Avoriaz doesn’t have the same gastronomic reputation as its more charming neighbour, Morzine, but that isn’t to say that you can’t find some real gems! Many dual-purpose restaurants act as lunch stops and evening venues and the outlying bowl of Lindarets is a local favourite at lunchtime. Several lively bars stay open late in to the night but the resort only has one actual nightclub.
Traditional culinary styles of the Haute Savoie sit comfortably alongside the cosmopolitan blend of flavours that can be found in Avoriaz. Whether you want a sandwich, a pizza, a kebab or a fondue you will be well catered for here. Local dishes include the famous Tartiflette which is now a key feature of almost every alpine holiday, and other dishes involving copious amounts of melted cheese with cold meats!
Popular local drinks include the wines of the Savoy region such as Gamay, Crepy and Roussette, although many season workers prefer the potent Mutzig beer that is served in many places!
Resort restaurants
Due to its position on a high plateau the resort of Avoriaz has many dual-purpose restaurants. They tend to operate as lunch stops and evening venues. In the evening it is always wise to book in advance due to the high concentration of self-catered accommodation in resort. It is easy enough to find something for everyone from fast food joints to fine dining. For a real treat try Le Table du Marche, owned by the award winning chef Christophe Leroy.
Mountain restaurants
Try to avoid any of the high altitude self-service restaurants at the two crossing points between France and Switzerland. They serve overpriced basic food that has often been cooked hours in advance.
The outlying bowls of the Lindarets valley are much better for mountain lunches. The Brocheaux bowl provides views of spectacular waterfalls or the Village des Chevres (Goat Village) just below Les Lindarets is really good. Both of these areas are skiable in 10 minutes from the Avoriaz plateau for anyone of intermediate standard.
The classic burger joint is Changabang right by the exit to the Les Prodains cable car. Its good, fairly well-priced, chips and burgers have become a mainstay of many a trip.
Bars and clubs
The people of Avoriaz know how to party and there are several places that stay open in to the early hours. For après-ski try Shooters and for late night action check out Le Choucas, The Place and Le Fantastique. The one nightclub in Avoriaz is Le Yak and it serves a purpose without being spectacular. If you are tempted to go down the cable car to sample the nightlife of Morzine (more relaxed than Avoriaz) be warned that the cable car back up to Avoriaz closes at 9pm. A taxi up the 19km to Avoriaz will cost about 50 Euros.
Eating on a budget
The first thing to consider when trying to ski on a budget is whether you really need a mountain restaurant lunch. Why not stop off at the supermarket in the centre of Avoriaz and buy the ingredients to create your own lunch! At night the cheapest way of eating is obviously to self-cater but otherwise take a look at the simpler burger and fast food joints such as the 383 Sandwicherie, or any restaurants that offer a fixed price menu. It is not uncommon to find a daily menu of 2 courses for around 12 – 14 euros.
