Snowboard Destination Avoriaz
Snowboarding
in Avoriaz
A Love Story
Since the early days of snowboarding, Avoriaz has been a true haven for “new sliding sports”: from the first homemade resin “snow surfboards” with fins to modern snowboards, including the beginnings of freestyle and the first snowparks, Avoriaz has embraced a snowboard culture it is proud of!
In the Beginning
In the beginning, snowboarding was not universally accepted. As the natural heir to skateboarding and surfing on snow, it was considered too dangerous by narrow-minded people. Most ski resorts, both in the U.S. and Europe, banned its practice. Snowboarding pioneers like Tom Sims and Jake Burton had to engage in real negotiations with resorts to gain permission to practice this developing sport. Viewed as outcasts by some ski resorts and criticized by the powerful ski industry of the time, these obstacles strengthened the rebellious and solidarity-driven spirit of snowboarders.
In Avoriaz, several pioneers fell in love with snowboarding, first on homemade boards, then on the first boards imported from the United States. The Avoriaz resort did not ban access to the slopes; on the contrary, it welcomed it. Among the first snowboard enthusiasts, some became key figures in the development of the sport in Avoriaz. The resort’s decision-makers quickly understood that the passion of the riders would make it an essential winter sport.
Why Avoriaz?
With a playground between pine trees, rolling hills, and steeper areas with good snowfall, Avoriaz offers something to satisfy all tastes of new practitioners. Compared to skiing at the time, snowboarding was a fun, playful alternative, much more enjoyable than the strict nature of skiing. The versatile ski area of Avoriaz thus provided the perfect terrain for thrill-seekers… and very quickly, freestyle made its debut in the resort!
Soon, Avoriaz’s desire to offer freestyle areas dedicated to snowboarders paid off: the first competitions in France appeared in the late 1980s, featuring slalom and half-pipe (at the time, made by hand!).
The 1990s firmly cemented snowboarding in the resort’s landscape: specialized boardshops emerged, such as the iconic « Street Trash » store, born in the Dromonts area. This place quickly became the meeting point for riders, and the practice shifted towards freestyle. In early 1993, France’s first permanent snowpark was established in Avoriaz, with very limited resources but a lot of enthusiasm!
A core group of skateboarders began to inspire others in freestyle, marking the beginning of the snowpark generation! A young talent started to make a name for himself in France and internationally: Nicolas Droz, a French snowboarding legend! He invited European and American pros of the time, rode through the resort’s streets, and introduced his peers, such as Romain De Marchi, JP Solberg, and Trevor Andrews, to the vast backcountry freestyle possibilities of the area. French and international media at the time began referring to Avoriaz as the Mecca of snowboarding in France!
Over the years, the snowpark offering expanded and professionalized, gradually leading the resort to offer multiple practice areas, resulting in the four current snowparks:
- Arare: the snowpark for intermediate to professional levels.
- La Chapelle: located near the village, a very playful snowpark, suitable for both beginners and professionals.
- The Stash: the famous wooden snowpark, hidden in the Lindarets forest.
- The Lil’Stash: the little brother of the Stash, with its treehouses and modules designed for children and beginners.
The Lil'Stash
The Lil’Stash is an enchanted forest where little Shreddie hides. It has tree huts, barbecues, wobbly bridges, ropes, sculptures, a slide and other play features, all in the middle of the Proclou forest.
The Stash
True to the eco-friendly snowpark concept, the Stash is no exception. It is a direct import from North Star, a resort in California. The Stash has plenty of options for « Intermediates » and « Experts », as well as a « Snake run » where boardercross fans can practise on the very tight berms. Halfway down, a hut beckons you to take a break and is the ideal spot for a picnic.
Snowboarding destination
In France, the number of snowboarders is around 10%, while Avoriaz stands out with 20%. It is now the most visited French destination by snowboarders!
From the 1980s to today, after hosting international competitions, European Cups, TTR Tour stages, the O’Neill Pro Freestyle, Volcom Peanut Butter & Rail Jam, Avoriaz continues to host or create snowboarding events: Burton Mystery Series, Volcom Spot to Spot, and of course the Rock On Snowboard Tour, now transformed into « Rock On Snow, » open to all, even skiers.
Tips
- Want to improve? Don’t hesitate to take lessons from professionals! Special mention to our 100% snowboard school, led by our local pro Johann Baisamy! >> All our schools <<
- Need equipment or want to test gear? Find all our shops >> here <<
- Tired of strapping in while sitting in the snow, or having your skier friends wait for you at every lift? Discover the new technology in bindings: Burton Step On.
Ski area and maps
Avoriaz 1800 is located in the heart of Portes du Soleil, one of the largest cross-border ski areas in the world, where 12 French and Swiss resorts are interconnected.
Lift passes ski/snow
Avoriaz 1800 proposes lift passes for the entire Portes du Soleil ski area, as well as passes for individual sectors of the resort. A whole host of solutions to satisfy the needs and wishes of every wintersports fan.