> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.bloq.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.bloq.com/bloq-services/bloqstake/avalanche.md).

# Avalanche

Avalanche is an open, programmable smart contracts platform used to launch both private and public blockchains (subnets) for the development of decentralized applications.

While avax.network provides documentation and guides to [add validators](https://docs.avax.network/nodes/validate/what-is-staking), the Bloq platform makes it easy by providing the infrastructure needed and an API to allow users to easily create validators and start staking.

> The minimum amount that a validator must stake is 2,000 AVAX