Avoriaz is just one of many resorts in the "Les Portes Du Soliel" group and so obviously has a lot to go at. The resort has close neighbours in Morzine, Chatel and Champery to name just three other pieces in this mighty jigsaw. One of the coolest things about skiing in Avoriaz is that if you get bored of France you can always drop into Switzerland. Its also usually top of the last minute budget holiday list so you might just be able to grab yourself a really good value, kick ass ski trip.

Avoriaz and Morzine have a lengthy history in the skiing world which dates back to the 1930's when the sport was really just beginning to grow. As you would expect, there are a lot of old skiers around this resort, but don't expect them to be slow. Crazy Frenchies!

In 1965, a former French downhill champion, Jean Vuarnet, took on the task of implementing the expansion of the Avoriaz/Morzine sector of the Portes Du Soleil ski area and is largely responsible for how the massive area is today. I think he did an alright job! I have to say though, that the layout of this resort confuses me somewhat and I got myself lost a number of times. This is probably more down to my inability to read a map. On with the report...

Its not the best area for beginners as there aren't that many good learner runs right beside the village and the hill is short on green runs . I also thought that quite a few of the Blue runs were quite challenging too- you have been warned!

Intermediates and advanced skiers will get as much out of this resort as they put in because there is a never-ending array of challenges to be found. Exploration can take you vast distances and there is a real “far from home” feeling when you've traversed the entire length of Les Portes du Soliel. Needless to say that there is plenty to keep anyone amused and there are plenty of sunny south slopes. Plenty of cliffs to jump off, but also plenty of wide, cruisy pistes.

Lets talk parks...

At least two of the parks in the nearby area are actually built into the dirt. This means that no what the snow conditions, there will always be a good line of kickers and a rockin halfpipe to play in. The potential for natural hits is exactly what you might expect from a ski area this vast, but I was particularly impressed with the cat track hit beneath the Téléphérique Prodains. One of those epic features with a super good landing and heaps of potential to go massive.

Avoriaz has a very pretty village with wooden clad buildings that were mainly built in the 60's: this charm is carried into bars, hotels and restaurants to give a very genuine and un-tacky feel to the resort. I wouldn't recommend the resort for beginners, but all others will have a blast. I bet it would be a great place to do a season too....