling, as well as some delightful walking and hiking opportunities in the distinctive Aravis setting. There is an abundance of mountain trails and rock-climbing possibilities in the range. Some of the 90 ski lifts in the region are open in summer to provide quick access, with parasailers favoring the highest lift with its beautiful decent to La Clusaz. The area is
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Strengths- A very pleasant area with a distinctly traditional atmosphere- Lots of non-ski activities means it is a good place to live all year round- A fantastically family orientated area means it is a great place to go with children
Weaknesses- Less English spoken than more international resorts( although for many this is a distinct advantage!)- On the lower slopes there is extensive snowmaking, but the low altitude and crowds over weekends and holidays can lead to worn patches
Mont Blanc
The Chamonix Valley’ s appeal can be summed up in two words: Mont Blanc. Europe’ s tallest mountain towers over the valley’ s towns and resorts, offering a constant snow-capped reminder as to why this is one of the most popular area’ s in the Alps. And whilst it’ s true that living here can have its drawbacks and-
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