Avoriaz-Morzine is one of the most distinctive Alpine ski resorts in the French Alps, thanks to its futuristic design and spectacular cliff-top location overlooking the neighbouring resort of Morzine. Avoriaz is located in the centre of Portes du Soleil, one of Europe’s largest ski areas.
Avoriaz is a purpose-built ski resort but, unlike many others built in the 1960s and 1970s, does not contain unsightly concrete monoliths. The resort consists of flats with mountain-like shapes and wood-panelled chalets that blend harmoniously with the surrounding mountains.
The town is completely pedestrianised, with everyone getting around on foot, skis or horse-drawn sleighs. Avoriaz is particularly family-friendly, with a number of ski areas specially designed for children and a fabulous indoor water park.
Located in the heart of the French-Swiss Portes du Soleil ski area, the ski resort of Morzine is perfect for beginners as well as experts, children and adults.
While the large Portes du Soleil ski area appeals to snow sports enthusiasts, the slopes in the Morzine-Les Gets sector are ideal for families and average skiers.
Those with a penchant for the steepest black slopes in the Alps should head straight for the Chamossière black slope or the famous Swiss Wall .
The Domaine des Portes du Soleil offers an unrivalled surface and a unique diversity of landscapes. There are 600 kilometres of slopes, served by 197 ski lifts and 400 km2 of snowy playground.
Calculating 5 to 6 hours of skiing per day, it will take a total of a fortnight to discover the entire ski area, distributed between 1800 and 2300 metres above sea level. This Franco-Swiss area is the perfect place to learn to ski, but it is also a real playground for ski enthusiasts.
Morzine, located in the heart of this area, allows you to quickly reach Les Gets or Avoriaz and continue your journey towards Switzerland. It is an ideal site to discover two countries, two cultures with 12 stations.
The Morzine – Les Gets sector is shared between the two resorts. It consists of no less than 48 ski lifts and 69 slopes (9 black, 28 red, 29 blue, 3 green). For beginners, there are gliding areas such as the Penguin slope or the Zouzous course with slaloms, tunnels, moguls and life-size reproductions of wild animals that combine fun and learning, as well as slopes designed to entertain children and have fun with the family, all away from the flow of skiers. For more advanced skiers, the area’s red and black slopes will satisfy the desire for speed.
Born from the imagination of the ski champion Jean Vuarnet, the Avoriaz resort is the starting point at an altitude of 1800 metres to reach the Châtel sector and then continue on the slopes of the Swiss side.
The sector has 34 ski lifts and 49 pistes (6 black, 14 red, 25 blue, 4 green). Don’t forget to stop at Stash, nestled in the forest towards Lindarets. This eco-friendly snow park is designed to blend in with nature with wooden modules of all kinds. Children will not be left out: they can learn to jump and handle different modules on the Lil’ Stash.
The Stash offers several courses, from intermediate to expert level, as well as a Snake run (a boardercross with very tight overhead turns). Halfway along the route, a hut allows a break and is an ideal place for a picnic. In the Lindarets sector of the Avoriaz municipality, the Stash can be reached by the Prolays 6-seater chairlift.
The main attraction for those coming to Avoriaz in winter is, of course, skiing and snowboarding in the vast Portes du Soleil area, with 426 km of slopes spread over 12 different ski resorts in France and Switzerland.
To make your holiday even more varied and fun, and especially for those who do not ski, there are many different activities to try.
Whether it’s going up the slopes that most people normally take on skis or tackling an inland route, ski mountaineering and split boarding allow you to get off the beaten track.
Some of the most popular ski mountaineering routes in Avoriaz include the Vallée de la Manche or the Col du Fornet, the summit of the Hauts-Forts, the Pointe de Vorlaz and the Dents du Midi tour that crosses the Swiss border.
The Portes du Soleil boasts 216 km of quiet cross-country skiing trails. There are four cross-country skiing areas accessible from Avoriaz: the Manche valley with 25 km of challenging circuits, the Morzine-Avoriaz at the Parc Naturel des Crêtes de Zorre with up to 47 km for all levels, the Montriond lake with 10 km of Canadian-style trails and the Pléney-Chavannes sector with 18 km of forest trails.
Snowshoeing, or as the French call it, raquettes à neige, is a perfect activity for bad weather conditions and a wonderful way for non-skiers to explore the mountains in and around Avoriaz.
The trails take you to places where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Mont Blanc, Lake Geneva and the Swiss peaks or explore forests where local wildlife such as chamois, wild goats and deer roam freely. Popular spots include the Boutigny valley and the Chardonnière forest.
Head to the ice skating rink in the centre of Avoriaz for fun rides with friends and family in winter. With a bar, music and lights, the right place is at the Parc des Dereches in Morzine, all year round.
Dive into the icy waters of Lac Montriond and experience the thrill of diving beneath the icy layers above. Explore the beautiful waters, wildlife and ice formations in the water. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, diving under the ice is an experience worth trying.
Put on your gloves and get ready to toboggan down the Crôt slope.
In the evening, the Crôt slope is dedicated to sledding, an activity only available under the supervision of mountain professionals. It is the ideal activity to enjoy with family or friends and to experience strong sensations, in total safety.
You will go down a 700-metre slope, with 3100 metres of descent in 45 minutes. Sleds and headlamps provided.
Follow in the footsteps of a music peddler and his hot-air balloon on his incredible journey through the mountains.
Alta Lumina is a magical enchanted night tour: in the heart of the French Alps, in the village of Les Gets, as darkness falls, you will walk a one-kilometre-long path where the story is told poetically through light, images in all their forms, scenography and interactivity. A magical experience for young and old.
It is open all year round from 18.00 to 23.00, but with snow, the atmosphere becomes even more magical.
Aquariaz is an aquatic paradise located in the heart of Avoriaz, offering a huge park consisting of a tranquil inner river, a slidewinder (an aquatic half-pipe), a children’s pool and a water playhouse, as well as a large pool with natural climbing walls.
A good alternative on bad weather days or to vary the activities during your skiing holiday.
The Erigné site is located a few kilometres from the centre of the resort, on the road leading into the Channel Valley, in the direction of the Lac des Mines d’Or. It is easily reached by taking one of the free shuttles provided by the municipality of Morzine.
A space has been developed specifically for Nordic activities. This wild place with no ski lifts is perfect for recharging your batteries and hiking in pristine white.
But hiking is not the only activity possible. In fact, this whole area has been equipped with a tourist information point, a cross-country skiing track, a snow play area, a picnic area, a sledging area and even an igloo.
Avoriaz is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The Alpine village and its surrounding mountains offer hundreds of things to do for every ability and every age, even in summer.
Some activities are perfect for solo travellers, while others are more suitable for couples or families: from relaxation to pure adrenaline, from outdoor fun to indoor activities in bad weather.
Like most of the Alps, Avoriaz is a great place for rock climbing. Experienced climbers can tackle the rock on the mountainside and enjoy the fantastic views, while there are several adventure companies and mountain guides who can take you on your first climb and show you the ropes.
Some of the most popular rock climbing areas include the Rocher de la Chaux, which is perfect for beginners, near Saint Jean d’Aulps, the Falaise des Ardoisières near Morzine or the Terres Maudites, where the famous Morzinoise route is located, which has long but moderately easy climbs.
If climbing steep rocks with a rope seems too scary for you, then Via Ferrata climbing offers an element of safety that allows even beginners to enjoy the achievement of having climbed a mountain. This form of climbing was invented by Italian soldiers in the Dolomites who used it to climb vertiginous walls easily and quickly.
The main site of the Via Ferrata in Avoriaz is the Saix du Tour, near Avoriaz. It is 600 metres long and offers splendid views of the valley. It has footbridges, bridges and stairs and should take about 2/2 hours to complete. It is accessible from May to October, if there is no snow. Suitable for adults and children over the age of eight.
The various itineraries in Portes du Soleil offer an enormous diversity of landscapes, from ridges to forests, from hills to alpine pastures, with views of Mont Blanc and the Dents du Midi.
More than 40 hiking itineraries criss-cross the estate, to the delight of hikers and nature lovers eager to explore the great outdoors and discover the mountain fauna and flora among lakes, waterfalls and streams.
All are within a 30-minute walk from Avoriaz, such as a visit to a mountain farm, a picnic at the Brochaux waterfall, a dip in the Montriond lake, a snack at Les Lindarets, the goat village.
Hikers can also use some of the summer ski lifts (remember to buy a ski pass) to ascend or descend the mountain and enjoy breathtaking views of Switzerland, the Dents du Midi, and the village of Avoriaz.
Avoriaz is at the centre of the Portes du Soleil mountain bike area, one of the largest in Europe (650 km of marked trails). You can easily reach the bike parks in Avoriaz, Châtel, Morzine or Champéry-Morgins and return to the station even more easily thanks to the ski lifts.
The Avoriaz Bike Park is progressive and accessible to all levels: it offers numerous downhill (DH) trails, enduro trails, electric mountain bike trails and fun areas for learning mountain biking.
The Avoriaz Bike Park offers:
You can choose canyoning, where everyone can abseil down waterfalls, dive into pools and ride river rapids. There are short routes for beginners, such as the one in Balme (Cluses), or longer ones for the more adventurous, such as the descent route in Nyon (Morzine), which is not suitable for children under 12.
Hydrospeed is also one of the most popular extreme water sports: a fun and exhilarating way to go down a river using a large float, which resembles a bodyboard. In Morzine, anyone over the age of seven can go down the Dranse river on a board wearing thick neoprene and flippers.
The closest rafting bases to Avoriaz, on the other hand, are located along the La Dranse river for a thrill-filled descent.
Lake Montriond has an idyllic setting, with its spectacular steep banks and dense forest canopy. This beautiful lake, a brilliant emerald green, lies tranquil at the foot of immense cliffs and is popular with children and adults alike for the enchanting view it offers and the feeling of calm it evokes.
There is a completely safe swimming area, with a lifeguard on duty from 11am to 6pm in July/August.
Avoriaz-Morzine is one of the most characteristic Alpine resorts, thanks to its spectacular cliff-top location and wood-panelled chalets. It is also completely pedestrianised and being so compact, you are never more than a few hundred metres from the nearest ski lift.
Avoriaz, although relatively small, is divided into seven main sectors where most of its modern residential buildings are located. Amara and Falaise are located around the entrance to the resort, near the car parks and the Avoriaz Welcome Centre. The town centre is located near the Crozats sector. Finally, towards the south, where the Prodains chairlift arrives, you can find Dromonts, Hauts-Forts and Ruches.
For lovers of luxury and comfort, mountain chalets are the ideal solution. Spacious and elegantly furnished, they offer a warm and cosy atmosphere. Equipped with several bedrooms, a cosy living room with fireplace and a fully equipped kitchen, they are perfect for families or groups of friends.
If you prefer more practical and economical accommodation, the flats are the ideal solution. Located in the heart of Morzine, they offer easy access to the ski slopes, restaurants and shops. These flats are fully furnished and equipped with a kitchenette, allowing you to prepare meals to your liking.
For those looking for a more authentic experience, the traditional chalets are perfect: they are imbued with the Alpine atmosphere and offer true immersion in the mountain culture. With their rustic charm and warm atmosphere, they will make you feel at home.
Finally, for those seeking a unique experience, mountain huts are an option to consider. Nestled in the heart of nature, these cabins offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the resort. They are ideal for those who want to enjoy panoramic mountain views, breathe in the fresh air at high altitude and relax in picturesque surroundings. It is the ideal place to recharge your batteries and reconnect with nature.
The small village of Les Prodains is located at the foot of the cliff on which the village of Avoriaz is perched. Located about five kilometres from the centre of Morzine, it serves as a gateway, as the 3S Prodains Express cable car departs from here.
It is recommended for those who want to make the most of their Portes du Soleil ski pass. Les Prodains offers easy access to the high mountain slopes of Avoriaz and its world-famous snowparks: the cable car takes just under five minutes to reach the top, but it is also relatively close to Morzine. In fact, a bus connects Prodains and Pléney in just 10 minutes.
While Avoriaz has mainly self-catering flats, Les Prodains offers a good selection of chalets and chalet hotels, some of which boast direct access to the slopes.
The ski resort of Avoriaz 1800 is located in Haute Savoie, in the Northern Alps, more precisely in the Chiablese massif.
Located 1,800 metres above sea level, the ski resort offers breathtaking views of the Aulps valley and is the gateway to one of the world’s largest cross-border ski resorts, Les Portes du Soleil.
Avoriaz 1800 is easily accessible from Cluses (D907 and D902) or Thonon-les-Bains (D902). Approximate travel times are 5 hours 50 minutes from Paris, 2 hours 40 minutes from Lyon Airport, 1 hour 25 minutes from Geneva, 1 hour 40 minutes from Annecy and 3 hours 30 minutes from Dijon.
Numerous high-speed train services (TGV) provide easy access to the Haute Savoie department and Avoriaz 1800. The nearest train stations to Avoriaz are the Thonon les Bains TGV station at 45 km and the Cluses TGV station at 41 km. From here, bus services provide easy access to the Avoriaz 1800 ski resort and the Portes du Soleil ski area.
What's the weather at Avoriaz? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Avoriaz for the next few days.