January in Avoriaz: What's on and weather
Quiet slopes, great atmosphere and some special events
It’s a new year and the town and the slopes are quieter, it’s one of the best times to visit.
After the Christmas holidays are over, January is the quietest part of the main winter season in Avoriaz. This means you have the slopes to yourselves, rarely have to queue for a lift and can enjoy pistes in great condition.
The quiet conditions on the mountain don’t translate to quiet nights in the town. There are fewer families and more adult visitors, meaning it can be easier to get a table at a restaurant and the bars are buzzing with plenty of live music and party nights to keep you entertained whilst you warm your hands on a glass of vin chaud.
Read on for a look at what we like to do in resort throughout January.
Jump to
What are the weather and snow conditions like
There is regular snowfall - on average six days - and subzero temperatures keep it nice and fresh. In January the average daytime temperatures generally fall between a high of 3°C and a low of -3ºC, getting around five hours of sunshine. Definitely pack those thermals!
What's On in Avoriaz in January?
Morzine weekly market
On Wednesdays, a market is held in the Carrefour car park, in the centre of town. Morzine has a long tradition as a market town dating back 1,000 years and anyone wanting to try some local produce, in particular the cheeses that the French Alps specialise in, should pay it a visit.
Ice hockey
The Morzine-Avoriaz Penguins ice hockey team games take place at the Skoda Arena just below the suspension bridge in Morzine.
Unlimited Folie
Every Thursday afternoon at La Folie Douce there will be a renowned DJ for your après-ski party time entertainment.
Skiing
With all those empty pistes, no lift queues and perfect conditions, we like to get out into the mountains on our skis and snowboards as much as possible.
If you visit the resort in January you can buy a lift pass and join one of the local ski schools' many ski or snowboard lessons taking place around the resort.
Things to do
Visit the cinema
Christmas time in the UK is usually when big budget new films are released, and slowly but surely they make their way to the big screens here in the mountains. The cinema in Avoriaz will be showing latest blockbusters, so check out the show times online. It’s the perfect activity if you fancy putting your feet up after a long day on the slopes, or a fab way to entertain the family.
Avalanche awareness
Whilst you’re in the Alps, make the most of exploring new avenues and furthering your ability on and off the slopes. There are a few off piste safety and avalanche awareness courses you could join. This is a great way to gain more knowledge about the area, and introduces you to the world of backcountry skiing. The spaces will get booked up quickly, so form an orderly queue for great courses in exceptional company.
Alternative winter sports
It doesn't just have to be piste based adventures you take part in. Ski-touring and split-boarding have become extremely popular in recent years, and there's nothing that gets the heart pumping like gaining altitude under your own steam. When it's a 'white out' you'll find us changing tack entirely, pulling on some raquettes (snowshoes) and venturing forth into the wilderness on one of the many snowshoeing routes around the valley, all the while dreaming of tomorrow's bluebird powder day.
Bars and clubs
Live music
At this time of the season we are looking forward to some live music sessions, whether from local bands or even one of the open mike nights and jam sessions that the local bars often hold. So, whether you fancy yourself an Adele, Bob Dylan or a Satriani, there's definitely somewhere you can 'entertain' the crowds.
Of course, that's if we've made it home from one of the many après-ski events taking place every evening across town.
More inspiration...
This is only a small selection of the events taking place in Avoriaz during the first month of the year. Take a look at our events calendar for a full rundown and to find some accommodation for your stay.
