Overlooking the picturesque Morzine valley, Avoriaz is the most snow-sure resort in the expansive Portes du Soleil ski domain. Renowned for its striking architecture, Avoriaz is divided into two areas, the Centre where children's activities and nurseries can be found, and Falaise, at the entrance of the resort. Avoriaz is an entirely pedestrianised resort, with sleighs and snowcaterpillars acting as public transport for visitors.
CHILDCARE IN AVORIAZ: The "Les Petits Loups" snow kindergarten offers childcare for children aged between 3 months and 5 years.
The "Le Village des Enfants d'Annie Famose" offers childcare to older children from 3 to 16 years, and activities include snowboard lessons.
OTHER ACTIVITIES A veritable paradise for skiers and snowboarders, the Portes du Soleil ski domain offers a whopping 650km of slopes bordered by picturesque pine forests and served by 211 ski lifts. Avoriaz itself offers a snowpark, as well as a slope adapted to include a half-pipe and jumps, so that freestyle skiers to test their most impressive tricks in a safe environment.
Cross country skiing : length of cross country track 39 Km Avoriaz offers 39km of off-piste skiing, including free access to 8 sumptuous, well-maintained slopes.
THE AREA For those who prefer not to ski, Avoriaz also offers opportunities to try snowshoeing and dog-sledding, as well as bars and restaurants for relaxing in the evenings with a glass or two of "vin chaud".
PRACTICAL INFORMATION Avoriaz can be easily reached by rail from the UK, and is just a short coach transfer from both Thonon and Cluses train station. If you would prefer to let the train take the strain this winter, why not contact our UK reservations team for more information on rail and accommodation packages, as well as prices and availability? Just call 020 7371 6111 to speak to our friendly team. Avoriaz is well-equipped, and offers all necessary amenities such as shops, restaurants, pharmacies, and doctors, as well as a cinema and nightclub for evening entertainment. Please note that all information provided on these pages is for guidance purposes only. For up to date local information and timetables, please consult local tourist information services and the tourist office.
The Haute Savoie region borders both Italy and Switzerland, and boasts historical monuments such chateaus and churches in stunning natural surroundings ranging from Lake Geneva in the north of the region to Mont Blanc in the south. A trip to the Haute Savoie offers visitors the chance to experience some of the world's most reknowned and celebrated ski resorts, with Chamonix at the heart of the region's ski activity. For tourists looking for a true Alpine culinary experience can sample regional cheeses, such as Emmental, as well as cheese-based dishes such as raclette, ideal after a long day on the slopes and offering a different style of shared dining experience.
Be a guest to one of the world's most exclusive tables. France, land of gourmets and culinary arts, offers a bewildering array of food and wines from delicious simple fare to exquisite haute cuisine. With over 340 sorts of cheese and 450 quality wines France will satisfy every palate. Beyond gastronomy, from North to South France sparkles with an incredibly rich cultural and historical heritage of famous castles, churches, cathedrals and museums carefully preserved and restored which makes it one the most sought afterand enthralling destination for holidaymakers from around the globe. France takes prides in the rich and diverse tapestry of its magnificent landscapes which have been celebrated throughout the centuries by its many famous writers, poets and artists in words and creations so many of which have become part of the world's cultural heritage and still inspire today's travellers to discover it for themselves. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday or want to commune with Nature, whether you wish to step back into history or are searching for an active sporting adventure, France will welcome you with open arms, seduce you with its warmth and entertain you with its wide range of attractions enabling you to achieve that perfect holiday.
A word of advice from Lagrange: French roads are excellent, but not free, so keep some euros handy.
LES PORTES DU SOLEIL is a large ski domain linking 12 French and Swiss resorts. * Long-distance, border-hopping skiing, ideal for intermediate skiers. * Charming village resorts with top facilities. * Snowsure ski-through resort of Avoriaz, which also offers excellent snowboarding.
Resorts: Avoriaz, Morzine, Les Gets, Chatel. www.portesdusoleil.com
Height: 1000m-2300m Total pistes: 650km 41 green slopes / 112 blue slopes / 107 red slopes / 28 black slopes and 1 snowpark/resort.
6-day lift pass (08/09 prices): 200 euros/adult, 134 euros/children aged 5-15 years, free for children under 5 years.