Avoriaz

Although I have placed this nicely in the Avoriaz section, my opinion refers to the Portes du Soleil, of which Avoriaz is a part. The Portes du Soleil is situated nicely atop the border between Switzerland and France, a short drive from Geneva and easily accessible from the French side too. The quantity and quality os skiing varies greatly dependin on the time of year (more on that later) but they advertise themselves as having over 600km of runs, and so far I have no reason to doubt that. I've been skiing since the age of 3 and snowboarding for about 4 years as well, so have been fairly well qualified to put this collection of resorts through its ...  Read the complete review

We have just come back from Avoriaz. It was without any doubt the worst skiing holiday we have ever had. Now, before you go and cross Avoriaz off your list of places to go, let me first say that it was nothing to do with Avoriaz itself. We were just desperately unlucky to get some absolutely miserable weather. Out of six days we got just 3 1/2 days skiing and that only because we were going slowly mad sitting in the appartment for hours on end and decided to go out whatever. On top of that, two of us were down with heavy colds. No, Avoriaz itself is a most impressive resort. The highest in the Porte du Soleil region, it is virtually guarunteed snow ...  Read the complete review

I can recommend the Avoriaz ski area to anyone. Being in such close proximity to Geneva airport it makes it an excellent destination for a short ski break. However the area is vast and when included with the Morzine area it totals over 650km of piste. You would need to stay for several months to ski the full area! We stayed in a chalet in Ardents, a small peaceful hamlet that has been converted (but not spoiled) into a satellite resort of Avoriaz. The alpine style of the area is retained but also one quick gondola ride takes you into the main Avoriaz system and so its proximity to the best ski terrain is almost as good as its bigger, un-authentic counterpart, ...  Read the complete review

Avoriaz is a great resort, set high in the French alps, close to the swiss border. A short transfer from Geneva airport takes you to the Portes du Soleil, one of the largest ski areas in france. The skiing is great, some high, but quite a lot not so high in-the-treeline skiing which is great fun. The resort is car free and purpose built - you leave your car at the entrance to the resort, then catch a sleigh or rat-trak to your accomodation. Most of the accomodation is self catering family apartments with some chalets and hotels. The family atmosphere in resort is great at christmas, when 'Santa' arrives in a horse-drawn sleigh and gives presents to the ...  Read the complete review

I echo chamkiong's opinion about how beautiful the french-swiss alps are. The views are stunning and have to be seen to be believed. I wanted to get to Chamonix on our stay at Avoriaz as a friend had stayed there - but a week is just not long enough and travelling from A to B can take ages-well you don't want to drive off a mountain. Avoriaz is a small town at the top of a mountain about 1800 feet above sea level. It's a fantastic sight with snow topped mountains peaking all around you. It is a quaint town, like nothing I've ever seen before. All the buildings are wooden, but not your typical swiss chalet type buildings these had ...  Read the complete review