Avoriaz ski | ski holidays in France

Afbeelding - Avoriaz — © Spalder Media Group

Avoriaz in short

Avoriaz is one of the ski resorts which make up the Portes du Soleil ski area, on the border of France and Switzerland. Tucked between Morzine and Val d'Illiez-Champoussin & Les Crosets, the village of Avoriaz is entirely pedestrian because of a desire to preserve the natural beauty of the site. You can carry your luggage to your accommodation on a sledge, in a horse-drawn sleigh or on a snowmobile because there are no streets, only ski slopes in Avoriaz. There are several ski lifts in the very heart of the resort meaning some ski runs will take you into and even through the resort centre.

Avoriaz is a very popular ski resort for snowboarders and because of this there is a young, lively atmosphere in the resort and on the ski slopes. With around 650km of pistes, the Les Portes du Soleil ski area is one of the largest in the world, boasting endless terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The focus is definitely on freestyling, with several snow parks and a range of tailored snowboarding lessons. But everybody is welcome in Avoriaz, and there are plenty of red and blue slopes to explore - as well as, if you dare, the Mur Suisse and the World Cup piste! Après-ski and nightlife in Avoriaz is cosy and fun, with some great bars and cafes offering a lively, intimate atmosphere.

Review of Avoriaz

Winter hiking
Cross-country skiing
Aprés-ski
Family/children
Price level

8.4

based on 9 visitor reviews

Latest review by amber

“No cars no dirty snow just white the sound of the snow of skis and of horses it's a marvellous place and fairytale-like with an enormous ski area and no queues... trees snow sun everything is done on skis arriving leaving it's amazing ”

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Skiing in Les Portes du Soleil

Avoriaz is home to a challenging World Cup piste with splendid views from the Hauts Forts. On the border with Switzerland leading towards Champéry is also the infamous Swiss Wall, aka the Chavanette, possibly the most famous black run in Europe with waist-high moguls and a gradient of up to 90%! Beginners need not fear, however - there are plenty of nursery slopes right next to the village. With slopes ranging from 930m to 2460m above sea level, the ski area surrounding Avoriaz usually enjoys good snow conditions throughout the season. Avoriaz is centrally located within Les Portes du Soleil and the entire ski area is at your disposal. It's easy to make a day trip across the border to Switzerland, where it's possible to try heli-skiing (which is illegal in France).

Stash snow park Avoriaz

The Stash park at Avoriaz is a snow park made entirely with natural features such as logs, rocks and bent trees. Inspired by North Star in California and designed by the godfather of snowboarding, Jake Burton, the Stash aims to provide an inspiring space where kids and their parents - the now-adult pioneers of the freestyling generation - can explore the forest together and develop an appreciate for freeriding and the environment. Three routes - beginner, intermediate and expert - meet up in a cabin before diverging along their separate ways. The first of its kind in Europe, this backcountry-terrain-cum-snow-park invites families to ski off-piste through the powder snow in a fun and safe environment.

Family-friendly Avoriaz

In addition to the regular nursery at the Avrizou Childcare Centre, the Children's Village at Avoriaz is a flexible ski school that combines fun in the snow with rest and play time. Kids aged 3-16 are welcome. Special freestyle courses for children are also available. If the kids aren't into skiing, there are plenty of other activities to choose from, such as snowshoeing and horse-drawn carriage rides. There is a wonderful waterpark here - Aquariaz - where families can literally spend the whole day having fun in the various different areas! Great for days when the weather conditions are a little less appealing or you just fancy a break from skiing. Avoriaz is a great ski resort for family ski holidays.

Nightlife in Avoriaz

Avoriaz by night is home to a friendly selection of cafes, pubs and restaurants. Le Bistro, a chic bistro centrally located within the village, serves up delicious Savoyard fare. Families might want to try Les Fontaines Blanches, another restaurant with mouth-watering dishes. Après-ski in Avoriaz is a jubilant affair, with frequent music festivals such as Rock the Pistes that take over the mountains with thumping beats and international DJs. Even on an ordinary night, you can find places to go dancing late into the night. La Cabane and Shooters are two bars where you're sure to find a good time.