Avoriaz is located in the Haute-Savoie region of the Northern French Alps, within the Chablais massif. It’s part of the huge Portes du Soleil ski area, which stretches across the French–Swiss border.
Avoriaz has an altitude of 1,800 meters (5,905 feet) above sea level.
Yes, Avoriaz sits in the heart of the Portes du Soleil, a huge cross-border ski area connecting 12 resorts in France and Switzerland. It’s part of the 600 km network of interconnected slopes.
The ski season in Avoriaz usually runs from mid-December to mid or late April, with opening dates around the second week of December and closing dates in the latter half of April.
Avoriaz is one of the most snow-sure resorts in France, with nearly 8 meters of snowfall each year. Its north-facing slopes and upper areas like Les Hauts Forts keep conditions excellent, making it a safe bet for early or late-season skiing.
The easiest way is to book a transfer, with Geneva being the closest airport at about 1 hour 30 minutes away. Shared bus transfers are a budget option, and you can also rent a car if you’re confident driving on mountain roads.
Yes, AlpNav offers both shared and private transfers to Avoriaz. You can choose a cost-effective shared transfer with multiple drop-off points or a private, with standard or premium vehicles.
From Geneva it takes about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, while Chambery, Lyon, and Grenoble are around 2 to 3 hours. Keep in mind travel times can be longer during bad weather or busy holiday periods.
Yes, Avoriaz has plenty of gentle slopes like the Proclou green run, beginner areas with ski schools, and free nursery slopes. The car-free village and kids’ clubs also make it a safe and fun choice for families.
Yes, Ski schools like ESF Avoriaz, New Generation, and the British-run Avoriaz Alpine Ski School all have English-speaking instructors.
Yes, Avoriaz was designed as a car-free, ski-in, ski-out village, so almost every apartment or chalet has direct slope access. You can ski straight from your door to the lifts and back again at the end of the day.
Avoriaz has something for everyone, from beginner slopes like Ecoles and gentle green runs to tough black runs like the World Cup downhill and Swiss Wall. Freestylers can enjoy five snowparks and snowcross zones, while advanced skiers can tackle freeride areas and moguls in the Hauts Forts sector.
Yes, Avoriaz offers plenty for intermediates with blue and red runs, and for advanced skiers with expert terrain like the Swiss Wall and dedicated snowparks. Its high altitude and 8 meters of average snowfall per season make it a reliable choice for snow.
Yes, Avoriaz has four snowparks; The Stash, Lil’ Stash, Snowpark de la Chapelle, and Snowpark d’Arare, which cater to all levels. They feature natural and wooden obstacles for beginners through advanced freestylers.
Avoriaz has an active apres-ski scene, from energetic on-slope parties at La Folie Douce to music and dancing at The Place. You’ll also find cozy bars like Le Chapka for fondue, plus live music and international food at Shooters and Globetrotter Bar.
Yes, you can rent skis and snowboards from major chains like Skiset, Ski Republic, Intersport, and Sport 2000, as well as local shops such as Absolu Sport and Mir Famose. Many shops let you book online in advance, often with discounts to save time and money.
You can get Avoriaz-only passes for 120 km of local slopes or Portes du Soleil passes for the full 650 km ski area. Passes range from 5 hours to 14 days, with special options for beginners, children, and even pedestrian or mountain biking access depending on the season.
Avoriaz has plenty to do beyond skiing, from the Aquariaz water park, ice skating, snowmobiling, and husky sledding to snowshoeing and horse-drawn sleigh rides. For relaxation, there are spas, yoga, and a cinema, plus indoor fun like a bowling alley and kids’ playground.
Yes, the main Festival district is the heart of the resort, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops all within walking distance. You’ll find everything from supermarkets and delis to more specialized stores.
Yes, Avoriaz is a top destination for snowboarders and freestylers, with iconic snowparks like Burton The Stash and areas for all levels, from beginners at Lil’ Stash to advanced features at Arare. The resort’s design and Portes du Soleil access make it a freestyle paradise.
Avoriaz is about 12 km from Morzine, connected by the 4-minute Prodains Express cable car. Les Gets is also roughly 12 km away, with a 37-minute bus ride to the Prodains lift.
You can get around by bus or ski, using the Balad’Aulps bus system or the ski lifts and slopes. From Les Gets, take a short bus to Morzine, then another bus or the Prodains cable car to Avoriaz. A ski pass gives access to all areas.
No, there isn’t a continuous ski route through Morzine connecting all three resorts. You can ski between Les Gets and Morzine, and from Avoriaz into the Morzine area, but you’ll need the Super Morzine gondola or a bus to reach the other ski areas.
The Balad’Aulps bus connects Avoriaz, Morzine, Les Gets, and other local villages, with both paid and free options. Free local shuttles in Morzine and Avoriaz can also take you to the Prodains Express cable car for access to Avoriaz.
It takes about 15–20 minutes to drive the 12 km from Avoriaz to Morzine, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
Yes, it’s fairly easy, but you need to leave Avoriaz using the Prodains Express gondola, a bus, or a road train. The two resorts aren’t directly connected by slopes, so transport is required for a day trip.
Yes, with a full Portes du Soleil ski pass, you can reach Morzine, Les Gets, and many other resorts. Avoriaz’s plateau location makes it easy to explore the entire ski area.
The Balad’Aulps bus connects these villages during the holiday seasons. Free village shuttles in Morzine and Les Gets can help you get around locally, and buses or taxis link to the Prodains Express cable car for access to Avoriaz.
Yes, A Portes du Soleil ski pass gives access to all three resorts. You can ski between Les Gets and Morzine, then use the Super Morzine or Prodains Express lifts to reach Avoriaz.
