France
La Chapelle-d’Abondance is a commune in the Haute-Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France. Its also the name of this ski resort.
Table of Contents
Location of the resort
Located in the northern French Alps, the village lies at the heart of a farming valley in Haute-Savoie. Nestling below the peaks of the “Cornettes de Bise” and the “Mont de Grange” which rise to almost 2,400 metres (7,900 ft), the Abondance Valley is a verdant mountain pasture amongst the Alpine Peaks of the Chablais Massif. The waters of the River Dranse run through the valley, enriching the fertile pasture land before flowing out into Lac Leman (Lake Geneva) near Evian. Rafting is possible lower down the Dranse, where the sluice gates are opened each day to let a torrent of water down the river.
During the winter season, La Chapelle d’Abondance is a winter sports playground. On the edge of the Portes du Soleil massive with access via the Panthiaz telecabine. La Chapelle d’Abondance has accommodation ranging from Gites to Chambre d’Hotes. Several independently run, fully catered ski chalets also offer accommodation and meals.
Ski schools in Abondance
La Chapelle d’Abondance has its own ski areas and ESF ski school for all levels:
Cret Beni ski area – height of top lift 1536 m: In the shadow of the Mont de Grange (2432 m) is the Cret Beni ski area. The slopes are north facing to ensure good snow conditions for skiing and snowboarding. There are mountain restaurants offering local cuisine.
Braitaz ski area – height of top lift 1792 m: A gondola gives access to the south facing ski area. It is possible to ski to Torgon in Switzerland or ski towards the Super Chatel domain and the vast Portes du Soleil ski area.
Abondance village
About 30 kilometers to the south of Leman, Abondance is a typical small village of the region. Placed in the heart of the Abondance Valley, the Abondance village, you can enjoy the full touch with nature. During winter season you can enjoy practicing: ski alpine, snowboarding, skiing at the trundle of the fabulous domain of the Abondance (7 km itineraries to Abondance and 40km to total to the valley), hiking and snowshoeing.
Unique views in an unique environment
Very sporty and contemplative, Abundance is so special… The exceptional panoramic look, going through the 17 slopes of domain of the ski resort. Full of slopes perfect for sliding, suitable for both the experienced and beginner skier.
For the kids, the domain of Ludoffaz, placed in the center of the village, offers slopes to ski or snowboard on the slopes of the luges! Abondance is part of the domaine franco-suisse des Portes du Soleil. A part of the Abundance, a connection to the hubs and gratuities and offers of the title of the fixed Portes du Soleil (296 slopes and 194 remotes to 400 km² of the domain skiable).
Situated in the village core, benefits from its facilities nowadays. The nominal activities “form and wellness” are the following: Power Plate, Endermology, Massage California, Massage aux pierres chaudes, Musculation and hydrotherapy (Jacuzzi, Hammam, etc.) …
Abondance also offers holidays with a lot of lovely spots (churches, musseums or a cloister), rural houses, local holidays… You can admire the unique mountain environment while staying at a typical village.
Architectural jewel of the valley, the Abundance Abbey conceals fabulous artistic treasures. Remains intact, or classed as historic monuments since 1875.
How to reach Abondance
To access to the ski resort, you must reach Châtel. It is placed at the Leman lake, about 530 kilometers from the limit border with Jonquera. You can reach by car, public transportation (there are plenty of buses) or jump in a flight directly to Geneva.
Les Portes du Soleil
The name Portes du Soleil originates from the 1,950-meter-high pass of the same name, connecting Morgins to Les Crosets.
Les Portes du Soleil (literally “The Doors of the Sun”) is a major skisports destination in the Alps, encompassing thirteen resorts between Mont Blanc in France and Lake Geneva in Switzerland. With more than 650 km of marked trails (claimed by the ski resort company; an independent expert measured about 426 km) and about 200 lifts in total, spread over 14 valleys and about 1,036 square kilometres . Portes du Soleil ranks among the two largest ski areas in the world (the other being Les Trois Vallées).
Almost all of the trails are connected by lifts – a few surrounding towns can be reached only by the free bus services in the area. The summit is set at 2400 m and the lowest is 900 m. As with many other Alpine ski resorts, the lower slopes of Portes du Soleil have snow-making facilities to extend the ski season by keeping the lower slopes open during the warmer months.
As one of the largest ski areas in the world, Portes du Soleil offers ski runs of all kinds and difficulties, ranging from shallow beginner slopes (“blue slopes”) to some of the most challenging downhill slopes (“black slopes”) in the Alps. Due to the size of the area, it takes several days to traverse all different resorts. There is a main circuit through most of the Swiss and some of the French resorts (Chatel-Morgins-Champoussin-Les Crosets/Champery-Avoriaz-Chatel)can be skied in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions.
Apart from a short walk in Morgins, the circuit can be skied without removing one’s skis or board. There are places on the circuit (especially in Morgins) where one might experience sparse snow or even have to go down by chairlift late in the season. However, the circuit will by no means cover the entire ski area. Notably, the Torgon/Abondance area and the Morzine/Les Gets area are not included in the circuit. Both are large areas in themselves – the Morzine/Les Gets area in itself having around 150 km of marked runs.
Skiing in La Chapelle-d’Abondance: the resort’s highlights
An authentic resort in the heart of the Chablais Alps
La Chapelle-d’Abondance, located in the valley of the same name, is part of the majestic Les Portes du Soleil ski area, one of the largest ski resorts in the world with over 600 km of slopes. Surrounded by the peaks and forests of the Chablais massif, this Savoyard resort retains the charm of a traditional alpine village, with its wooden architecture, welcoming atmosphere, and peaceful pace of life.
An accessible and diverse ski area
The local ski area offers around 75 km of slopes connected to the neighboring ski area of Châtel, and direct access to the international Les Portes du Soleil network, which links France and Switzerland. This connection makes La Chapelle-d’Abondance a strategic starting point for those seeking variety without sacrificing the tranquility of a more intimate resort. Its green and blue slopes are ideal for beginners, while the red and black slopes in the Braitaz and Crêt-Béni sectors offer technical runs for experienced skiers.
A benchmark for Nordic skiing and authentic mountain life
Beyond downhill skiing, La Chapelle-d’Abondance is a leading destination for cross-country skiing, with more than 35 km of Nordic trails in a natural setting of exceptional beauty. Snowshoe trails, scenic walks, and mountain activities invite you to discover the region at a leisurely and contemplative pace.
Savoyard hospitality and gastronomy
The village is known for its warm atmosphere and authenticity. The accommodation, mainly family chalets and mountain hotels, offers a personalized service. Gastronomy is another of its great attractions: fondue, raclette, and fromage d’Abondance—a local product with a designation of origin—are an essential part of the experience.
A four-season resort
In summer, La Chapelle-d’Abondance becomes an ideal destination for hiking, mountain biking, trail running, and family tourism. Its green valleys, alpine pastures, and routes to Mont de Grange or Lac d’Arvouin mean that the resort remains active all year round. This vocation as a sustainable and versatile destination reinforces its appeal within Les Portes du Soleil.
Limitations to consider
The maximum altitude of around 1,800 meters can limit snow quality at the extremes of the season. However, the resort benefits from its connection to higher sectors of the Portes du Soleil and an efficient snowmaking system. Its authentic village atmosphere and excellent balance between skiing, gastronomy, and nature more than compensate for any limitations.
