Skiing close to Brussels

Skiing for a few days? You're crazy I hear you say? Well, no! Easyjet, the low cost airline operating from Brussels proposes frequent connections to Geneva at a cost to beat all competitors. After flying for an hour, you will touch ground. Being the perfectly clever voyager that you are, you will plan ahead for the best means of transport to bring you to the ski stations : you can choose between the mountain bus and its timetable that is not always compatible with flights, a taxi that you can book ahead of time, or a rental car.

Destination Portes du Soleil

In just over an hour away from the airport the French-Swiss 'Portes du Soleil' domaine is a must to start off your winter break : 650 kilometres of ski runs to enjoy. In order to fully benefit from your short stay, we strongly advise you to go straight to the principal stations of this large domaine : for example Châtel et Morzine offer a large choice of departure points to different horizons. The fastest way to get to the ski runs is to buy your pass on line and reserve your rental ski equipment.

From the Mur Suisse to the Grand Paradis

If the mere mention of the 'Mur Suisse' is enough to excite generations of skiers, the 'Grand Paradis' run will awake each of your senses : a relatively straightforward descent winding through alpine chalets where one can pause to taste local delicacies whilst enjoying the view of the 'Dents du Midi'. Besides these two legends it is best to arrange your itinerary as it suits you. Sensation enthusiasts enjoy the 'Happy Valley' in the Cornebois (Châtel) or the Statsh, a 100% natural skiing region : a first in Europe. If you are still game for more we recommend our favourite : the Chamossières sector, amidst the Morzine and the Gets, offering an impressive view from the chair lift before pure joy on one of the longest red runs of the domaine. For the more experienced, the 'Portes du Soleil' also offers off-piste sections : but be sure to check with local guides about possible risks. Last bit of advice for the road : pay attention to weather conditions and always leave enough time for the return.

It's Time to Eat !

For dinner on the ski runs or supper at the station, the Pass'Gourmet is the perfect good food bible. Edited by the 'Portes du Soleil' association, this brochure features a selection of about fifty restaurants in which you can enjoy local fare. On the ski runs you will slalom between the inevitable 'tourist factories', as is the case everywhere, to reach the doors of an establishment which reaches the highest standards. And if, like us, you are in a rush to get back to the snow, the Pass'Gourmet ambassadors have introduced the "Portes du Soleil plate": a selection of local food to be eaten on the run. This can be washed down with wine from the Savoie or a Rivella ; a healthy version of Coke based on milk serum, made in Switzerland of course. You mustn't forget to taste the house 'gnôle' before heading off for new adventures.... Frédéric Solvel