Downhill Ski....
The Portes du Soleil, meaning doorway to the sun, is one of the largest ski areas in not only Europe but also the World!
The whole area offers 650 km of pistes linking 14 resorts in France and Switzerland. If they are not connected by the lifts, then there is a free bus service. If you plan to ski the whole area, ask for the discovery circuit guide. Circuits ( that take 2h 30 mins approx) have been designed according to ski levels. You'll recognise the itineries (blue runs, red or black). Each circuit is marked by a mountain animal. Head off following the bear, white rabbit, jackdaw, ibex or reindeer and enjoy the show, it's worth the effort!
Our nearest ski run is La Grande Terche, it is a hidden treasure of the Portes du Soleil. A place where you can enjoy a peaceful day on some wonderful pistes that have been a venue for the French National Ski Championships! For families, it is the perfect place to head to get away from all the queues, the hustle and the bustle of the lively and crowded resorts. For the more advanced skier/snowboarder, it is the ideal place to head for your first day, it's green, red and blue runs will loosen up those limbs on the 34km of varied skiing terrain served by 16 lifts! Alternatively, the Roc dEnfer circuit offers a different route home through tree-lined valleys and the small ski station of Bellevaux, an exhilarating beautiful run that takes approximately 60 minutes.
At 1,000 metres, the telecabine in the village square takes you up to the ski station at 1,515 metres. Rising to 1,800 metres, there are excellent facilities for all levels of skier and snow boarder, including good restaurants and bars.
A lift pass for La Grande Terche is available from the main telecabine in the town:
Saint Jean d'Aulps ski passes
| Prices season 2005/2006 | Saint Jean d'Aulps | Roc D'enfer | ||
| Adult | Children/senior | Adult | Children/senior | |
| Half-day | 13,50 | 10,10 | 14,40 | 10,80 |
| 1 day | 16,80 | 12,60 | 18,00 | 13,50 |
| 2 days | 32,80 | 24,60 | 35,10 | 26,30 |
| 3 days | 48,00 | 36,00 | 51,30 | 38,50 |
| 4 days | 62,30 | 46,70 | 66,60 | 50,00 |
| 5 days | 75,70 | 56,80 | 81,00 | 60,80 |
| 6 days | 88,40 | 66,30 | 94,50 | 70,9 |
Free buses : all the season between the village of Saint Jean d'Aulps and the ski resort.
All lifts are FREE for the under 5's.
Children's prices : under 16 (official I.D.necessary from the age of 12).
Senior price is for over 60 (official I.D.necessary)
Half-day morning pass is up to 1 p.m.
Half-day afternoon pass is from 12 a.m.
Special prices can be obtained for groups or schools
New! Ski pass for beginners!
1 Day Adult = 9.50
1 day Children/Senior = 9.50
This skipass is for 1 gondola return, and unlimited use of the Terchette and Braye draglifts (green slopes).
Check out the snow on Le Grande Terche, visit the webcam click here
For the more advanced and more adventurous skier/skiing family, a Portes du Soleil lift pass is available. This will allow you to explore all of the 14 resorts with just the one pass, 2005/06 prices as follows:
| Prix en Euros | Adulte | Child | Senior |
| 1/2 day | 28 | 19 | 22 |
| 1 day | 37 | 25 | 30 |
| 1,5 day | 64 | 43 | 51 |
| 2 days | 72 | 48 | 58 |
| 3 days | 103 | 69 | 82 |
| 4 days | 131 | 88 | 105 |
| 5 days | 157 | 105 | 126 |
| 5 x 1/2 day | 140 | 95 | 110 |
| 5 x 1 day | 185 | 125 | 150 |
| 6 days | 179 | 120 | 143 |
Ski Lessons
ESF ski and snow board instructors are based in the village square opposite the telecabine; they all speak English and we know from experience that the lessons are first class and reasonably priced.
click here to view the ESF website.
Bass Morzine
British Alpine Ski School Morzine is a team of expert snowsport teachers based on the slopes of Pleney in the heart of Morzine. Small group sizes, delivered in English guarantee more personal attention, more progress and more fun.
click here to directly to their website.
Again, please mention that you are staying with us at winterandsummer.com
Ski Hire
We now have a hire service that comes direct to the chalet. With all the leading brands to choose from, this takes all the hassle out of hiring your equipment.
click here to download a Word document with our current hire prices.
