| resort altitude: | 1800m |
|---|---|
| ski area: | Portes du Soleil |
| height at summit: | 2470m (portes du soleil) |
| marked runs: | 650km |
| snow park: | yes |
| snow rating: |  |
| nearest airports: |
chambery 2½hrs geneva 1½hrs lyon 3hrs |
|---|---|
| rail: | cluses (35km) thonon (35km) |
| beginners: |  |
|---|---|
| intermediates: | |
| experts: | |
| snowboarding: | |
The highest resort in the Portes du Soleil ski circuit, Avoriaz was designed and built with convenience in mind.
The majority of the resort's apartments, hotels and accommodation is ski in ski out. The resort sits at the top of a cliff overlooking the Morzine valley and has been listed as a landmark of the 20th century.
At 1800m the paths, walkways and roads of this car free resort are generally covered wth a blanket of snow for much of the winter season - so it is usually easier to get around on skis and snowboard than on foot!
The resort provides easy access into the enormous Portes du Soleil ski area which straddles France and Switzerland. The extent of the area means you can ski for days without repeating yourself.
Holiday accommodation in Avoriaz tends to be split mainly between self catered apartments and hotels. Originally built in the 1960's many of the apartment blocks have been recently refurbished to provide more space and better fixtures and fittings.
The ski area comprises several linked villages such as Chatel and Champery. There are other areas within the domain that are not linked and so require a separate excursion - for example Les Gets or St Jean d'Aulps.
The extent of the ski area means that there is truly something for everyone - ranging from good gentle beginners slopes, wide motorway blues and reds, and challenging off piste and mogul runs, such as the famous Swiss Wall.
Avoriaz was also one of the first resorts to encourage snowboarders, building the first half pipe and terrain park in 1993. Since then there are more and more parks available within the area. One of the newest attractions is The Stash, set within a forest where young and old can explore and enjoy the various jump features available.
As a holiday base it is a compact resort with a reasonable selection of bars, restaurants and night life. There are also lots of organised events throughout the winter.
Winter activities include:
Summer activities include:
| Eating out: | good choice of restaurants from typical French, Italian and varied menus. Large British and Scandinavian influence. |
|---|---|
| Apres ski: | A few popular bars and nightspots to choose from, some with live music |
| Non skiers: | sleigh rides, walks. Thonon on Lake Geneva is easily reached by local bus and is good for shopping. Morzine is a picturesque Savoyard town accessible by the Prodains cable car, and then local bus. With a car, Annecy, Geneva or Montreux are all worth visiting. |