Avoriaz 1800 is a striking, purpose-built ski resort that sits high above the Morzine valley. Designed in the 1960s to blend into the surrounding cliff faces, its angular, cedar-clad apartment blocks give it a futuristic yet organic appearance. It is entirely pedestrianised – cars are left at the village entrance, and the streets are snowy paths shared by skiers, pedestrians, and horse-drawn sleighs. The resort holds the central, high-altitude position within the Portes du Soleil, a massive cross-border ski domain spanning France and Switzerland. Skiers do not come here for a quaint traditional village experience; they come for unparalleled convenience, high-altitude snow reliability, and instant access to 600 km of linked pistes. Whether you want to lap the world-class snowparks, tackle the infamous Swiss Wall, or cruise endless blues into neighbouring valleys, Avoriaz serves as the ultimate launchpad.
Mountain culture & milestones
Avoriaz does not have the centuries-old alpinist history of Chamonix or Zermatt. It was built from scratch in 1966, the brainchild of local downhill champion Jean Vuarnet and developer Gérard Brémond. They envisioned a resort where cars were banned and the architecture mimicked the rocky landscape. Over the decades, it became a pioneer in European freestyle snowboarding, building some of the first dedicated snowparks and halfpipes in the Alps, a legacy it maintains today with its world-class Stash park.
Valley bases: where to stay
Avoriaz is a single, compact village perched on a cliff, so it does not have the sprawling valley bases seen in other resorts. However, the village is divided into distinct, interconnected neighbourhoods.
| Base | Vibe | Nearest ski sector |
|---|---|---|
| Festival | Bustling, central, close to shops and tourism office | Arare / Plateau |
| Amancaya & Crozats | Quieter, elevated, modern apartments | Hauts-Forts |
| Falaise | Edge of the cliff, panoramic views, slightly removed | Super [Morzine](/wiki/resorts/morzine/) |
| Dromonts | Traditional (the oldest quarter), lively après-ski | Plateau |
| Prodains | Base of the valley (1,100 m), connected by cable car | Prodains Express |
Ski sectors at a glance
While Avoriaz provides direct links into Switzerland and Morzine, its own local terrain is broken down into several distinct zones that cater to different skill levels.
| Sector | Altitude range | İçin en iyisi |
|---|---|---|
| Arare & Hauts-Forts | 1,800–2,466 m | Experts, steep reds, blacks, high-altitude snow |
| Lindarets | 1,460–2,255 m | Intermediates, tree skiing, snowparks (The Stash) |
| Super [Morzine](/wiki/resorts/morzine/) | 1,500–1,800 m | Beginners, sunny blues, links to [Morzine](/wiki/resorts/morzine/) |
| Mossettes & Crozats | 1,800–2,277 m | Intermediates/Experts, border crossing to Switzerland |
The mountain & skiing
Avoriaz acts as the main artery of the Portes du Soleil. The local slopes offer around 53 km of pistes, but most visitors buy the full area pass. The Arare sector, situated above the tree line, provides wide, steep carving pistes and the challenging Hauts-Forts runs, which drop sharply down to the Prodains cable car. This area holds the best snow on the mountain and appeals strongly to advanced skiers.
For intermediates and freestyle fans, the Lindarets valley is the undisputed highlight. It is filled with rolling blue and red runs through the trees, making it perfect for bad weather days. It is also home to “The Stash”, a massive ecological snowpark built entirely from natural wood features hidden in the forest. From Lindarets, it is a quick lift ride over the Chaux Fleurie ridge to drop into Châtel. Meanwhile, experts often head towards the Swiss border to test their nerves on the Mur Suisse (Swiss Wall) – a notoriously steep, heavily moguls face that drops directly into Les Crosets.
The village & après-ski
The village itself is a unique experience. Because there are no cars, the streets are covered in snow, and you can ski directly to the door of almost every building. Luggage is transported by snowcat or horse-drawn sleigh, adding a bizarre but charming feel to arrival days. The architecture is sharp and angular, with wooden shingles that weather naturally over time.
The après-ski scene is highly energetic. La Folie Douce sits just above the village, drawing huge crowds for tabletop dancing before the final ski down. In the centre, bars like Le Shooters and The Place keep the energy going late into the night. Dining options are vast, though heavily focused on traditional Savoyard fare, pizza, and quick mountain lunches rather than high-end gastronomy.
Snow & season
Despite its relatively modest peak altitude compared to the mega-resorts of the Tarentaise, Avoriaz receives some of the heaviest and most consistent snowfall in the French Alps. The resort catches weather systems moving off the Atlantic, dumping deep snow on the 1,800 m plateau. The season generally runs from mid-December through late April. The Arare and Hauts-Forts sectors retain excellent snow quality well into spring, though the lower tree-lined runs in Lindarets and Super Morzine can suffer in late April warm spells.
Summer & year-round
Avoriaz does not shut down when the snow melts. In the summer, the Portes du Soleil transforms into one of Europe’s premier mountain biking destinations. The ski lifts run throughout July and August, allowing downhill bikers to tackle hundreds of kilometres of trails. The village also hosts the Aquariaz water park – a tropical-themed indoor pool complex with a halfpipe slide and outdoor hot tubs – which remains a major draw for families in both winter and summer. Hiking, golfing, and trail running keep the resort active until the autumn shoulder season.
Safety & mountain etiquette
While the groomed slopes are generally safe and well-patrolled, Avoriaz has several “Snowcross” zones. These are un-pisted, secured areas where skiers can experience off-piste conditions (moguls, deep powder) with the safety of avalanche control. However, if you venture completely off-piste, particularly off the back of the Hauts-Forts or towards the Swiss border, you are in wild mountain terrain. Deep ravines and avalanche paths exist just outside the marked boundaries, so hiring a guide and carrying standard safety equipment is essential.
Who it suits best
Avoriaz is ideal for families, groups of mixed abilities, and serious mileage-hungry skiers who want to cover massive distances across two countries. The ski-in/ski-out convenience, pedestrian streets, and excellent ski schools make it incredibly easy for parents with young children. Freestyle skiers and snowboarders will find arguably the best park infrastructure in France. It is less suited to those who want a traditional, rustic alpine village with old chalets, or those who prefer a quiet, low-key evening atmosphere.
Getting there
Avoriaz is highly accessible from Geneva, making it a favourite for short breaks and weekend trips. * Geneva Airport: 80 km * Chambéry Airport: 130 km * Lyon Airport: 200 km The nearest rail hubs are Cluses and Thonon-les-Bains, both of which connect to the local bus network serving the Prodains cable car base.
External links
This guide is published by Alps2Alps for general information only. It is not affiliated with Wikipedia or any resort, airport, or lift operator. Facts were accurate at the time of writing; always check official sources before travel.
Son teslim tarihi: 13 Şubat
Kazanan Duyurusu: 14 Şubat
