Avoriaz

Avoriaz (IPA: [avɔʁja]) is a French mountain resort in the heart of the Portes du Soleil. It is located on the territory of the commune of Morzine. It is easily accessible via the D338 running from Morzine to Avoriaz.

For visitors it offers both winter skiing and snow-based pursuits, and summer walking, golf, VTT (mountain biking) and other outdoor activities. Cars are forbidden in Avoriaz because the station is designed to be fully skiable. Other transport around the resort includes horse-drawn sleighs during winter and snow caps.

Surrounding pistes

Avoriaz is surrounded by many slopes ranging from green class to black. Draglifts, chairlifts and cablecars are available to take tourists from piste to piste.

Architecture

Avoriaz is rather distinctive amongst the 1960s purpose built ski resorts. Jacques Labro built the Dromonts hotel in March 1966 and this design set the tone for the rest of the development. The design of this building eschewed the Alpine Chalets more commonly found in this region in favour of a bold and unique design more in keeping with its cliff top location. The buildings are mainly built in wood and slate and from a distance blend into the surrounding cliffs. Many of the designers of Avoriaz have won awards for their work such as the Académie des Beaux Arts, the Equerre d'Argent and silver medal from the Architectural Académie. It is also known for its buzzing Jewish community. [1]

External links

• AboutMorzine.com - An unrivalled source of information for anyone interested in visiting Morzine, Les Gets, Avoriaz and the Portes de Soleil.
• Official tourist information site
• Snow conditions for skiing in Avoriaz