Avoriaz Ski Resort, France

Overview of Avoriaz

A ski-in/ski-out resort sitting at 1800 metres, Avoriaz provides a wealth of ski-to-the-door accommodation in a purpose-built resort, ideal for families looking for easy access to the slopes.

The resort is part of the Portes du Soleil ski area in France which encompasses 12 resorts including Morzine and Les Gets. Not only famed for its enormity – there are 650km of skiable pistes in the area - the Portes du Soleil is also easily accessed from Geneva via an often sub-2-hour transfer.

Keep reading to learn more about this resort and why to go on a Avoriaz ski holiday.

3 Things We Love About Avoriaz

1. Access to the Portes du Soleil ski area. All 650km of it.
2. Get used to being escorted around the car-free resort via the local Hackney Carriage: a horse-drawn sleigh!
3. A great range of accommodation options to suit every budget, with ALL being ski-in/ski-out.

Learn more about Portes du Soleil

Skiing and Boarding in Avoriaz

Avoriaz is a great resort for all ski abilities making it a popular choice for families. There is a large variety of beginner and intermediate slopes and only expert skiers may feel less well catered for in terms of pistes. However, there are some seriously challenging off-piste areas to master such as the infamous ‘Swiss Wall’ which is a must.

The Portes du Soleil area is a firm favourite for snowboarders offering minimal flat traverses and drag lifts. There are plenty of ‘jib’ friendly areas such as La Stash, five snow parks and a superpipe.

Lift Passes in Avoriaz

The Super-Morzine pass includes Morzine (obviously) and is a good option for a cheaper ‘local area’ pass, still offering intermediates plenty to explore for a week.

To really make the most being in the Portes du Soleil, being able to ski in both France and Switzerland, plus exploring all the parks, events and villages, you should opt for the full Portes du Soleil area pass. It offers among the best km/£ ratio in Europe!

Activities in Avoriaz

• Dog sledging – The opportunity to drive your own dog sled and take care of a team of three dogs and lead it. Take in the scenery of Avoriaz with your sledge and dogs like a pro!
• Speed riding – an exhilarating sport combining ski and mini wing parachutes. This is available to all abilities and doesn’t require any previous flying ability.
• Helicopter tour –a fabulous experience for non-skiers, fly over a panoramic view of the Chablais mountains.
• Ice diving – one for the adrenaline seekers, an activity like no other – dive into the icy depths of Lake Montriond at the bottom of the valley. All abilities welcome from beginners to experienced divers all supervised by pros!
• Outdoor ice skating – a wonderful way to spend an evening in the heart of the Avoriaz pedestrian area. A great opportunity to make memories with friends and family.
• Night sledging -When the sun sets and the slopes close come and enjoy 600m of piste by downhill sledging. A great experience for families and competitive friends alike.
• Bowling – a perfect way to spend the evening enjoying arcades, billiards, table soccer and bowling! There’s an in house bar, Brasserie du Mont-Blanc for cocktails, draught beers and snacking
• Snowmobile tours – a unique opportunity to view the mountain landscape at nightfall. Can be enjoyed in groups or solo, all accompanied by a guide.
• Deep nature spa – an indulgent way to relax, this tranquil spa combines the luxury of a spa with the peace and quiet of the mountains. Unwind in the outdoor hot tub with its 180° panoramic view of the valley, the sauna, and the steam room with scrub treatment cabin.

Other activities include E-fat bikes, snowshoeing, aqua fitness, Nordic walking, parachute jumping.

Après Ski in Avoriaz

• Le Tavaillon – A chance to watch your favourite team on one of the huge TV screens. Enjoy the match with a drink from the wide selection of draft beers.
• La Kinkerne - One of the oldest and liveliest bars in the area. Enjoy a German stein while listening to exciting DJs both inside and in the converted old bus outside! The bar also hosts a variety of season events including an Ibiza-style party with cheap drinks and competitions.
• Le Strike Roc Bowling Bar – bring out your competitive side with a game of bowling and celebrate at the bar after.
• JaJa Bar – enjoy a chilled glass of champagne in this chic wine bar offering a great selection of wines. If you are staying in a self-catered apartment why not buy a bottle to take away too.
• The Place - … Is the place to be! Live bands perform feel good top hits from past decades whilst you enjoy beer pong, table football, karaoke and DJ sets.

Places to eat in Avoriaz

There are plenty of dining options in Avoriaz meaning you can find somewhere new to eat every night. Most restaurants serve French mountain cuisine and a pizza is never far away.

• Les Enfants Terribles, Hôtel des Dromonts - A must-visit for foodies as featured in the Michelin Guide, indulge in beautifully presented meat and fish dishes, a must haves like 7-hour braised lamb shank, as well as classic fondue and desserts, like delicious apple tarte tatin.
• La Réserve – Classic Savoyard influence is strong throughout this upmarket restaurant, head here for wonderful lamb dishes and a great wine list.
• Chalet-Hotel Neige-Roc – A former farmhouse, built in 1905 which offers a real flavour of the region, with homemade Savoyard dishes and locally sourced ingredients.
• L'Etage - The amazing atmosphere and slope views have made this a popular choice. Tuck into the best mountain specialities like fondue, raclette, tartiflette and steak.
• Le 155 Steakhouse – The only steakhouse in town, Le 155 is situated in the heart of Avoriaz. The South-facing terrace offers a sunny location to enjoy a lunch and later, the lights of the town centre give way to a magical backdrop for dinner. With a beautiful selection of wines and menu of quality steaks, grills and burgers this is a must for meat lovers.
• Les Fontaines Blanches – Classically French, this restaurant serves up hearty fondue and tasty raclette. It also serves up a good selection of pizzas too.

Family Features Avoriaz

• Eclectic snowmobiles for children – A fun and exciting activating for thrill seeking youngsters with this introduction to driving an electric snowmobile.
• Night sledging - When the sun sets and the slopes close come and enjoy 600m of piste by downhill sledging. A great experience for families and competitive friends alike.
• Resort discovery through sleigh – A nod to simpler times, enjoy a magical sleigh ride through the car free streets of Avoriaz town centre.
• Igloo village – Visit the intricate sculptures within this Igloo village and enjoy a drink at the unique ice bar. This spectacle is accessible for skiers and non-skiers alike.
• Aquariaz aqua park – A tropical-themed waterpark at Avoriaz ski resort with a lazy river, half-pipe & multiple pools.

Other activities include the ESF mini club and children ski, igloo building, ice skating, swimming pool, cinema and indoor games.