,center parcs, in the alps – the many things to...
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Center Parcs, in the Alps – The many things to do in Avoriaz
Pierre Vacances, the owners of Center Parcs in England also have a major stake in the Avoriaz
resort and are currently building an all season water parc in the resort. This development, built on
the existing outdoor swimming pool will transform the resort as a real alternative to an English
Center Parcs holiday at a fraction of the price due to the lower accommodation costs in the summer.
Avoriaz is principally known as an Alpine Ski resort at the heart of the massive 650 km Portes Du
Soleil ski area. From December till April each year Avoriaz operates as a ski in and ski out resort
with only resort vehicles allowed into the resort. In July and August it also operates as a car free
resort as well. In May/June/September – November, the resort is largely inhabited by a few locals,
walkers and tradespersons.
Aquariaz – opening July 2012 – an aquatic paradise in the mountains
featuring lush vegetation and rocks, with a river with variable current, a
slidewinder, a water playhouse, a paddling pool a large pool with climbing
walls, massage benches and the must: an open-air Jacuzzi heated to 34
degrees C
Aquariaz will no doubt transform the resort into a center parcs village in the Alps. The following
pages show some of the vast array of activities, from the hundreds of walks to the more
adventurous thrill seeking activities. It is indeed a resort for all the family and for all tastes.
Email me for a copy of the many walks that can be done in both the summer and the winter
Budget holidays break with lots of activities (many of which are free)
Via Ferrata (Rock face climbing with ropes)
This is one of the views of the Via Ferrata from apartment Snow 401
Just plain walking with a picnic at the end of it
There are hundreds of beautiful walks from Avoriaz, many along the winter ski runs. Picture on the
right is one of the views from Snow 401. Back pacs are available in the apartments. If you want a
‘walks brochure I can e mail you a copy of Balades Morzine-Avoriaz Vallée d’Aulps. Just ask
This is a summer view from the balcony
of the Tabac Bar in Avoriaz. There is still
snow on the top of the Hautes Fautes
mountain
Making your own fun on the
mountain. The group below have got
some wooden animals and are
practising their archery skills. Can
you spot the deer ??
Careful if your walk takes you
across the Avoriaz Golf Course
This is the view from
apartment Snow 401.
There are many walks
along the valley. At the
green ridge is the famous
‘Swiss wall’ – a black ski
run . This point is the
border with Switzerland
but you don’t need to take
your passport !!The
mountains in the
background are the ‘Dents
Du midi’
Throughout July and
August there are regular
‘farmers markets’ where
local producers show and
sell their wares. Most of
the high street is taken
over by their stalls
Right next to the
Carousel in the
centyre of the Resort
(Place Centrale) is the
5 a side/ handball/
basketball court. In
the winter this is the
Village Des Enfants !!
There are a number of table tennis tables throughout the resort. Dont
forget to pack your bats and balls.
Several Tennis Courts in the resort
The bars in
Avoriaz are child
friendly and no
more than the
Tabac bar
(opposite the
bowling alley
where you can
play darts at
‘Marco’s
Next to the all
weather pitch at the
far side is the ‘boules
area ‘where the locals
spend many an hour
just throwing balls
into the gravel to see
who can get nearest
the marker ball !!
For the less energetic amongst
you , you can get the resort
train around the resort.
Check the tourist Office for
the timetable
Plenty of wide open spaces to just sit, relax and people watch
Right in front
of the Snow
building is the
‘Place Centrale
where many of
the resorts
activities are
located as well
as a number of
grassed areas
for just ‘people
watching’
Another ‘Boules’ area !!
and bouncy castles and
trampoling
Below there is supervised
archery as well
Plenty of things for
kids to do and keep
themselves occupied
The backdrop views to
many of these activities
is simply awesome.
There are plenty of free
and supervised
activities. You can get a
full brochure by going
on the Avoriaz website
www.avoriaz.com
There are also published
weekly schedules of
activities which can be
obtained from the
Tourist office in Avoriaz
With so much going on, no
wonder Avoriaz is a
regular host to the world
famous Tour De France.
The Tour was in Avoriaz
in 2010 and will be back
no doubt in a few more
years time. It is a spectacle
not to be missed and early
booking is advised
Plenty of free sections for small kids as well. This little train activity is
just outside the bowling alley and the Hotel Dromont and this one
near the Plateau
Climbing
walls for
kids at the
Village
Des
Enfants
Nine Hole golf course and driving range
The Golf club
house is the
chopper HQ in
the winter !!
Proclou run is
on the left
Golf
Driving
range
For those that have
only ever been to
Avoriaz in the winter,
the golf course is
adjacent to the
Proclou ski run!!
Crazy Golf
Good for an hour or two !!
There are
trampolines dotted
around in a few
places across the
Resort
The kids have a
pony lesson in the
Village Des
enfants before
trekking around
the resort and onto
trails
There are stables in
the resort as well as
plenty of tennis
courts
Mountain Biking for all levels
Starter obstacle course at the plateau for beginners
There is no bigger
event arguably than the
Tour De France and in
2010 it finished in
Avoriaz. Every few
years the Tour is
invited to Avoriaz and
it is a great place to be
when it arrives
One lift ride
away from
Avoriaz and you
are on the
French / Swiss
border
There are a number of
mountain bike rental
shops in Avoriaz as well
as lessons and guided
tours for all abilities.
If you just enjoy down
hill cycling you put the
bike on the chair lifts
and just cycle across
country or downhill
The cable car from Les Prodaines on the outskirts of Morzine. This
takes you to Avoriaz. Alternatively there is a 20 minute car journey up
the mountain
A five minute ride down the cable car takes you to Les Prodaines
The view down to Les
Prodaines from Avoriaz.
The return trip is normally
about 12 euros return. I
have over a dozen passes
that I loan out free of
charge. From Prodaines
there is a free bus to
Morzine town centre
There are more things to do at Les Prodaines and Morzine
Quad Biking at Les Prodaines
The Luge in Morzine
and white water rafting in the Morzine Valley