 Poster: A snowHead
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Hello, planning a trip to Avoriaz and looking for recommendations for acommodation for two adults (we're DYing and have flights sorted already). Given that we're on a bit of a budget, we're looking at self catering, unless someone reckons we can get a decent half board deal that would match an apartment & grocery costs? I get twitchy and like to book asap but it looks like things are either booking up already or they haven't released dates for next season. When is the best time to book?
While I'm here, advice on public transport from Geneva airport most welcome too! 
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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You are teachers, presumably? Are you dead set on France? There might be more space elsewhere as UK half term always coincides with one of the four "vacances scolaires" French holiday weeks.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Pierre et Vacances are available, different levels and prices.
From my experience it will only get more expensive and less options will be available.
Last summer we booked for mid January and when we checked towards November we were happy we didn't wait
Alps2Alps sent me an email with temporary transfer discounts
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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| Origen wrote: |
| You are teachers, presumably? Are you dead set on France? There might be more space elsewhere as UK half term always coincides with one of the four "vacances scolaires" French holiday weeks. |
Guilty as charged, or at least I am. Flying to Geneva on 22nd Feb and pretty set on Avoriaz - been before and liked it, it’s snow sure etc etc… open to alternative suggestions though 
Last edited by You need to Login to know who's really who. on Thu 6-06-24 21:38; edited 1 time in total
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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It depends on how tolerant you are of crowds and lift queues, I guess. Yes, Avoriaz is snow sure, but being the MOST snow sure place round there, it can get horribly crowded when snow lower down is dodgy. Which it has been, the last couple of years. If you definitely want to go to Avoriaz, the advice to book sooner rather than later is good!
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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We stopped at Hotel du Lac in Montriond earlier this year albeit only for a long weekend. Not Avoriaz but just a short bus ride or drive to the lift at Ardent. They do really good breakfasts and the menu for the restaurant is excellent though not cheap (arguably no worse than going out for food though). They’re taking bookings for next year already.
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@MotownJunk, have you already booked your flights? France likely to be the busiest of places during UK half term.
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A friend of mine swears by Italy for half term trips. Apparently no half term there and Cervinia is very high; higher than Avoriaz. At half term Avoriaz will be packed as it also attracts people from Chatel and Morzine.
I believe you already have flights into Geneva but I think there are transfers between the two - there certainly used to be anyway or a hire car might work
Also, if you are on a budget, I think mountain eating might be cheaper in Italy than Avoriaz. Although Cervinia is at the higher end of the Italian resorts. Lots of Snowheads will have more up to date information on this
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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For Avoriaz in my experience your best bet are the online booking sites like Vrbo/Air B&B/Booking.com/etc - but as a purpose built resort a lot of the apartments are 2+ bed so you'll end up paying the Half Term tax for beds you won't use (assuming you're a couple). Given that it might be worth looking down the hill in Morzine. It's an easy ski across from the top of the Super-Morzine/bus to Prodains to get up to Avoriaz each day and as a lot more 'converted house' accomodation more 1 bed places and hotels/B&Bs with double rooms. Only gotcha is at peak morning times the Prodains/Ardent buses tend to be full by the time they leave Morzine town so can take a couple of buses before one stops if you're out of town, half way between Morzine and Prodains.
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A friend of mine swears by Italy for half term trips. Apparently no half term there and Cervinia is very high; higher than Avoriaz. At half term Avoriaz will be packed as it also attracts people from Chatel and Morzine.
I believe you already have flights into Geneva but I think there are transfers between the two - there certainly used to be anyway or a hire car might work
Also, if you are on a budget, I think mountain eating might be cheaper in Italy than Avoriaz. Although Cervinia is at the higher end of the Italian resorts. Lots of Snowheads will have more up to date information on this
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Train to Fiesch and ski Aletsch Arena. No queues, better snow, prices on par with Avoriaz. I say this as someone who loves Avoriaz but never at half term.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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@Nadenoodlee, tempting suggestion.
For a strong skier but with a non skiing other half which enjoys winter hikes, is Bettmeralp a better base?
And how is usually in January?
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I stayed in Morzine centre and rented gear from a shop near the SuperMorzine base, which I would leave there every evening and walk home in comfy shoes. Then up SM every morning to Avoriaz.
True that if there isn’t great snow lower down, everyone else will do the same.
Some of the alternative suggestions here may well be worth looking at.
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You know it makes sense.
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Thanks for the thoughts, we’re on a budget that definitely doesn’t stretch to Switzerland and struggled to find accommodation in PdS that fits the bill, so booked to go to La Thuile instead. Been there before too and loved it, seeing it as a sign from the snow gods 
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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I've DiYed to Avoriaz many times including Feb half Term (teacher as well). There used to be a company Avoriaz Lettings run by a English bloke called Andy Wilson. Basically he knows all the English owners in resort and can find you accommodation. He's sorted me out many times for a decent price. His websites not running anymore but this is his email so don't know if he still does it but this is the last email have for him.
andy@shrec.biz
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