Avoriaz looks like no other resort. Set on a high plateau at 1,800 m, above Morzine, it was designed in a single gesture in the 1960s: no cars, angular timber-clad buildings that hug the cliff, and snow that reaches the doors. You get around on foot, on skis or by horse-drawn sleigh, in an atmosphere that’s part futuristic resort, part village out of time.
It’s also the geographic heart of the Portes du Soleil, one of the largest linked areas in the world. Ski-in/ski-out from most of the lodging, you tip over to France or Switzerland in minutes. Designed for families from the start, with its children’s village and its tropical water park, Avoriaz remains one of the most singular resorts in the Alps.
Here is how to enjoy it.
In brief
- Altitude: 1,800 m, one of the highest resorts in the Chablais.
- Area: at the centre of the Portes du Soleil, around 600 km of linked pistes across 12 French and Swiss resorts.
- Access: ≈ 1 hr 30 from Geneva; you leave the car at the Prodains car park and ride up by gondola.
- Best season: December–April for skiing (reliable altitude snow); summer for biking and the mountains.
- Don’t miss: the timber architecture, the ski-in/ski-out, the Aquariaz water park, The Stash snowpark.
The car-free resort
The absence of cars changes everything. In Avoriaz you get around on foot in the snow, on skis from one quarter to the next, or by horse-drawn sleigh. Luggage travels on sledges. This set-up, rare in France, creates a calm, safe atmosphere especially valued by families with children.
The architecture does the rest. Designed by architect Jacques Labro, the angular timber-clad buildings seem to rise from the cliff and blend into the landscape. Award-winning, this visual signature makes Avoriaz a unique resort, which has even served as a film set.
Skiing
Avoriaz sits at the centre of the Portes du Soleil: around 600 km of linked pistes across twelve French and Swiss resorts. From the resort, most pistes are ski-in/ski-out, and the altitude of 1,800 m guarantees more reliable snow than the valley villages. From there, the whole cross-border area opens up, from Morzine to the Châtel wall and the Swiss resorts of the Val d’Illiez.
It’s a very complete area, renowned for welcoming families and freestylers: Avoriaz has several snowparks, including the famous The Stash, a natural course built from wood among the trees. It’s all detailed on the skiing in Avoriaz page.
What to do in Avoriaz
Winter
- Skiing and snowboarding: ski-in/ski-out at the heart of the Portes du Soleil, from family runs to snowparks.
- Aquariaz: a covered tropical water park, at 1,800 m, to swim in the warm in mid-winter.
- Sleigh, ice rink: the gentle pleasures of the car-free resort.
Summer
- Mountain biking: an altitude bike park and access to the great Portes du Soleil MTB network.
- Hiking and mountain activities: altitude trails, panoramas and quick access to the ridges.
The signature experiences
Each major experience has its own page, with practical info:
- Skiing: the Portes du Soleil ski-in/ski-out, and the snowparks.
- Aquariaz: the tropical water park at the heart of the resort.
- Mountain biking: altitude downhill and enduro on the Portes du Soleil network.
Where to stay
In Avoriaz you sleep in the resort itself, ski-in/ski-out: residences, chalets and hotels built into the timber architecture, most a few metres from the pistes. That’s the resort’s great asset, but demand is high in winter: book early, especially during school holidays. For more choice and sometimes gentler rates, you can also stay in Morzine and ride up by gondola. We compare available stays at the best rates below.
Where to eat
The resort has altitude restaurants, brasseries and Savoyard tables, most reachable by ski or on foot. On and around the pistes you’ll find the mountain classics, fondue and tartiflette to the fore, and quick bites between descents. Several spots enjoy the open view over the area.
Getting there
- By car + gondola: you reach the Prodains car park (above Morzine) and ride up to Avoriaz by gondola. As the resort is car-free, the car stays below.
- By plane: Geneva airport ≈ 1 hr 30, then car or shuttle to the Prodains.
- By train + bus: Cluses or Thonon stations, then bus or transfer to Morzine and the Prodains.
When to come
- December–April: the great season. The altitude ensures snow, and the resort runs at full tilt. School holidays very busy.
- July–August: the summer season, quieter, for biking, hiking and the cool of altitude.
- Shoulder season: the resort partly closes in spring and autumn; check opening dates before coming.
Good to know
Avoriaz or Morzine? Avoriaz is a car-free altitude resort, ski-in/ski-out, ideal for families and guaranteed snow; Morzine is a living village at the foot of the valley, more accessible and lively. Linked by gondola, they combine very well.
The car stays below. Avoriaz is car-free: you ride up by the Prodains gondola, and get around on foot, on skis or by sleigh. Plan for the luggage.
With children? It’s one of the most suitable resorts: no cars, a children’s village, a water park, playful runs.
How long to stay? A week to make the most of the big area; a shorter stay combines well with Morzine.
Nearby
Avoriaz is at the heart of the Portes du Soleil. Morzine is just below, linked by gondola; Châtel, Les Gets and Montriond share the same area, all the way to the Swiss resorts of the Val d’Illiez across the ridges.