Why Avoriaz is the Perfect Place for Kids to Ski and Snowboard

Lots of ski resorts are great for families, but few ski resorts are as family friendly as Avoriaz. In fact, we reckon if you’ve got kids there’s no better place to introduce them to the joys of skiing and snowboarding. Avoriaz is perfectly set up for kids of all ages, whether it’s their first time sliding on snow, or they come every single year. Want to know why? We’ll tell you!

Photo: ESF Avoriaz

 

Village des Enfants

 

The Village des Enfants is run by our friends at ESF Avoriaz and it’s the perfect place for kids to learn to ski. Located in the village centre, it’s easy to get to from everywhere in Avoriaz, and it even has its own drag lift. Once inside, kids will find lots of fun on-snow obstacles and games to help them learn, while inside they’ll find plenty of off-snow activities to keep them occupied as well. Parents of babies and toddlers will also be happy to know that ESF Avoriaz runs Avrizou, a creche for little ones aged between six months and three years, so parents can get some ski time, too!

 

Photo: Oreli.b

 

Lil’Stash

 

Both a snow park and a playground, you’ll find the Lil’Stash hidden in the trees under the Proclou chairlift, and we can tell you it’s a kid’s dream spot! Packed with child-friendly features to help them hone their freestyle skills, treehouses suspended in the forest and even a swing shaped like a banana, this snowy play area celebrates fun and natural materials. There are also gas barbecues and picnic tables where you can enjoy a family lunch when the sun’s out.

 

Photo: Avoriaz 1800

 

Snow Parks

 

The Lil’Stash isn’t the only snow park in Avoriaz, you’ll also find the regular-sized Stash, the first all-natural snow park in Europe and the Chapelle snow park, which is packed wth progressive jumps and boxes that are great for kids! In the spring you’ll also find the Arare park, giving kids of all levels lots of choice and lots of different jumps, boxes, rails and even a boardercross course for kids to enjoy and practice their tricks on.

 

Photo: Markus Fisher

 

Ski School

 

When your kids are off the beginner slopes they can start to explore the whole resort, and ESF Avoriaz is the perfect ski school to help them do that! Friendly and passionate instructors will show your kids the best spots on the mountain while helping them improve their skiing. Whatever the weather and whatever the conditions your kids are guaranteed to have a great time and come home with some new skills. It's also worth mentioning that Avoriaz is really well set up for little snowboarders, offering mellow learning slopes and lots of options for lessons.

 

Photo: Avoriaz Safety Team

 

Safety First

 

Did you know Avoriaz is one of only a few resorts in France to have a dedicated safety team? Avoriaz Safety Team does everything from helping out at accidents on the slopes to educating your young ones on how to ski safely both on and off the piste. Look out for their speed test days during the holidays – kids will love it!

 

Photo: Oreli.b

 

Snowcross Zones

 

If you’re looking to do a bit off off-piste skiing with your kids Avoriaz offers Snowcross zones that are perfect for introducing children to skiing and snowoarding in the powder. These patrolled but ungroomed areas offer you a little peace of mind when skiing with your kids and are often part of the main ski area – but make sure you’re being safe and respectful when you use them.

 

Photo: Avoriaz1800

 

No Cars

 

What could be better for little skiers and snowboarders than a car-free ski resort? Avoriaz has famously been void of cars since its conception, and it really does give the resort a magical vibe. Practical benefits involve not having to wait for the bus to get to the slopes, but instead just walking out the front door, clipping in and riding away. Pretty amazing if we do say so ourselves.

 

Photo: Oreli.b 

Les Portes du Soleil

 

While we’ve talked about the Snowcross Zones, the Lil’Stash and the snow parks, the ski area in Avoriaz truly offers something for everyone, that families and kids of all ages can enjoy together. When it’s snowing the trees and forests become your playground; when it’s sunny the slopes of Arare and Mossettes are just perfect, and don’t forget, Avoriaz sits in the heart of les Portes du Soleil, twelve interlinked ski resorts across France and Switzerland. You can pop down to Morzine and ski to Les Gets, you can drop down into Châtel from the Chaux Fleurie Chairlift and you can hop over the Swiss border to Champèry  - les Crosets from the brand new Léchère and Cases chairlifts. The possibilities are endless.

 

We hope that’s given you some inspiration for your next family holiday in the snow! Don’t forget, we offer a range of family friendly chalets and apartments in Avoriaz, all within a stone’s throw of the lifts ad pistes, you can find your dream home for the week HERE.

Cover image: Oreli.b