Christmas Day in Avoriaz: Sunshine, Skiing, and Special Moments

Christmas Day in Avoriaz dawned with the kind of weather dreams are made of—brilliant blue skies and perfect skiing conditions. After exchanging presents in the cosy apartment, Dana and I were ready to hit the slopes. There’s no better way to spend Christmas than skiing under the Alpine sun.

A Festive Feast

The evening promised a simple but delicious Christmas meal. Dana whipped up her signature potato salad and some breaded chicken, all paired with a bottle of champagne. It wasn’t the traditional roast, but sitting around the table with snow-capped mountains outside made it feel like the most festive of feasts.

Learning to Carve

In the morning, we’d booked a special two-hour ski lesson with Pete, our instructor. After spending far too much time watching TikTok videos on carving, Dana and I were determined to learn how to do it properly. Pete decided to challenge us by taking us into Switzerland, skiing down a red run. Dana wasn’t thrilled—especially when we hit a very steep section—but she skied brilliantly despite taking a tumble.

Carving, as it turns out, requires mastering balance first. Pete had us focus on skiing on one ski at a time to get the hang of it. The last hour of the lesson was spent wobbling around, trying to lift our uphill skis. It wasn’t the most graceful effort, but we made progress and had a lot of laughs along the way.

A Mixed Lunch Experience

After the lesson, we stopped for lunch at a mountainside restaurant. I opted for a comforting plate of spaghetti Bolognese, while Dana ordered a beef burger. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a raw burger—very much not to her taste. At €18, there was no way she’d let it go to waste, but she declared, “If I ever ask for a beef burger again, just slap me!” Lesson learned.

Sunshine and Serenity

With bellies full, we spent the afternoon lounging in deck chairs, soaking up the sun. It was pure bliss—warm rays on our faces, snow all around, and the hum of skiers passing by. We stayed until the sun dipped behind the mountains, casting long shadows and reminding us how special the day had been.

Reflections on Christmas

Christmas Day in Avoriaz was unforgettable. From learning to carve and Dana’s bravery on the steep slopes to the laughter over her burger mishap, it was a day filled with fun, challenges, and a touch of indulgence. There’s something magical about spending Christmas in the mountains—it strips away the usual hustle and brings you back to what really matters: the people you’re with and the moments you share.

This Christmas, the slopes were our playground, and the sunshine was the best gift of all.