This winter, between the eleventh and fourteenth of April Avoriaz will host the Natural Games – a brand new event combining sports competitions, live music events and special workshops.
There will be live music from a number of different artists, with Joey Starr, Kavinsky, Mat Bastard, Etienne De Crecy, Jabberwocky, Cut Killer, DJ Pone and Mozambo already confirmed to perform, and more artists expected to be added in the run up to the event.
There will be a number of pro/am competitions open to anyone who wishes to compete. There will be ski and snowboard slopestyle in Avoriaz’s “Pipe Ground” feature, and a skicross and boardercross competition. Both of these competitions have total prize money of four thousand euros. There will also be a ski and snowboard best trick contest, with prize money of three thousand euros. Entry to these contests costs forty five euros (allowing riders to compete in any two of the contests) or ninety five euros with a three day pass included.
There will be a speedriding invitational contest, also with prize money of four thousand euros. Presumably this is invite only due to the nature of the sport!
Some of the athletes invited to compete at this years event include Taylor Seaton (skier), Marie Martinod (skier), Alex Ferreira (skier), Marion Haerty (snowboarder), Valentin Delluc (speedrider), Margot Rozies (snowboarder) and JT Holmes (speedrider).
There will also be a highline display – the activity involving walking across a strap suspended high in the air. World record holder Nathan Paulin will attempt to walk across a line two hundred and fifty metres long stretched above the crowd in the heart of the resort.
One event that is open to anyone who wants to take part is an e-bike race on snow, with a specially built track on the mountain. Registration costs ten euros and includes all the necessary equipment.
There will also be extra events, including workshops on the Avoriaz airbag, a VIP area on the mountain including a jacuzzi and exhibitors showing off the latest kit, as well as video displays, the chance to test new gear, bars, a VIP area and special catering laid on.
This is an exciting new event for Avoriaz that is sure to raise the profile of the town, provide a great spectacle for holiday makers and locals alike and help bring new visitors to town. Hopefully this year will be a great success and the first of many!