If you’re wondering which resort to head to for you next ski holiday, we know just the place.
Avoriaz is a vibrant ski resort nestled in the heart of the Portes Du Soleil Ski area known for some of the best snowsports in the Alps.
From hurtling down red runs to putting your feet up with a drink at the end of the day, we’ve put together a short list of reasons why you should head to Avoriaz this ski season. So sit back and start planning.
Avoriaz is one of the most reliable resorts in the Alps for snow and weather conditions.
With its optimal position perched high on the north west corner of the Alps, Avoriaz benefits from its very own micro-climate.
The predominant storm direction comes in from the north west and the Portes du Soleil area are therefore the first major mountains the storms systems usually hit. The storms drop their load here before moving on to the south. Because of this, Avoriaz regularly tops seasonal snow-fall charts across European resorts.
With lifts reaching from 1000m to 2500m, Avoriaz has the perfect blend of altitude and shelter. Whilst higher resorts may suffer from more extreme weather conditions, lower altitude resorts may struggle with less reliable snow conditions.
In higher resorts you may be battling fierce winds and increased avalanche risk. If storms hit, simply drop down to the sheltered runs in amongst the trees for better visibility and reduced exposure to wind.
Location - if you’re flying to the Alps, Morzine, and Avoriaz in Les Portes du Soleil are some of the closest ski areas with a transfer time of around 80 minutes. Considering the flights from the UK are so quick, you can reach Avoriaz in short journey times. This may open up the possibility for long weekend ski trips, or it may just make those journeys with kids that bit easier.
Avoriaz offers a fantastic variety of terrain options, with wide and mellow slopes for beginners, a gradual progression of blue and red runs for intermediate, challenging blacks and nearly unlimited off-piste options for advanced skiers and snowboarders.
You may have heard of the famous Swiss Wall – a black run too steep for the piste groomers which is therefore covered in moguls.
For the more relaxed skiers and snowboarders, the Proclou and Super Morzine ski areas offer easy and moderate blue runs for improving intermediates.
A magical winter wonderland atmosphere
This car-free, snow covered Alpine resort creates a magical winter wonderland atmosphere, guaranteed to be a memorable Chirstmas New Year holiday. Take a wonder around the snowy streets at night time to sample the winter magic, with lit up trees, wooden tiled buildings and regular events and activities.
Events
Avoriaz holds events throughout the season with something to cater for every taste. Here’s is just a few of the hundreds of things going on this winter.
For those wanting to try out snowboarding, Rock on Snowboard Tour in December offers free advice and even lets you try the newest high-tech gear out on the slopes. Let loose and take part in some of the contests and parties put on over the weekend.
Canine enthusiasts get excited. Every January Avoriaz hosts Europe’s largest husky race, La Grande Odyssee. Watch as teams of dogs and their mushers commence an epic journey over fourteen resorts across the region in ten days. The next competition starts on the 12th January.
In February, Avoriaz welcomes the Snow Carnival, an event organised by the tourist office packed full of sledge races, carnival parades, firework shows and concerts for families to revel in. The best thing is that most of the activities are free! For music lovers, Rock the Pistes is an international rock and pop music festival held around the 18th March this coming season.
Here, you can spend a week rocking out to 74 live concerts at high-altitude, all included in the price of your lift pass. The stage moves town across the Portes du Soleil every day and settles in some truly unique and stunning Alpine backdrops for each gig.
The Apres
The story on everyone’s lips is the brand new Folie Douce opening in Avoriaz this winter! Located right beside the Avoriaz Alpine Ski School meeting point, these famous parties from other ski resorts are guaranteed to get you jumping to the music as you watch the sunset drop after an amazing day on the slopes.
On the low-key end of the spectrum, La Cabane is a great place for families to shelter from the cold and enjoy a warming mulled wine or hot chocolate.
Those who want to up the ante a little without waking up with a thumping head can visit Chapka, a stylish bar serving tapas accompanied by live music.
For something a bit unusual, the Igloo Bar is -you’ve guessed it- a bar carved out of snow! Enjoy an ice cold drink with warm cheese fondue. You better layer-up though as temperatures stay at around five degrees celsius!
Or if you’re looking to party into the wee hours, The Place is a pumping bar offering live music and DJs every night of the week. And if you definitely aren’t planning on getting up early to hit the slopes then Le Yak is open until 5.30 in the morning.
So now you know where to head to this ski season, it’s time to start planning! Book your private transfer from the airport and get your skis out!
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