Morzine - Avoriaz, France

December 2006

Avoriaz, France

Early winter 2006 was very lean as far as European snow was concerned. We decided to celebrate Christmas and Jen's 30th in the snow so we chose Avoriaz. Luckily it was one of the few places to have some half-decent snow in December. That was good and bad. Bad because the rest of Europe realised it was the best snow around so they decided to join the party - the slopes were very crowded! Even so, any time on the snow with great company is an awesome experience and we also got very lucky with accommodation. Jen stumbled across Rude Chalets - fully catered, with live-in cooks and great lodging (each room had an ensuite, TV's and PlayStations!). They also offered a tuning room and demo boards (that year it was Ride). Although our friends and us occupied most of the rooms, we were very fortunate to share the house with a lovely English family, who very quickly proved to party as hard, if not harder, than all of us! It was a great time.

As for the riding, it was restricted to on piste due to the lack on snow. The terrain was varied, offering something for everyone, and even though the lift lines were painful, there were times when the runs were not too hectic. I'd love to return when the mountain has more snow (and less people!), because there is so much more terrain to explore. Oh and the views were spectacular but you'd expect nothing less from the French Alps. Great apres ski atmosphere topped off another awesome holiday and this place is well worth a visit. 

Mick

Riding buddies: Jen, Meich, Phil, Elaine, Raels, Stato, TJ, Al, Heals, Liz.