Avoriaz Ski Resort

Avoriaz Ski Resort Guide

All You Need To Know About Avoriaz

The ski resort of Avoriaz is situated in the heart of the Portes du Soleil ski area, the highest of the 12 resorts in the region at 1800m. Portes du Soleil itself covers some 650km which cross the borders between France and Switzerland. An endless expanse of open slopes layered with powdery snow; a sprinkling of forests break up the white alpine landscape.

Avoriaz itself is perched on a shelf, a few kilometres above Morzine.

Although there has been a ski lift up there since the 1930s, the purpose-built, completely pedestrianised resort was built in the 1960s, and since has received numerous accolades, including: Top 10 Best Ski-in / Ski-out resort in the world by the Daily Telegraph; Best Family Ski Resort in France, and Best Snowy Resort in France. Even Snowboarding originated here in Avoriaz in the early 1980s!

Indeed, the resort of Avoriaz has a lot to live up to, but it rarely disappoints. Snow conditions are notably good throughout the season between December and April, with the snow-sure slopes receiving around eight metres during the winter months.

Let’s take a look at why Avoriaz is a great choice for your next French ski holiday.

Ski Runs

Avoriaz pistes are divided into four piste sections: beginner, family, forest and expert. However, there is a lot of cross-over in levels, so it’s best to check the colour runs and stick to those routes based on your level, rather than the map sections.

Beginners

There are nursery slopes and snow parks in the heart of Avoriaz for total beginners, and as the week progresses and your confidence grows, you can head to the gentle terrain close to Les Lindarets.

Intermediate

The open access to 12 resorts is one of the benefits of a ski holiday in Avoriaz, and for those confident enough to tackle blue and red runs, you can ski the Portes du Soleil circuit of Chatel in France, and Les Crosets, Chambery, Morgins and Champoussin in Switzerland.

The circuit will take you around four hours. Or stop off for lunch in Switzerland and make a day of it!

Experienced

From Avoriaz, experienced skiers who are confident tackling black runs, can head up in the ski lift to the peak of Hauts-Forts, where you can head down the tough terrain to Les Prodain.

The infamous moguls on the Swiss Wall at La Chavanette can also be tackled. If you dare…!

Family-Friendly

Lauded as Frances’s best family-friendly ski resort in 2013, Avoriaz have created a children’s and beginner’s ski paradise. Most of the local ski schools offer children’s private and group instruction from 3-4 years old. And in the centre of town you have the Avoriaz Nursery with its snow garden for toddlers getting used to the snow.

The nursery also offers a ski + nursery package, where children can spend half a day learning to ski, and half a day playing at the nursery and in the snow garden.

The wonderful Village Les Enfants (Children’s Village) teach children to ski and snowboard from three years to teenagers. The leisure complex recently installed Riglet Park, a circuit to help children grow confidence with snowboarding, featuring mini rails, half-pipes and pyramids.

Freestyle and Backcountry

Avoriaz is a super destination for freestyle ski and snowboarding enthusiasts. There are around 30 snowparks in the Portes du Soleil region. And 8 in Avoriaz alone: Snowzone (check out their Instagram profile: @avoriazsz), The Stash (beginners), Le Lil Stash (beginners), The Burton Kids Parkway (children and beginners), Snowpark de la Chappelle (beginners to intermediate), The Superpipe (intermediate to advanced), Snowpark Aaere (intermediate to advanced), and Skicross (speed challenge).

Snowcross

The SNOWCROSS is a series of unspoilt natural slopes which offer the opportunity for skiers and snowboarders the opportunity for some free powder skiing. Ski patrollers are on hand to ensure safety.

If you’re a country skiing enthusiast the scenery will take your breath away. Ski from ridge to ridge, across plateaus and through forests of fir trees, with the stunning peaks in the distance.

Apres-Ski

Vehicle-free Avoriaz is the perfect ski resort for apres-ski fun.
It has an upbeat and happy ambience night and day. After a day on the piste sit on the sunny terrace overlooking the slopes. It’s not a destination for skiers looking for a pure hedonistic experience, but there are plenty of bars where you can enjoy a cold beer, an apres-ski cocktail or happy hour shots. Read our article on the Apres-ski in Avoriaz.

Wait, There's More

And if you get bored of skiing… And if skiing isn’t enough, or weather conditions don’t permit, there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy.
Aquariaz is a tropical themed water park in Avoriaz, which features a large pool with climbing wall, a river with variable gentle current, a water playhouse and so much more. There is also an open-air spa heated to 34 degrees!

There is also a skating rink, horse drawn sleigh rides, sledding and dog sledding, and snowshoeing.

In Summary

Car-free, convenient and central in the Portes du Soleil region, ski-in/ski-out, great for freestylers and snowboarders, family-friendly, great for kids with Village de Enfants, access to the Swiss Wall, tons of activities for non-skiers or bad weather conditions.

Nearest airports: Geneva (100km-1hr30mins), Chambery (145km-1hr50mins), Lyon (220km-2hr30mins)