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Looking down from Grandes Combes over snowy ridges, pistes and the rooftops of AvoriazLooking down from Grandes Combes over snowy ridges, pistes and the rooftops of Avoriaz

My Avoriaz snowboarding holiday: playful tree runs, spring sunshine, and terrain you could ride all winter

A short snowboarding break in Avoriaz with friends: tree runs full of jibs and kickers, spring sunshine, and a ski area big enough to fill a whole winter.
20th October, 2026
4 min read time

A tree run full of little jibs and kickers, a car-free village you cross on foot through the snow, and a lift pass that carries you over the border into Switzerland. Gibson spent a short March break in Avoriaz with friends, riding the Portes du Soleil and finding out how much of it you can cover in a few days. Not all of it, as it turns out.

Gibson Lisk

Meet the rider

Gibson Lisk

Expert snowboarder · 26 years on the slopes

I'm a Cascade Mountains native, a former snowboard and ski instructor, and a lifelong rider. After years spent touring the Pacific Northwest's best resorts and backcountry, I now live overseas and chase winter through annual trips to the Alps, though it's still not enough time on the mountain.

Washington State, USA

Destination
Avoriaz, France
When
March
Travelled with
Friends
Stay
Premium Residence L'Amara
Gibson and a friend holding drinks outside La Folie Douce in Avoriaz, with snowboards lined up behind them
Gibson Lisk / Avoriaz, March

"Great snow and better company!"

What's your favourite run in Avoriaz?

The Stash. It's a very fun tree run, with lots of little jibs and kickers and very playful snow.

How was the snow and weather in March?

It was spring-style skiing with blue skies, and we were very fortunate to have one snowy day at the beginning of the trip.

A wide snowy bowl scattered with pines below a rocky ridge, under heavy cloud
Gibson Lisk / Avoriaz, March

What surprised you most about Avoriaz, and would you go back?

How massive the Portes du Soleil ski area is. It feels like you could be there all winter and still not explore the full area. So yes! I have a lot more of the Portes du Soleil to explore and discover. Avoriaz is truly a place that caters to everyone.

Skiers and snowboarders gathered outside a wooden mountain restaurant at the Swiss border, with skis propped up in the snow
Gibson Lisk / Avoriaz, March

Where did you stay?

We stayed at Premium Residence L'Amara. It had a great location, ski-in/out, a lovely apartment, and an indoor pool and sauna.

What's your top tip for anyone heading to Avoriaz?

Avoriaz is a car-free resort, so you'll have to walk in the snow everywhere, whether it's groomed or not. Make sure to bring walking boots.

A broad snowy mountain face laced with pistes and pines, with the timber rooftops of Avoriaz below
Gibson Lisk / Avoriaz, March

How's the après-ski in Avoriaz?

We stayed in and cooked most nights. It's a calmer scene compared to other popular destinations, but there were still amazing vibes in the resort. I recommend La Folie Douce at the end of the skiing day.

What was the highlight, and how would you sum up the trip?

Being able to share a memorable experience with my friends in a beautiful mountain resort. Great snow and better company!

The timber buildings of Avoriaz lit up against the dark, seen across the snow at night
Gibson Lisk / Avoriaz, March
Gibson standing with his arms out in the snow below a glass-fronted mountain building
Gibson Lisk / Avoriaz, March

How Gibson rated Avoriaz

Overall
5/5
Skiing and pistes
5/5
Après-ski
4/5
Value for money
4/5
Accommodation
5/5
Atmosphere
4/5
Getting there
5/5

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