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What's new this winter in Avoriaz

From the ski area to what's fresh in the resort

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By Tracy Wise, Updated

As winter begins to take hold we take a look at all that's new in town and on the slopes.

Early signs of snowfall here in The Alps is creating much excitement for the upcoming winter season. Temperatures are dropping and snow is beginning to accumulate on the higher slopes. The ski industry here is raring to go and this winter looks like being an exceptionally busy one. In fact last winter was a record for Avoriaz with over 1.148 million overnight stays in the resort. Avoriaz ski area opens on the 12 December 2025 until the 19 April 2026 and ski passes are on now sale.

Winter tyres

A reminder that it is now mandatory from 1 November to 31 March to have winter tyres (M & S marking, or all weather (four season) tyres), OR at least two snow chains/socks in the vehicle when driving in the mountain regions in France, following a law introduced from November 2021.

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  1. On the slopes
  2. Events
  3. More inspiration...

On the slopes

What's new in  winter 2019/20

Updated snowpark in Avoriaz

Since 1993, Arare Snowpark has been a staple of Avoriaz, and this season it transforms into Nami Park. Named after the Japanese word for “wave”, the park now features fluid, surf-inspired lines that mimic rolling snow waves. Tailored for advanced riders, it boasts two table lines (L and XL), multiple rails and boxes (M and L), a compact half-pipe, and plenty of challenges to test your skills. The setting is enhanced with Japanese-themed décor, blending mountain vibes with the spirit of the Rising Sun, giving this legendary freestyle venue a bold, fresh identity.

Safety drones

This winter, Avoriaz is introducing drones for the first time to boost safety and operational insight across the resort. SERMA has equipped itself with several tow drones, including one fitted with a thermal camera, and trained four professional pilots. These drones will be deployed for locating people in need, inspecting ski lifts, conducting topographic surveys, and capturing aerial images, bringing a high-tech edge to mountain safety and management.

100% Renewable Grooming

Previously, snow grooming was responsible for nearly two-thirds of Avoriaz’s ski area emissions (64.6% in 2023/24). Since last winter all 17 groomers have been switched to HVO, a fully renewable fuel derived from hydrotreated used vegetable oils. This change cuts their CO₂ output from 894 tonnes to just 195 tonnes and reduces emissions per litre from 3.17kg to 0.54kg. With this move, Avoriaz sets a new standard in sustainable mountain operations.

Events

What's new in  winter 2019/20

Avoriaz is well known for great events and music festivals and this year is no exception. The season kicks off with Rock on Snow for the opening weekend. During the season you’ll find a Freeride World Cup qualifier event. As well as the legendary Rock The Pistes and Snowboxx events. 

Full details of all the events for Avoriaz this winter are on our events page.

More inspiration...

So, there we have a handful of improvements set to make life even better in and around the vibrant little town that is Avoriaz. Nestled in the heart of The Portes du Soleil, this area can become an absolute paradise when the weather systems align, something we'll all be paying an increasing amount of attention to over the coming weeks. See you soon!

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Upcoming Events

There is plenty going on in Avoriaz throughout the year. The resort plays host to a number of winter music festivals which take place across the resort and pistes, namely Rock the Pistes and Snowboxx in March. In summer, the Pass'portes du Soleil mountain bike festival is the biggest event for bikers, with the occasional Tour de France stage passing nearby.

See allUpcoming Events
Spartan Winter Trail Races, Morzine
an image of a person with red gloves holding a snow heart
Snowboxx Festival, Avoriaz
Crowd at the Rock the Pistes festival, Portes du Soleil
Morzine Avoriaz Harley Days