La Chapelle d'Abondance is just a few kilometres from the Swiss border at Morgins Pass. La Chapelle d'Abondance, Abondance and Chatel have all of the shops, hotels, bars, supermarkets, banks, petrol stations, post office, tourist information, bus services, and everything else that you might need for your holiday.

The large towns of Annemasse, close to Geneva, and Cluses, on the way to Chamonix, can be easily reached by car within less that an hour. Thonon, Annemasse and Geneva have all of the shopping that anyone can manage ! The lake Leman is also a popular tourist attraction, with sailing and pleasure trips available to all.

Chatel is a little busier than La Chapelle d'Abondance or Abondance, but has plenty of Bars and Restaurants. The free ski bus stops right outside the apartment block and connects all of the villages so that you can ski and enjoy your holiday without driving.

Part of the huge Portes du Soleil resort, Abondance, La Chapelle d’Abondance and Chatel are beautiful Savoyard mountain villages, offering magnificent ski holidays and ski weekends. As the area is less famous than some of its neighbours, the area gives you the luxury of some peace whilst on your skiing trip, yet still offers a huge amount of variety for all levels of skiers.
The ski resort is open from December until April, and is particularly good for intermediate skiers. Staying in Abondance, La Chapelle d’Abondance or Chatel gives you access to not only the extensive pistes of each resort, but also allows access to the varied resorts of the Portes du Soleil ski region too, meaning that even the most experienced skier will be challenged. There are also many kilometres of cross-country skiing trails available, taking you to some of the most spectacular viewpoints.

Summer is a completely different yet equally magnificent time to stay in the area. The alpine scenery looks at its best in summer, as the snow capped peaks form a stunning backdrop for the flower strewn meadows which attract cyclists, walkers, parapenters and hikers of all ages. There are some terrific mountain bike trails too, and in spring, the melt waters fill alpine streams, and create the opportunity for white water rafting and kayaking. There is also a superb 18 hole golf course in the area, offering stunning alpine views whilst you play.

The Val d’Abondance is one of the quieter resorts in Portes du Soleil, but the villages also cater for those looking for a bit of après-ski after a hard day in the mountains. Being traditional villages and not purpose build ski resorts, they focus around the village centres, which offer good restaurants and fun bars.

Another of the Portes du Soleil resorts, Avoriaz, will be of special interest if you prefer snowboarding to skiing. Although Chatel does have a snow park itself, Avoriaz is the snowboarder’s centre within Portes du Soleil area and is easily accessible from the villages, by Navette and/or lift links.

Morzine and Les Gets are also popular with intermediate and beginner skiers and in the summer they are very busy with mountain bikers. Leg Gets is more cosmopolitan and commercial. You can find ice rinks, cinemas, saunas and bowling alleys in Morzine and Les Gets.
Weather in Val d’Abondance France
During the winter, warm clothing is essential, but during the summer months, temperatures are remarkably warm making this a beautiful place to walk, cycle or relax during the summer.

Flights to Val d’Abondance, France
Geneva Airport (GVA) is under an hour from Val d’Abondance, and there are plenty of transfer options direct from the airport. However, although this is the easiest option, it is probably the most expensive. Getting the TGV from Paris to Thonon-les-Bains and connecting with the 45 minute bus from Thonon-les-Bains is equally painless and offers a much cheaper way to reach the area. Thonon is on the shore of Lac Leman and is a reasonable size town with good hypermarkets and excellent shopping, boat trips and even swimming in the lake.