Whilst all of the individual resorts in this area have their own distinct advantages, a full area lift pass is like having the keys to the sweet shop! The Portes du Soleil region is comprised of 12 different resorts and straddles the Franco-Swiss border to give 650km of piste and with it the honour of being the world's largest ski area. This is not like other supersized ski areas in that it still offers great diversity in terms of both skiable terrain and the character of the towns and villages within it. Aside from the shared lift pass the sleepy village of Champoussin in the Swiss canton of Valais has very little in common with the purpose-built French resort of Avoriaz, which in turn could not be more different to historical town of Abondance with its monastery and famous cheese-making heritage. The Portes du Soleil is massive and yet all of the individual resorts have managed to retain an intimacy that makes visitors feel at home.

Although the temptation is to clock up the miles and dip your toes in to as many resorts as possible we would suggest trying different areas each day so as to spend more time skiing and less time travelling.The Linga sector in Chatel is an intermediate paradise that offers tree lined skiing on snowsure North-facing slopes, and the descent from the summit of Le Linga to the valley floor on the ladies downhill run is epic. The opposite side of the Abondance valley is perfect for recreational skiers looking for gentle sun-kissed slopes and spectacular views. The Panoramique piste lives up to it name with breath-taking views of Lake Geneva and the often-empty slopes of the Braitaz in La Chapelle are a great place to work on your carving skills. Adrenalin junkies will feel the burn in the nearby Barbossine mogul field but some of the most challenging skiing is arguably in the Swiss sector of the Portes du Soleil. Two runs that are not to be missed in the right conditions are the legendary Chavanette ( known locally as the ‘Swiss Wall') and the Piste Defago black run above Morgins that opened after local hero Didier Defago won the Olympic Downhill gold medal in 2010.

Whether you like bumps, powder, corduroy piste or just plenty of hot chocolate breaks we are certain that you will find what you are looking for here in the Portes du Soleil. You will barely scratch the surface of the area in a week but we are always on hand to help you make the most of your time.

More details of our local resorts of Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz are available using the links on the left of the page.

Our top tips:

•  The Roc d'Enfer circuit in St Jean d'Aulps is one of the few areas not linked by lift but it is a good day out if you have transport. Two 8km long red runs and some wide open powder fields make it worth the effort!

•  The slopes of the Swiss sector are normally quieter but as most of them face souththey get more sunshine. Try to ski to Switzerland early in the day before the runs get too soft.

•  In Champoussin Chez Gaby serves such a good Goulash Soup that we believe it should be a criminal offence to ski past without stopping!

•  The main stadium piste in Les Crosets is always one of the best runs in the whole area and thanks to a new high-speed 8 man lift it is easy to do it again and again and again.

The 12 linked stations are (click on any link to get more information about the town and its resort)