Snowboard in Avoriaz, Stay in Morzine

The French Alpine resort of Avoriaz sits atop the cliffs above Morzine, and is one of the major resort towns forming the Portes du Soleil ski area. A fantastic range of uphill facilities affords access to a massive number of pistes and trails, spanning the French/Swiss border. Perhaps the most distinctive feature of Avoriaz is its futuristic 60's architecture (the sloping rooftops provide the playground for a Slopestyle bike festival in Summer). There are no cars in the town, as it is closed off from the solitary road that winds its way from Morzine into the resort. New arrivals must grab a sled, and hand-pull their luggage to one of the many hotels and apartment buildings. Avoriaz can be easily reached from Morzine, below, by taking the Prodains Cable Car, or via the Super Morzine Telecabine.

Avoriaz is a great place to snowboard, owing to the variety of wide pistes, many with tree-lined sections to dip in and out of, should you so wish, and the excellent off-piste options available throughout the Portes du Soleil. For Internediates looking for some enjoyable freeriding, head for the "Les Lanches" at the tope of the Chavanette lifts, or hop over the Swiss border and take on the "Ripaille Grand Paradis", a long red, taking you into the town of Planachaux.

For the more adventurous, looking for the best off-piste on offer, "Happy Valley" and "Hidden Valley" can be found in the Chatel/ Pre La Joux sector, which won't take you too long to get to from the Avoriaz peaks on the border. Both hold good powder after a fresh dump, and you can often find new tracks one or two days after snowfall. There are no real challenges beyond the usual off-piste dangers and considerations, so providing you carry the right safety equipment, riders of all abilities should find something to cater to their tastes.

Avoriaz is great for providing snowboard terrain to a varied audience, but it is somewhat lacking in the nightlife department. As a result, many in the know choose to stay in Morzine, and take advantage of the superior entertainment and apres-ski. Straight off the slopes, you can head to Bar Robinson for some of the legendary Mutzig ... a potent brew, that has a local reputation for causing a few hangovers! As a result, the bar closes at 7:30 in the evening, so take your gear there, and enjoy a deconstruction of the days events before getting yourself spruced for the night-time.

The Buddha Bar provides excellent pre-club surroundings, and the "Giraffes", which adorn the tables, hold a good few servings of beer, reducing your visits to the bar. The decor is really very nice, for a winter resort, and you'll need a push to move on, but move you must, as the real late venues are in short supply. Get yourself to L'Opera for music and dancing into the early hours, but remember the plethora of great terrain you'll want to get up for the next day ... especially if it's snowing!

At some point you'll need to head back to your digs for some kip, and I can recommend no finer apartment in the region than this one at the Residence Bois de la Croix. It's convenient for the town centre, being close to the free Navettes bus route, and the Prodains lift is a short ride away, too. This 2-bedroomed apartment can comfortably home 6 adults for your stay in Morzine, having a double, twin beds, and a double sofabed in the large lounge.

Fresh linen and towels are provided for your stay, there's a ski locker, off-street parking, should you need it, and a garage. Best of all are the views from the balcony, which face across the town to the Pleney slope, opposite. You can also see the valley towards Avoriaz to your left, and Les Gets to the right. If you're looking to Snowboard in Avoriaz soon, you should book this place now!