Powder rangers
service), while our personal driver waited to take us to the ski lift in the village of Morzine.
So far, the whole experience couldn’t have felt less stressful – now I just had to pray I’d remembered how to ski.
The Morzine Avoriaz slopes link the charming village of Morzine to the purpose-built Avoriaz resort nestled on the side of the mountain. The main ski area is called ‘Le
Pleney’, which together with the local area of Les Gets, harbours 120km of pistes divided into 69 runs (three green, 29 blue, 28 red and nine black), served by 48 lifts all accessed using the same ski pass.
For an adult, full run of the Morzine to Les Gets slopes comes to ¤280/£236 for seven days, while a single child costs ¤217/£183 for the week.
However, this is just the beginning of the full mountain range that can be explored. Over the valley, visitors can discover further connections via the ‘Super Morzine’ gondola, linking Morzine with the rest of the Portes du Soleil – making it one of the largest linked ski areas in the world.
So, who exactly is the
Morzine Avoriaz resort looking to attract?
It’s a good question, and while everyone might seem like a bit of a cop-out, I’m going to say it anyway. Yes, I know what you’re thinking, but Morzine Avoriaz really does have something for everyone.
Let’s start with families. Avoriaz is one of the best ski resorts in France for families, boasting a purpose-built children’s village – ski school, leisure centre and childcare rolled into one.
Here, kids of all ages and abilities can hit the snow with half and full-day courses including ski lessons, meals and activities to keep them occupied while parents explore the wider slopes. The ski-in/
ski-out nature of Avoriaz hotels is another plus point, with the fully pedestrianised mountain-top resort offering ease and safety for young families seeking a stress-free return to the slopes.
Then, when your legs have turned to jelly, you can take a plunge into the glorious 30C waters of Aquariaz, Europe’s highest water park (open Monday to Saturday throughout the winter season).
It has everything, from river rapids and Jacuzzis to flumes and water cannons – just the thing to help defrost frozen fingers and toes.
There’s also the resort’s apres-ski scene, with the likes of chic, independently run JaJa Bar (jajabaravoriaz.com), Le Shooters – famed for its choice of colourful shots – and The Place (theplace avoriaz.com), where those who still have energy to burn will find a different band headlining every evening.
But for those in the know, La Folie Douce (lafoliedouce.com/en/ home-avoriaz) is the place to go for apres-ski, attracting the young and ready-to-party with snow-cooled cocktails and a glitzy cabaret.
While I didn’t get to enjoy the wide range of nightlife in Morzine due to the French Covid restrictions in place at the time, my chalet was far from a second-class option.
Having exhausted myself on the slopes I had the pleasure of returning each evening to double bubbles – that’s prosecco and a hot tub – plus a three-course, locally-sourced feast cooked fresh by my wonderful hosts.
After this, I could kick back by a roaring fire and reflect this might be the most relaxing and indulgent way to experience the mountains.
Avoriaz is one of the best ski resorts in France for families