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Want to rent skis or snowboards in Avoriaz? Just visit the NetSki Salomon store!
Winter has arrived early in Avoriaz and the resort is already looking beautifully wintry. The resort is surrounded by white peaks, roofs are coated with fresh snow, and the pistes above the resort are shaping up extremely well for the start of the season. Avoriaz is traditionally one of the most reliable early season resorts in France thanks to its altitude and location, and this year is looking no different.
The resort is preparing to open for the season and the early signs are very encouraging. With natural snowfall across the higher slopes and cold temperatures holding, Avoriaz is in a strong position for early December skiing.
This weekend, the resort is opening it's slopes early, a perfect opportunity to enjoy a first taste of the snowy adventures awaiting you this season.
Recent snowfall has given the ski area a healthy start. Reports from across the Portes du Soleil indicate solid snow depths at altitude and consistent coverage on upper slopes. Avoriaz itself has seen around 40 to 60 cm of snow settle well above the resort level in the past week and conditions continue to improve as temperatures stay low. Forecasts suggest a further light top up of snow towards the end of the week which will help freshen the pistes.
Weather models show cold nights and cool daytime temperatures through the coming days. This will preserve the existing snowpack and help maintain the quality of the pistes. Winds are expected to stay relatively light overall which is positive news for lift openings and snow stability.
What this means on the mountain:
• Upper slopes around Arare, Hauts Forts and Chavanette should offer the most reliable skiing
• Groomed pistes are expected to be in good shape thanks to cold nights
• Lower connecting runs towards the valleys may remain thin or mixed until more snow arrives
• Off piste is still not well compacted so caution is advised
The resort has begun to welcome early season visitors and the atmosphere is building. Snow cover around the resort centre looks good for early December and the pedestrian streets are already lined with snow. Avoriaz has been making the most of the recent cold snap to produce extra snow on key pistes which should help with openings this weekend.
Once lift status is confirmed, the first areas likely to open are the higher zones where snow depths are strongest. Early season favourites such as Arare and Lac Intrets usually offer the most reliable skiing at this time of year.
If you are visiting Avoriaz in December you are in for a lively start to the winter. Early season family events, festive animations in the resort and the opening of Aquariaz for warm up sessions are all on the calendar. The wider Portes du Soleil area will also open progressively through the month which will increase the amount of skiable terrain.
Scroll down to see live forecasts, lift status, links to webcams and above for real time photos from Avoriaz. We will be updating this snow report page every Thursday, so check back in with us next week to see how the pistes are doing and what you can expect from the snow forecast for the next seven days.
We need you!!
If you are in Avoriaz this week, we would love to see your images and especially your videos. When you post to Facebook or Instagram, please tag us @SeeAvoriaz #SeeAvoriaz. Every week we will be sharing our favourite photos and videos here and on our social media, along with our weekly snow report.
We look forward to seeing you out on the pistes very soon.
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Avoriaz? Just visit the NetSki Salomon store!
For a great winter holiday at the Avoriaz resort, make sure you have the best skiing equipment!
In the heart of the resort, Cmp Skimium is ideally located close to the ski slopes and ski lifts.
Ski and snowboard rental store and sports shop is situated in the heart of resort in the Place Centrale next to the Cinema.
No need to carry your ski equipment around with you! Simply pick it up from the ski shop in resort. You can collect your equipment from at least 5pm the day before your 1st skiing day.
This ski rental shop in Avoriaz is towards the bottom of the main street, at the foot of the résidence "les Portes du Soleil", above the restaurant La Boule de Neige, close to the pharmacy.
This ski school connects snow sports enthusiasts of all abilities with expert ski and snowboard instructors across Europe’s top resorts. With thousands of top-rated, verified instructors to choose from, their private lessons offer a flexible and personalised learning experience.
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British-run ski schools in Avoriaz. Their team is known for going the extra mile, offering excellent customer service and delivering outstanding lessons and guiding.
This ski school offers group ski lessons for both children and adults, catering to all ability levels. Their group lessons provide a great and affordable way to improve your skiing in a safe, social and supportive environment.
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British ski schools in Avoriaz and is renowned for its fantastic instructors and excellent customer service.
Evolution 2 in Avoriaz offer private lessons for beginners up to those looking to hone technique.
Evolution 2 in Avoriaz offer group lessons with no more than eight people per lesson.
The Loyal Transfers team has been organising airport transfers to ski resorts around France since 2012. Their aim has always been to make independent travel to ski resorts cheaper and easier for everyone.
This company offers private and shared transfers from Geneva Airport to Avoriaz, nearby areas, and resorts across the Alps. With great value fares on all journeys, it’s an easy way to save money.
This private airport transfer company has been operating in the French Alps for over ten years, run by a local who'll also be your driver.
This company offers a great value shuttle service as well as private transfers from Geneva Airport to Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz. Established and efficient - you can rely on them.
With over 15 years of experience in the Alps, Getaway vans use this knowledge to ensure your holiday gets off to the best possible hassle-free start.
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.
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.
When the pistes and lifts are closed in Avoriaz, you can still hit the slopes after dark on a snowmobile.
A fantastic way to see the resort with your friends and family and a great way to entertain any non-skiers in your group.
Stick on your head torch and enjoy the sledging down the pistes at night.
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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