Avoriaz - ski resort in the heart of the Portes du Soleil Avoriaz 1800 (1800 m)

The renowned ski resort of Avoriaz occupies an ideal position on a south-facing high plateau. This exceptional winter sports resort was constructed in 1960 on an area used formerly as alpine pasture and integrated to perfection into the landscape. The wooden structures which dominate the architecture of Avoriaz have enabled it to blend impeccably with its surroundings between France and Switzerland at an altitude of 1,800 metres between steep cliff walls and gentle slopes. As the summit and central point of the Portes du Soleil, Avoriaz is the ideal starting point for the largest linked international skiing area in the world with its 14 ski resorts and 283 pistes.

From almost every appartment in Avoriaz holiday skiers can reach the skiing area after only a short descent through the centre of the village. However, the special situation of Avoriaz offers its guests a few more advantages, with by far and the best being the breath-taking view from the modern ski resort over the Morzine Valley. Its elevated location also gives Avoriaz an enormous climatic advantage with continual snow and sunshine. Cars are prohibited in the ski resort, which leaves the paths free for pedestrians and horse-drawn sleighs, all of which adds to the cosy atmosphere in Avoriaz.

A wealth of pistes with an ecological snow park

Skiers of all abilities can benefit from the ideal snow conditions around Avoriaz, as can snowboarders and cross-country skiers. Facilities range from green beginners' pistes and novice ski slopes in Avoriaz itself to the notorious, steep "Mur de Chavanette" and "Schweizer Wand" mogul pistes below the Chavanette mountain pass.

Any number of blue and red pistes start on the very edge of Avoriaz and some of these even lead up to the summit of the skiing area at an altitude of 2,460 metres and then down again to Super Morzine. The medium difficult pistes around Les Lindarets, a quiet valley between Avoriaz and Châtel, are perfect for enjoyable, unchallenging runs. There are also several exquisite Alpine pastures in this area, where tempting restaurants have been established. In addition, there are ideal Alpine carving slopes on the Col du Fornet. Among the highlights of the total of 70 kilometres of pistes around Avoriaz are the most difficult run of the skiing area, the 4 kilometre long "Les Crozats" and the longest piste, the 6 kilometre long "L'Abricotine". If you are seeking real racetracks, you will strike lucky at the Grandes Combes chair lift. Nearly 30 lifts provide an impeccable service, linking all the skiing area's runs with each other and guaranteeing a relaxed holiday.

There is a special surprise awaiting free riders and snowboarders in particular in the Avoriaz skiing area; one of a total of 5 snow parks in the region, "The Stash" is considered to be the first ecological snow park in Europe. Located in the heart of the forest, exclusively natural obstacles made of wood invite you to try them out. However, other Fun Parks can be seen and have contributed to making Avoriaz one of the hotspots of the international snowboarder scene. Whereas the Lindarets Park offers an area exclusively for the young freestyle generation, the Arare region has been nominated as the second best snow park in France. Not to forget the Super Park in Les Crosets or the area in La Chapelle, the principal meeting place for ski-jump enthusiasts. There are also extensive free ride slopes below the "Les Hauts Forts" summit near Avoriaz, which lead down to the Les Prodains valley resort.

Cross-country skiers can enjoy some 45 kilometres of ideally prepared cross-country trails, including the longest, the "La Croix des Combes", which is 12 kilometres long and the high-level cross-country trail, the "Le Proclou".

Younger skiers can enjoy a magic carpet ski lift, a children's practice area, a skiing nursery school and there is also a children's skiing school.

Festival town in the mountains

If you want to get around in the unique Alpine panorama of Avoriaz, you do not necessarily need to be a skier or snowboarder. You can also get to know the region round Avoriaz on winter hikes, by dog sled, on snowshoes or by snow scooter. For fans of sports and wellness there is also an ice-skating rink, which is open until the evening, the Altiform Fitness Centre with sauna, squash courts and a hammam. The three kilometre long Le Crôt toboggan run near Avoriaz, which is open until late into the night, offers a real adventure.

On the other hand there is a more relaxed atmosphere in the numerous restaurants, pubs, bars und discotheques, which offer holiday guests in Avoriaz après ski pleasure.

Guests, who visit the ski resort in the heart of the Portes du Soleil in January, can look forward to an additional pleasure, the "Festival du Film Fantastique", which has for some years now been held in Avoriaz.