Avoriaz - village

In winter, Avoriaz has no wheels, so the journey from the reception building to your accommodation is a challenge. No Zermatt-style electric taxis: broad snow boulevards that double as ski runs are accessed expensively by snowcats and sleighs drawn by horses wearing nappies – or cheaply by self-hauling your kit on a metal sledge (free). Subsidised baggage delivery would be a welcome addition to Avoriaz’s brave new world.

Accommodation

Photo: OT Avoriaz

The central Hôtel des Dromonts is part of Christophe Leroy’s trend-setting empire: the French celebrity chef also has operations in St Tropez, Marrakech and St Martin. Otherwise, Avoriaz is mostly about self-catering apartments: Pierre & Vacances are the specialists.  There are also a few family-sized chalets. Check out the major players for value packages: Inghams or Neilson.

Ardent, a hamlet on the fringes of the village with a rapid gondola connection into the lift system at Les Lindarets, majors on low-rise big wood and log piles in the snow. With a ski shop, a restaurant, a bar and seven chalets run by the Family Ski Company, it is an option for those who see top slopes and Alpine calm as a winning combo.

Ski and snowboard equipment hire

Skiset has several shops in Avoriaz, and you can save 20-40% by prebooking gear online. Intersport also offers online booking.

Non-ski activities

Horse sleigh rides are a popular activity in AvoriazPhoto: OT Avoriaz

With over 50+ non-ski activities on offer, Avoriaz is ideal for a more general winter holiday. Those looking to relax will enjoy snowshoeing, horseback treks, and beauty massages, while adrenaline-seekers can try parachute-jumping, ice diving, and speedriding.

In the village, Avoriaz boasts Aquariaz, an indoor "tropical water paradise" aimed at both adults and children, which is open all season long. Aquariaz is divided into three areas: The Tree House, for younger visitors, The Slidewinder, for those seeking an adrenaline rush, and a third sector with a large pool, climbing wall and outdoor jacuzzi. There is also a spa with saunas, hammams and various treatments. 

There's an open-air ice rink in the village centre, and 10-pin bowling at Le Roc, plus a one-screen cinema showing international films every night.

Children

Le Village des Enfants is run with great charm by ex-downhill champion Annie Famose, for children aged three and over. Her dedicated slopes are peopled by Disney characters, and she has bad-weather cover in a chalet full of amusements. Avrizou starts childcare at three months.