les crosets

Les Crosets at a glance.

WHY WE LOVE LES CROSETS?

Les Crosets, a charming ski village in the Swiss Alps, is beloved for numerous reasons that cater to adventurers, families, and nature lovers alike. Here are some highlights:

1. Gateway to the Portes du Soleil

Les Crosets is part of the massive Portes du Soleil ski area, offering access to over 600 km of ski slopes spanning France and Switzerland. It’s a paradise for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels.

2. Stunning Scenery

Perched at 1,670 meters above sea level, Les Crosets boasts breathtaking panoramic views of the Dents du Midi and the surrounding Alpine peaks. The unspoiled beauty of the region enchants visitors year-round.

3. Winter Sports Mecca

The village features:

• Challenging runs like the famous Swiss Wall (Chavanette), known for its thrilling steep descent.
• Snow parks for freestylers and boarders.
• Reliable snow conditions, thanks to its altitude and advanced snow-making facilities.

4. Family-Friendly Atmosphere

Les Crosets has a warm, welcoming vibe:

• Beginner-friendly ski areas and excellent ski schools.
• Activities beyond skiing, such as sledding, snowshoeing, and husky dog sled rides.

5. Summer Retreat

In the warmer months, Les Crosets transforms into a hiking and mountain biking haven. Trails wind through alpine meadows, past waterfalls, and up to panoramic viewpoints, offering a serene escape.

6. Quaint Alpine Charm

The village itself is small and picturesque, with cozy chalets, delightful restaurants, and a tranquil ambiance that feels worlds away from busy resorts.

7. Accessibility

It’s easy to reach from Geneva, making it a perfect destination for both weekend trips and extended stays.

Les Crosets captures the magic of the Alps, combining thrilling outdoor activities with serene landscapes and a community spirit. It’s no wonder people fall in love with it!

Beginner skiing in Les Crosets, part of the vast Portes du Soleil ski area that spans Switzerland and France, offers an enjoyable introduction to the slopes. While the area is renowned for its intermediate and advanced terrain, there are several features tailored to beginners:

Key Features for Beginners:

1. Dedicated Beginner Areas:

• Les Crosets has access to gentle slopes suitable for learning. These areas have wide runs with mild gradients, allowing new skiers to build confidence.
• Look for drag lifts and short slopes specifically designed for practice.

1. Ski Schools:

• Local ski schools, such as the Swiss Ski School, offer lessons for all ages and abilities. Certified instructors guide beginners through foundational techniques.
• Group and private lessons are available, catering to individual preferences.

1. Accessible Blue Runs:

• While Les Crosets connects to more challenging terrain, it also offers blue runs (easy slopes) for progressing beginners.
• Runs leading down to the village are often manageable for novices after a few lessons.

1. Beginner-Friendly Infrastructure:

• Modern ski lifts make it easy to access beginner zones.
• Les Crosets is part of the Portes du Soleil area, so beginners can explore nearby areas like Champéry or Morgins, which also offer easy slopes.

1. Snowparks for Fun:

• While primarily designed for freestyle enthusiasts, Les Crosets' snowparks often have features like small rollers that beginners can enjoy safely.

1. Family-Friendly Atmosphere:

• Les Crosets is known for being welcoming to families, with facilities like rental shops, cozy eateries, and ski areas that are less crowded compared to busier resorts.

Tips for Beginners:

• Rent equipment from local shops to ensure proper fitting and comfort.
• Start your day early to avoid busier slopes as the day progresses.
• Dress warmly and wear proper protective gear, especially a helmet.
• Take frequent breaks at mountain restaurants to enjoy stunning Alpine views.

Overall, Les Crosets provides a scenic, relaxed environment for beginners to enjoy skiing while gradually improving their skills. Its charm and connection to the larger Portes du Soleil area mean there’s plenty to explore as confidence grows.

Intermediates

Les Crosets, part of the Portes du Soleil ski area on the Swiss side of the French-Swiss border, offers a fantastic playground for intermediate skiers. Known for its scenic views of the Dents du Midi and its interconnected trails, it provides diverse runs catering to a variety of skill levels.

Key Highlights for Intermediate Skiers:

1. Wide Variety of Blue and Red Runs:

• Les Crosets features well-groomed blue and red runs, making it ideal for skiers transitioning from beginner to intermediate levels.
• The Les Mosettes sector provides stunning panoramic views and sweeping red runs that are enjoyable yet challenging for intermediates.

1. Smooth Progression:

• The trails are designed to offer a natural progression, with blues that help build confidence and reds that test your skills without being overly intimidating.
• Runs like Marcheuson offer consistent gradients and are great for practicing carving techniques.

1. Connectivity to Portes du Soleil:

• Les Crosets is a gateway to the vast Portes du Soleil network, allowing intermediates to explore neighbouring resorts like Avoriaz and Champéry without tackling overly difficult terrain.
• The Swiss Wall (Le Mur Suisse) is a famous piste in the area, though it’s an advanced mogul run. Intermediates can enjoy watching experts descend it while sticking to safer routes nearby.

1. Modern Lift Infrastructure:

• Fast and efficient chairlifts ensure minimal waiting time, allowing you to maximize your skiing experience.

1. Snowparks and Alternative Terrain:

• For intermediates looking for variety, the Superpark in Les Crosets offers gentler features where you can dip your toes into freestyle skiing.

1. Charming Village and Ski Culture:

• The village atmosphere is cozy, and there are plenty of slope-side restaurants where you can take breaks and enjoy Swiss specialties like fondue.

Tips for Intermediates:

• Use the Trail Maps: The interconnected nature of Portes du Soleil can be confusing, so keep a map handy.
• Avoid the Swiss Wall: If it’s on your route, know that it’s better suited for advanced skiers.
• Time Your Skiing: Les Crosets' slopes are sunlit during the morning and early afternoon, so plan accordingly for the best snow conditions.

Les Crosets offers intermediates an exceptional skiing experience with varied terrain, scenic vistas, and opportunities to improve while enjoying the charm of the Swiss Alps.

Advanced skiing

Les Crosets, located in the Swiss region of the Portes du Soleil ski area, is a paradise for advanced skiers seeking challenging terrain, stunning views, and varied off-piste opportunities. Here's an overview of what advanced skiers can expect in Les Crosets:

Terrain and Runs

1. Steep Pistes:

• Les Crosets offers a selection of black and red runs that are steep and technical, perfect for experienced skiers.
• The Swiss Wall (La Chavanette): This is one of the most famous runs in the area and a must-try for experts. It's a steep mogul field that requires precision, strength, and confidence. It starts with a dramatic drop, making it a true test of skill.
• Other challenging black runs around Pointe de Mossette and Grand-Conche provide adrenaline-pumping descents with breathtaking views.

1. Freeride and Off-Piste:

• The area around Les Crosets is renowned for its off-piste skiing. The powder fields near Pointe de Mossette and under the Swiss Wall offer excellent freeride terrain.
• Routes leading to untracked snow through the woods or across open bowls provide a sense of exploration. However, a guide is highly recommended for safety and to find the best spots.

1. Cross-Border Challenges:

• Being part of the vast Portes du Soleil ski area, advanced skiers can tackle ambitious cross-border itineraries between Switzerland and France. These often include technical sections and long descents requiring stamina.

Freestyle and Snow Parks

Les Crosets is home to one of the best snow parks in the Portes du Soleil, making it a hub for advanced freestyle skiers:

• Superpark Les Crosets:
• Features kickers, rails, boxes, and half-pipes.
• Regularly updated to cater to advanced skiers and snowboarders.
• Hosts events and competitions, making it a lively spot for thrill-seekers.

Backcountry Skiing

• Les Crosets offers convenient access to backcountry terrain. Options include skinning up to untracked peaks or exploring secluded valleys. Avalanche safety gear and expertise are essential, and hiring a guide is strongly recommended.

Mountain Experience

• The panoramic views from the top of Pointe de Mossette and other high points add an extra thrill to the skiing experience.
• With challenging terrain complemented by cozy mountain restaurants like Chez Nelly and La Cremaillere, you can recharge while taking in the alpine atmosphere.

Les Crosets offers advanced skiers an incredible mix of steep challenges, freeride adventures, and freestyle fun in one of the world's largest interconnected ski areas. It's a dream destination for anyone looking to push their limits on snow.

If you'd like to discuss a holiday to Les Crosets, get in touch via the online chat, send us an email or give us a call on 01248 712567.