Avoriaz Resort Overview
Located in the Haute-Savoie region of the French Alps, Avoriaz village sits at 1,800m with the highest ski lift reaching 2,466m. The resort is situated on a sloping shelf high above the neighbouring town of Morzine and is a gateway to the expansive Portes du Soleil ski area, which offers 650km of diverse, skiable terrain.
Purpose-built in the 1960s, the picturesque, car-free resort offers lots of attractive, wooden, ski-in-ski-out style accommodation. The high-altitude resort is incredibly snow-sure and boasts a thick blanket of snow at village level throughout the majority of the ski season, which typically runs from mid-December to mid-April.
Skiing in Avoriaz
Avoriaz boasts incredible skiing for skiers of all abilities. The resort offers three lift pass options; a beginner’s ski pass which allows newbies to find their feet on easy terrain accessible via 14 lifts, an Avoriaz-only ski pass, which enables access to the 34 lifts in Avoriaz and over 75km of pistes and finally the full Portes du Soleil ski pass which offers a staggering 650km of pisted terrain to explore.
There are plenty of gentle, wide slopes for beginners to learn on in Avoriaz including two nursery slopes in the centre of the resort. The Proclou and Seraussaix are some of the best runs in the resort for beginners. You can also easily ski down to Morzine and Les Gets, which offer beautiful tree-lined runs and lots of beginner-friendly terrain.
Avoriaz is a playground for intermediate skiers, with countless runs to explore across the Portes du Soleil ski area. We recommend cruising down the eight blues accessible from the Lindarets Bowl and skiing over the Swiss border into Champéry or Les Crosets.
Avoriaz also boasts some incredible high-altitude skiing and challenging terrain for more advanced skiers. We recommend heading to the Hauts Forts area of Avoriaz for steep, long black runs and mogul skiing. Or for even more of a challenge, try your might on the infamous Swiss Wall. If the 650km of pisted terrain isn’t enough to keep you entertained, there is some incredible off-piste skiing to discover around Chatel, Lindarets and Linga.
Avoriaz has a great reputation for freestyle skiing and snowboarding. The resort hosts several freestyle events each year, including the freeride world tour stage qualifiers. It is also home to the famous Burton-designed Stash snowpark. The Stash is a natural terrain park that offers a playful environment for mixed-ability skiers and snowboarders to test their freestyle skills. Adrenaline junkies are spoilt for choice with six freestyle areas to choose from in Avoriaz and there’s even a Lil’ Stash for kids!
Is Avoriaz Family-friendly?
Avoriaz is a great resort for families and has developed a reputation as a stand-out family ski resort. The car-free resort has a safe, pedestrianised centre and there is a range of ski-in-ski-out accommodation to choose from, with many self-catered options available. The resort is suited to skiers of all abilities and boasts plenty of family-friendly amenities, including child-friendly restaurants, a tropical-themed water park, a bowling alley, an outdoor ice rink and a free sledging area. Avoriaz also offers family lift pass deals and discounts for children under the age of 16.
Après-Ski Scene in Avoriaz
Avoriaz has a compact, lively centre with plenty of shops, bars, restaurants and cafes to enjoy. The après ski scene in Avoriaz rivals some of the bigger French après ski hot spots such as Val Thorens and Val d’Isère. With 40 bars to choose from and an energetic atmosphere, there’s plenty to keep you entertained throughout the evening and into the early hours.
Perhaps the most iconic après ski venue in Avoriaz is the wildly popular Folie Douce, located just off the main return piste to the resort. Expect live music, eye-catching performers and lots of table dancing! Conveniently close to the resort centre, the venue is easily accessible on foot or on skis, so you won’t have to worry about a hairy run back!
When the Folie Douce closes there are plenty of other popular après ski spots in Avoriaz to keep you entertained. The Place is the place to be for live music, while Le Shooters is famous for its shots and fun atmosphere. Globetrotter Cafe is a versatile spot that transforms from a breakfast venue into a lively late-night bar. Le Yak, located in the heart of the resort, is the only club in Avoriaz that stays open past 2am, so is a mecca for late-night revellers.
Avoriaz is also home to a range of excellent eateries, both on and off the slopes. In the resort, Les Fontaines Blanches offers a delectable gourmet menu, La Reserve serves Savoyard specialities in a cosy setting and Les Trappeurs boasts a large, sunny, piste-side terrace. If you fancy lunch with a view there are many mountain restaurants that can be reached both on skis and on foot, including Mamo’s Cafe on the Lindarets plateau and Le Refuge des Brochaux Restaurant at the bottom of the Mossettes chairlift.
How to Get To Avoriaz
The quickest way to get to Avoriaz from the UK is to fly to Geneva Airport which is a 1h40m transfer from Avoriaz. Other nearby airports include Chambery Airport (2h30m), Grenoble Airport (3h) and Lyon St-Exupéry Airport (3h10m). If you are travelling by train, Cluses is the nearest station (1h10m transfer). If you choose to drive to Avoriaz, there is underground parking available on the outskirts of the resort.
Avoriaz Insider Tips
- Grab a drink at Igloo Bar, tucked away at the bottom of the Arrare run – and yes, it’s a real igloo fit with intricate ice sculptures!
- Apart from skiing and walking, snowcats and horse-drawn carriages are the only modes of transport in the resort.
- Sample the largest wine list in the resort at Jaja Bar!
- Head to the top of the Mossettes TDS lift and have a drink at Cookie Cafe, the highest bar/restaurant in the Portes du Soleil!
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