Avoriaz

Avoriaz is a purpose-built resort, created in the 1960s - and being purpose-built, everything's convenient. It's set on a sloping plateau above the lower, longer-established resort of Morzine. Check out the dramatic cliff face!

Part of the massive Portes du Soleil ski area, in one direction it links with Châtel and the other to the Swiss resort of Champéry. A handy gondola takes you to Morzine, so what with the excellent local slopes, a mere week will hardly be enough to cover the wonders of this fabulous part of the French Alps.

Snow coverage is great here and pistes are suitable for all abilities. The nursery slopes, especially the gorgeous Première Glisse, are close to the centre. For intermediates - and, let's face it, that's most of us - there are only 650kms of blue and red runs to choose from. Better ski or snowboard quite fast then!

If you like a hair-raising challenge, there are about 20 black runs. Try the World Cup downhill from the top of Les Hauts-Forts and, for a bumpy ride, give it a go over the biggest moguls in the world (possibly) on The Wall.

Boarders - Avoriaz is made for you. Freeriders head for Les Hauts-Forts and for freestylers, The Stash is an all-natural snow park. Half-pipe heaven!

Apres-Ski in Avoriaz

The great thing about Avoriaz - well, the TWO great things about Avoriaz - are, one, that despite being modern, the buildings are all timber clad, giving it a pleasant Alpine vibe, and, two, it's entirely traffic free. That's unless you count horse-drawn carriages. There's parking at the edges of the community. The absence of vehicles could explain why it's won the Best Family Resort in the UK Snow Awards.

There are plenty of shops, restaurants and bars in which you can spend your hard-earned Euros chilling out after a long day on the slopes. Nightlife is fairly quiet and for many people that's a plus.

Go to Avoriaz with GetSkiing and…get skiing!

Gary's Little Gems in Avoriaz

Think Avoriaz, think family-friendly. Special events, with kids in mind, are laid on throughout the season. Or, head for The Wall, super-skiers, to experience the ultimate bump/mogul challenge. And who could resist the nocturnal delight of the floodlit cliff behind the resort? Scintillating!