La Chapelle d'Abondance

La Chapelle d’Abondance, tucked away in the Haute-Savoie region near the Swiss border, is a charming, traditional village that forms part of the vast Portes du Soleil ski area, with over 600 km of pistes across France and Switzerland. The resort is especially popular with families and beginners, thanks to its gentle, uncrowded local slopes and excellent ski schools, while intermediates and advanced skiers and snowboarders can easily connect to the wider Portes du Soleil for more challenging terrain and freeride opportunities. The village itself retains an authentic Savoyard character, with rustic chalets, local cheese farms, and a laid-back atmosphere, making it a quieter alternative to busier resorts like Avoriaz or Morzine. Accommodation mainly consists of cosy chalets, family-run hotels, self-catered apartments, and traditional guesthouses, offering good value and plenty of warmth and charm. Pros: Access to the huge Portes du Soleil ski area Traditional alpine village with authentic Savoyard atmosphere Excellent for families and beginners with gentle local slopes Affordable accommodation compared to bigger resorts Cons: Limited nightlife and après-ski options Smaller local ski area; advanced skiers need to connect further afield Fewer luxury hotels and high-end services Snow reliability on lower slopes can vary in warmer conditions