Avoriaz Activities - Winter

Cross Country Skiing (Ski de Fond)

'Classic' Style Get back to nature and explore tranquil cross-country trails at your own pace. There are two different techniques – classic and skating. Classic is the easiest for beginners; you simply place your skis in two parallel groves, push off and glide around the trails. Skating is more energetic and a slightly harder skill to grasp; you push your feet out to either side as though you are ice skating and use your poles simultaneously to gain momentum. You can hire the comfortable boots and lightweight skis and poles fairly inexpensively from most sports shops and book a group or private lesson to learn the basics from most ski schools or private instructors. For those used to downhill skis, at first you feel precariously balanced and downhill sections are definitely more exciting on narrow skis with no edges! The skis are lighter and slimmer than downhill skis and the boots are much softer and more comfortable. The tranquility of cross country (also known as Nordic) skiing is perfect for anyone who enjoys peace and quiet, or finds the downhill pistes too crowded or too steep. It is a great form of aerobic exercise and one can be as energetic or slow as one likes, while the relaxed pace makes it a more tranquil way to enjoy the surroundings!. 'Skating' Style Once you have grasped the essentials, head off for the 216km of tranquil cross country trails that criss cross the Portes du Soleil - 45km of them in Avoriaz alone!

last updated 2-Jul-2008

Glacier Walking

For a truly unique experience, clamp on your crampons and go hiking on one of the many glaciers in the surrounding area. The breathtaking views and spectacular crevasses make this an incredible adventure. There are a number of glacial hikes, of varying difficulty, in this region of the Alps. Most mountain guiding companies will run organised excursions to the most accessible. To read more about glaciers and the environment please go to our Glacier Meltdown article.

last updated 11-Apr-2008

Helicopter Tours & Heli-Skiing

Sit back and admire the mountains from even higher up! Daily panoramic helicopter flights are available (weather permitting) with a number of local flight companies or some mountain guide companies. Relax and enjoy the stunning views as you fly over the snow-capped mountain tops, glaciers and alpine forests of the Haute Savoie. Unfortunately, heli-skiing is not permitted in France, however some of the ski schools and mountain guide companies will offer a pick-up/drop-off heli skiing service for you where you will be taken over the border into Italy or Switzerland. It is expensive, but definitely a once in a lifetime experience!

last updated 3-Jul-2008

Horse Drawn Sleigh

Horse drawn sleighs aren't quite the novelty in Avoriaz that they are in most parts of the world - here they are the main form of transport! As Avoriaz is a traffic-free resort horses double up as taxis here - to get you from the car park to your apartment, out for the night, anywhere in fact that you want to go! Horse drawn sleighs are available daily from 8am to 7pm, 7 days a week. With 28 sleighs and around 100 horses they are a common sight on the streets and one of the highlights of visiting Avoriaz. You can either use them as a way of getting around the resort, where journey prices range from €5 - €13 depending on how far you want to go (luggage €2 per bag) or you can hire one for a scenic trips around the resort for €15 - €35. Sleighs can be picked up at the entrance of the resort (“Accueil”), the outdoor parking P2, the top station of the Prodains cable car and in the centre of town.

last updated 8-Jul-2008

Husky Sledding (traineaux a chiens)

Be in charge of your own sled and team of excitable husky dogs, driving them along forest paths. After a brief explanation of how to make your team stop and start (you shout "mush!"), and strict instructions not to let go of the sled if it turns over (the dogs would disappear for hours...), you set off following the guide’s team. Your huskies want to keep up with their doggy mates, so the next hour is a breathless scramble to keep the sled upright, trying to control the speed downhill, and hanging on for dear life when you tear around corners. Going uphill you have to help push the sled, so this is hard physical work. If this all sounds a bit much you can opt for a less physical outing where you sit in the sled and the guide does all the hard work! Either way it is an exhilarating experience – you can find contact details on our Action, Fun & Sports page. You can also enquire at the entrance to the resort, it is usually best to book a couple of days in advance.

last updated 3-Jul-2008

Ice Climbing

For the true mountain enthusiast, why not scale an amazing frozen waterfall or glacier? This is a fantastic sport, not just for experienced mountaineers. The frozen columns of the Gachette, Dame du lac and Brochaux waterfalls are stunning locations to try your hand at ice climbing. The ice climbing season peaks between December and March. Although it sounds like a very specialised sport, ice climbing is suitable for everyone - from complete beginners to experienced climbers. Some knowledge of ropes and basic climbing skills will give you a head start, but if you are a complete novice then your guide should be able to teach you from scratch. Safety is important, so it is advisable to take an experienced mountain guide to instruct you on the use of crampons, ropes and ice picks.

last updated 4-Jul-2008

Ice Diving

Although plunging under the icy waters of Lake Montriond in the middle of winter may not sound much like fun this is a fascinating and magical experience. Accompanied by experienced instructors you can go beneath the frozen surface of the lake and submerge yourself in the eerie world beneath. Contact Caméleon Organisation for information and reservations.

last updated 3-Jul-2008

Ice Skating

Avoriaz has an open air ice rink in the resort centre that is open daily from 3 to 8pm (2 - 8.30pm during French school holidays). Entry costs €4 for children under 12 and €5.20 for adults (including skates). Holders of the Multiactivity Pass or Family Card can get in for free. The rink may close in the case of bad weather.

last updated 4-Jul-2008

Mountain Biking on Snow

Mountain biking is big in the Portes du Soleil; so big in fact that they don't even let snow get in the way of their favourite sport! Every winter you can learn how to ride using different techniques down the trails of Les Lindarets and Super Morzine - punctures and mud splashes are less likely than in the summer and you can finish off your ride with a warming glass of mulled wine! Contact Rustine for information and reservations. Mountain bikes, helmets and instruction are included.

last updated 3-Jul-2008

Snow-Mobile (Moto-Neige)

Roaring over the slopes on a snow mobile is great fun - you can ride alone or with a passenger and will be supervised by a guide who will teach you the basics and then take you on a 30 minute or hour-long ride. Don't forget to wrap up warmly especially if you go after dark, and bring goggles if there is powder. Guided excursions can be arranged through Avoscoot, situated on Route d'Avoriaz opposite Restaurant Seraussaix half way between Morzine and Avoriaz.

last updated 8-Jul-2008

Snowshoe Walking ('Raquette à Neige')

Strap lightweight plastic snowshoes to your feet, and walk effortlessly through deep snow. If you haven't tried it before and don't want to go it alone the majority of ski schools and some independant guides offer a range of snow shoe or ‘raquette a neige’ outings. Join a group led by a knowledgeable local guide and explore the hidden parts of the valley. Quietly padding through the snow you are far more likely to see local wildlife and appreciate the stunning scenery; you will leave the beaten track to follow animal footprints, discover mountain flora and fauna and learn the history of the valley. You can also hire snowshoes from most Sports Shops, grab a trail map and head off on your own adventure. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you go. This is a perfect activity for bad weather conditions, or for non-skiers; walkers and nature lovers will love these outings. Don't forget to take energy bars and wear comfortable boots. Snowshoe Website for France & Switzerland

last updated 9-Jul-2008

Tobogganing

As a traffic-free resort Avoriaz is awash with toboggans - as transport, as luggage trolleys, as toys! For getting your bags from carpark to accommodation there are sledges chained up around resort, which you need a €1 coin to use (a bit like a supermarket trolley system). If you want a sledge to play on you can rent or buy them fairly cheaply from most Sport Shops. There are plenty of places around resort where you can find a gentle slope to pick up a bit of speed, just take care not to cut across paths or venture onto the main pistes. Every night except Sunday, you can toboggan 3.1km down the Crot slope in the dark! Starting from 6pm, sledges and lights are provided and the descent is supervised by the resort staff. Cost €18 (minimum age 16) and a skipass is necessary.

last updated 9-Jul-2008