Avoriaz, located in the heart of the Portes du Soleil ski area, is a high-altitude resort known for its unique architecture and stunning scenery. Situated at 1,800 metres, this car-free resort offers direct access to 650 km of skiable terrain, making it one of the largest interconnected ski areas in the world. Avoriaz boasts a diverse range of pistes suitable for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, as well as a vibrant après-ski scene.
Avoriaz Ski Area
The ski area in Avoriaz is seamlessly linked with twelve other resorts in the Portes du Soleil, offering a wide variety of runs across different terrains. The resort itself provides 75 km of pistes, with 51 runs comprising 26 green, 14 blue, 6 red and 5 black runs. Avoriaz’s slopes are well-known for their typically excellent snow conditions, often benefiting from the microclimate that ensures reliable snow throughout the season.
Beginner Skiing in Avoriaz
Avoriaz is an ideal resort for beginners, offering gentle slopes and well-designed learning areas. The Plateau area, situated at the centre of the resort, is perfect for those just starting out. As beginners progress, they can venture onto the wide blue runs like Proclou and Seraussaix, which are gentle and provide stunning views.
Intermediate Skiing in Avoriaz
Intermediate skiers will find Avoriaz a playground of blue and red runs, offering a mix of challenging and scenic descents. The Lindarets bowl is particularly popular, with a network of blue and red runs like Choucas and Combe à Floret that are perfect for carving turns and enjoying the scenery. The ridge of Chavanette offers some fantastic intermediate terrain, with the Torgon run being a must-try for its long, varied descent. For those seeking a bit more of a challenge, the Arare area provides red runs that test technique and stamina.
Advanced Skiing in Avoriaz
Advanced skiers are well catered for in Avoriaz with a range of challenging black runs to tackle. The infamous Swiss Wall (Le Mur Suisse) is one of the resort’s most challenging pistes, known for its steep gradient and large moguls. The Coupe du Monde run is another black piste that provides a thrilling descent with a significant vertical drop. For a true test of skill, the Hauts-Forts area offers some of the most challenging terrain in the Portes du Soleil, with steep and technical runs that will push even the most experienced skiers.
Off-piste Skiing in Avoriaz
Avoriaz offers fantastic off-piste skiing for those looking to explore beyond the marked runs. The Vallée de la Manche is a popular off-piste route that provides a long, scenic descent through untouched snowfields. Another notable off-piste area is the Crozats, which can be accessed from the top of the Fornet lift and offers varied terrain from open bowls to steep chutes. It is highly recommended to hire a local guide when skiing off-piste to ensure safety and to discover the best routes.
Snowparks in Avoriaz
Avoriaz is a haven for freestyle enthusiasts, boasting several snowparks that cater to all levels. The Stash is one of the most famous snowparks in the world, offering a natural, wooded area filled with jumps, rails, and obstacles made from local materials. The Arare Snowpark is designed for advanced freestylers, featuring large jumps and challenging features. For beginners and intermediates, the Lil’Stash provides a more accessible introduction to freestyle skiing and snowboarding.
Conclusion
Avoriaz stands out as a premier skiing destination within the Portes du Soleil, offering a diverse range of slopes, reliable snow conditions, and a unique, car-free village atmosphere. Whether you are a beginner just starting out, an intermediate looking to explore a variety of runs, or an advanced skier seeking the ultimate challenge, Avoriaz has something to offer. The resort’s excellent snowparks and extensive off-piste opportunities further enhance its appeal, making it a must-visit for any winter sports enthusiast.