Avoriaz

Resort description:Whilst not winning many awards for architectural merit, Avoriaz is superbly located in the heart of the Portes Du Soleil region, offering lots of ski in ski out accommodation options. This vast area suits all levels of skiers and beginners will feel safe to learn in relative seclusion, whilst any intermediates and above enjoy a trek over to Switzerland. Given that the area is an intermediates paradise, for the more experienced skier there are several good, long black runs,including an ex world cup downhill run and "The Wall" which is an imposing mogul field. There are also 4 snowcross, 3 snowboard parks (Inc The Stash), 1 superpipe and 1 boardercross. Phew.Check out the superb and atmospheric row of on mountain restaurants at Les Linderets.One of the best in Europe.

The village itself offers numerous bars and restaurants, producing a lively atmosphere.There is also a fitness centre with spa, dog sledding, mountain biking in the snow and a bowling alley.The village offers an excellent childrens village for children aged 3 to 16 as well as a creche that takes children from 3 months to 5 years old.A good family choice as long as you dont mind the manufactured surroundings, but revel in the excellent ski area. 
With its wood clad buildings and mimetic architecture blending with the surrounding rocky cliffs Avoriaz has a unique feelingl. Also unique is the ability to get around much of the village through a network of tunnels and lifts to avoid the elements. Once outdoors there are a few streets but the layout is quite simple. Bars restaurants and shops look out onto the thoroughfares with the majority in the main square.
 
The one drawback is that it can become congested during busy periods, although the resort has invested heavily in high capacity, high speed lifts at the bottlenecks to reduce this. And there are so many lifts that it’s generally possible to avoid the worst crowds by taking alternative routes.For example use the Cubore chair and the drag lift on the other side to access Switzerland, use the chairs rather than the cable car to ascend from Prodains and the Brochaux chair rather than the main Lindarets lift back from the valley.That will save you time and frustration.

Resort Information

Season 	             Dec - Mid April
Nearest Airport      Geneva
Ski Area 	     650km
Ski Lifts 	     195
Ski Runs 	     266
Longest Run 	     12km
Resort Height 	     1800m

Snowball Ratings

Beginners 	     4 / 5
Intermediates 	     5 / 5
Experts 	     4 / 5
Families 	     4.5 / 5
Nightlife 	     3.5 / 5
Affordability 	     4 / 5
Non Ski Activities   3.5 / 5