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
Beginners
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
Snowcross
Apres-Ski
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In Summary
Where exactly is Avoriaz?
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More Avoriaz Guides And Information
Welcome to winter wonderland. Check out our resort guide for all you need to know
Looking for ski pass information?
Our up to date guide gives you the low down
If you need a taxi you’ll have to get a horse drawn sleigh – No cars in this ski in/ski out heaven
Avoriaz After Dark
Looking for a little apres ski or do you want to dance the night away? Check our Avoriaz nightlife guide