Avoriaz ski resort with wooden chalets and snow-covered buildings, set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountainsAvoriaz ski resort with wooden chalets and snow-covered buildings, set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains

A complete guide to Avoriaz

Everything you need for your Avoriaz ski holiday.
23th April, 2025
8 min read time

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, France - overview

  1. Where is Avoriaz?
  2. Avoriaz the resort
  3. Avoriaz ski area
  4. Skiing in Avoriaz
  5. Avoriaz ski season dates
  6. Avoriaz snow history
  7. Restaurants in Avoriaz
  8. Things to do in Avoriaz
  9. Avoriaz apres ski, and nightlife
  10. Avoriaz town map
  11. Avoriaz tourist information

Where is Avoriaz?

Avoriaz is located in the northern French Alps, in the department of Haute-Savoie, close to the border with Switzerland.


Nearest airport

  • Geneva: 87 km (54 mi)

Transfer time

  • Geneva: 2hr 10

Avoriaz the resort

  • Resort altitude: 1,150 m (3,772 ft)
  • Resort permanent residents: ~3,000
The architecture of Avoriaz is distinct, featuring tall, angular buildings clad in dark wood, mirroring the natural shape of the surrounding mountains. While some appreciate this unique style, others may find it unconventional. The resort is one of the few pedestrianized areas in the Alps, ensuring that the streets remain car-free and snowy. Transportation within the town is charmingly old-fashioned, with sleds, snowcats, horse-drawn sleighs, and skis being the primary means of travel. Avoriaz offers a wealth of accommodation, primarily self-catering, making it a favorite destination for families and groups. Although the selection of hotels and restaurants within the resort is somewhat narrow, the neighboring town of Morzine provides additional choices just a lift ride away.
                                                                                                           
ProsCons
Lodging is available directly on the slopesThe resort features modern architecture
Facilities for children are providedThere can be crowds during the weekends
The resort has a reputable snow recordThe après ski scene is poor
There is access to the entire Portes du Soleil ski areaIt's easy to lose one’s way. Just be vigilant with signage

Here is how Avoriaz looks like

This short video provides a glimpse of everything Avoriaz has to offer.


(Ref: Ski Resorts Videos)

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Avoriaz ski area

  • Summit elevation: 2,277 m (7,470 ft)
  • Kilometres of pistes: 153 km (95 mi)
  • Vertical drop: 1,446 m (4,744 ft)
  • Ski lifts: 34
Avoriaz is a vital part of the expansive Portes du Soleil ski area, which includes neighboring resorts such as Morzine and Les Gets, together offering over 600 km (373 mi) of ski runs. Avoriaz itself boasts approximately 153 km (95 mi) of skiable terrain, featuring 53 pistes (7 greens, 28 blues, 12 reds, and 6 blacks) spread across several distinct sectors, including:
  • Avoriaz centre: the heart of the resort, Avoriaz centre, is a bustling hub with direct access to a variety of pistes.
  • Les Lindarets: often referred to as 'the Goat Village', this charming sector is nestled in a scenic valley. It's particularly popular with families and intermediate skiers, offering a mix of serene blue and red runs.
  • Les Crozats: this area is known for its breathtaking views and includes some more challenging terrain.

Skiing in Avoriaz

Beginners

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.

Intermediates

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

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.

Off-piste

Avoriaz offers extensive opportunities for off-piste adventures, with the best off-piste areas including Les Hauts Forts, Fornet, and the Chavanette sectors.

Snowboarding

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.

Avoriaz ski season dates

The ski season in Avoriaz typically runs from mid December to late April. While the official 2025/26 opening and closing dates have not yet been confirmed, we’ll update this page as soon as they are announced. Please note that these dates can vary depending on snow conditions and other operational factors. Planning ahead? Be sure to check out our Avoriaz deals for the best offers available.

Avoriaz snow history

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 (12.9 in) and 34 cm (13.3 in) 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 (11 in), 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 (18.5 in) 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 (6.2 in) of snow falling over 2.1 days, creating perfect conditions for enjoying softer snow in sunnier weather.


                                                                                                                                                                   
MonthSnow amount (week)Snow days (week)
December33 cm2.9 days
January34 cm3.2 days
February28 cm3.1 days
March29 cm3.2 days
April16 cm2.1 days

(Ref: snow-forecast.com)

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Restaurants in Avoriaz mountain

The resort boasts a variety of restaurants, from traditional Savoyard eateries to contemporary dining establishments, including:

  • La Fruitiere: a gourmet restaurant on the Avoriaz plateau
  • Les Fangle: a mountain restaurant directly on the piste heading down from Avoriaz to Morzine.
  • La Ferme des Lindarets: a traditional mountain French restaurant created in an old farmhouse dating back to 1860.
  • Les Enfants Terribles: located in the Hotel des Dromonts, the menu features innovative dishes prepared with local and seasonal ingredients, making it a Michelin-worthy dining destination.
  • Le Dromonts: this restaurant offers a unique blend of traditional Savoyard cuisine and modern gastronomy.
  • La Reserve: well-known for its breathtaking mountain vistas and a wide range of delicious offerings.
  • Le Choucas: situated high above Avoriaz, Le Choucas is a family-run restaurant offering a diverse menu from traditional mountain dishes to inventive, globally-inspired cuisine.
  • La Folie Douce: a part of the famous après-ski venue La Folie Douce, this restaurant serves gourmet dishes inspired by regional recipes and locally sourced ingredients.

Things to do in Avoriaz

  • Spa and wellness
  • Bowling
  • Paragliding
  • Cinema
  • Indoor Climbing
  • Cultural tours
  • Yoga classes
  • Aquariaz water park
  • Horse-drawn sleigh rides
  • Snowshoeing
  • Ice Skating
  • Tobogganing
  • Snowmobiling
  • Dog Sledding
  • Ice Diving
  • Paragliding

Avoriaz apres ski, and nightlife

Avoriaz's après-ski scene is vibrant, with numerous venues offering a range of experiences. Highlights include:

  • La Folie Douce: an iconic après-ski venue accessed by the Prodains Express.
  • Globe Trotters Bar: another notable location located in the heart of the resort.
  • Shooters Bar: a beloved meeting spot that frequently hosts live music and DJs.
  • Le Yak: a bar known for its welcoming atmosphere

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Avoriaz town map

Avoriaz town map

Download Avoriaz town map PDF here

Avoriaz tourist information

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