Skiing & Snowboarding in Avoriaz

Avoriaz is, first and foremost, a family resort, but it has also embraced boarding culture from the get-go and was the first resort in France to open a terrain park. You can expect great snow all season long and plenty of nice opportunities for some good air. The resort is car free so it’s nice and relaxing and uncluttered.

The skiing and snowboarding

Everyone, from the total newb to the seasoned pro and from the piste-hog to the freestyler, is well catered for at Avoriaz. With 153 km of piste and a ton of off great off piste to explore there really is something for everyone. For many snowboarders and freestyle skiers the real attraction offered by Avoriaz is the snowparks. There are 5 in total (count ‘em, five!) and a top notch half-pipe. For the beginner you’ve got Thrashers Park, with a few lovely mini-kickers to cut your teach on. Then there’s Chapelle Park which is pretty accessible for boarders of all abilities. But the jewel in Avoriaz’ snowboarding crown is The Stash which was recently rated the number 1 ski run in the world by CNN. It’s an all wooden park featuring 80 modules in total. They keep it nice and fresh and buzzy with great tunes. The Stash has a littler sibling – ‘lil Stash, for budding snowboarders of the junior variety. Outside of the snow parks Mosettes Bowl is highly recommended, especially when there’s a fresh powder fall. You’ll also find some lovely runs of all grades in Les Lindarets Valley. Avoriaz is an entry point into Portes du Soleil which offers some 650 km of skiing, all easily accessible through the excellent linked lift system.

Where to stay

In terms of accommodation there are a huge number of self-catering apartments. The best is the recently completed Amara Residence which is more upmarket than a lot of the other options and includes a lovely new spa facility. If your more of a hotel kinda guy (or gal) then the best option is the Hotel Les Dromonts.

Where to eat

For food check out the Wild Horse Saloon which does a great line in comforting, filling, sociable food and offers something for everyone. If you want something a little posher than La Table Du Marche at the Hotel Les Dromonts will not disappoint.

Après ski

As a predominantly family resort the après is a little more civilized than at some of the other Alpine resorts, but it’s far from subdued. Le Shooters specializes in... well... shooters and they have a daily happy hour for the strong-livered among us. If downing shots all night isn’t your thing, Le Chapka is a calmer, funkier venue that’s a bit less messy. For late dancing the only place in town (literally) is Le Yak, which stays open until 4am. These are just three of the 40+ bars so you shouldn’t get bored. Click to Tweet