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Avoriaz Ski Holidays
Avoriaz’s ski-in, ski-out accessibility is a major draw, with nearly every accommodation offering “straight to the slopes” access to the entire ski area. The resort’s car-free design only adds to the charm, as horse-drawn sleighs and snowcarts create a peaceful, pedestrian-friendly environment.
Beyond skiing, Avoriaz’s lively après-ski scene comes with plenty of can’t-miss highlights – including the infamous La Folie Douce, which is at the heart of the party action. In addition to high-end dining options ranging from traditional Savoyard fare to international cuisine, the resort blends modern design with the surrounding natural landscapes. Whether you’re cruising down its slopes, venturing into its untracked freeride zones or jibbing and side-slipping in one of its epic world-class snowparks, you’re in for a truly diverse ski experience. Perhaps even better – its well-connected position provides easy access to the neighbouring resorts of Morzine, Les Gets and Châtel, giving you an even bigger playground to explore.
High altitude, massive ski area and some great aprės. Avoriaz has it all
Jane Bolton, Product Director
Avoriaz mountain facts
Avoriaz’s prime position within the Portes du Soleil means you get direct access to what feels like endless skiable terrain across France and Switzerland. Sitting at a pretty impressive 1,800m, the resort benefits from brilliant snow cover throughout the season, with the highest point, Hauts Forts, reaching just over 2,400m – which actually rivals some of the highest-altitude resorts in France. Thanks to this winning blend of altitude and location, Avoriaz guarantees some of the best snow conditions in the area, making it a no-brainer for freeriders wanting to explore beyond the groomed pistes to make fresh tracks through untouched powder.
The ski area offers a varied selection of runs that provide all levels and abilities with a fun challenge. First-timers will be more than happy learning the basics on the green and blue runs, while more experienced skiers have plenty of black pistes and off-piste routes to pit their wits and skills against. In particular, the famous ‘Swiss Wall’, La Chavanette, is one of the most infamous descents in the Alps, offering an exhilarating challenge for advanced skiers (if you dare!), or a thrilling watch as you sit back and relax with a cheeky beer at lunchtime.
Snow conditions in Avoriaz
Avoriaz is known for its exceptional snow reliability, which makes sense given its average annual snowfall of around 8m. The resort is perfectly set-up for superb skiing thanks to its high-altitude location, which provides excellent snow cover from early December through to late April, making it one the most snow-sure destinations in the Portes du Soleil area. The slopes also benefit from a mix of natural snowfall and state-of-the-art snow-making facilities, so even if the snow isn’t that great, you’ll still experience epic skiing.
For the freeriders among you, we’ve got good news... Fresh snow transforms Avoriaz into an absolute freeride paradise, with deep powder bowls, tree-lined descents and hidden stashes all providing the ultimate fun-filled adventure. The north-facing slopes and shaded couloirs of the Hauts Forts section hold powder well, offering incredible conditions long after snowfall. In summary, whether you’re cruising the pistes or chasing fresh tracks, Avoriaz really does deliver some of the best conditions in the region.
Why should I ski in Avoriaz?
A ski holiday to Avoriaz offers the perfect blend of ski-in, ski-out convenience, varied terrain to explore and epic slopes to play on, making it an outstanding choice for skiers of all levels and abilities. Here’s our handpicked selection of what makes it stand out:
- With its high altitude and shaded north-facing terrain, Avoriaz offers pretty much guaranteed snow surety throughout the entire ski season. It also has solid snow-making capacity to keep the runs covered in unusually warm weather.
- Avoriaz makes up part of the Portes du Soleil, which is one of the largest ski areas in the world with links to over 600km of incredible pistes across a network of 208 lifts and 12 interconnected resorts. From wide and spacious groomed runs to challenging off-piste routes, Portes du Soleil has it all, making Avoriaz an absolute playground for skiers and snowboarders seeking variety.
- One of Avoriaz’s most distinctive features is its car-free resort centre, which creates a peaceful, pedestrian-friendly environment. The resort is built with convenience in mind, offering ski-in, ski-out access from nearly every accommodation. You can literally step out of your door and onto the slopes within minutes, meaning you can wave goodbye to the hassle of public transport, crowded shuttle buses and even stomping across the resort to get to the chairlifts in heavy ski boots! We call that an absolute win.
- From first-timers to more experienced skiers, Avoriaz offers a variety like no other. Beginners will be more than happy taking advantage of the resort’s gentle slopes and excellent ski schools, where patient instructors are at the ready to help newcomers build confidence on the snow. Intermediates will love the wide range of blue and red runs, while advanced skiers can challenge themselves on hair-raising steep descents and the many off-piste routes.
- For adventure seekers, Avoriaz is a freeride and freestyle haven. The resort is home to some of the best snowparks in Europe which cater to differing levels and abilities with kickers, boxes, rails, slides, logs, picnic tables, half-pipes... we could go on! Plus, with vast off-piste zones and untouched powder fields that offer endless opportunities for exploration, Avoriaz promises an adrenaline-packed experience.
Snowboarding in Avoriaz
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As well as being popular with skiers, Avoriaz and the surrounding ski area are a dream destination for those who prefer riding one plank instead of two (aka snowboarders!). With an incredible mix of freestyle and freeride terrain, here are some of our top highlights:
- Designed by Burton Snowboards, The Stash is an eco-friendly snowpark that blends natural features with jibs and hidden runs, resulting in a fun-filled playground for all abilities.
- Perfect for freeriders looking to master the manoeuvres, Chapelle Snowpark offers a mix of jumps, rails and boxes designed to attract both beginners and experienced riders looking to refine their tricks.
- The open bowls and steep descents of Hauts Forts and Lindarets provide some of the best and most challenging backcountry options in the area, making Avoriaz a paradise for powder seekers.
What accommodation is available when I ski in Avoriaz?
Like the other resorts in the area, Avoriaz offers a variety of incredible accommodation options, most of which are ski-in, ski-out with access to the slopes practically on your doorstep. Whether you prefer the flexibility of a self-catered apartment, the home-away-from-home comfort of a catered chalet or the 5-star luxury of a “wow” hotel, Erna Low has something to suit every budget and preference. If you’re a family travelling with young children, good news... Family-friendly residences with kids’ clubs and fun activities make Avoriaz a top-tier choice. In short, with Erna Low’s fully customisable packages, you can tailor your stay to fit the needs of everyone in your group – even the picky ones!
All Ski Resort Accommodation in Avoriaz
Ski Holidays in Avoriaz
Après-ski in Avoriaz
Avoriaz offers a vibrant après-ski scene jam-packed with late-night party action, plus some lower-key pubs and bars if that’s more your thing. Here are some of our top can’t-miss highlights:
- No visit to Avoriaz is complete without experiencing the legendary La Folie Douce. Located right on the slopes, this iconic venue is the epitome of high-energy après-ski. With its open-air dance floor, epic live DJ sets and insane performances by professional dancers and singers who bring *all* the celebratory vibes, this place turns into an unforgettable party by about mid-afternoon. But be warned: don’t forget you’ll need to ski back down to the resort afterwards!
- For those who want to keep the party going long after the sun goes down, Le Yak is the place to be. Known as one of Avoriaz’s best nightspots, this lively bar offers a mix of live music, DJ sets and a buzzing crowd who’ll have you raving all night long. With table-top dancing almost mandatory and a party atmosphere that lasts well into the night, the après-ski vibe here is what can only be described as infectious.
- If you’re after a more relaxed, low-key vibe, head to Globe-Trotter, a laid-back wine bar with a welcoming atmosphere and a menu that changes daily. Known for its excellent selection of beers, wines and cocktails, it’s the perfect spot to unwind with friends after a long and tiring day on the hill. The bar’s cosy interior and friendly staff make it a favourite among both locals and visitors.
- For a truly unique après-ski experience, make a beeline for Les Trappeurs, a rustic and charming bar that feels like a sparkly hidden gem. With its wooden beams, fur-lined chairs and crackling fire that hits the spot on a cold evening, this bar is the absolute epitome of alpine charm. The extensive wine and cocktail menu features local specialities, making it an ideal spot for those looking to savour the flavours of the region.
Facilities in Avoriaz
Avoriaz has an incredible selection of facilities that make for an unforgettable ski holiday. One of its standout features is Aquariaz – a tropical indoor water park and spa complex that offers everything you could wish for, including heated pools, water slides, a lazy river and even a climbing wall if your muscles are up for it! Set in a lush, jungle-like environment, this is a great place to unwind after a full day on the hill or if you don’t fancy venturing out on a whiteout day. Relaxation comes in the form of saunas, steam rooms and various massage treatments to get you limbered up for another rewarding day on the hill.
Beyond the water park, the resort is brimming with amenities that offer something for everyone, including boutiques, 5-star restaurants, incredible apres-ski, bowling, a cinema... the list goes on! Practical-wise, ski schools, rental shops and equipment storage are also readily available to help get your ski holiday started on the right foot. In summary, all the ingredients you need for an adventure-filled getaway.
Facilities for children in Avoriaz
Put simply, Avoriaz is a dream destination for families. At the heart of its family-friendly appeal is the Village des Enfants, a dedicated ski area for children aged 3 and up. Here, young skiers can learn the basics in a safe and fun environment, with gentle slopes, magic carpets and experienced instructors who specialise in teaching kids readily available. Run by ESF, the village revolves around learning through play and the big yellow bird mascot, Piou Piou (who the kids all love) is always on hand to help children build confidence.
For young children, Avoriaz offers a number of childcare options, including nurseries and kids’ clubs that cater to babies and toddlers. These facilities are staffed by qualified professionals, allowing parents to hit the slopes knowing the little ones are well-cared for. Beyond skiing, children will love the Aquariaz water park. The more adventurous can also try their hand at snowshoeing, igloo building and sledging.
Why choose Avoriaz?
Incredible value holidays: We’ll beat any competitor’s price, giving you the best value for money.
Huge choice of accommodation: Choose from bargain breaks, 5-star premium deals and so much more.
Customisable travel: We specialise in fully customisable ski holidays; offering a wide range of options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Fully protected bookings: We’re ABTOT and ATOL members and abide by their Code of Conduct.
5-star Trustpilot reviews: We pride ourselves on the service we provide, which is why out of 10 of our clients would recommend us.
Frequently asked questions about Avoriaz
What is the defining feature of Avoriaz resort?
Avoriaz is a fully pedestrianised, car-free resort. Snow-covered streets are transported by skiers, pedestrians, and horse-drawn sleighs, giving it a distinctive, charming, ski-in, ski-out atmosphere.
How good is Avoriaz for intermediate and advanced skiers?
Avoriaz is a paradise for both intermediate and advanced skiers, offering 75.5km of local slopes, excellent high-altitude snow reliability, a vast choice of challenging reds and blacks, plus it sits at the heart of the 650km Portes du Soleil area for extensive cross-border skiing.
What non-skiing activities does Avoriaz offer?
Avoriaz is home to Aquariaz, a fantastic indoor tropical water park with pools and a lazy river. It also offers fun snow activities like dog sledging, snowmobiling, and a cinema, all within the safe, car-free village.
What makes Avoriaz a unique resort for skiing?
Avoriaz is one of the most distinctive ski resorts in the Alps, and for good reason. Built entirely at altitude in the 1960s, Avoriaz sits at 1,800m and is a completely car-free resort, with horse-drawn sleighs and snowcats the only means of getting around the village. Skiing in Avoriaz also gives you direct access to the vast Portes du Soleil ski area, which spans the French-Swiss border and offers over 600km of pistes across 12 resorts – making Avoriaz one of the best-connected ski destinations in the world. The resort's striking architecture, dramatic cliff-top setting, and lively après-ski scene make skiing in Avoriaz an experience unlike anywhere else in France.
Is Avoriaz a good choice for families?
Avoriaz has long been considered one of the best family ski resorts in the French Alps, and it earns that reputation in several ways. The car-free environment makes skiing in Avoriaz particularly safe and relaxed for families with young children, removing the traffic-related stress you might encounter in other resorts. Avoriaz is also home to the famous Fantasy World (Cité des Enfants), a dedicated snow park and play area designed specifically for children, as well as excellent ski schools with experienced instructors who specialise in teaching younger skiers. With gentle beginner slopes sitting alongside more challenging terrain for confident skiers, skiing in Avoriaz caters brilliantly for families of mixed abilities.
Incredible slopes and forested trails for all levels, its definitely a go to!
Rebecca Dodson, Head of sales
