La Chapelle d’Abondance – a charming small village situated at 1,020m in the Portes du Soleil ski area – is a hidden gem for skiing enthusiasts. As part of the Portes du Soleil, the resort offers access to over 600km of skiable terrain, making it one of the largest ski areas in the world. The village itself offers 75 km of slopes, making it an ideal spot for beginners and families, but also has access to more challenging terrain for experienced skiers.
Being part of the Châtel ski area, it benefits from a modern and efficient lift system. Moreover, its position near the Swiss border allows for a unique Franco-Swiss skiing experience. This complete guide to skiing in La Chapelle d’Abondance will provide all the necessary details to plan your thrilling ski holiday.
La Chapelle d’Abondance Ski Area
The ski area in La Chapelle d’Abondance is split into two parts; the Braitaz area which is linked to the Portes du Soleil, and the Cret Beni, a separate ski area situated above the village. The ski area consists of 48 runs in total, with 13% green, 50% blue, 29% red and 8% black runs.
Beginner Skiing in La Chapelle d’Abondance
La Chapelle d’Abondance is a paradise for beginners with its gentle nursery slopes and wide, open runs. The Cret Beni area is perfect for beginners, as it provides a tranquil and picturesque setting for learning and practicing. The blue runs like Belle Vache and Les Fys are perfect for beginners to progress their skills. There are also several private instructors available to help beginners improve their skiing technique.
Intermediate Skiing in La Chapelle d’Abondance
Intermediate skiers will find ample opportunities to challenge themselves in La Chapelle d’Abondance. The Braitaz area provides access to the larger Portes du Soleil ski area, with its myriad of blue and red runs. The Linga slope, connecting to the neighbouring Châtel, is a delightful red run that intermediate skiers will enjoy. The Tetras run is another interesting option, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Advanced Skiing in La Chapelle d’Abondance
Advanced skiers are not left out in La Chapelle d’Abondance. The black run, La Combe, provides an exhilarating challenge with its steep slopes and tight turns. Furthermore, the connection to the larger Portes du Soleil area opens up a plethora of challenging terrain and off-piste options. Avoriaz, in particular, offers some exciting black runs and off-piste opportunities.
Off-piste Skiing in La Chapelle d’Abondance
While the village itself does not have extensive off-piste areas, its location within the Portes du Soleil ski area gives skiers access to some excellent off-piste skiing. The Swiss part of the ski area, including resorts like Morgins and Champery, provides thrilling off-piste runs. However, venturing off-piste should always be undertaken with caution and preferably with a guide or an instructor who is familiar with the local terrain.
Conclusion
La Chapelle d’Abondance, with its tranquil setting and access to the vast Portes du Soleil ski area, provides a unique skiing experience for all levels of skiers. Whether you are a beginner learning your first turns, an intermediate skier looking to explore a variety of terrains, or an advanced skier seeking thrilling challenges, La Chapelle d’Abondance has something for you.
Book Ski Lessons in La Chapelle d’Abondance with Maison Sport
To make the most of your skiing experience in La Chapelle d’Abondance, we recommend booking ski lessons with an experienced instructor. Whether you’re a novice looking to gain confidence or an experienced skier wanting to improve your technique, Maison Sport can help you find the perfect instructor.