Les Portes du Soliel is in a large region of 13 interconnected resorts between Lake Geneva, Switzerland and Mont Blanc, France. The region covers 14 valleys and about 400 square miles, offering 650 kilometers of marked runs and about 230 lifts. You can purchase one ski pass to use all the lifts in the Portes du Soleil region. Carry your passport if you cross the French/Swiss border.

As the first European resort to embrace snowboarding, it’s a boarder’s Mecca. There is a specialist park, a half-pipe, a slalom course, and extensive off-piste. This, along with some great black runs, tends to attract better skiers. The most notable of these is “the Wall of Death,” which plunges you into Switzerland and should only be attempted by those with many tough miles under their ski boots. Beginners and intermediates need not despair. There are countless motor way pistes across the network to keep you smiling.

After a long, perfect day on the mountain, the après ski varies from quiet to very lively. Each resort has its own atmosphere and après ski scene.

If skiing or boarding isn’t your thing, there are several museums throughout the valleys.