Avoriaz is a ski-in/ski-out resort - a massive pull for beginners
A popular resort in France, stylish Avoriaz has a great supply of top-quality, snow-sure skiing for all abilities - with beginners particularly well-catered for.
Found 800m higher than traditional Morzine, the purpose-built resort gets plenty of snow, and therefore almost exclusively ski-in/ski-out accommodation - making it a dreamy resort if you want to be able to ski right up to your accommodation door.
It’s a slick resort with grand, sweeping views of the mountains below and beyond, while there’s plenty to do off the slopes, too.
Keep reading for all the key information on how Avoriaz can suit you on a beginner ski holiday.
(All prices and information are reflective of the 24-25 season).
In this beginner's guide, we answer:
Is Avoriaz a good resort for beginners?
Avoriaz has a strong selection of ski schools which will teach you everything you need to know, while there is plenty of picturesque skiing.
The majority of your learning will take place on actual slopes rather than fenced off learner areas - there are 8 green and 25 blue runs which tend to be wide and gentle. Once you’ve mastered these, there is plenty more to explore in the area.
Beginners will also enjoy Avoriaz’s après scene, which is very accessible to all abilities, while young families will have fun doing the various activities in the resort - including the famous Aquariaz, a water park with various slides and relaxing features.
Read more:
St Anton is also a good resort for beginners - particularly those who want a very lively après experience!
Where to stay in Avoriaz if you’re a beginner
As Avoriaz is quite a small, compact resort, it doesn’t really matter where you stay. You can walk from one corner of town to the opposite corner in about 15 minutes - and remember, if you’re about to go skiing, you can ski across town as there’ll almost certainly be snow there.
We’ve put some family-friendly accommodation recommendations in the section below.
Avoriaz is a stylish town perched at high at 1,800m - it uses wood instead of concrete for its buildings
Is Avoriaz suitable for a first-time family ski holiday?
Families will really enjoy Avoriaz, thanks to the convenience of its ski-in/ski-out accommodation which can be found everywhere across town.
Located 800m above Morzine, it is a stunning location nestled into the mountain landscape. Cars are not allowed in town - instead you’ll find horse-drawn carriages trundling about the snow-covered streets.
The Village des Enfants ski school area is right in the centre of town and has a magic carpet and a couple of drag lifts for absolute newbies. It’s their own little patch, roped off from adults.
Avoriaz is home to plenty of strong ski schools, including the notable École Française de Ski (ESF), while the short transfer time from Geneva Airport (1h 40m) will keep the children from going crazy.
You’ll also love the “Aquariaz”. Avoriaz’s swimming centre has 30°C pools with waterslides and water jets, and a climbing wall which bends over the pool below. The centre has a tropical theme with live vegetation sprawling about the place and huge south-facing windows allowing natural light to flood in.
While the kids have fun on the “Slidewinder” - a 10m rubber tube installation - you can relax in the lazy river with very young ones if you have them, or go to the jacuzzi on the balcony outside.
Recommendations for family-friendly accommodation in Avoriaz would include Les Cimes du Soleil, which has kids clubs, activities and childcare options and puts on evening entertainment, including live concerts and themed evenings. Check the ‘Families’ section on the link above for more information.
The Hotel Des Dromonts is also a good choice. It offers babysitting and a ‘baby welcome kit’ which includes a cot, night light, bottle warmer, changing table and baby bath.
Read more:
France is also a top place for newbies to learn - check out our beginner's guide to Val d'Isère.
Beginner skiing in Avoriaz
As Avoriaz is covered in snow for most of the winter, with no cars to be seen, you can basically practise anywhere in town where there’s a bit of a gradient.
In the centre of town there is a magic carpet and two tow lifts at the Village des Enfants ski school - although as the name suggests, this is for children only.
Other than that, the most ideal section of skiing in Avoriaz for beginners is the long, gentle route down to Super Morzine (not quite Morzine town itself). You can take greens all the way down to the top of the Zore chairlift, before taking various drag lifts and chairlifts back up.
The terrain is very gentle and allows for you to practise your skills in a comfortable environment. It is likely where you'll be heading with ski instructors if you choose to use them - we’d highly recommend you do!
The area highlighted in green is where beginners will feel most comfortable
Where to head when you’re ready to explore Avoriaz
Once you’ve mastered the area covered in green in the picture above, then you could explore the blues and green surrounding the Ardent gondola and the Lechere chairlift.
There’s also the Lac-Intrets chairlift which goes from the edge of town and takes you to the top of some nice blue runs, including Bleue de Lac, Bleue d’Arare and Stade d’Arare - these are all above the treeline and offer some gentle cruising.
Once you’ve mastered these areas, the rest of Avoriaz can be tackled as you see fit. There are other blues scattered about, and by the end of the week you may even be ready to tackle some of the easier reds. The Chaux Fleurie red is one such example, although there is also the Grand Plan blue running parallel to it - have a look when you’re at the top and make sure you’re confident before giving it a go!
How much do lift passes cost in Avoriaz?
A two-day lift pass in the local Avoriaz area will cost €92 for an adult, €41 for children (5-15) and €48 for youth/seniors (16-25/65+). These prices get cheaper in April, going down to €39 a day.
If you progress quickly, you could get a Portes du Soleil lift pass, which covers the wider area beyond Avoriaz - increasing the green and blue pistes to 37 and 123 respectively. It is all interconnected, and costs €70 a day for adults, €53 for children and €63 for youth/senior.
Those aged 4 and under ski for free - whether just Avoriaz or the whole of the Portes du Soleil.
Is there a free lift pass for Avoriaz?
Only those aged 4 and under will get to ski for free. Other than that, no.
Is there a discounted lift pass for beginners?
Yes!
Avoriaz has created a new lift pass which covers just the lifts needed to explore the greens and gentle blues nearby. It is available in 5-hour, 1-day and 2-day versions and covers the lifts highlighted in yellow in the piste map below.
Prices are €27 for 5 hours, €32 for 1 day and €57 for 2 days - there are no age brackets (other than it being free for those under 5 years old).
Do note that the map is clipped and doesn’t show lots of the other lifts and pistes that are located above Avoriaz town.
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Lifts you can use on the beginner’s lift pass are highlighted in yellow
Are Avoriaz après bars and restaurants accessible to beginner skiers
All of Avoriaz’s après spots are accessible to beginners. This is because, except for one place - the majority are in town.
There is a Folie Douce which is right on the edge of town as you approach it. If you want another slopeside lodge with an electric atmosphere, then head to the bottom of the Ardent gondola via a couple of blues, to reach Happy Hours.
The rest of the après scene is in town - which as we’ve mentioned before is easy to get around.
Check our guide to Avoriaz’s après-ski and nightlife scene for all the details on which bars and clubs to go to.
How much do ski lessons cost in Avoriaz?
Avoriaz is a major skiing town in France, so there is a good choice of ski schools here.
Below are just a few of them to give you a taste of what sort of prices you can expect. Remember, these are a guide and could change - especially around school holidays.
Beginners will start their lessons by getting used to equipment and practising drills on gentle slopes, before gradually progressing to blues by the end of the week - and maybe even some easy reds if you’re confident enough!
| Ski School |
Group lesson per adult |
Group lesson per child |
Private lesson adult (per hour) |
Private lesson child (per hour) |
| Evolution 2 |
€240 for 6 days.
2.5-hour lessons.
|
€240 for 6 days.
2.5-hour lessons.
|
€105 for a 1.5-hour lesson.
|
€105 for a 1.5-hour lesson.
|
| Supreme Ski |
€225 for 5 days. 2-hour lessons.
|
€350 for 5 days. 3-hour lessons.
|
€240 for a 3-hour lesson.
|
€240 for a 3-hour lesson.
|
| New Generation |
€300 for 5 days. 2-hour lessons.
|
€475 for 5-6 days. 2-hour lessons.
|
€130 for a 2-hour lesson.
|
€130 for a 2-hour lesson.
|
Is there a beginner-friendly snow park in Avoriaz?
Yes, there are 2.
The first is the “Snowpark de la Chappelle”, which is found at the top of the Proclou chairlift, and is also serviced by the Chapelle drag lift. This one is nicknamed the ‘baby park’ and is useful for beginners to intermediates.
You should also have a look at the “Lil Stash” which is accessible by the green Proclou run from the top of the Proclou chairlift. This one features plenty of natural and man-made features in the trees.
Overall, is Avoriaz a good choice for beginners?
Yes, Avoriaz is a good choice for beginners of all ages.
It’s a great place to learn to ski for everyone, with good slopes to support you and strong ski schools. The ski-in/ski-out nature of the town is something everyone should enjoy, as is its compactness, making everywhere easy to reach.
Young families will enjoy the Aquariaz centre and the gentle nature of the environment, while adults will also appreciate the peace and quiet - although there are pockets of fun après-ski to find and enjoy, too.
Read more:
Make sure to check out our guide on why Avoriaz is a great ski resort for even more reasons to go!
Book Your Beginner Ski Holiday to Avoriaz
If Avoriaz sounds like it could be the resort for your beginner’s ski holiday, then get in touch with us to make it perfect.
We’re the UK’s largest ski travel agency, where you can find biggest range of Avoriaz ski holiday deals anywhere on the market.
Our team have all done seasons in the mountains and their expert ski knowledge can help you choose the perfect resort and accommodation for you - as well as all the little details that you need to iron out.
Have a look online or call us on 020 3848 3700 - or if you don’t fancy calling, just fill in our enquiry form and we’ll get back to you with the best advice we can.
Meanwhile, if you’ve been put in charge of booking for a group, then have a look at our group skiing booking guide. It should answer some of your questions and make life a bit easier for you!
