Hi all!

I am heading to Switzerland in January was planning to spend the week of the 30th of Jan till the 3rd of Feb at Portes Du Soliel and really need some help!

I am on somewhat of a budget and need to stay somewhere such as a backpackers or youth hostel! Could someone please recommend me somewhere that is both cheap and that has great access to the slopes?

I am a snowboarder and would classify myself as average skilled. I really enjoy long and scenic runs where I can just casually cruise and enjoy the view!

I was also wondering if someone could explain to me how easy it is to get around? is it clearly marked? (the runs). I love the idea of skiing across borders as it is certainly something I cannot do here in New Zealand!

I do not mind where I stay (in CH or France!) so would love any recommendations or tips you guys could give me

Cheers!

Oops! Sorry for the double post! Not too sure how to edit!

Just thought I would mention that I am travelling alone and if I do end up going (it all depends on budget) then anyone is welcome to join me!

I am a 22 old guy from New Zealand. If I end up going, would be great to have someone to grab a beer with or go out after a day on the slopes!

Hi, Loka. We have a chalet in Chatel and think you will have a great time here, snowboarding in the Portes du Soleil. There are many small hotels in and around the village where you can stay for about 50 euros per night.

Go on booking.com to see your choices. If your budget is less than that, maybe you can bring a friend and split the room rate?

While you are here, be sure to stop in two bars: L'escalier and The Tunnel Bar. Both of them are run by Brits and everyone speaks english.

The ski bus system in and around Chatel is fantastic. You will never be more than a two minute walk to the nearest bus stop and the buses run around every 8 to 10 minutes. Just google "Chatel bus system" and you can download a map of the bus routes.

Enjoy your trip!

chatel is alright but its low, so make sure to check the conditions as this years snow fall hasnt been too great.

TBH i would look at davos, plenty of cheap accom available and the lift tickets are not too much more than chatel but provide far better lifts and facilities.

Portes du Soleil is a fantastic ski resort, but a little expensive. Do not stay in Switzerland, France is much cheaper!

Be careful crossing from France into Switzerland, take a passport, there used to be a little customs post at the top! Also be aware that the "slope" into Switzerland is VERY difficult, more like a cliff face with bumps.

Morzine is also worth investigating for cheaper accommodation. Google for "b&b Morzine France"

I've not found anything cheaper than 50euros, when looking on behalf of friends - certainly can't find any hostels (available).


There's a custom post at the top?? Where?

Both countries are party to the Shengen agreement, so no passport is required.

The "Swiss Wall" that (I assume) you refer to is only one of perhaps a dozen places where you can cross between the two countries. And although quite steep is very wide, so is only really a problem if (when) it's got mogulled up, and if you fall you're likely to fall for some distance.

My first ever ski trip was to Chatel, and I recall skiing directly from there into CH, nowhere near the Avoriaz area. Happy days.

The Portes du Soleil is a very spread out area.
Why not get in touch with those people- they are a very small company based in Greenwich UK and they run school, youth, family and group trips to the Portes du Soleil and are based at Torgon, easily reached by train and bus from Geneva airport (train to Aigle then bus up). They often have spare capacity and can take on a few extras. Most of the staff are Brits, Ozzies and Kiwis, and most ski or snowboarding mad and know all the best places to go.


www.skicompay.net

Talk to Gerry shirt, owner, or either Becky or Olie, right hands. I've used this company for over 15 years with all sorts of groups and they are brilliant. Chalet right next to the Jorette slope, great ski and snowboard hire, ski pass includes Torgon (CH) Chapelle d'Abondance, Chatel and super Chatel (F) Morgins and Champoussin (CH) - so in a days boarding you go over the border quite a few times. Much better than a Youth hostel, simple but comfy and fun, and great people to go out playing in the snow (staff are off to the slopes as soon as breakfast is cleared!) and fabulous value for money. Formula includes a good breakfast, afternoon tea/coffee and cake, and 3 course simple dinner. Of course lunches can be had on the French side, the traditional chalet at the top of Chapelle d'Abondance slopes is great and very good value, and so is the one at Chalet Neuf in the Chatel ski area.
If you or others have any questions about the Ski Company and Torgon, I'd be happy to reply, as I've been there so many times. They also have apartments for families or small groups of adults separate to their 2 chalets, and studios with en-suite above the dining area, just meters from the main Jorette slope.

Awesome! Thank you so much for this information!
I will look into http://www.skicompany.net and also have a look at the accommodation around Davos (as I am here for 3-4 weeks so may as well make the most of my trip!)

I have heard that the French side is cheaper so will have a look around Morzine then (as it seems to be a good place to start for cheap accommodation)

Thank you all for your help! Much appreciated!

The French side is normally cheaper, but if you go through the ski company- you'll find their deals are the best value around- and as said you'd find a bunch of young Brits, Ozzies and Kiwis to board with. The prices quoted can be reduced if you go in for a 'filler' eg one or a few people asking them if they have any weeks when they can give a reduced price to fill spare spaces. You could also ask if they have any weeks when they need extra help in exchange for board and lodgings. BTW they also run some weeks in other resort, including Arosa, Crans Montana,Leysins, Haute Nendaz, etc. The accommodation is simple but right on the slopes- fabulous.

Check them out on Face Book they've just added some great piccies.