Avoriaz is one of the largest ski resorts in Haute-Savoie. Located in the heart of the Portes du Soleil ski area, it is one of the 10 largest French resorts. The numerous slopes are suitable for beginners as well as for advanced skiers.
Avoriaz, a 100% pedestrian resort
The resort of Avoriaz is located on the heights of the town of Morzine between Annecy and Thonon-les-Bains. You can ski from 960 to 2,460 metres. Avoriaz was created on a plateau used as a mountain pasture in the 1960s.
It is pedestrian only. You will need to park your car at the edge of the resort or in a dedicated car park during your stay. But this adds a certain charm to the resort, especially during the Christmas period. And if you prefer traditional mountain villages, why not opt for chalet rental in Morzine? Morzine is a neighbouring resort with a ski area linked to Avoriaz and the two villages form a single commune.
Avoriaz, an integrated and sustainable resort
In addition to promoting soft mobility, the integrated resort of Avoriaz strives to be environmentally friendly and sustainable. In 2011, a centralised dual-energy wood and electricity heating system was installed. It heats 11 residences. At the same time, salt is used sparingly in winter and the flowers are maintained without pesticides or herbicides.
The resort has also obtained the Flocon Vert label. It guarantees the sustainable commitment of mountain tourist destinations and is based on four main themes.
The Avoriaz ski area
- 75 kilometres of downhill ski runs
- 49 runs, including 3 green, 26 blue, 14 red and 6 black
- 34 ski lifts
- 45 kilometres of cross-country ski runs
Top rated hotels
Finding tourist accommodation in the ski resort of Avoriaz is easy. There are many to choose from, to suit all profiles and budgets. All you have to do is find the rental or hotel that will allow you to make the most of your holiday in the mountains.
Depending on your budget, we have selected five hotels in Avoriaz that offer excellent value for money and have very good customer reviews:
Hôtel des Dromonts
An establishment at the foot of the slopes, whose excellent restaurant “Les Enfants Terribles” offers refined traditional French cuisine. The rooms have a view and facilities worthy of a 4-star hotel. A wellness centre is also available.
From € 230 per night.
Hotel Mil8
This hotel, located at the bottom of the ski slopes, offers great facilities: bar, family rooms, children’s playground, gym, evening entertainment. The sauna and a sunny terrace complete the facilities of this 4-star hotel, which is very popular with guests.
From € 220 per night.
Village Igloo Morzine Avoriaz
Avoriaz offers you the unique experience of sleeping in igloos, 400 m from the Avoriaz ski lifts. Dinner is included and served in the igloo. A guided walk is offered on arrival. An activity not to be missed.
From 240 € per night.
Residence Pierre & Vacances Saskia Falaise
A beautiful establishment offering flats with a private balcony and a magnificent view of the Morzine valley. Facilities include a kitchen with microwave and dishwasher. You can enjoy French cuisine and the children’s club.
From €90 per night.
Residence Pierre & Vacances Premium L’Amara
This is a luxury residence with an indoor heated swimming pool and flats with balcony. The apartments have a balcony with a breathtaking view of the Alps. In summer, you can also easily go hiking or mountain biking from the residence. Private parking is available.
From 110 € per night.
The most beautiful chalets
For an unforgettable holiday in the mountains, we offer three chalets for rent near Avoriaz that have received excellent reviews from guests:
La Grange à Germaine
Only 8 km from the centre of Morzine, this authentic 280 m² chalet has a spa, jacuzzi, sauna and terrace. The Ardent waterfall is 1 km away. The Abbey of Saint-Jean-d’Aulps is a 15-minute drive away. Many hiking trails start from the hamlet of Ardent.
Avoriaz Chalets Chalet Neva
This beautiful 75 m² chalet offers three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The access to the slopes is by ski. The accommodation is fully equipped. The decoration is contemporary. Restaurants, shops and bars are within walking distance.
Chalet de Prestige l’Arketa – Maeva Particuliers
Located 200 m from the ski school, this large chalet has 7 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms as well as a beautiful equipped kitchen. The living room is remarkable, with a huge bay window offering a unique panorama on the Avoriaz resort. You have quick access to the ski area.
Winter sports
This Haute-Savoie resort offers most winter sports:
- Hiking
- Telemark skiing
- Skating
- Snow scooters
- Snowshoeing
- Ski joëring
- Snowmobile rides
During the summer, tourists can go hiking or mountain biking. There is a large aquatic centre where you can enjoy water activities.
The example of the snow kart
Located a few kilometres from Avoriaz, the Roc d’Enfer ski area offers snow karting. They hurtle down the slopes thanks to their large notched wheels. The slopes are taken up by snow groomer and the descent is made on a secure track. 30 karts are available. The outing costs 45 € and is reserved for those over 12 years old. Bookings can be made at the ESF in Saint-Jean-d’Aulps.
The visit of the Abbey of Aulps
This treasure of medieval architecture is located at an altitude of 800 m. The abbey was founded at the end of the 11th century. Affiliated to the Cistercian order, it is one of the largest monasteries in the Savoie. The estate covers 3 hectares with the abbey church, the cellars, the gardens and the former monastic farm. The gardens include a vegetable garden and a botanical garden. Since 2007, the site has housed an interpretation centre, unique in France, which provides a better understanding of the life of the monks during the Middle Ages.
The permanent exhibition tells us more about the organisation of the community, its evolution through the centuries and the role of the seigneurial families in the development of the abbey. The garden, which is very well maintained, allows us to understand the role of medicinal plants in this period as well as the varieties of vegetables that grew in the medieval vegetable garden.
A reconstruction of the abbey is proposed in 3D and in augmented reality thanks to equipped glasses.Address: follow the D 32 from Morzine for 7 km.Price: 7 € for adults and 3.50 € for children up to 16 years old.
The resort’s athletes
Several top athletes are ambassadors for the resort of Avoriaz. Here are four of them, all of whom compete in different disciplines.
Valentin Delluc
Originally from the Drôme, Valentin Delluc is now an ambassador for Avoriaz and Morzine, where he learned to ski. A fan of paragliding and freeriding, he quickly took up speed-riding, which combines skiing and free flight. Valentin Delluc won his first competitions in 2014. He gained international fame and millions of views following his video “from Avoriaz with love”, published in 2021.
Mélanie Chappaz
Mélanie Chappaz is a mountain biker from Reignier. This Avoriaz ambassador started cycling at the age of 5. In 2015, she started racing downhill. In 2017, she won the UCI Junior World Championships. She then joined the World Cup, where she also obtained good results.
Oscar Mandin
Oscar Mandin is a freeride skier from Morzine-Avoriaz. He started freestyle and mogul skiing at the age of 10, before turning to freeride at 17. The basics acquired during his youth allow him to have his own style.
Harley Days in Morzine-Avoriaz
Just below the ski resort, the town of Morzine hosts the annual Harley Days in mid-July. Over four days, Harley Davidson enthusiasts from all over Europe gather around large tables, tattoo stands and engravers. Giant concerts are organised on the Tourist Office square. This festival is a great success: 80,000 participants and 25,000 motorbikes are expected every year. Accommodation is often booked two years in advance.
Ski passes
In Avoriaz, it is possible to choose between a ski pass covering the whole of the Portes du Soleil, or one limited to the resort’s ski area. A pass has also been designed for early morning skiers. It allows you to ski for 5 hours. You decide when you want to start skiing.
It is also important to know that Avoriaz has implemented the principle of dynamic pricing. This means that the earlier you take your ski pass, the cheaper it will be. You should also know that some periods allow you to make more savings than others.
Snowshoeing itineraries
This sporting activity is ideal for non-skiers, but also for discovering the mountains in a more natural way.
- From Morzine, follow the river for more than 10 km towards the Nyon car park. The view over the valley is worth the walk alone.
- The Col de la Joue Verte walk: from the car park, take the ridge with a beautiful view of the Abondance valley and Lake Montriond. The walk ends at the Zore chairlift. The return is by the same route.
- The Croix des Combes loop: the previous outing can be extended by following the black cross-country ski trail. It goes down for 12 km to the car park. Be sure to turn left at the intersection at the bottom of the woods.
Ideas for activities in summer
Avoriaz offers some great original adventures in the summer:
- Disc Golf: this is a game of golf, but with a Frisbee. The aim is to make the minimum number of throws for each hole. A map with a plan of the course is given at the beginning of the game. Price: €7 per game.
- Summer sledging: This equipment is accessible at the top of the Crusaz chairlift. The winding slopes of Le Pleney offer several levels of difficulty. Open from 04/07 to 30/08 from 10.30am to 6pm.
- The Laser Game: this shooting game takes place outdoors. You have to aim at other participants to win points. Address: Les Déréches, 74110 Morzine, open from 01/05 to 30/11.
- All-terrain scooter: equipped with a helmet and accompanied by a professional, you will race down the resort’s forest tracks. Open from 07/06 to 14/09, price: 35 €, information at the Guides office. Address: 19 place du Baraty, 74110 Morzine.
Rates
Alpine skiing: As Avoriaz is a large ski resort, you can find out about the prices of ski passes for alpine skiing in Avoriaz directly on the official website: Avoriaz website.
Access
You can only get to Avoriaz by car from the town of Morzine, via a mountain road. It is wide and cleared of snow throughout the winter. There are large car parks at the entrance to the resort. From Morzine, the free A line shuttle bus passes through the pied de la Plagne area, then the Tourist Office, before taking the Prodains Express cable car to Avoriaz. Taxis can also take you to the entrance of the resort.
