from £252pp
Thinking of Avoriaz?
Characterised by its distinctive architecture and dramatic cliff top location, Avoriaz was purpose-built to cater to a wide variety of holidaymakers, and is as suitable for families and hardcore skiers, as it is for groups and partygoers.
Part of the vast Port du Soleil ski area, Avoriaz has convenient skiable links to Morzine and Chatel and is just an hour and half away from Geneva airport.
Book your next ski holiday to Avoriaz through igluski.com and discover our collection of fantastic package and non-package deals on chalets, hotels, and apartments.
Resort Statistics
| Level | Rating | Runs |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | 39 | |
| Intermediates | 219 | |
| Advanced | 28 | |
| Snowboarders | ||
| Total Runs | 286 |
Good for
- Families
- Groups
Resort features
Ice Rink
Nightclub
Indoor Pool
Bowling
Skidoo
Walking Trails
Gym
Parapenting
Snowshoeing
Snow sure
High altitude skiing
Traffic free resort
High altitude resort
Lively après ski
Supermarket
Tourist Office
Green Resort
Resort Statistics
| Resort Altitude | 950m |
| Highest Lift | 2450m |
| Total Piste | 650km |
| Longest Run | 11km |
| Directions of Slopes | N, S, E, W |
| Uphill Capacity | 244148 |
| Total Lifts | 107 |
| Gondolas/Cable cars | 14 |
| Chairlifts | 83 |
| Snow Parks | 7 |
What is Avoriaz like as a ski resort?
Avoriaz is one of the 12 French and Swiss resorts that make up the Port du Soleil ski region, and is the perfect base from which to explore this vast 650km area.
More than that, it’s a wonderful resort in its own right, with a mix of pistes that will delight skiers of all abilities, and a wealth of stylish ski-in-ski-out accommodation. Thanks to its altitude (1800m), snow record, and north facing slopes, Avoriaz is quietly one of the most snow-sure resorts in the Alps.
The purpose-built village is car-free and it's easy to reach all the facilities and amenities on foot, but there’s also a fleet of horse-drawn sleighs that provide a low-cost taxi service around the resort.
When you’re not skiing, Avoriaz offers plenty of activities that will keep the whole family entertained, including the Aquariaz pool complex, a spa, bowling, and ice skating.
Top reasons to go to Avoriaz
Here are five reasons why you should choose Avoriaz for your next ski holiday:
Vast ski area: As part of the Port du Soleil ski area, Avoriaz gives you access to more than 650km of pistes.
Ski-in-ski-out accommodation: Car-free and perched up at 1800m, Avoriaz was purpose-built to make it possible for you to ski right back to the door of your hotel or chalet.
Caters to all abilities: The sheer variety of runs on offer in Avoriaz and the surrounding area makes it ideal for experienced skiers, absolute beginners, and everyone in between.
Impressive views: The dramatic cliff top location and distinctive wood-clad high rises grant stunning views across the area and down the valley towards Morzine.
Very snow sure: Avoriaz’s high altitude, north facing slopes and snow record make it very snow sure indeed.
What is the accommodation like in Avoriaz?
Whether you’re looking for luxury or something more casual and cost-effective, Avoriaz has loads of great accommodation options.
Avoriaz has a large stock of ski hotels, ranging from ultra modern and elegant to classic and comfortable. Many have on site restaurants and spa facilities, and are rarely more than a couple of hundred metres from the ski lifts.
For families or those on a budget, a self-catered apartment might be more suitable for your needs, most of which are conveniently located near the resort’s amenities and slopes.
Or, for a truly special stay, check out the resort’s supply of spacious chalets. There are options for groups both large and small, all offering excellent facilities and oozing Savoyard charm.
What’s the apres scene like in Avoriaz?
With 40 bars to choose from, Avoriaz has après vibes to suit all tastes and temperaments, from family-friendly fun to late night sessions.
For guaranteed post-ski antics, head to Folie Douce, which you’ll find just off the slopes at the top of the Plateau chairlift. From 3pm to 6pm every day of the week, there’s DJs, table dancing and cabaret.
Yeti, which is opposite the ski school gathering point, is a good alternative to Folie and has a large terrace that’s ideal for enjoying a glass of wine or two in the sun.
Globetrotter, an Avoriaz institution since 1997, is another great spot, which transforms from a breakfast venue to a restaurant to a lively apres bar that’s open until 2am. La Tavaillon, an English-style pub is the place to go if you want to catch a sports fixture. Or if you want something a little more sophisticated, check out the Igloo ice bar or JaJa, a stylish and cosy wine bar.
Finally, it would be remiss of us not to mention Happy Hours at the bottom of the Ardent cable car, a local institution. The bar’s live band kicks off the reliably raucous après most days, but Wednesday is when the party really kicks into gear, with special guest DJs performing sets from a Millennium Falcon themed booth. Just pop in for a late afternoon pint, though, as you’ll need to get the last lifts back up to Avoriaz.
If you want to keep the party going past 2am, there’s only one place to go, Le Yak, which is open until the early hours.
What activities are there to do in Avoriaz?
There’s a ton of activities packed into the compact village of Avoriaz.
Families will love the Aquariaz complex, a tropical-themed pool with waterfalls, rocks and lush vegetation, and even an underwater escape room. There’s also bowling, a skating rink, a cinema, and a climbing centre.
Adults looking to unwind have no shortage of spas to choose from, including the Avoriaz spa, the MiL8 hotel spa, and the Deep Nature Spa. There’s also a fitness centre and squash courts.
There’s a dizzying number of alternative ways to experience the mountain and the snow, including dog sledding, fat biking, snowshoeing, moonbiking, paragliding, and for the very brave, ice wall climbing and diving under the ice.
What is the skiing like in Avoriaz?
Located right at the heart of the Port du Soleil, Avoriaz is the perfect jumping off point for exploring all 12 resorts, 650km of slopes, and 209 ski lifts that make up this massive ski area.
Avoriaz itself is known as a family-friendly resort, and its pistes are certainly great for younger skiers and learners. However, the variety of slopes on offer in the surrounding region, and the resort’s central location, mean that skiers of all abilities are well-catered for.
Avoriaz has particularly good links to Morzine, a friendly resort town that’s great for beginner and intermediate skiers, Morzine's neighbouring resort, Les Gets, and Chatel, known for its relaxed atmosphere and great views.
Most famously (or should we say infamously), Avoriaz is home to the Swiss Wall, regarded as one of the world’s steepest and most challenging runs. It’s only just over a kilometre long, but its slope averages 37° and up to a 76% gradient - some sections reach 90%.
Is Avoriaz a good place to ski?
Avoriaz itself is well equipped, with 51 slopes, 35 lifts, 4 snowparks, and 4 secure but ungroomed areas. Many of these pistes are long greens and gentle blues, making it a great place for beginners and intermediates.
More advanced skiers should head up the Chavanette chairlift where, aside from the Swiss Wall, you’ll find a bunch of fun reds. And don’t miss the Jean Vuarnet World Cup Downhill Run, which takes you from the top of Les Hauts Forts down to Prodains - an absolute highlight.
Freestyle enthusiasts, and especially snowboarders, will love The Stash, an ecological and ungroomed snow park consisting of jumps and wooden features.
Skiing from Avoriaz to Morzine
If you want to ski from Avoriaz to Morzine, you have a couple of options.
There are a number of blue routes that take you to the top of the Super Morzine gondola, which takes you down to Morzine. Or you could take the 4 minute Prodains Express cable car down and then catch the free 10 minute bus to Morzine.
Once there, however, you’ll have to catch the resort bus or Petit Train to the Pleney lift to access the slopes.
Is Avoriaz snow sure?
Avoriaz is one of the most snow sure resorts in the Port du Soleil and, indeed, in the whole of the Alps.
It sits at high altitude (1800m) and has lifts going up to 2,450m. It also enjoys decent snowfall (over 150cm on the upper slopes for much of the most recent season) and is equipped with extensive snowmaking facilities.
Is Avoriaz suitable for beginners?
Avoriaz is great for beginners.
Ecoles or Dromonts in the centre of the town are the perfect learner slopes, each serviced by an easy drag lift.
Nearby, there are some long, gentle greens through the trees, including Proclou and Seraussaix, as well as some slightly more challenging blues.
When you’re ready to progress, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Highlights include the Stade d’Arare, Bleue du Lac, and Bleue d’Arare.
Family ski holidays in Avoriaz
Avoriaz is an ideal family ski destination.
Aside from the generous supply of learner-friendly slopes, there are loads of reliable ski schools and dedicated areas for kids.
The resort even has a miniature version of the aforementioned Stash snow park, which is great for young skiers that want to make their first freestyle moves.
And when you’re done on the slopes for the day, don’t forget to take your kids to the iconic Aquariaz water park. They’ll love its waterfall and tropical theme.
How to get to Avoriaz
The easiest way to get to Avoriaz from the UK is to fly to Geneva and then take a bus or transfer taxi from there.
The drive time is around 1 hour and a half.
Avoriaz Ski Holiday FAQs
Some of the questions we get asked about Avoriaz.
Is Avoriaz higher than Morzine?
At 1800m, Avoriaz is higher than Morzine, which sits down at 1000m.
How do you get to Avoriaz without skiing?
You can get from Morzine to Avoriaz without skiing by taking the free shuttle to the Prodain Express gondola.
How much is a beer in Avoriaz?
A pint of beer in Avoriaz will cost you around £6.50.
Are Morzine and Avoriaz the same?
Morzine and Avoriaz are two neighbouring but separate resorts that are located in the Port du Soleil ski area.
Is Avoriaz near Val Thorens?
No, Avoriaz is around 3 hours away from Val Thorens by car.
Can you ski to Switzerland from Avoriaz?
Yes, you can access Avoriaz from the neighbouring Swiss resorts of Champery and Les Crosets.
Does Avoriaz have a glacier?
Avoriaz does not have a glacier.
Avoriaz SKI PASS PRICES
The prices for the Avoriaz Portes Du Soleil lift pass, for the Winter 24/25 ski season can be found below.
| Number of days | Adult price | Child price | Senior price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | €362.00 | €277.00 | €328.00 |
| 4 | €264.00 | €203.00 | €240.00 |
| 3 | €215.00 | €166.00 | €196.00 |
Prices are normally based on a full area lift pass and child ages vary by resort. The above are guides, so please call one of the Iglu team for prices for your holiday.