 Poster: A snowHead
|
I got an email from SkiWeekends.com suggesting I book with them to go to the 'Rock On Snow' opening weekend at Avoriaz 12-14th Dec.
Anyone ever been - experiences good or bad?
Accom looks cheap as chips (Pierre et Vacances 4 person shoebox from c. £100 per night). Considering it but will probably wait until closer to see what early season weather is doing:
Here is some blurb:
Avoriaz opens its doors in less than 100 days time, and to kick off the opening weekend, the Rock On Snow event is once again being held in the centre, close to our catered chalets.
If you fancy getting first tracks in Avoriaz, as well as getting the cheapest lift pass of the season, this weekend is for you.
WHAT IS ROCK ON SNOW? >> Over 80 ski, snowboard and accessories brands descend on Avoriaz, giving you the perfect opportunity to test the latest skis, snowboards and accessories...for FREE! Testing takes place from 9am to 4pm each day, over 3 days. On average, you can keep the equipment for 1.5 hours and there’s no limit on the number of products you can test. Oh, and a 3 day lift pass will only cost you £63!
WHEN IS IT? >> 12th - 14th December 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
Been the last 2 years and will likely go again this year (snow dependant). Not actually bothered with the using any of the 'Rock on snow' facilities, but, as you say, accommodation is cheap and stayed in the Pierre at Vacances both times. With the short transfer from Geneva, its an ideal location/weekend to get the first real ski fix of the season.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
The ski testing has just about every company with a full line up of skis, so is a great opportunity to try out different brands and models. The only downside is the location, which makes it difficult to get to and from the suppliers village and to a decent run to test the skis on.
Lots of lift queues around the village area, means it becomes a hassle to change over skis, which also means people hold onto them for a lot longer, so there's less availability if you want to test a particular model.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
@AliAfro,
Yep. been on teh Avoriaz Slopes that weekend and the opening week lots.
Never taken part in any of teh ski/snowboard test.
Avoriaz is busy that weekend on teh slopes. All the locals and near locals from teh Geneva Basin who want to get their 1st winter ski fix. Also teh Avoriaz only sji pass is crazy cheap that weekend.
I've always had a full area pass the rock on snow/opening weekend and have been very glad i have the full area pass as some of the best skiing and quieter slopes that are open are actually in the Pre la joux/Plaine dranse section of Chatel and the link is open between Avoriaz and that part of Chatel. (Chaux fleire Chair and rochesson chair).
Snow is always good ebough as the slopes that rae open are North facing so keep their snow.
Also a great opening season vibe going on too.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
|
Hic!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ooops,
Was typing very fast and had not had a drink.
@AliAfro,
My advise is get out for the opening weekend and take it as it comes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
With early season coverage did they mean to call it snow on rock?
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
@driz, it’s probably a typo. Should say “Rock No Snow”! 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@@247snowman, hi all. Im off there for the opening day for 4 days (skiing days that is). the advice was to get the Avoriaz pass only, and that essentially you would only be able to ski that area. is that the case? conditions are looking good generally.
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
|
The best of Snowheads. Decent info with some v funny comments@Bergmeister that made me laugh!
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
@HDJ,
I’ve done the 1st week of season in Avoriaz lots and never been disappointed.
Yes, it’s early season so the conditions won’t be like late January/early Feb. Although a couple of recent years have been fantastic.
Saturday13th and Sunday 14th might (or might not) feel a bit crowded in Avoriaz depending on how things pan out.
From Monday 15th it should be and feel very quiet and easy to ‘spread out’.
Things I normally consider are…..
Try and tell myself to take it relatively easy (just getting the legs back)….. Easier said than done.
Snow/base depth won’t be there even if they get a big dump just before it opens. (So beware if trying to venture off piste or to the side of/just off the side of the pistes). My understanding is that’s how Michael Schumacher put his go pro through his head/helmet hitting a rock in January when the off piste had not ‘filled in’ yet.
Lots of the pistes are North Facing and shaded in Avoriaz …. This is great for keeping and maintaining early season snow but in December they might become icy early in the afternoon.
If I’m in Avoriaz early season I get out early and am done by 2:30/3pm.
It’s a really good vibe in Avoriaz and Morzine (and indeed across the alps) pre Xmas and then again the last week(s) of the season. Everyone is in a good mood (supermarket staff, waiting staff, so go and have fun and add to that Vibe)
Enjoy and take what ever comes your way that week and make the
Most of it.
Top tip….. refuge abricotine snack window (near Brochaux chair lift) does a great Galette for lunch. Think it’s a buckwheat pancake/crepe if you want a quick cheap, filling, tasty lunch.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@HDJ,
Avoriaz only is open on Friday 12th.
Then from Saturday 13th Avoriaz and part of Chatel is open).
From Sat 13th I’d take the Avoriaz and Chatel (it’s an early season discounted PdS) ski pass.
I say that as lots of people on the Rock on Snow with the rock on snow pass will be confined to Aviriaz only and the pre La Joux sector of Chatel which opens on Sat 13th will be quieter (and really quiet over from Monday 15th)
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
|
If I have already bought an Avoriaz Roc on Snow discount pass - can I somehow 'add on' full PDS coverage (for the days the Pre la joux/Chatel bits will be open)?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
@DJL,
Thanks I stand corrected (I incorrectly thought Chatel always opened on the Saturday)
Cheers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
|
If they manage an early weekend opening (like currently in Verbier, or as the plan for Les Grands Montets on Nov 27th), likely Dec 5th, then locals will have sorted out their early season fix. Check the snow conditions ahead but last year we tried a pair far away from the plateau which was overcrowded.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
Avoriaz is advertising on their ski pass website that they have a partial pre-opening for two x weekends.
29th and 30th November.
Then again
6th and 7th December.
If it’s like previous pre opening then no Navette’s running but free parking at Prodans.??
I think Season passes were valid in previous years pre opening.
See here….
https://www.skipass-avoriaz.com/en/winter/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
