Avoriaz is a ski resort in France with 120 km of pistes and 34 lifts. Skiing reaches up to 2 466 m above sea level and the village sits at 1 800 m. Accommodation with lift pass included can be booked directly, you arrange your own travel there.
Avoriaz is a unique, entirely car-free ski resort perched on a mountain ledge at 1,800 metres above sea level in Portes du Soleil, one of the world's largest interconnected ski areas with 650 km of pistes stretching across the border into Switzerland. A stay in Avoriaz offers a different kind of Alpine experience, where horse-drawn sledges replace cars and ski-in/ski-out is standard.
The resort's architecture is distinctive and tends to divide opinion. The futuristic cedar-wood buildings, designed by architect Jacques Labro in the 1960s, stand out against the white snow like sculptural works of art. The whole village is built for skiers: you step out of your apartment straight onto the piste, and children can move about freely without any car traffic.
Avoriaz is a paradise for families and has been named France's best family destination on several occasions. Village des Enfants (the children's village) welcomes children from three months old, with dedicated ski areas, playgrounds and activities suited to all ages. Aquariaz, a tropical water park right in the heart of the resort, is popular with children and adults alike.
From Avoriaz you can easily reach the rest of Portes du Soleil, including Swiss resorts Champéry, Les Crosets and Morgins, as well as the French resorts Morzine, Les Gets and Châtel. This gives an enormous variety of terrain and the chance to ski in two countries in a single day.
Ready to book a ski holiday in Avoriaz? Find accommodation with lift pass included in the price. You arrange your own travel there.
Book a ski holiday in AvoriazPistes and lifts in Avoriaz
Avoriaz has 120 km of its own pistes and 34 lifts, with direct access to Portes du Soleil and its 650 km in total. The high altitude (1,800 m) ensures good snow reliability. The piste mix is family-friendly, with plenty of green and blue runs. The famous "Mur Suisse" (Swiss Wall) offers a steep challenge for advanced skiers. The snowboard park in the Arare sector is one of the best in France.
Piste map for Avoriaz
The map downloads as an image file. On your iPhone it lands in the Files app. Tap the icon at the bottom of the address bar to open the map straight away.On your iPad it lands in the Files app. Tap the icon at the top right of the address bar to open the map straight away.On your phone it lands in the Downloads folder. Tap the download notification that appears to open the map straight away.The file lands in the Downloads folder. You can also look for the icon at the top right of the screen and open the map from there.
Best time to travel to Avoriaz
December to April. January and February bring the most snow and the best conditions. The high altitude protects against mild weather. March and April offer spring skiing with sunshine. The February half-term weeks are peak season for families.
How to get to Avoriaz
You arrange your own travel, and many drive their own car. Taking the Eurotunnel from Folkestone and arriving at Calais, it's roughly 895 km to Avoriaz, around 9,3 hours of pure driving time through France. Remember that studded tyres are banned in France and Germany.
Avoriaz is suitable for
⭐ Excellent choice
Suitable to some extent
Limited selection
⭐ Very snow-reliable
Read more about ski holidays
Ready to book? Choose from accommodation in different price ranges. Lift pass is included in the price, you arrange your own travel there.
See prices for ski holidays in AvoriazFrequently asked questions about Avoriaz
Yes, Avoriaz is entirely car-free. Cars are parked in garages at the entrance to the resort. Within the village, transport is by horse-drawn sledge, ski lift or on foot. This makes the resort very safe for children and gives it a truly special atmosphere. All luggage is transported to your accommodation by sledge.
Yes, the Portes du Soleil ski area stretches across the border into Switzerland. From Avoriaz you can ski to the Swiss resorts of Champéry, Les Crosets and Morgins. With the Portes du Soleil pass, you have access to 650 km of pistes in both countries.
Avoriaz is regarded as one of France's most family-friendly ski resorts. The car-free environment makes it safe for children. Village des Enfants welcomes children from three months old. The tropical water park Aquariaz is a popular attraction. Ski-in/ski-out makes logistics easy for families.
Avoriaz has 120 km of its own pistes and 34 lifts, and sits at an altitude of 1,800 metres. From here you have direct access to the whole of Portes du Soleil, with 650 km of pistes in total.
