How to make the most of Avoriaz

Explore the Portes du Soleil

If you keep a close eye on the snow reports out here, you’ll be aware that the Alps is looking a lot different this year. The start of 2017 was a worrying time for Avoriaz, with no snow since the October of 2016, the resort was looking fairly bare. This year, however, we have been blessed with almost constant snowfall and cold weather, a great start to 2018. To get the most out of this snow, go exploring. The Portes du Soleil is the biggest international ski area in the world. Avoriaz is one of twelve resorts across France and Switzerland that link up to one and other, part of a huge 600km playground. The entire tour of the Portes du Soleil can be done in one day, and your new favourite place to ski may be right around the corner.

Go into the woods

Last year, due to the lack of snow, the Stash snowpark, tucked in the trees of the Lindarets Bowl, was virtually unused. The wooden features usually make for the best park in the area and this year they will get the recognition they deserve. If there was ever a time to practice your tricks, it’s now. The recent snowfall has made the area way more user-friendly, and it looks magical in the woods.

Fly cheap

If you’re not sure when to book your trip but you are fairly flexible, do some research online and book cheaper flights. Travelling out to the Alps can be really expensive depending on what time of the season you visit, however you can book well in advance and save your pennies for the après. If you are travelling without the constraints of school term times, avoid February and instead get out here in March or April. The snow may not be as pristine as it is now but the slopes will be quieter and the flights will be cheaper.

Eat & drink well

You don’t come on a ski holiday to detox. When you’re up expending energy from first lifts to last, what you need is hearty mountain grub. Fortunately for you, Avoriaz has a menu of great restaurants, whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a lazy lunch. The centre of town is where you’ll find the most variety, from sushi to Savoyard and chips to cheese fondue. A few that come recommended are Au Briska, Chez L’Envers, Changabang and Les Fontaines Blanches. TripAdvisor is a great tool for restaurant research in the resort.

For the best views whilst you dine, head to the Cookie Café, located at the top of the Mossettes chairlift, or O’Padcha at the top of the Swiss Wall. These restaurants not only serve great burgers, chips and beer, they also have the most stunning panoramic views of Avoriaz and the Swiss towns of Champery and Les Crosets.

Mountain music

Music is brought to the mountains during the 3rd week of March. From the 17th-24th March, not one but two festivals will be gracing the slopes for another year of Rock the Pistes and Snowboxx. The festivals coincide with each other to bring you an assortment of genres including, rock, hip-hop and drum and bass. The Horrors, Chase and Status, Loyle Carner and Danny Bird are amongst the A-list musicians on the lineups, making it arguably the best year yet.

Closing weekend

Get the end-of-term feeling out here in April 2018. Closing weekend is one to rival any other with Aperol flowing, music playing and the last of the resort’s skiing. Last year the sun was shining and snow was slushy, perfect spring conditions. If anything this year the snow will seem too good to warrant closing, but on the 21st April, Avoriaz will close its ski lifts for another summer. The atmosphere in resort at this time of year is unbeatable. Seasonnaires are winding down, slopes are quiet and the sun is strong. If you only have time to come out for one weekend, this is the one.