Avoriaz was awarded Best Family Resort in the World Snow Awards in London in 2013 and it’s still a fabulous choice for a stress-free and fun family ski holiday for parents and children of all ages.
Part of the Portes du Soleil ski area, Avoriaz combines the best of the region’s snow with a car free, relaxed village that caters to family groups.
We look at some of the main reasons why this ski resort could be exactly what you’re looking for yourselves and your kids.
Convenience
All parents know that the Number 1 ingredient for a successful family holiday is convenience. Avoriaz scores high for this on all fronts.
Accessibility:
Avoriaz lies at around 1.5 to 2 hours from Geneva Airport, so no long, tedious transfer journeys with kids who have already been through the whole airport experience of waiting and queuing.
Car Free Resort:
You are truly on holiday when you don’t have to worry about cars or buses in the resort. The only things moving around here are skiers and horse-drawn sleighs, making it a much safer area for younger children. Taxi services in Avoriaz are performed by horse drawn carriages, and your children can go sledging in the village centre in relative safety.
Ski In, Ski Out:
In Avoriaz you don’t need to worry about dragging ski equipment and worn out children along icy pavements or on buses to get home from the slopes. Your skiing experience will literally be on your doorstep wherever you stay.
Budget
The Avoriaz ski resort is generally priced reasonably for accommodation and food.
Unlike many other resorts, a child’s ski pass can be used up to the age of 16 instead of 12 years, and combined with a family pass this can mean considerable savings.
Children under 5 are eligible for free ski passes.
Child Friendly Experiences
The Avoriaz resort has a selection of appealing options for children of all age ranges.
Ski Schools
The Village des Enfants in Avoriaz is a unique concept that has been designed to host children who have come to the resort with their parents for an exceptional ski holiday.
Your children will learn to ski here through play and entertainment at their own pace. When they have had enough of the slopes then there are opportunities to participate in indoor activities like drawing, playing with puppets, plasticine etc.
Younger children can have their usual nap time in the nursery so your evening together can be more relaxing for the entire family.
Older children (8-16 years) are also catered for with a wide range of ski and snowboarding courses held in the newly opened Riglet Park, followed by après-ski activities appropriate to each age group.
Practicalities
- Children from age 3: 9.00am to 5.30pm
- Ski and Snowboard courses: 9.30am to 12.00pm and 1.30pm to 4.00pm
- Lunch and tea provided in the Village restaurant.
- Prices range from 36euros for half a day to 285 euros for 6 full days.
An alternative to the Village des Enfants is the British Ski School – the Avoriaz Alpine Ski School. Classes are small and parents can choose between private and group lessons for their children.
With the smaller groups and the instruction in their native tongue, children often make faster progress.
Practicalities
- Times and days are more flexible at this school with the private tuition and small group sizes.
- With group classes for ages 6 to 15 years, the choices are varied and well matched to a wide range of skill levels. However, prices are higher than those for the Village des Enfants.
Snowparks
There are two main snowparks that have been designed for children: Kids Parkway and Lil’stash. For those aged 6 to 12 years there are some challenging freestyle features where your kids can learn to perform tricks.
Aquariaz Indoor Water Park
Retreat from the slopes with your family to the indoor, warm water experience at the Aquariaz Indoor Water Park where you can relax your aching muscles in the bubble massage and Jacuzzis of the Chill Out area while your kids get an adrenaline rush with a 10-metre descent in a rubber tube.
Practicalities
- The Water Park is open in the winter season: Monday to Friday and Sunday from 2pm to 8pm. Closed Saturdays.
- Winter Ticket Prices range from €3 to €10 depending on age for a day pass and €30 to €40 depending on age for a week place.
How to Get to Avoriaz
Flying to Geneva from the UK is the most convenient and cost effective way to get to Avoriaz, with a relatively short transfer time of 1.5 to 2 hours from the airport to the resort. If that doesn’t suit then it is also possible to reach the resort from Chambéry (1.5hr transfer time), Lyon (a private transfer from the airport to Avoriaz takes just over 3 hours) and Grenoble (you’ll be looking at a 3hr transfer). Several major airlines run regular services to all these airports during the ski season so it isn’t too hard to find bargain priced tickets.
With all your ski equipment and family paraphernalia you’ll probably want to consider a private airport transfer to the resort. As long as you book a Shuttle Direct transfer in advance of your departure you will be able to make use of our free service to transport your kit in comfort and ease to your final destination.
Where to Stay:
Résidence Maeva Avoriaz Les Alpages – Ski-to-door access and proximity to the Aquariaz Water Park makes this a great option for families. Equipped with kitchenette, TV and a terrace or balcony, the apartments are perfect for the flexibility you need when travelling with children.
Hotel des Dromonts – If you want to be looked after and pampered a bit more during your ski holiday in Avoriaz then this is a good choice. With magnificent views, an on-site restaurant and free Wifi, you can enjoy a little luxury but still get family rooms and all the amenities for a successful holiday.
Pierre et Vacances Les Fontaines Blanches – Perfectly located for proximity to the ski schools in Avoriaz, this accommodation offers family rooms, kitchenettes for self-catering and some stunning views.
About Shuttle Direct:
Shuttle Direct is one of the leading airport transfer companies in Europe with extensive experience in providing winter transfers throughout the French, Italian and Austrian Alps.
For winter ski transfers from Geneva, Chambéry, Lyon and Grenoble, you and your family can book a transfer in advance and have all your equipment and luggage included in the transfer for free. All group sizes and budgets are catered for.
Book today for a professional, efficient and affordable service with their expert team.
