From Avokarting to Skiing with the Eagles – there’s a world of fun above the clouds in Avoriaz

"La mer de nuages", declares our ski guide Lionel pointing at the cover of cloud hanging over the valley below.

The "sea of clouds" does indeed look like a candyfloss textured ocean, with snowy peaks like islands pushing through as far as the eye can see.

Where we stand bathed in glorious sunshine it is the most perfect day on the ski slopes of Avoriaz.

With a clear view across to Mont Blanc, it is hard to believe that it could be grey and raining elsewhere, but apparently that is often the case when you're this high up.

Being a high mountain resort definitely has its advantages with breathtaking views, and the 60cms of fresh snow is the cherry on top.

Avoriaz sits in the commune of Morzine halfway between Chamonix and Geneva at an impressive 1800 feet in the beautiful Les Portes du Soleil ski area.

As it's totally pedetrianised the only way to get around is on foot, on skis, or by horse drawn sleigh, which really does feel like something from a Hans Christian Andersen fairytale.

Our guide, like many who live and work on the mountains, grew up here and shares his knowledge with pride - as well as gasp-inducing videos of his teenage sons doing aerial somersaults on skis!

But he also remembers when Avoriaz was populated by a handful of farmers who brought animals to graze during summer months, before the harsh winter weather drove them back down.

In 1966 all of that changed, and today a wonderful family-friendly ski-in, ski-out resort has evolved from a smattering of chalets.

However, observing Avoriaz from a distance, the staggered, irregularly-shaped wooden buildings are cleverly camouflaged to look like a continuation of the surrounding peaks, totally sympathetic to its idyllic setting.

It's hard to believe there's even a discreet bowling alley, an aqua park and an ice skating rink in the centre of town.

The tourism scene in Avoriaz has continued to move with the time, as adventure-loving visitors can enjoy so much more than just skiing.

New activities have opened up the resort to non-skiers, as well as experienced skiers who want to try something new on the slopes that they won't necessarily find anywhere else.

Ski touring is a wonderful way to go off piste and get a full cardio work out - carb loading in advance with French pastries is highly recommended.

But once you have the hang of the special ski touring skis you will find yourself gliding along the flat or uphill easily, or following in the delicate tracks made by snow rabbits, foxes and deer through the forest.

Adrenalin junkies will love Fatbiking - similar to mountain biking, just with bigger wheels - or Avokarting, which is without a doubt the most fun you can have on the slopes on three wheels.

You'll be glad to know that both have brakes, and because of the low centre of gravity on the Avokarts, they are unlikely to turn over. Or at least, not easily!

Off the slopes, funseekers can be found at La Folie Douce, the iconic ski bar and restuarant franchise famous for its cabaret shows and bougie après-ski vibes.

It's not unusual to hear bottles of expensive Champagne popping along to the live music acts and DJ sets.

More low key, but no less wow, the Village Igloo is an incredible 200 metre ice grotto filled with snow and ice sculptures where you can grab a drink and many, many photos for Instagram.

Avoriaz' lower-lying neighbour, the large, beautiful, buzzy town of Morzine has also been busy curating an offering beyond the ordinary.

Stretching out over a great expanse, the suspended viewing platform, aptly-named Pas des Aigles (the Eagle's Path) takes in panoramic views all the way from Lake Geneva up to Mont Blanc.

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After making the most of your photo op at the top, it's then possible to ski the slopes of Morzine with real eagles.

At one time, all but extinct in the mountains, this conservation effort by Les Aigles du Léman to reintroduce birds of prey to the area and to educate visitors, gives a unique opportunity for an unforgettable close encounter with these beautiful birds.

It's quite a pinch-me moment to ski alongside their handlers as a magestic, and slightly imposing, eagle swoops overhead. If there was any activity worth falling over on your skis to get some footage of - this is it!

With so much activity by day, accomodation where you can kick back and unwind in luxury is key to recovery, and nobody does it quite like VIP SKI.

The group's luxury catered chalets are located in the most desirable locations, in equally desirable ski resorts, including Avoriaz, Morzine, Les Gets, Arc 1950 and Val d'Isere.

What makes these so special is that each chalet enjoys unparalleled access to the slopes, is built for comfort, and has extras like jacuzzis, pools and saunas that elevate your stay above other accommodation offerings.

How does taking a dip in the jacuzzi sound, while your executive chef creates a delectable four-course meal upstairs? Or being handed a glass of bubbles and a freshly baked sweet treat as you put your feet up on the plush sofas after a long day?

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Each chalet has a host who will look after your every need, whether that's arranging a transfer or activities, preparing a roaring fire, or dishing up perfectly poached eggs on avocado toast to set you up for a big day on the snow. No ask is too large or little for the team.

The decor is effortlessly cool in both the living spaces and the bedrooms, and you really will feel every muscle relax when you return in the evening.

The chalets at Avoriaz in particular - we stayed in Chalet Ipaka and Chatlet Kipnuk - are perfect for families and groups of friends or couples in the 30+ age bracket who don't mind spending a bit more to have someone else manage the logistics of their holiday.

It is such a wonderful feeling to wake up each morning feeling totally recharged, and ready for the day ahead.

No cleaning, cooking or shopping, and no decisions to be made other than where you'd like to ski, and what you'd like from the wine menu that evening!

What You Need to Know:

Accommodation
A seven-night stay at Chalet Ipaka in Avoriaz costs from €1,720 per person based on two sharing, 11 Jan 2026 including £100 saver week discount. Price includes a scheduled coach transfer from Geneva Airport and catered accommodation.

A seven-night stay at Chalet Kipnuk in Avoriaz costs from €1,720 per person based on two sharing, 11 Jan 2026 including £100 saver week discount. Price includes a scheduled coach transfer from Geneva Airport and catered accommodation. For more information about VIP SKI see www.vip-chalets.com

Getting There
Flights from Dublin to Geneva Airport return with Aer Lingus. A private return transfer from Geneva airport to Avoriaz is priced from €115.50pp with Skiidy Gonzales.

Costs

• Lift Pass: Adult six-day pass for Portes du Soleil from €336.
• Ski Hire: Adult six-day ski hire from €108.50 from Antoine Ski.
• Avokarts: €35pp (minimum age 18).
• Ski touring with ESF from €357 total for half-day lesson (for groups of up to five people).
• Private Ski Guide with ESF from €192 for three-hour session (for groups of up to two, each additional member is €20 per lesson).
• Les Aigles du Leman: Skiing with the eagles from €25pp for a 45 minute session.
• ESF torchlit descent in Morzine every Tuesday at 6pm is free to attend with complimentary mulled wine (bring your own cup or pay €1).
• Fatbiking from €75pp for two-hour session (including mountain bike hire).
• Sleigh ride through Avoriaz from €20 total for a group of up to four people.

See more images of Morzine and Avoriaz in the gallery: