winter

skiing and boarding

non skiers

the chalet

the chalet is located in the portes du soleil ski region, a network of 12 resorts containing 286 slopes and 195 lifts. the season this year runs 22 december to 15 april - lift maps and pass prices can be found here.

from the chalet we usually drive to the ardent bubble lift at montriond (10 mins) - you can buy passes there and the lift takes you right into the heart of the avoriaz pistes with lifts over to the chatel valley too. parking at ardent is free. you could also drive to morzine or to the brand new fast lift at prodains (for avoriaz) where you are more or less guaranteed good snow thanks to the altitude.

ski and board hire plus lessons for all abilities are easily accessible - there is a hire store in le biot just round the corner from the chalet or plenty near the main ski lifts.

there is also skiing and lessons very nearby at the small resort of roc d'enfer/grande terche in st jean d'aulps. this is a great local spot for families and beginners with a handful of lifts, much lower prices and nice easy runs. boarders beware - it's pretty much all drag lifts!

for non-skiers there are plenty of beautiful walks - round the frozen lake at montriond with a hot chocolate stop half way is our favourite! walkers can also access the restaurants and views in the ski areas by going up in one of the bubble lifts at ardent, morzine or prodains (also at thegrande terche where you can sit in a deck chair and watch the lessons).

at morzine there are lots of shops, markets and restaurants, a public swimmimg pool and (apparently) a couple of spas!

there's a new water park called aquariaz in avoriaz - it's not super easy to access (drive all the way up to the resort which can be snowy, or take the prodains lift - avoriaz itself is car free) but its got a kids water play area, slides, and a 'river' with jacuzzis for the grown ups.

throughout the season there are special events with fireworks, husky driving, live music etc.

the chalet is at about 900m altitude and therefore can get very heavy snow sometimes, but usually the freezing level is higher and you won't have any snow on the roads.

the chalet has under floor heating, electric heaters in the bedrooms and a wood burner, making it toasty and cosy. there is a boot room on the basement level for your skis and outdoor gear.