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
The central Hotel des Dromonts (00 33 450 740811) is part of Christophe Leroy’s trend-setting empire: the 35-year-old chef/entrepreneur also has operations in St Tropez, Marrakech and St Martin. Otherwise Avoriaz is mostly about self catering apartments: PV-holidays.com are the specialists. There are also a few family-sized chalets. Check out the major players for value packages: Inghams (020 8780 4447), Neilson (0845 070 3460) or Thomson (0871 971 0578). 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 (01684 540333), it is an option for those who see top slopes and Alpine calm as a winning combo.
Ski and snowboard equipment hire
Save 20-40% by renting online through Skiset (00 331 55 39 30 23) before you leave home. Intersport (00 33 450 74 13 73, 00 33 450 74 06 49) also have online booking. For cutting edge skis and boards, try Superski Avoriaz (00 33 450 741 776), Ski Fun (00 33 450 741045), Sport Espace (00 33 450 740325) Free Ride (00 33 450 74 0036) or Quicksilver (00 33 450 741415).
Non skier activities
Avoriaz has opened Aquariaz, a year-round indoor "tropical water paradise" aimed at both adults and children. 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.
The new ice rink is in the village centre. Studio 9 has 10-pin bowling and there is a two-screen cinema showing international films.
Children
Le Village des Enfants (00 33 450 740446) 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. Les P’tits Loups (00 33 45 747 40038) starts childcare at three months.
Snowcarbon Founder, Daniel has made a two-minute film about Avoriaz, interviewing British skiers found at random on the slopes, to ask what they think about the resort, which you can see here:
