Avoriaz Off The Slopes
Avoriaz has a wide range of activities to keep you entertained once you have finished skiing or boarding for the day, and in fact, plenty of activities to keep you occupied if you choose to have a day off from the slopes altogether.
On Snow Activities
There are lots of alternatives to skiing or snowboarding if you would like to find some other ways of enjoying the snowy landscape of Avoriaz.
Why not try dog sledding and enjoy a ride through the mountains with some friendly canine companions! You could also try snowshoes if you want something at a slightly slower pace, both Evolution 2 (+33 (0) 450 74 02 18) and the local ESF offer guided snowshoe walks of varying lengths.
A very exhilarating alternative to skiing or boarding down the piste is to try mountain biking down it. Mountain biking on snow is organised by the Ecole Rustine (+33(0)6 14 52 41 82) between 5.30 and 7.30pm each day after the pistes have closed to skiers.
There is also an open air ice rink which you can enjoy, right in the centre of town, you won’t miss it. Not to be missed in Avoriaz is a ride on one of the many horse drawn sleighs, used as taxis in the resort, they are a great way to get yourself (and your luggage!) easily to your accommodation or just hop on one and enjoy the ride.
Off Snow Activities
If a big day on the mountain has taken it out of you and it is time to get off the snow then there are still plenty of activities to choose from in Avoriaz.
If you still have some energy left in the tank then try out the gym or fitness classes available at the Altiform sports centre on the Route des Rennes. The centre is available to anyone over 15yrs old and classes range from step to body balance and are available to book individually.
For under 15’s (and the big kids too) head to Aquariaz, a water fun park, heated to make a tropical climate with fantastic foliage to make you forget you are in the mountains. There are flumes, water jets and lots more to keep the kids entertained as well as a spa and wellness area for the grown-ups.
Anyone planning to make regular use of spa facilities during their stay should consider investing in the resort’s Carte Forme fitness card. Available from the tourist office it provides unlimited access to fitness sessions as well as the hot tub, hammam and squash court (subject to availability on the latter – there’s only one, located in the residence Les Fontaines Blanches, and it’s only open for four hours each evening except Saturday). Various options are available for the card, which costs between 15 and 30 Euros, including a family option, small discount for six-day lift pass holders and inclusive of personal trainer.
There are also plenty of shops for you to browse around. Although most of them are ski and board shops where you can rent and buy equipment there are also a few fashion outlets and souvenir shops, not to mention some excellent patisseries.
Lastly, for a spectacular view of the whole Portes du Soleil region, you cannot beat a paragliding flight. Controlled by an instructor, you just need to sit back, relax and enjoy your flight. Evolution 2 (+33 (0) 450 74 02 18) runs flights throughout the season, however you will get a longer flight if you wait later in spring when there are more thermals to keep you afloat!
