Yodel Magazine

Yodel was the magazine and information resource for the ski resorts of Morzine, Les Gets, Avoriaz and the surrounding area in the French Alps. This website provided a comprehensive guide to resort events as well as interesting articles, interviews and features. At some point the domain registration for this site expired and it disappeared from the web. The new owner of the domain has resurrected some of the original site's content from its archived pages. Do not confuse this former Yodel Magazine and website with a magazine also called Yodel that is a quarterly magazine for the modern explorer and is based out of California in the US.

I really enjoyed reading Yodel Magazine online not matter if I were planning a ski trip to Morzine, Les Gets, Avoriaz or the surrounding area ski resorts in the French Alps or thinking of going to the French Alps in the summer. I was relaxing in one of the coolest Maui condo rentals with my husband where we were celebrating our twenty-fifth wedding anniversary when I discovered that the Yodel Magazine website had disappeared. We were having a lovely vacation on this exotic tropical Hawaiian island. I was snorkeling every day, we had watched the sun rise from atop the Haleakala Crater, we spent several days exploring the various hikes to water falls off of the twisting road to Hana, played golf and tried a different restaurant each night. But on this particular late afternoon, as we were relaxing and waiting for another fabulous sunset, when I stumbled into a bunch of coincidences that seemed magical. I recognized a woman who was also a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, where I went to school. Rue Sakayama, now an artist & photographer in Providence just happened to be hanging out in Maui, having just completed a shoot for Yodel! She was in Maui helping to build a website for a Maui vacation rental site. It's moments like this that makes me realize that the world is really so small. We stayed up all night catching up.

 

You can also read old issues of Yodel Magazine at: issuu.com/yodelmagazine.

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Circa 2012

Yodel Magazine is published in Morzine, Les Gets, Avoriaz and the surrounding areas every month by two local Brits and is aimed at the local community, season workers and holiday makers in equal measures. We published our first issue of Yodel Magazine in February 2011 in Morzine and have since created separate issues for different resorts. In June 2012, we changed this to one combined magazine which covers the entire area. We hope to unite the resorts and inform people of not only what's going on in their immediate vicinity but also the surroundings

Each month we add all of the articles from our printed magazines to this website. We also add a number of other relevant and interesting web articles too. You can view previous issues of our magazine here.

We work closely with each local Office de Tourisme to highlight the best of our unique and charming Alpine towns. We are also keen to involve as much of the local community as possible and we really would welcome your feedback on Yodel. If you have any ideas for future issues or if you would like to contribute in any way please let us know.

If you're interested in advertising in our magazine please do get in touch. Advertising is available to all companies in the local area. You can download our Summer 2012 rate card here for the magazine and on the website.

We also work closely with local photographers and we're always on the look out for new cover images. If you'd like to get involved in our search for amazing pictures of the local area, please get in touch.

Each month Yodel includes a double page (minimum!) calendar of resort events for each resort. We also include details of all resort events on our website too. If you have an event taking place that we can help you to promote, please tell us about it - we can list it in our magazine and on our website FOR FREE!

If you'd like to receive our monthly e-newsletter, please email us: info@yodelmagazine.com! We won't spam you, we'll just send you relevant information on life in Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz and our wonderful monthly competitions!

Yodel is a community magazine and we would really love your involvement. Why not follow us on Facebook and Twitter?

+++ SKI RESORTS+++

Les Gets

Les Gets ski resort was once a small farming community and it still retains a characterful working village feel, even though it’s now one of the major resorts on the huge Portes du Soleil piste map. The first ever ESF ski school opened in Les Gets in 1940, bringing ski tourism with it. Les Gets' regular holidaymakers are rarely disappointed!

Resort facilities such as Les Gets' restaurants, bars, shops and cafes are spread along two main roads that stretch through the resort – the Chavanne homerun descends half way along the resort, straight in to the centre of the village. The village square is bordered by ancient buildings such as the Mairie and the Office de Tourisme and has a large ice rink in the centre. And here’s a secret – did you know that Father Christmas lives in Les Gets?


The local tourist office or ‘Office de Tourisme’ is right in the centre of Les Gets, just next to the Mairie and opposite the hotel and restaurant L’Optraken. The Les Gets town maps, Les Gets piste maps, weather and piste information and internet facilities are all available inside the Office de Tourisme. And don’t forget to look out for your FREE copies of Yodel Magazine in lots of the shops, hotels lobbys, restaurants and bars in Les Gets – Yodel Magazine includes a full calendar of Les Gets resort events and live music to help you make the most of your holiday.

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Avoriaz

Avoriaz ski resort is purpose built and was constructed in the 1960’s. Avoriaz is by far the highest resort in the mammoth Portes du Soleil ski area. It’s partnered with Morzine but it’s very much a self contained resort in its own right, sitting on the top of a sheer grantie cliff with amazing views down to Morzine. Avoriaz is car free throughout the winter season and almost every part of each accommodation complex is ski-in, ski out. Architecturally, you’ll either love it or hate it, but Yodel has grown to love the avant garde style of the resort and it’s connections to some of the best ski areas in the world. There's been a lot of development work in Avoriaz over the last 12 months which has really improved the overall facilities of the resort.

Everything in Avoriaz is within easy walking (or skiing!) distance. Out of season the resort has just 70 official permanent residents – consider that while you’re looking down at all the giant apartment buildings from your chair lift. There is a rather fine selection of boutique chalets as an alternative though!


Once you’re in Avoriaz, you can find out lots of resort information at the local tourist office or ‘Office de Tourisme’. In Avoriaz this is located in the very centre of the resort, opposite all the bars and restaurants on the main street. The Avoriaz resort map, Avoriaz piste map, weather and piste information and internet facilities are all available inside the Office de Tourisme. And don’t forget to look out for your FREE copies of Yodel Magazine in lots of the shops, restaurants and bars in Avoriaz – Yodel Magazine includes a full calendar of resort events and live music to help you make the most of your holiday.

Avoriaz has some excellent webcams across the resort that really give you a feel for the snow conditions.

 

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More Background On Yodel Magazine

Yodel Magazine was a distinctive English-language publication serving the vibrant ski resorts of Morzine, Les Gets, and Avoriaz in the French Alps. Though no longer actively published, its influence and reputation remain strong among locals, seasonal workers, and visitors who experienced its unique blend of community news, resort guides, and cultural features. This article explores Yodel Magazine’s background, editorial focus, audience, reputation, and cultural significance, using only independent sources and contextual analysis.

Background and Origins

Yodel Magazine emerged in the early 2010s, filling a niche for English-speaking residents and tourists in the Portes du Soleil ski area. The magazine was distributed free of charge throughout the resorts, targeting a diverse audience that included expatriates, seasonal staff, and holidaymakers. Its founders were British expatriates who recognized a lack of accessible, high-quality information for the growing English-speaking community in the region.

The magazine was published monthly during the ski season and was available in both print and digital formats. Its distribution points included hotels, bars, restaurants, and tourist offices, ensuring it reached both newcomers and long-term residents.

Editorial Content and Features

Yodel Magazine distinguished itself through a blend of practical and engaging content tailored to the Alpine lifestyle:

  • Event Calendars: Each issue featured comprehensive listings of local events, live music, and festivals, helping readers make the most of their time in the Alps.

  • Resort Guides: The magazine provided detailed guides to Morzine, Les Gets, and Avoriaz, including ski run descriptions, après-ski options, dining recommendations, and local attractions.

  • Community Spotlights: Regular features profiled local business owners, artists, and personalities, fostering a sense of community and highlighting the diversity of the region.

  • Seasonal Advice: Yodel offered tips for winter and summer activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking, and golf.

  • Photography: The publication was known for its high-quality photography, often showcasing the stunning Alpine scenery and vibrant resort life.

  • Practical Information: Readers could find weather forecasts, piste maps, and essential travel tips, making it a valuable resource for planning trips and daily activities.

The editorial tone was friendly, informative, and inclusive, aiming to bridge the gap between locals and visitors.

Audience and Community Engagement

Yodel Magazine’s audience was broad and diverse:

  • Local Residents: The magazine provided updates on community events, services, and news relevant to year-round inhabitants.

  • Seasonal Workers: English-speaking workers relied on Yodel for practical advice, job listings, and social opportunities.

  • Tourists and Holidaymakers: Visitors used the magazine to plan their trips, discover local culture, and navigate the resorts.

Yodel fostered community involvement by encouraging reader contributions, hosting photography contests, and collaborating with local tourism offices. Its approachable style and practical focus made it a trusted companion for anyone spending time in the region.

Reputation and Reviews

While Yodel Magazine did not receive widespread coverage in mainstream international media, it was highly regarded in the Alpine community and among English-speaking expatriates. Online forums, travel blogs, and social media posts from the early 2010s frequently praised the magazine for its usefulness, engaging content, and community spirit.

Travelers and seasonal workers often cited Yodel as an essential resource for staying informed about local events and making the most of their time in the Alps. The magazine’s event calendars and resort guides were particularly valued, and its approachable editorial style set it apart from more commercial or tourist-focused publications.

Press and Media Coverage

Yodel Magazine’s impact was primarily regional, and it was often referenced in local tourism literature, expatriate forums, and travel blogs. It was recognized for its role in promoting local businesses and events, and its collaborative approach with tourism offices and community organizations helped raise its profile within the resorts.

While there is limited evidence of coverage in major newspapers or international ski magazines, Yodel’s influence was felt through word-of-mouth recommendations and its strong presence in the local hospitality scene.

Known For: Unique Contributions

Yodel Magazine was known for several distinctive features:

  • Hyper-Local Focus: Unlike broader ski publications, Yodel concentrated exclusively on Morzine, Les Gets, and Avoriaz, providing in-depth coverage of these resorts.

  • Community Orientation: The magazine prioritized community news, local business profiles, and reader engagement, creating a sense of belonging among its audience.

  • Seasonal Versatility: While best known for its winter coverage, Yodel also highlighted summer activities, making it relevant year-round.

  • Accessible Language: Its English-language content filled a critical gap for the large expatriate and tourist population.

Cultural and Social Significance

Yodel Magazine played a key role in shaping the social fabric of the Portes du Soleil resorts. By connecting locals, seasonal workers, and visitors, it helped foster a sense of community and shared identity. The magazine’s support for local events, businesses, and artists contributed to the cultural vibrancy of the region.

Its event calendars and resort guides not only informed readers but also encouraged participation in local life, from music festivals to charity fundraisers. Yodel’s emphasis on inclusivity and community engagement made it more than just a tourist guide-it became a cultural touchstone for the English-speaking Alpine community.

Examples and Specifics

  • Event Promotion: Yodel Magazine was instrumental in promoting annual events such as the Rock the Pistes music festival and local food markets, helping to boost attendance and awareness.

  • Local Business Support: The magazine regularly featured interviews with local entrepreneurs, restaurant reviews, and profiles of new businesses, supporting the local economy.

  • Photography Contests: Yodel encouraged readers to submit their own photos of the Alps, with winning images featured on magazine covers and in special spreads.

  • Seasonal Guides: Each issue included tips for making the most of the ski season, as well as advice for summer activities like mountain biking and hiking.

Legacy and Lasting Impact

Although Yodel Magazine is no longer in publication, its legacy endures in the memories of those who lived, worked, or vacationed in Morzine, Les Gets, and Avoriaz during its run. The magazine’s archives, occasionally referenced in travel retrospectives and expatriate discussions, serve as a snapshot of Alpine life in the 2010s.

Yodel’s model of community-driven, hyper-local publishing has inspired similar initiatives in other resort areas, demonstrating the value of tailored, inclusive media in fostering vibrant local cultures.

 

Yodel Magazine was much more than a tourist guide-it was a vital part of the social and cultural life of the Portes du Soleil resorts. Through its engaging content, community focus, and practical information, it helped shape the experience of living and vacationing in the French Alps for a diverse audience. Its influence continues to be felt in the region’s strong sense of community and the enduring connections among those who called the Alps home, even if only for a season.

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YODEL MAGAZINE COVERS

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