Why We Love Skiing in Avoriaz

Avoriaz has always been a modern ski resort. Designed to be car-free, it’s based around a series of high-rise buildings that are linked by boulevard-style pistes on the outside, and stairs, lifts and covered walkways within. Most of the accommodation is in self-catering apartments, although this is changing. Recently, there have been a few more chalet operators building new and stylish catered chalet apartments nearly all of which are ski-in/ski-out.

Avoriaz is part of the Portes du Soleil – an area boasting 650kms of piste linked by 197 ski lifts allowing you to ski in both France and Switzerland. There are also 10 terrain parks and many off-piste options for both skiers and boarders. Avoriaz is suited to all levels of skier and boarders as there is so much terrain, all of which is practically available from your front door!

For Beginners – The plus for beginners is that the slopes are in the sun and once you get beyond the beginner area there are plenty of longer and easy runs to master.

For Intermediates – The Porte du Soleil is, without doubt, an intermediates paradise with great runs in Chatel, Morgin, Champoussin, Champery, Morzine, and Les Gets. Take your passport!

For Experts – Tough terrain is scattered about. We like the famous “Swiss Wall” accessed from Chavanette. The Linga sector in Chatel is also a lot of fun.

For Boarders – Avoriaz was one of the pioneering resorts for snowboarding having built a terrain park back in 1993. Avoriaz has a half-pipe, three terrain parks: La Chapelle park is for beginners and intermediates, the challenging Arare is in the Hauts-Forts sector, and Trashers is for kids. Then there’s the innovative Stash a 1.3km, all-natural freestyle slope.

Great for families - Avoriaz has much to offer – it’s car-free, all the accommodation is ski-in/ski-out, and it’s home to a highly-rated Village des Enfants/Village Snowboard, which cares for children from three years of age, using methods developed by the celebrated French ski champion, Annie Famose. It has over 100 instructors and supervisors working during peak weeks. It even has an Ecole des Parents which offers lessons for six parents at a time and that fit in with the childcare hours and meeting places. The P’tits Loups creche cares for non-skiing children from three months to five years.

Where to stay – One of our favourite chalet operators has recently started running some lovely catered chalets in Avoriaz. The Chalet Poudreuse is situated at the top of resort just by the TK Dromonts lift and a short ski away from the Plateau nursery slope. The Penthouse suites are in the very centre of Avoriaz, next to the piste and overlooking the ski school meeting point, Tourist Office, Aquariaz indoor pool complex, drag lifts and ice rink. Four stunning new chalets in a ski-in ski-out location: Kakisa, Ossetra, Beluga and Kobuk – are perched on the edge of the piste with stunning views all the way down to Morzine. If you prefer to stay in a hotel, the Dromont is the place to stay. With an excellent bar and restaurant, this hip hotel is a favourite with our clients.

Less expensive catered chalets in Avoriaz are Chalet Lauze, Violetta and Marie.

Apres-ski– There is certainly enough going on in Avoriaz for most people’s tastes. This season the famous Folie Duce will be opening up a new restaurant and apres ski bar in the resort which should prove very popular. Other bars like Le Yeti offers live music and Shooters is a cool spot to grab a drink and chill out. Le Yak is the only night club in Avoriaz but then it is open till 5am so fill your boots. Restaurants are actually very good in Avoriaz. The Hotel Dromonts is special and a must for food lovers. La Reserve, Le Bistro, Chez Flo, Les Intrets, Creperie a La Duchess Anne and L’Igloo all offer good food and service.

Anyone after a cute little ski village with an authentic Alpine atmosphere would be best giving Avoriaz a wide berth, but if you’re looking for convenience, a lively spirit, skiing variety, and terrain parks put it somewhere near the top of your hit-list.