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Avoriaz Ski Resort Guide (Alt 1800m) |
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Constructed during the 1960s, Avoriaz is one of France's more sympathetically designed purpose built ski resorts. The initiative to build such a resort came from ski champion and Morzine local Jean Vuarnet, who recognised the area's potential for skiing. Morzine had already become a popular winter sports destination; and with the financial backing of noted Parisien builder Robert Bremond, the resort began to take shape. Designed to 'blend' in with the Alpine surroundings, the buildings that make up Avoriaz have all been covered with rot proof cedar shingles imported from Canada. Whether the architects actually acheived their aim has long been open to debate. One of the resort's most well known critics, Maurice Michaud, head of the French government's Interministerial Commission for the Development of the Mountain (otherwise known as the 'Snow Dictator') once famously likened the resort to a series of large 'carbuncles'. Now located at the heart of the vast Portes du Soleil ski area, Avoriaz declares itself to the be the European equivalent to a snowboarding Mecca, regularly hosting large international freestyle events.
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The latest edition to Avoriaz's array of snowparks is the 'Stash', an ecological snowpark set in forest surroundings between Avoriaz and the village of Les Lindarets. Designed and developed by teams from Burton, the Stash features three levels of largely ungroomed slopes winding through trees and broken up at frequent intervals by wooden boxes, rails and other obstacles. Aimed at intermediate to advanced boaders, the Stash encourages those wanting to ride backcountry and freestyle; its numerous hidden areas and 'secret passages', meaning that no one run is the same. Boarders are invited to carve their own messages into the wall of the concealed cabin ... if they can find it. |
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The Portes du Soleil is a large region of the Alps encompassing 12 resorts that are dotted across the Franco/Swiss border. These resorts are Avoriaz, Morzine, Les Gets, Abondance, La Chapelle d'Abondance, Chatel, St Jean d'Aulps, Montriond, Torgon, Morgins, Champery and the Val d'Illez-Les Crosets-Champoussin. The area offers 650km of pistes, 230 lifts, 7 snowparks, 3 halfpipes and 4 boarder cross runs. Avoriaz is the highest resort in the region, its altitude guaranteeing the most reliable snow cover of all the Portes du Soleil resorts. Avoriaz also operates a car-free policy at all times. |
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Located approximately halfway between Geneva and Mont Blanc, Morzine is a popular choice for visitors keen to mix old world charm with ski terrain fit to rival that of the Three Valleys. Morzine itself is a busy Alpine town packed with Savoyard character, displaying numerous examples of traditional chalet buildings with sloping slate covered roofs and intricately designed wooden balconies. With plenty of ski terrain to suit all abilities and a transfer time of approximately one hour, Morzine is a destination especially popular with families and weekend visitors. |
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A great choice for anyone looking for a more authentic ski holiday retreat, Chatel, at heart, still remains very much a traditional Alpine village. Ancient stylised chalets, cobbled streets and a 17th century church contribute to the atmosphere, making the village an appealing location for visitors in search of a calm, festive break. Along with its time honoured architecture, Chatel's other claim to fame is its dairy produce. The resort's principal ski area, Super Chatel, predominantly offers a mixture of intermediate and advanced runs, along with a snowpark, blue halfpipe, and on a clear day, views of Lake Geneva. |
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Located on the periphery of the Portes du Soleil ski area, family friendly Les Gets is the quieter, more relaxing alternative to the neighbouring resorts of Morzine and Avoriaz. The resort's gentle and partially wooded slopes are an ideal choice for beginner and intermediate skiers, or a handy starting point for anyone looking to ease their way back into the sport. A favourite with visiting families, Les Gets has also put a tight focus on its provision for child-friendly skiing, having recently been awarded the 'Famille Plus' ski label by French ski authorities. |
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Alp Line offer private ski transfers or shared ski shuttles to Avoriaz, Morzine, Les Gets, St Jean d'Aulps, La Grande Terche and Chatel. Book your Alp Line ski holiday transfer online now ... |
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