Avoriaz ski breaks

Avoriaz Ski Breaks Overview

Perched on the upper reaches of the Portes du Soleil ski area, Avoriaz is ski in, ski out, car free and compact. Step out from any accommodation and you can clip into you skis (or board). With snow covered paths and pistes running through the town, there's a fresh mountainous feel to the whole resort. Horse drawn carts are the preferred mode of transportation rather than anything with an engine, so arrive at your mountain abode in eco-friendly style.

The architecture is angular, dark and predominantly high rise, yet well designed - the buildings have tastefully weathered over their 50 year tenure. A lot more attractive than many of the purpose built French resorts (namely Tignes and Val Thorens) the style is dramatic. In summary, Avoriaz is everything you want in a short break destination and being only 1 hour 40 minutes from Geneva airport you should be able to hit the slopes on arrival and departure days if you time it right (we can help).

Skiing in the resort

Nearly 80% of the Portes du Soleil ski area are blue and red runs making it an intermediate haven. However, there's terrain to keep all levels occupied for weeks. A fast lift system means more time on the slopes; just beware, there are still some older (and slower) lifts on the Swiss side of the border.

Beginners

The pistes through Avoriaz itself are green or easy blues; always nice to be able to end your day without a tortuous last run. There's also plenty of progression terrain (as well as great mountain restaurants, try La Cremaillere) in the Linderets bowl, over the ridge at the top of resort.

Intermediates

The higher slopes provide some fantastic views as well as lovely runs. From the Pointe de Mossette or the Fornet there's a choice of winding blues or reds and don't forget to explore across the boarder into Switzerland. The Stash is great if you fancy having a laugh on some jumps are rails made from trees, through the trees (it's fun rather than intimidating).

Experts

One of the more infamous runs would be the Swiss Wall, a steep mogul slope that can get a little icy in the Chavanette sector. You can always get the chairlift down if it's looking particularly treacherous on the day. There are further challenging pistes to explore from Les Hauts Forts above town or dotted throughout the region.

Après

Attracting the mountain festivals such as Snowboxx and Rock the Pistes, Avoriaz definitely hits party season when it gets towards spring. But there's plenty going on all year round. You'll find live bands at the Place or dance on the terrace of Chalet d'Avoriaz straight off the slopes. There's plenty of happy hours to hunt out, just look for the liveliest bars.

To get off the slopes and chill out; Aquariaz is a vegetation packed pool complex to relax in or try the bowling alleys and bring out 'The Dude' in you. 

There are around 25 restaurants, but you may want to book if you fancy somewhere in particular - Les Enfants Terribles in Les Dromonts hotel is probably the foodies pick. But there's  plenty of options, all within easy striking distance.