Skiing Holidays to Avoriaz 2024

What an adventure our skiing holiday to Avoriaz turned out to be! Packed in Bandit, our trusty campervan, was our crew: Dana, Adam, Katja, me (Bryan), and, of course, our trio of furry companions—Poppy, Douglas, and Lola. The journey to our winter wonderland began on Friday, 20th December 2024, as we set off for the port of Dover.

The Road to Avoriaz

After crossing the English Channel on the Irish Ferry to Calais, we embarked on a long drive to our overnight stop in Le Vaudioux, a quaint little village. The hotel was something straight out of a bygone era, complete with brushed cotton sheets, vintage curtains, and a pink bathroom that hadn’t seen a renovation since the mid-20th century. Katja was convinced it was haunted, but honestly, we were too exhausted to notice any ghostly activity. A glass of very sour (but probably very local) French wine capped off the evening before we collapsed into bed.

The next morning, the excitement kicked in as we stopped at a bakery for fresh pain au chocolat—our first taste of French indulgence. Then, the journey to the Alps began. The ascent brought popping ears, crisp air, and breathtaking views. At a viewpoint, we paused to soak in the scenery: Lake Geneva glistening below, the towering French Alps, and Mont Blanc in the distance. Snow boots went on as the temperature dropped, adding to the anticipation.

A Scenic Drive and a Shopping Detour

Driving through Geneva and back into France, we stopped at a supermarket to stock up on essentials. Dana, in particular, was thrilled to finally buy her white Rossignol ski boots—a wish come true just in time for the holiday.

As we wound our way through Les Gets and Morzine, we caught glimpses of skiers enjoying the slopes. The zigzag road leading up to Avoriaz was the final leg of the journey, and soon enough, the distinctive wooden apartment blocks atop the mountain came into view.

Arriving in Avoriaz

Arriving in Avoriaz on a Saturday during the changeover meant absolute chaos. People were everywhere, and unloading the van felt like a mission. We had to pile all our luggage, groceries, and Christmas presents onto the pavement and wait for a snowmobile taxi. While Dana, Katja, and Adam managed the luggage, I parked Bandit in the underground car park.

The snowmobile taxi finally arrived, but the chaos wasn’t over—Dana bumped her head while climbing in, resulting in a sore neck and a headache for the next two days. Once we reached our apartment building, aptly named “Snow,” we faced another round of unloading, lifts, and hallway manoeuvring. By the time we settled into the apartment, Dana was more than ready for her first Aperol spritz!

Settling In

After a quick tour from the apartment owner, we hurried off to the ski hire shop to get equipment for Dana, Adam, and Katja. It was a bit of a wait, but by the end of it, everyone was kitted out and ready for the slopes.

Dinner that night was pizza, but we were in for a shock—a simple meal for four, with a few drinks, cost over €100! The price of mountain living, I suppose.

Reuniting with Our Canine Companions

We hadn’t forgotten Poppy, Douglas, and Lola, who were still in Bandit. After dinner, we collected them, and their reactions to the snow were priceless. Poppy and Lola couldn’t get enough of it, frolicking about, while Douglas seemed a bit hesitant, unsure about this white, fluffy stuff.

Looking Ahead

The first day was exhausting but filled with moments we’ll never forget. As we settled into our apartment, surrounded by the beauty of the French Alps, the promise of snowy adventures lay ahead. It’s already shaping up to be a Christmas holiday to remember!

Stay tuned for tales from the slopes, festive fun, and maybe a few more mishaps. After all, no adventure is complete without them!