A standout resort in the heart of the Portes du Soleil, Avoriaz is one of the most unique destinations among French ski resorts, offering a blend of modern architecture and breathtaking cliff-top scenery.
We've created this guide to make planning your Avoriaz ski holiday a breeze. You'll discover everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and even the best places to grab a bite or relax after skiing. At the end, we’ve also included downloadable maps of the resort and pistes, along with handy contact numbers and links.
Ready? Let’s get started!
Avoriaz is located in the northern French Alps, in the department of Haute-Savoie, close to the border with Switzerland.
For a detailed view of Avoriaz's location, you can explore it on Google Maps.
Nearest airport
Transfer time
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lodging is available directly on the slopes | The resort features modern architecture |
| Facilities for children are provided | There can be crowds during the weekends |
| The resort has a reputable snow record | The après ski scene is poor |
| There is access to the entire Portes du Soleil ski area | It's easy to lose one’s way. Just be vigilant with signage |
Beginners have a variety of gentle nursery slopes and free lifts to practice on, before progressing onto the easy green runs scattered throughout the resort.
For intermediate skiers, Avoriaz is an absolute dream, boasting a plethora of undulating blue and red runs on the Lindarets and Hauts Forts sectors, with direct access to the enormous Portes du Soleil ski domain.
Advanced skiers won't be disappointed, with Avoriaz holding a place in the rankings of Europe's top skiing for its challenging black runs, moguls, couloirs, and stunning off-piste opportunities.
Avoriaz offers extensive opportunities for off-piste adventures, with the best off-piste areas including Les Hauts Forts, Fornet, and the Chavanette sectors.
Avoriaz is home to five diverse snow parks, with 'The Stash' standing out as a unique attraction. Here, every obstacle is crafted from natural snow and wood, providing an unparalleled playground for boarders. Complementing 'The Stash', are parks like 'Lil'Stash' and 'Burton Kids Parkway', each offering a selection of jumps, rails, and modules designed to cater to varying skill levels. Beyond these parks, Avoriaz doesn't cease to impress; it presents a spectrum of terrain alongside limited drag lifts, as well as special fun slopes and adventurous trails.
The ski season in Avoriaz for 2024/25 is expected to start on December 7th and run until April 21st. Obviously, opening and closing dates may vary slightly depending on snow conditions. If you're planning a ski holiday to Avoriaz this season, be sure to explore our Avoriaz ski deals for the best ski offers available.
Avoriaz boasts excellent snow conditions from December to April, offering skiers distinct advantages each month. In December and January, the resort receives around 33 cm and 34 cm of snowfall, respectively, spread over approximately 3 days weekly, guaranteeing consistently fresh powder. Although February sees a slight reduction in snow depth to 28 cm, it compensates with more frequent snow days, averaging 3.2 per week. March marks the peak of the season with the first week being the most prolific, delivering a substantial 47 cm of snow across 3.8 days, ideal for those who revel in Bluebird Powder Days, characterized by sunny skies and light breezes following fresh snowfalls. The season continues into April, maintaining pleasant skiing conditions with 16 cm of snow falling over 2.1 days, creating perfect conditions for enjoying softer snow in sunnier weather.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 33 cm | 2.9 days |
| January | 34 cm | 3.2 days |
| February | 28 cm | 3.1 days |
| March | 29 cm | 3.2 days |
| April | 16 cm | 2.1 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
A gourmet restaurant on the Avoriaz plateau.
A mountain restaurant directly on the piste heading down from Avoriaz to Morzine.
A traditional mountain French restaurant created in an old farmhouse dating back to 1860.
Les Enfants Terribles, located in the Hotel des Dromonts, is a renowned restaurant. The menu features innovative dishes prepared with local and seasonal ingredients, making it a Michelin-worthy dining destination.
Le Dromonts restaurant offers a unique blend of traditional Savoyard cuisine and modern gastronomy.
Well-known for its breathtaking mountain vistas and a wide range of delicious offerings, La Reserve is a favorite spot for lunch while enjoying the slopes.
Situated high above Avoriaz, Le Choucas is a family-run restaurant offering a diverse menu from traditional mountain dishes to inventive, globally-inspired cuisine.
A part of the famous après-ski venue La Folie Douce, this restaurant serves gourmet dishes inspired by regional recipes and locally sourced ingredients.
A noteworthy place in Avoriaz is La Folie Douce, an iconic après-ski venue accessed by the Prodains Express. This hotspot offers a unique blend of high-altitude partying featuring live DJs, singers, and dancers, creating an electrifying atmosphere that epitomizes après-ski culture.
Another notable location is the Globe Trotters Bar, located in the heart of the resort. Known for its vibrant après-ski parties, it features live music performances that keep the crowd pumped.
In the center of Avoriaz, you'll find Shooters Bar, a beloved meeting spot that frequently hosts live music and DJs. Its cozy and inviting atmosphere makes it a favorite among both locals and tourists.
For those looking for a more laid-back yet animated ambiance, Le Yak, a bar famous for its friendly staff and a wide selection of drinks, is definitely worth a visit. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, it's a place where unforgettable après-ski experiences are created.
Download Avoriaz town map PDF here
