Avoriaz
From the Crystal brochure :
Avoriaz is easily one of the top European snowboarding destinations. It has always been heavily behind snowboarding and regularly features in international magazines, with riders like Nicolas Droz seen blasting the board park. Freeriders should check out the Hauts Forts area. The resorts are also a great place to get into the world of Heli-boarding and beginners will find Morzine no problem with plenty of wide, mellow terrain.
Click here to see whether your mind is suitably attuned to the Sos ethos.
Click here for a boarders view of Avoriaz
Info from elsewhere :
Avoriaz is a spectacular, purpose built resort, set amidst dramatic mountain scenery, towering above the Morzine valley. It is situated in the centre of the vast ‘Portes du Soleil’ system, encompassing eight resorts in France and seven in Switzerland, most of which are linked by an extensive lift system and ski bus service. Avoriaz is a snowboarder’s Mecca. During the day a cable-car connects Avoriaz with Prodains, which is just a ten minute shuttle ride from the town of Morzine with its shops, bars and restaurants. You can also boogie like a baby at one of over 5367 nightclubs to be found in the village centre. You may also be lucky enough to spot the star attraction for the 2003 season - the 'Men of the Alps' strippers troupe.
NB. The village itself is traffic free and guests arriving by car and coach will leave their vehicles in the parking areas at the entrance to the resort. If arriving by coach, your luggage will be transported by ‘ractrac’ (motorised sleigh) to your accommodation, while you can choose between a taking a stroll through this colourful and interesting ski station or travelling by horse drawn sleigh for approximately €4. Those arriving by sleigh must pay for parking and make their own way, with luggage, to their accommodation.
Part of the vast Portes du Soleil domain, Avoriaz is arguably the one of the most enjoyable resorts in the region. It's at 1800m and, unlike most of the other resorts, can guarantee good snow. It claims to be a boarding Mecca, as the first European resort to embrace the sport. There is a specialist park, a half-pipe, a slalom course and extensive off-piste. This also attracts better skiers, as do some great black pistes. The most notable of these is 'The Wall', which plunges you down into Switzerland and should only be tried by those with plenty of tough miles under their belts. But don't despair beginners and intermediates - there are countless motorway pistes across the whole network to get you sorted and smiling. Unfortunately, the various slopes are not very well linked up. Also, the following other resorts are linked to Avoriaz for skiing : Champery, Chatel, La Chapelle d'Abondance, Les Crosets, Les Gets, Morgins, Morzine.
Last revised:
March 28, 2008
.