Avoriaz is probably one of the most unusual destinations in the Alps, a retro-futuristic alpine resort, where the irregular shaped, timber-clad multi-storey buildings manage to stand out as different while at the same time blending into the natural landscape. The entire village is car free. Vehicles get no further than the car parks at the edge of the resort; beyond there, the only means of transport is either horse-drawn sleigh or moon buggy. This gives the place its magical feel, especially when heavy snow is falling.

At the peak of the season Avoriaz is a buzzing place, with lively entertainment and good restaurants. It is also at the centre of the massive Portes du Soleil. While in some resorts big doesn’t necessarily mean good, the variety of terrain here is incredible. As you head into Switzerland, the scenery is typically Tyrolean.

Through Morzine and over to Les Gets there is a wide range of varied pistes. Within Avoriaz itself there is an extensive skiing area too. The resort caters for children, novices, intermediates and experts in equal proportions. There are also a large number of terrain parks and off-piste areas for the adventurous. The altitude provides almost guaranteed snow.

Avoriaz is a summer and winter resort near Morzine in the French Alps at an altitude of 1,800 metres. It is purpose built for skiing in winter and also perfect for walking, climbing, mountain biking, golf etc. in summer.

Avoriaz is part of the Portes Du Soleil which is the largest linked ski area in the world, and is made up of twelve French and Swiss resorts. It boasts some 650 km of piste in the winter, as well as lift access to over 380km of marked mountain bike and hiking trails in the summer. Climbing from 1000 to 2466m, between France and Switzerland, its 204 ski lifts will take you up to 279 slopes that interconnect the 12 resorts ...all accessible with a single ski pass!

For those looking for long pistes there are runs up to 7km long. For snowboarders, there are four snowboard parks, each of them offering something different, and equipped with features for all standards.

There so many things to do to suit all tastes, here are our favourites, but please feel free to contact us for specific information about your interests. We can maybe even make bookings in advance. For up-to-date information, visit www.avoriaz.com

Activities

There are a host of non-skiing activities, including: bowling, dog sleigh rides, Cinema (in French), fitness and beauty studios, helicopter tours, hot air ballooning, ice skating, mountain bike on snow, paragliding, snow scooter, snow shoeing, under-ice diving, and in the summer, mountain bike hire, walking, climbing and for the brave - Via Ferratta.

For kids

The Village de Enfants is a purpose built, managed, safe facility for looking after children and developing their skiing abilities.

This ski school, certified by Ministry of Youth and Sport, with over 100 instructors and supervisors, welcomes youngsters from the age of 3 up to 16 and allows them to discover all the activities and pleasures linked to the snow in this exceptional site. The team have defined an original teaching programme based on role play and fun in a reassuring and familiar site, surrounded by cartoon heroes.

Eating Out

There are a host of restaurants catering for all tastes – most of which are in the central area of town. You can’t go wrong with Boule de Neige for standard Italian fare, breakfast and burger lunches are best served at Changabang which is down by the Telepherique.

If you head out during the day to Switzerland, you just have to go to Chez Denis which is in Plaine Dranse (next valley over from Lindarettes). Just make sure you get there early, and expect to stay for a bit - and don’t think about skiing hard afterwards, because you won’t be able to!

Bars & Nightlife

There are loads of options really, but we have particularly enjoyed the ambience in Globetrotters (just round from Ski Avoriaz), which we know as the “Duvel Shop”; there is the Wild Horse Saloon, which is run by our changeover partners Cheryl and Jamie and also a guy called Barrat. the Wild Horse is up the stairs by the supermarket; then there's Le Fantastique, run by another top guy - Ju Ju. He, his wife, or some of his fine folks will look after you. They all have a wide range of music but are happy to oblige and put on your favourite tunes if they’ve got ‘em. If you do come back, they’ll love you forever if you bring some music for them… Other bars include La Cabane and for live music, go to the “Place”, above The Wild Horse.

Shopping

The main shopping area in town has a multitude of shops – all in a car free, relaxing area.

Mountain Biking in summer

The Portes du Soleil is widely regarded as being a mecca for mountain biking. The linked lift system allow mountain bikers to cover lots of different terrain across all levels of riding whilst having the stunning backdrop of the French Alps. 26 cable cars and chairlifts give unrestricted access to over 1000kms of tracks and paths. There are 9 permanent downhill courses, bike cross and slalom courses as well as numerous 'bike playgrounds'. In the Portes du Soleil, there is riding to suit everyone, regardless of ability - from easy trails to fast technical descents. The lifts open from the end of June through to the beginning of September allowing riders to access the massive network of tracks with minimal uphill effort.

We have based these instructions on the assumption that you will probably arrive in Geneva, which is the closest airport and is around 2 hours away from Avoriaz.

Car Hire

It is better to arrange car hire before you go. We use Internet booked rentals and have used various companies (you can book to drop and pick from the French side of Geneva Airport as the Swiss rentals are around £30-40 more costly).

Once you have a car, leave the Airport and follow signs for City Centre Geneva, then either

Route 1 – via Thonon (quite long, but direct)

Following signs for Thonon/ Evian (N5) and travel along the side of Lac Leman. You turn right at Thonon on the D902 for Morzine.

Route 2 – via Annemasse (shortest, through Geneva)

Following the edge of Lac Leman in Geneva centre, you will see signs for Annemasse(D907) then follow signs for Samoens/Taninges/Les Gets to Morzine (D902). Once you get to Les Gets follow signs to Morzine-Avoriaz.

Route 3 - going via motorway

Follow signs to FRANCE, follow these signs until you reach the Autoroute and continue straight through the border control into France. Follow sings to Chamonix /MontBlanc/ Annemasse. Keep following signs to Chamonix until you get to junction 18 (Cluses), it will be signposted Morzine/Avoriaz and Les Gets and Taninges. Follow the signs to Morzine Avoriaz/Les Gets through Cluses. The road winds up the hill and then back down to Taninges keep following signs to Morzine Les Gets (D902). Once you get to Les Gets follow signs to Morzine-Avoriaz. Once in Morzine follow the signs for Avoriaz (D338). You can drive all the way to Avoriaz or go to Les Prodaines and get the cable car to the town.

Snow Chains - It is advised to order snow chains should the road to Avoriaz be snow bound. The local Roads and Highways Department does everything possible to keep access to the resort, however, you are strongly advised to equip your vehicle with snow chains and to fit them systematically if the roads are snow covered. Do not fit the chains in any areas other than the zones marked for this task, which can be found at intervals along the road. Do not park on the road side. If you don’t heed this warning and arrive after the telepherique closes, you will not have another option and have to stay in Morzine.

Getting to the Resort

Depending on the time of the day, you can go to Les Prodains and get the cable car (Telepherique) (please note this is not a 24 hour service) to the ‘base’ of the resort or alternatively you can go by taxi, bus or car to the ‘top’ of the resort. If you are driving, it is possible to park at Avoriaz at the main entrance in either of two parking areas – indoor which is usually busy or the outdoor, which is just outside the town. Alternatively you can park for free at the bottom of Les Prodains. Within the resort cars are not allowed and taxis (horse sledges during the day and snow cats at night) costs from 4€ - 13€ depending on the distance. Baggage is charged at extra 2€. A night shuttle service is from 19:00 to 08:00hrs, seven days a week, with one tariff of 8€ per group.

Local Transport and Taxis

It is possible to use the local bus service or taxis from the airport too. We have never done this so cannot make any recommendations I’m afraid!

Radio

To know about traffic conditions you can tune in to Virgin Radio on 92.1 FM during your journey.

When you have booked your holiday, please ensure that you read this section carefully, as it contains information which will enhance your holiday and provide the detail that you will need before and during your stay!

Please browse the information in the Directions tab for directions to the resort (if you’re not sure of the way, please take a printed copy).

When you arrive in resort you will need to go to one of our key holders to pick up the keys to your apartment. Go to Ski Avoriaz during the day and in the evening go to the Wild Horse Saloon. Avoriaz Ski opens at around ten and shuts at around 5 in the afternoon. Wild Horse is open from about 5 till around midnight. Most importantly, please phone our Resort Manager, Cheryl Barnes on 0033 643 183 200 (see Resort Manager tab) in advance to advise your expected time of arrival and also advise if for any reason you are delayed (we have had instances where people haven’t done this and not arrived in time to meet to get the keys. You do not want to be stuck outside with nowhere to stay at minus 20). If you do not know your way around the town you’d be best advised to get in-resort transport (ask at the car park or the cable car) to get there. Ski Avoriaz and Wild Horse are very to each other close to the ‘Snow’ building if you need to explain.Please ensure you bring a print out of your email confirmation to prove your identity then you will be provided with keys and given directions to the apartment.

We request that you leave the apartment clean and tidy, remove linen from the beds and place them with the towels in a bin bag at the door. Ensure that you remove all refuse (including empty bottles) and dispose in the local refuse bins.

You will be met by our Resort Manager or their assistants, at the checkout time of the property you have booked. They will check the apartment out with you – make them aware of any issues you may have encountered during your stay. Hand the keys back to them and they will prepare the apartment for the next guest and lock up for you.

If you are leaving early, you must arrange with them to meet you at your specific time of departure, or ensure that they are fully aware of your departure plans.