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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.
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!
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.
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.
Le Strike Roc Bowling Bar in Avoriaz is a year-round destination for fun, food, and friendly competition. During the off-season, the venue welcomes guests from Monday to Friday, 12pm to 2pm and 6pm to 10pm, and on Saturdays from 4pm to 10pm, including public holidays and May bank holidays.
Le Lounge Roc Bar in Avoriaz is a must-visit destination for those seeking a refined dining and drinking experience in the heart of the Alps. Nestled within the iconic resort, the bar combines creative bistronomy, exceptional ingredients, and a welcoming atmosphere to create unforgettable moments.
Established in the 1990s, The Place in Avoriaz quickly became a favourite among skiers and visitors, offering live music, lively après-ski, and a buzzing nightlife in the French Alps. Today, it remains “the place to be” for anyone seeking a memorable party, combining great entertainment with a welcoming and energetic atmosphere.
Traiteur tasting baris the perfect spot for wine and food lovers in the heart of Avoriaz. Located on Place des Dromonts, above the bowling alley, the bar welcomes you into a relaxed and playful atmosphere. Choose a cosy yellow Chesterfield armchair or swing gently on one of the suspended swings while savouring your favourite flavours.
Le R Concept Store & Tasting Bar in Avoriaz is a haven for food and wine lovers, offering an exquisite selection of fine delicacies to enjoy on the spot or to take away.
Globe Trotter in Avoriaz is a vibrant, all-day destination that welcomes visitors from early December to late April, offering everything from breakfast to après-ski and late-night drinks. Located in the heart of the resort at 47 Place du Snow, it’s a place that changes with the day, moving seamlessly from café to restaurant to lively bar. Since opening in 1997, Globe Trotter has been creating warm, authentic experiences with a perfect balance of friendliness and generosity.
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.
Located in the centre of Avoriaz is the outdoor 'patinoire' or ice rink.
For backcountry adventures, this independent company operates in and around the following three heliski destinations: Valgrisenche, The Courmayeur Valley and the Col de Petit St Bernard Pass. They have pioneered 32 drop zones within these three broad valley regions giving you a huge choice of terrain, snow conditions and mountain orientation to ensure you have a day best suited to your ability and preferences.
Stick on your head torch and enjoy the sledging down the pistes at night.
Snowmobiling can be a fun, fast, snowy activity. Starting from Avoriaz resort, outings start from 17.30 to midnight, giving you free range of the snow and the Alps.
A fantastic way to see the resort with your friends and family and a great way to entertain any non-skiers in your group.
Discover the wintry mountains on foot and enjoy an evening meal in a mountain refuge or igloo.
Whilst it may not feel like a date for your diary, the Morzine weekly market dates back over 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. For something a little more exciting be sure to head along to the ice rink and support the local ice hockey team. Keep an eye on the events calendar for what else is on around the resort.
Rock on Snow Tour is a festival bringing together all things snow that kicks off the Portes du Soleil winter season in some serious style.
The world's leading obstacle race company brings its Spartan race to Morzine in winter over one weekend, with races over 10km or 21km.
The Morzine-Avoriaz Hockey club play competitive and friendly matches throughout the summer and winter season.
Christmas is a wonderful time of year wherever you spend it, but high in the snowy mountains, it's even more magical!
DJ Thursday at Folie Douce
Finish the year in style and start next year with the best of dance floor sound.
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.
Find out what's happening in Avoriaz and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and things to do, see and experience in the region. Plus, during the winter season, our famous snow reports and dump alerts, all in the same place.
See allLatest News & ReviewsThere 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.
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