Avoriaz approaches big 4-0

23rd October 2006, by Chris Gill

Freshen the image, add some youth culture and spruce-up the old mechanics: must be a ski resort reaching the big 4-0.

Life begins at 40, according to Avoriaz. The birthday party begins on 15-17 December. The “Special 40 Year Snowsport Fete” launches another calendar of events and improvements for the winter season.

First up, the image: The French resort opened its doors (literally) in 1966 with its icon hotel, the Dromonts. Exceptionally modern for its time, the Dromonts set the scene for the wood-clad buildings typical of the resort. In 2006 the Antares apartments have been fully refurbished and will re-open in December. Avoriaz is also wholly car-free and wants to focus on its eco-friendly nature. Recent innovations include a ‘green’ terrain-park and a ‘sustainable development corner’ in the Tourist Office - intended to educate visitors and encourage respect for water-use, heating and recycling.

Appealing to the youth of today, the new Trashers terrain-park will be designed specifically for the 5-12 year olds.  Features will include scaled-down versions of boxes, jumps and banks, served by a small drag-lift.

Keeping young and healthy usually involves an active pace. So, out goes a cranky old lift an in comes a swift six-pack: the Chaux-Fleurie chairlift has been upgraded to improve the connection to Châtel. For 2007/08 there are plans to upgrade the Combe chair, serving the Crozats and Combe black runs.

Oh - and there’s a trendy new bar / nightclub in the resort. But the name won’t be revealed until opening night in December 2006.

• avoriaz

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