Skiing in Abondance is quieter than the larger resorts of the French Alps but the valley provides access to the huge Portes du Soleil ski area. Famous for its local cheese, this mountain village has successfully kept its old farming traditions alive.
Abondance: A Quiet Gem with Access to Portes du Soleil Ski Area
Abondance is around 30km south of Lake Geneva and is much smaller than other more well-known resorts. The stunning area lies at around 1000 m and a major selling point is the short 90 min transfer from Geneva Airport. Other villages in the Vallee D’Abondance include Châtel and La Chapelle D’Abondance. With wide-open ski meadows and authentic views, all three villages act as fabulous starting points to explore the Portes du Soleil ski area. Expect beautiful snow meadows and breathtaking mountain views.


Perfect for Beginners
Once in the resort, you can access this quiet and charming ski area by gondola from the village centre. It’s very family-friendly, with a variety of slopes, so there is something for everyone. There are eight lifts and 15 pistes which include gentle blues and greens. Great for beginners but be aware, there are a fair few drag lifts to negotiate. Due to its lower altitude, Abondance is a great place to explore on fresh snow days, the bonus is you probably won’t be competing with the crowds so you’ll find untracked powder away from other Brits.
Affordable Ski Passes in Abondance and Beyond
Due to the fact, Abondance is a smaller area, the Abondance ski pass is much cheaper than the other lift passes. For a one-week pass, expect to pay €140 for a child, €168 for a junior and €186 for an adult. However, more adventurous skiers may wish to access the higher slopes in the Portes du Soleil ski area, which offers over 650 km of slopes. This lift pass prices start at around €249 for a week. The Portes du Soleil connects 12 major resorts including: Abondance, Avoriaz, Châtel, La Chapelle d’Abondance, Les Gets, Montriond, Morzine and St-Jean-d’Alps in France. Plus four on the Swiss side: Champéry, Morgins, Torgon and Val d’Illiez-Champoussin and Les Crosets.
Savor Savoyard Delights in Charming Restaurants
Abondance is a small and quiet town with several bars, hotels, restaurants, shops and a lively Sunday morning Market serving the Vallee D’Abondance. Abondance offers a number of cozy, traditional mountain restaurants on the slopes and in the village which serve delicious Savoyard-style food and drinks. Look out for L’Atelier de Jacky and Le Fer Rouge which are both recommended. The village is also famous for its Abondance cheese production which dates back to the 11th century and features in many of the local dishes.
Scenic Trails and Lac des Plagnes
Experience the magic of the French Alps by trying one of the many activities in La Chapelle d’Abondance. Known as a child-friendly ski resort, Abondance also has a Snowpark called Crêt Béni. Dog sledding with the huskies is a very popular activity too. A ride takes about 20 minutes from a track that offers beautiful mountain views. In addition to downhill skiing, the resort has 10 km of cross-country skiing and a number of snowshoe trails. You can also explore the beautiful nature around the forest walks. Stunning panoramic views await and be sure to check out Lac des Plagnes which is a very picturesque lake. Towards the end of the season, you can follow the Chemin de Lens in the forest, through mountain pastures to the Chalets de Lens. You can descend along the Chemin de Lens to the Lac des Plagnes car park.
If you’re wondering where to stay, our catered Chalet la Fontaine in Châtel is located next to the village of Abondance.
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