Avoriaz, this ski resort located at an altitude of 1,800 metres in the commune of Morzine, Haute Savoie is my favourite of the start of 2018. Here’s a look back at this 4-day getaway organised by Pierre et Vacances.

Adventurous, no doubt, but I have to admit that it’s a first for me to ski in the Northern Alps. How could I not fall under the spell ofAvoriaz! It has everything to seduce us because it’s much more than just a French winter sports resort. It’s a lovely, family-friendly resort, a paradise for young and old alike, with 100km of pistes, residences and chalets, shops, bars and a host of restaurants. Avoriaz also has pedestrianised snow-covered streets, illuminations throughout the season, original architecture and a unique way of getting around. Cars are a thing of the past here, and the only way to get around is on foot and on skis, but that’s not all. Instead of taxis, you’ll find horse-drawn carriages (€10/journey and up to a maximum of 4 people) and chenillettes (a kind of vehicle resembling a chariot that acts as a taxi – rather fun). Time has stopped here, believe me!

We were invited by Pierre & Vacances to discover their5* Amara residence and their new ‘ Make My Day ‘ concept, which offers unusual activities to try out in the resort: E-fat bike, Archery tag, Laser game and even an icy fondue in an igloo.

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AVORIAZ IN A FEW FIGURES

12 stations

2 countries: France and Switzerland

32 summits

100 horses and 20 carriages

28 restaurants and 33 more on the slopes

100% pedestrian

⛷ 600 km of skiing, 10 Snowzones and ❄️ 47% artificial snow cover

1 100% ski touring piste

18,000 beds

✔️ 100% original with unique architecture

ENJOY A WIDE RANGE OF EXPERIENCES IN AVORIAZ

⇒ NATURE AND SPORTS EXPERIENCES

Avoriaz offers a multitude of activities with something for everyone!

• Skiing

Avoriaz gives you access to a high-altitude ski area with guaranteed snow, as it is ideally situated at the centre of the ski area made up of 12 French and Swiss resorts that make up the Portes du Soleil: (Avoriaz, Morzine, Montriond, Les Gets, St-Jean d’Aulps, Abondance, La Chapelle d’Abondance, Châtel, Morgins , Torgon , Champoussin , Champéry , Les Crosets )

My biggest regret is that I never ski enough! It’s been a few years since my last runs and spills, and I might as well tell you that in Les bronzés font du ski, I look more like Josianne Balasko than Thierry Lhermite! Black runs scare me, I’m capable of blocking at the top of a run because the slope is too steep! However, I had the opportunity to have a private ski instructor for the two days, and that’s something I really appreciate! For a beginner like me, Georges, our ESF instructor, was fantastic, attentive and patient. He took care of everything, so all you had to do was enjoy yourself and appreciate the surroundings. Don’t hesitate to contact him on my behalf, he’ll be delighted!

Contact: 06.80.88.87.62

• The E-fatbike or electrically-assisted mountain bike on snow, with oversized wheels for good grip on snow. Evolution 2 sets up daytime and evening eFatBike outings to discover this new kind of biking. This outing was a first for me. It was great fun, accessible to all and ideal for enjoying the mountains and their panoramas from a new angle. Contact Peet / 04.50.74.02.18 – avoriaz@evolution2.com

OTHER ACTIVITIES IN THE RESORT

• Archery tag: a strategy game in which two teams compete using foam bows and arrows, hiding in a screen with inflatable structures. Meet on the Dromonts piste (resort centre). Cost €8/person.
• The Laser Game: you’re equipped with helmets and wireless guns, all with a total of 16 sensors. The game can be played both day and night, in the forest thanks to an illuminated site. It’s exhausting running in the snow, but quite unique!

For these two harmless activities with no impact on the environment, visit the Sansaspark site at the bottom of the Prodains cable car.

• Electric snowmobiling for ages 5 to 12: 15-minute introductory session on a circuit in the Amara district. Cost 20€/p
• But also sled dogs, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice diving…

⇒ GOURMET EXPERIENCES AND TASTING OF LOCAL PRODUCTS

During our stay, we were able to try out a number of restaurants that showcase local produce. When you think of mountains, you think of cheese – and all kinds of cheese! Here are a few suggestions to awaken your taste buds in a friendly, rustic atmosphere.

• Dinner at the Restaurant ” La Cabane ” (try the crispy chicken with mashed potatoes)
• Tartiflette lunch at Chalet d’Avoriaz ” Chez l’Envers ” in the Crozats district
• Pierrade and raclette dinner in a Savoyard restaurant ” Le Bistro ” located on the Place Centrale
• Lunch at the restaurant ” The grocery store ” located in the Amara district (try the raclette, the hearty burgers, the abundant porcini gnocchi, a delight). Drink a Viennese coffee on the terrace, just to admire the view of the sea of clouds and snow-covered fir trees.

⇒ RELAXING AND COCOONING EXPERIENCES

With 18,000 beds, Avoriaz offers a wide choice of accommodation to suit all budgets. We stayed in the beautiful residence AMARA 5*byPierre et Vacances, nestled at the foot of a cliff in the Amara district. The apartments are modern, fully-equipped and very spacious, with lovely views. The residence is located at the foot of the slopes, which is an added bonus: you put on your ski boots and off you go!

Wood is omnipresent in the decor, recalling the Savoyard chalet spirit with its warm colors and cozy spaces. The largest apartments measure up to 120 m² and boast breathtaking views of the snow-covered peaks.

At the end of the day, you can take a dip in the indoor pool, use the fitness room or enjoy the benefits of the sauna and hammam, which are freely accessible.

But don’t miss a wellness and massage break in the magnificent Spa Deep Nature . I fell in love with the outdoor Jacuzzi, which offers an exceptional view of the snow-capped mountains. Tou is the perfect place to relax and forget everyday worries!

If you’ve got a bit of time on your hands, head right to the centre of the resort to the Aquariaz (open Sunday to Friday), a tropical water park with water heated to 30 degrees and located at an altitude of 1800 meters. This aquatic centre, the only one of its kind in Haute Savoie, is perfect for relaxing after skiing or winter activities, and is ideal for children and chilled-out parents alike. It has a price scale differentiated according to age, and also offers weekly passes:

– Adults (aged 12 and over): €11 and €42 for an unlimited weekly pass – Children (3 to 11 years): €8 and €32 for an unlimited weekly pass

⇒ NOCTURNAL EXPERIENCES

You can’t leave Avoriaz without checking out some of the bars and nightclubs we’ve suggested below:

• the“shooter” a little offbeat
• the restaurant/bar“The floor” for an 80s party
• the“Jaja Bar” for more wine, champagne and fine food
• the nightclub“YAK” to get your groove on (young clientele)

⇒ INSOLITE EXPERIENCES

Are you frosty enough to enjoy a Savoyard fondue in an igloo? The concept is nice, the igloo is well made and the fondue is good. Don’t forget to dress warmly, as you’ll be dining in a real igloo…

WHERE TO RENT SKI EQUIPMENT IN AVORIAZ ?

If you’re staying at the Amara residence, you’ll be able to choose your equipment from the store located just outside the hotel lobby. If not, don’t panic, several stores offer rentals throughout the resort. Expect to pay around €20 a day for normal skis.

AVORIAZ SKI PASS PRICES

Avoriaz only: 43€ for 1 day or 37€ for 5h – 33€ for 1 day /28€ for 5h for children

Les Portes du Soleil: 52€ for 1 day / 39€ for children (rates are degressive if you book several consecutive days)

More information on the website

HOW TO GET TO AVORIAZ

There are many possibilities to choose from:

• THE PLANE

From Paris, reach Geneva airport in 1h40, then take a bus (approx. 2h to reach the station)

• THE TRAIN

Avoriaz is served by 3 train stations: Cluses, Geneva and Thonon-les-Bains

• Paris -> Gare de Lyon then Gare de Bellegarde with a connection at Cluse then cab or bus (travel time from Paris, about 4h30)
• 1h from Evian, Thonon-les-banas, Cluses
• 3h from Lyon

This article is my personal experience and was made possible thanks to a collaboration with Pierre et Vacances, whom I would like to thank for their invitation. Thanks also to Lucie for the perfect organization and to the Bloggers/Instagrammers/Youtubers for the funny and entertaining moments spent with you, you’re great people: Upper West Guys, Valéry, Diary of a mother, Julienne WonderMum, Carol ananas, Louise Verneuil and Thom from Modernists