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What's new this winter in Avoriaz
From the ski area to what's fresh in the resort
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 are 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 1.135 million overnight stays in the resort. Avoriaz ski area opens on the 15 December until the 21 April 2024 and ski passes are on sale.
The rising cost of energy has given the resort an opportunity to fast track many of their eco/environmental sustainable initiatives for example LED lighting, optimising the speed of ski lifts, the addition of GPS systems in the snow groomers for added efficiency.
Avoriaz is part of a UNESCO Global Geopark, a protected geological site. the area includes a Natura 2000 zone and several wetlands. You will find three nesting zones in the domain and 14 reforestation zones, these are marked on the piste maps for hikers and skiers.
Eco-Charter for Avoriaz businesses
Avoriaz has implemented an Eco-charter for local businesses to help them be more environmentally aware and active. In addition Avoriaz is carrying out a study called Clim snow to assess the effects of climate change on snow conditions. The results of this study will be available at the end of winter 2023.
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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On the slopes
Modernised chair lift
The Lac-Intrêts chair lift has had a modification of it's route and a makeover, making it more environmentally friendly by using a motor with no gearbox meaning fewer materials used. No oil is used in the operation of the motor so no risk of pollution. The makeover of this lift also means savings will be made to the electricity consumption and heat generated by the motor will be used to heat public areas.
Karting on the slopes
New this year! set off down a 3.2km descent with a 600m vertical drop on a kart. You can race down the slopes in three wheeled vehicles equipped with hydraulic brakes and designed with a low centre of gravity for excellent road handling.
Ski touring shelter
The Avoriaz lift company SERMA has a new solar powered shelter with table and benches that will move around the Avoriaz ski area, ski touring pistes. Providing a rest spot or even an overnight stay for the more intrepid explorers.
Sustainable development on the slopes
SERMA continue to reduce the impact on the ski area. Last winter they installed 16 solar panels on the Chaux Fleurie chairlift at Lindarets to increase the renewable energy supply.
In the resort
Continuing with the eco-responsible initiatives in Avoriaz, The water at Aquariaz is recycled and used on the greens of the golf course, for irrigating the the resort's green spaces and flowerbeds and supplies the mountain bike wash stations in the bike park.
Morzine Avoriaz has held the prestigious Flocon Vert label since 2021, reinforcing their sustainable commitment of current and future good practices in mountain tourist destinations.
Events
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!
