Avoriaz Ski Holidays

Why choose Avoriaz

Car-Free Alpine Village

Set at 1,800 m in the French Alps, Avoriaz is a purpose-built ski resort perched dramatically on a clifftop above Morzine. Despite being developed in the 1960s, it has plenty of character thanks to its bold modernist wooden buildings and unique layout.

Snow-covered streets give the village a futuristic yet cozy feel, and its car-free design means visitors travel by horse-drawn sleigh or snowcat. This creates a safe, pedestrian-friendly environment that’s especially popular with families as children can play or sled in the centre while parents relax nearby. All accommodation is ski-in/ski-out, and the compact layout puts restaurants, bars, shops, and an open-air ice rink within easy reach.

At the Heart of the Portes du Soleil

Avoriaz sits at the center of the vast 600 km Portes du Soleil ski area, one of the world’s largest linked domains spanning France and Switzerland. Its own 130 km of pistes cater to every level from gentle nursery slopes in the village for beginners, long blues and reds for intermediates, and challenging black runs in the Hauts-Forts sector for advanced skiers.

The resort is one of the snowiest in France, with reliable conditions from mid-December to late April thanks to its high altitude, north-facing slopes, and consistent natural snowfall. Freestyle riders flock to its terrain parks, including the eco-friendly Burton Stash and La Chapelle park. Modern lifts connect easily to Châtel, and Les Crosets in Switzerland.

Lively Après-Ski and Family-Friendly

A strength of Avoriaz is that it caters equally well to diverse groups.

For those seeking a vibrant social scene, La Folie Douce delivers high-energy slope-side parties, while bars like Le Yeti and Igloo Bar offer a more relaxed après-ski vibe.

At the same time, families appreciate the safe, car-free environment and range of activities beyond skiing. Children can enjoy the tropical indoor waterpark Aquariaz, an open-air ice rink, and dedicated sledging areas, while adventurous visitors can try dog sledding, snowmobiling, or paragliding.

Skiing in Avoriaz

Beginners skiing

Avoriaz is highly suited to beginners, with gentle nursery slopes located in the center of the car-free village for easy access. Wide, snow-sure green runs such as Proclou provide a safe environment for progression. Magic carpets and drag lifts are designed for learners, and English-speaking ski schools, including ESF and British-run schools, offer group and private lessons.

As skills improve, long blue runs like those towards Super Morzine and Lindarets allow beginners to explore further. Snow reliability is excellent due to the resort’s 1,800 m altitude and north-facing slopes.

Intermediate skiing

Avoriaz is ideal for intermediates, with extensive blue and red runs across 130 km of local pistes and seamless access to the 600 km Portes du Soleil ski area.

Highlights include long blues through the Lindarets forest and scenic reds on Arare and Chavanette. Confident intermediates can complete the Portes du Soleil circuit, skiing into Swiss resorts such as Les Crosets and Champoussin. The modern lift system minimises queues, and well-groomed slopes offer opportunities to build carving skills.

Advanced skiing

Avoriaz offers challenging terrain for advanced skiers, including steep black runs in the Hauts-Forts sector with up to 1,000 m vertical drop. The infamous Swiss Wall (Chavanette) is an un-pisted run with a gradient exceeding 40° and large moguls. Extensive off-piste areas are accessible from the top of Hauts-Forts and above Les Prodains, best explored with a guide.

With an average of 7-8 m of snowfall per season, Avoriaz has some of the most reliable powder in France. The full Portes du Soleil area provides additional advanced terrain, making it a strong base for experienced skiers seeking variety.

Snowboarding

Avoriaz is a leading destination for snowboarders and freestylers, with four terrain parks catering to all levels. The Burton Stash, an ecological snowpark built from natural materials in the Lindarets forest, is unique in Europe. La Chapelle park offers medium features for progression, while Arare caters to advanced riders with larger jumps and a superpipe.

Snowboarders benefit from wide pistes, minimal drag lifts, and excellent off-piste options in powder conditions. The resort’s 1,800 m base and north-facing slopes provide consistent snow quality, and the modern lift system gives easy access to the entire Portes du Soleil area.

Ski passes and lessons in Avoriaz

Ski passes

Avoriaz offers a local ski pass covering 130 km of pistes and a full Portes du Soleil pass giving access to 600 km across France and Switzerland. The full-area pass is ideal for longer stays and exploring neighboring resorts like Châtel and Les Crosets. Passes use hands-free smart cards and can be booked online or at resort kiosks. Family packs and pedestrian passes are also available for non-skiers.

Ask our sales team to arrange your ski passes when you book.

Ski lessons

Avoriaz has several ski schools offering group and private lessons for all levels. English-speaking instructors are widely available, with British-run schools providing small group sizes and tailored coaching.

The Village des Enfants in the resort center caters to young children with dedicated areas and specialist teaching. Lessons can be booked for skiing, snowboarding, freestyle, or off-piste guiding. Advance booking is recommended, especially during busy school holiday periods.

Ask a sales advisor to add lessons to your Avoriaz package.

Ski accommodation in Avoriaz

Accommodation in Avoriaz mainly consists of self-catered apartments, providing guests with flexibility and independence. However, there are also catered ski chalets and ski hotels available.

Après ski in Avoriaz

Avoriaz offers a lively but balanced après-ski scene. La Folie Douce hosts high-energy slope-side parties with DJs and performers in the afternoons. Other venues like Le Yeti and Happy Hours Bar provide a more relaxed atmosphere. The resort attracts both families and groups, with après options ranging from quiet terraces to vibrant live music events.

Clubs

Avoriaz has several late-night venues for those seeking nightlife. Le Yak and Le Place are small clubs open until the early hours, attracting younger visitors and seasonnaires. The Bowling Bar combines a bowling alley with a nightclub atmosphere. Music ranges from international dance tracks to themed party nights, appealing mainly to groups of friends in their 20s and 30s.

Bars

Bars in Avoriaz cater to a range of visitors. Le Yeti is popular for afternoon drinks on its large terrace, while Igloo Bar offers a unique experience in an ice cave. Le Tavaillon and Chez l’Envers provide cozy settings for après drinks. Many bars have a mix of families earlier in the evening and groups of friends later on.

Restaurants

Dining options in Avoriaz include traditional Savoyard cuisine, casual eateries, and fine dining. Les Fontaines Blanches and Au Briska serve fondue and raclette in rustic settings, while La Table du Marché offers gourmet French dishes. Families appreciate pizza and burger spots like Changabanga. Most restaurants are centrally located within the pedestrian village and cater to both families and groups.

Activities off the slopes in Avoriaz

From horse-drawn sleigh rides through the car-free village to adrenaline-fuelled paragliding and evening tobogganing, there are options for all ages and energy levels off the slopes in Avoriaz. Activities run throughout the winter season and are easy to access from the resort centre.

Aquariaz Indoor Waterpark

Aquariaz is a tropical-themed waterpark located in the heart of Avoriaz. It features a lazy river, climbing walls over water, children’s play areas, and an outdoor hot tub with mountain views. Designed for families and non-skiers, it provides a warm, relaxing space to unwind. Open throughout the season, it’s ideal on bad weather days or as an alternative to the slopes.

Dog Sledding (Husky Rides)

Visitors can experience a guided dog sled ride through the snowy trails surrounding Avoriaz. Participants sit in a sled pulled by a team of huskies, with some excursions allowing guests to try “mushing” under instructor supervision. Rides typically last 30 minutes to one hour and are available in the afternoons or evenings. Pre-booking is recommended due to limited availability.

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides

Avoriaz’s car-free streets make horse-drawn sleigh rides both practical and atmospheric. Sleighs operate as taxis within the resort but can also be hired for scenic tours around the village and surrounding snowy landscapes. Suitable for all ages, this is a relaxing way to explore the resort, particularly popular with families and couples seeking a quieter evening activity.

Night Tobogganing

Night tobogganing offers a thrilling alternative to skiing. Guided excursions allow visitors to descend a long, floodlit sledging track after the slopes close. Participants are provided with sledges and helmets, and instructors ensure safety. Suitable for adults and older children, this activity is especially popular with groups of friends looking for evening fun.

Paragliding (Speed Riding)

Tandem paragliding flights give visitors the chance to see Avoriaz from above. Take-offs are from designated areas on the slopes, and no prior experience is needed as a qualified instructor controls the flight. Available in good weather, flights offer panoramic views of the Portes du Soleil and surrounding peaks.