Visiting Avoriaz Ski Resort
In Morzine, located in the Haute-Savoie department, you will find a famous ski resort perched at an altitude of 1,800 meters. Almost as well known for its ski area as for the "International Fantastic Film Festival," this is a resort with many sides.
History
Since the early Middle Ages, the area served as alpine pasture for local livestock farmers.
It was not until the 1960s, driven by champion skier Jean Vuarnet, that the resort project began to take shape. He secured the lease for the Avoriaz pasture, and the local municipality agreed to sell him 82 hectares of land, provided his association invested 4 million francs (about 610,000 EUR) in development work.
Construction began in 1961, though it soon faced delays due to financial hurdles. Jean Gerbault, CEO of Vespa France, and businessman Gérard Brémont joined the venture, which kept the project moving.
This remains a unique trait of Avoriaz, as it is one of the few resorts in France built entirely with private capital.
The resort was finally inaugurated in 1967.
The village has only 150 permanent residents and is strictly pedestrian. You will find all the shops and services of a mid-sized town here.
Avoriaz Ski Resort
The resort enjoys an ideal location, situated in the heart of one of the largest ski areas in Europe, Les Portes du Soleil.
The resort has invested heavily in its summer season, offering mountain biking, golf, tennis, archery, squash, hiking, horseback riding, and paragliding.
It also features an aquatic center with a tropical theme and a "children's village."
Of course, many still remember the "Avoriaz International Fantastic Film Festival," which, from 1978 to 1993, helped bring international recognition to the resort.
Avoriaz is a mountain destination built for sport and leisure.
Beautiful area, plenty of slopes to hit (when the ski lifts are running), snowmobiling, skijoring (you are on skis, pulled by a horse), cross country skiing, snowshoeing, or hiking.
Pedestrian village, with shops, restaurants, and entertainment.