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. 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 Several Tennis Courts in the resort 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 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 A five minute ride down the cable car takes you to Les Prodaines 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 .