Travel journal

The Final Days in Avoriaz: Skiing, Laughter, and Fond Farewells

France
France
Photograph accompanying The Final Days in Avoriaz: Skiing, Laughter, and Fond Farewells

As our holiday in Avoriaz drew to a close, the mountains seemed to save the best for last. Thursday and Friday offered perfect skiing conditions, blue skies, and crisp air that made every run feel like a treat.

Chasing Adam and the Igloo Bar Adventure

After our morning lessons on Thursday, Dana and I met up with Katja and Adam to ski down the blue slope towards the Igloo Bar. True to form, Adam missed the turning and sped off in the wrong direction. I chased after him, and together we made our way back up to the top of the mountain and took the longer blue run down.

Adam’s speed and confidence on skis were impressive, but his inability to slow down resulted in three spectacular falls. By the time we reached the Igloo Bar—a beautiful snow structure with intricate artwork carved into the walls—Adam was too sore and frustrated to enjoy it. While he decided to walk back to the apartment, the rest of us continued exploring the slopes.

Facing the Swiss Wall

Later, Dana and I took on a real challenge: the Swiss Wall, one of the most notorious black runs in the world. Stretching 2km and covered in steep moguls, it’s not for the faint-hearted. Thankfully, we opted to take the chairlift down into Switzerland, sparing ourselves the daunting descent. We enjoyed a few runs on the Swiss side and treated ourselves to some delicious hot chocolate before heading back to Avoriaz.

Après-Ski Fun at La Folie Douce

No trip to Avoriaz would be complete without a visit to La Folie Douce. After a full day on the slopes, we joined the lively crowd for Aperol Spritzes and dancing to fantastic music. The atmosphere was electric, and we couldn’t help but get swept up in the fun. Skiing back to the apartment afterward, slightly tipsy and full of joy, was a highlight of the trip—if not the most graceful descent!

Friday Adventures and Apartment Hunting

Friday was a mix of practicality and adventure. Dana and I took the dogs to the vet for their worming tablets, ensuring they were ready for the journey home. We then visited Les Gets and Morzine for a change of scenery, indulging in some food and drinks while casually looking at apartments for sale. The idea of having a place here is tempting—who wouldn’t want a slice of this Alpine paradise?

The Last Day on the Slopes

Saturday came all too quickly, and by 10 am, we were out of the apartment. Determined to make the most of our final hours, Dana, Katja, and I hit the slopes one last time. Adam stayed behind, nursing sore legs and a case of man flu.

Katja faced a real challenge as we took her to the top of a blue run, but she tackled it with determination, earning a much-deserved hot chocolate at the bottom. Afterward, we stuck to the green runs, her favourites, stopping for lunch at a picturesque bar with stunning views of the mountains under the bright blue sky.

A Final Challenge: Le Snake

Our very last run was on Le Snake, a winding and tricky green that offered a fun and technical end to the holiday. Katja breezed through it with ease, her confidence and skills shining through.

Goodbye, Avoriaz

As we packed up and said goodbye to the slopes, there was a bittersweet feeling. The week had been filled with unforgettable moments—Adam’s fearless (if slightly reckless) skiing, Dana’s laughter, Katja’s determination, and our shared adventures in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

The mountains had given us everything: challenges, joy, and memories we’ll carry with us forever. Until next time, Avoriaz—thank you for a truly magical holiday.

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