Worldwide Ski ResortsFranceAvoriaz

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Overview

Avoriaz occupies an excellent high position within the extensive Portes du Soleil ski region which guarantees a huge area of varied and interesting runs and off piste opportunities to suit the demands of every level of skier and snowboarder. The village is a purpose built, compact collection of wooden buildings and is charmingly car free. Transport is by horse draw sleds from the outskirts of the village to the accommodation. Self catering apartments predominate in the resort, although there are a number of catered chalets and a small hotel. Restaurants and bars are good and plentiful in the resort.

Profile

The resort is perched at 1800m and as a result has a better than average snow record. There are some 150 km of pisted runs on slopes that range from 1100m to 2275m and which are served by 38 lifts. The bonus is that Avoriaz links to the rest of the Portes du Soleil area that provides a total of 650 km of runs and 206 lifts. Lift passes give access to all areas as well as shuttle bus travel between resorts. There is in consequence, something to suit all tastes. The whole of the ski area is particularly attractive to intermediates of all levels who will find an inexhaustible wealth of superb runs to keep them occupied.

There is also plenty of tough terrain to challenge the expert skiers and riders, including a world cup downhill run and the famous Swiss Wall at Chavanette above the village. Beginners are also well catered for on the nursery slopes close to the village. The resort can get crowded during weekends and public holidays, but the fact that many of the lifts have been upgraded to provide high speed transfer has reduced the sizes of the queues. Ski schools in Avoriaz are reportedly excellent with plenty of English speaking instructors. There is a school dedicated to snowboard instruction. Facilities for children are also said to be of a high standard.

Mountain Information

The slopes above the village tend to be wide open and somewhat barren, although the ski routes to the rest of the Portes du Soleil are convenient and are within the ability levels of all intermediate skiers. The pistes are well marked and there is no difficulty in finding one to suit every standard. For the more adventurous, a trip over into Switzerland via the Chavanette sector is available and there is a particularly pretty wooded run down into the nearby Les Lindarets.

Avoriaz positively encourages snowboarders and the resort has three terrain parks that contain advanced jumps, spines, rails and half pipes as well as other features to suit all levels of riders. The mountains offer a large choice of restaurants and cafes, the majority of which are of a reportedly good to excellent standard.

Apres Ski

Apres ski in Avoriaz is generally good natured and lively. The village contains some fun, lively clubs and bars that provide live music and good atmosphere.

French Resort Guide

Resort Information • Avoriaz

Resort Height Resort Height 1880m
Top Station Top Station 2470m
Bottom Station Bottom Station 1000m
Vertical Descent Vertical Descent 1470m
Drag Lifts Drag Lifts 18
Chair Lifts Chair Lifts 21
High Capacity High Capacity 3
Opening Dates Opening Dates Dec-May
Rating Expert Rating Expert 8
Rating Intermediate Rating Intermediate 10
Rating Beginner Rating Beginner 6
Apres Ski Rating Apres Ski Rating 6
Snow Reliability Snow Reliability 7

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