Skiing and snowboarding from Avoriaz feels expansive, with a rare combination of diversity and accessibility. From the village centre, you can be on a chairlift within minutes, with terrain that flows naturally from gentle blues to steeper challenges without long traverses or complicated lift connections. The high altitude means the snow stays consistent, and on a clear day, the views across to Mont Blanc make every run feel special.

The Portes du Soleil stretches before you - and on a clear day, you can ski from France into Switzerland and back, exploring different villages and characters as you go. Above Avoriaz, the local terrain is varied and interesting, with excellent parks, terrain to keep advanced skiers engaged and a modern lift system that's efficient.

Skiing for beginners in Avoriaz

Avoriaz invests heavily in beginner experiences. For example, the dedicated P'tit Avoriaz area provides a contained, gentle space - where new skiers and boarders can find their feet without interference from faster traffic. Magic carpets and easy drags make those first experiences achievable, and the beginner-friendly snow quality at this altitude is consistently soft - so falling won't hurt quite as much.

Once you're ready to progress, the wide runs towards Lindarets offer long, gentle blues through beautiful scenery. The Village des Enfants ski school has been perfecting children's instruction since the 1970s, and adult lessons benefit from the same expertise. The ski-in/ski-out village design means you can take breaks from slope activity without the hassle of navigating to and from distant car parks.

Intermediate skiing in Avoriaz

For intermediates, the network of blues and reds at Avoriaz and the Portes du Soleil seem endless. With hundreds of kilometres at your disposal, you can ski for days and progress naturally without repeating the same runs. Many intermediates head towards Châtel for rolling, tree-lined red and blue descents, or cross into Switzerland for a different character entirely - the Swiss Wall from Les Crosets is a memorable way to end a day (though the return route is a bus ride).

The red runs from Chavanette back towards Avoriaz offer excellent cruising with stunning views, while the Arare sector provides satisfying intermediate terrain closer to home. The lift system is modern enough to minimise queuing, and the variety means you can match your skiing and snowboarding to how you're feeling - whether that's gentle exploration or more challenging effort.

Advanced and expert skiing in Avoriaz

The infamous Swiss Wall - Chavanette - sits right on Avoriaz's doorstep, a mogul field of legitimate steepness that demands both skill and respect. It's not always in condition, but when it is, this is one of the most challenging marked runs in the Alps. For further steep terrain, the Hauts Forts sector also delivers, including some excellent black runs with consistent pitch.

Off-piste opportunities abound in Avoriaz, particularly after fresh snow. The couloirs accessible from the Fornet chair are quite serious, and definitely require guides - while the areas around Les Hauts Forts offer more accessible powder when conditions allow. Local guides at Avoria know how to find lines that rarely get tracked out, particularly in the Arare and Fornet sectors, or the north-facing slopes above Les Prodains - which tend to hold powder well after a storm.

Snowboarding in Avoriaz

Avoriaz has legitimate credentials as a boarder's freestyle destination. The Stash - a collaboration with snowboard legend Jake Burton - creates a natural terrain park through the trees, with wooden features and natural hits. The Arare snowpark offers more traditional features including a super-pipe, while the relaxed atmosphere attracts a strong snowboarding community. And in general, the terrain at Avoriaz flows well for boarders, with few flat spots that require unstrapping.

Off-piste and glacier skiing

While Avoriaz doesn't have glacier skiing, the off-piste terrain is extensive and diverse. North-facing slopes above the village hold powder well, and the amount of snowfall means rideable off-piste is more commonly available than in sunnier resorts. The forest areas around Lindarets offer tree skiing when visibility is poor, and local guides can access terrain that rarely sees other skiers.

Avoriaz snow school and lessons

Avoriaz's Village des Enfants pioneered children's ski instruction in France, and remains one of the best places to learn today. Annie Famose's original concept - making learning fun rather than formal - continues to underpin the approach. Adult lessons through ESF and various independent schools are readily available, and its common to find English-speaking instructors.

Through WeSki, you can add ski or snowboard lessons to your package and have everything arranged before you arrive. Check out Avoriaz ski deals to get started.

Avoriaz snow parks

Avoriaz is a known freestyle ski and snowboard destination. The Arare snowpark offers traditional park features including rails, boxes, jumps of various sizes, and a super-pipe. The Stash provides a more natural experience - a trail through the forest with wooden features, natural hits, and creative obstacles designed by Jake Burton himself. The Lil' Stash is a great, unique feature that introduces younger riders to freestyle in a contained environment.

Avoriaz piste map

1. Avoriaz Family ski holiday
2. Things to do in Avoriaz
3. Planning your trip in Avoriaz
4. How to get to Avoriaz
5. Avoriaz FAQs

Avoriaz family ski holiday

Avoriaz was one of the first resorts to take families seriously - it practically invented the concept of a family-friendly ski holiday, and it remains one of the best today. The car-free environment means children can play safely on the snowy streets, while the Village des Enfants ski school has been refining children's instruction since the 1970s. Its compact village layout means everything is within reach, and the ski-in/ski-out design eliminates the morning hassle of getting to lessons, with most accommodation sitting directly on the slopes.

Dedicated family zones on the mountain provide safe learning spaces, while the indoor Aquariaz water park offers a welcome alternative on rest days or when small legs get tired. Horse-drawn sleighs provide transport that children find magical rather than mundane, and the overall atmosphere is welcoming to families rather than merely tolerating them.

WeSki insider tip: Book Village des Enfants lessons early for peak weeks - this is one of France's most popular children's ski schools and spaces fill quickly.

Things to do in Avoriaz

The car-free environment and self-contained village create a unique atmosphere for exploring this resort beyond the slopes - whether that's splashing in the tropical water park or watching the sun set over the peaks from a mountain restaurant.

Snow activities

Beyond downhill skiing, the mountains around Avoriaz offer plenty of ways to experience the winter environment, including:

• Snowshoeing: Guided excursions through the forests around Lindarets with mountain views.
• Fat biking: Wide-tyred bikes on cleared trails offer a different perspective.
• Dog sledding: Mushing experiences on husky-led sleds are available at the edge of the resort.
• Night skiing: Occasional floodlit sessions on selected, illuminated runs.
• Ice diving: A unique adventure allows you to explore the crystalline world under Lake Montriond with guided professionals.
• Speedriding: Combined skiing and paragliding with tandem lights from the summit.
• Ice climbing: Guided ice climbing on frozen waterfalls for beginners and experienced climbers.
• Airboarding: Inflatable sleds for a different kind of descent.

Non-snow activities

Luckily, rest days in Avoriaz don't require venturing far. The village itself provides enough entertainment to fill a day off the slopes, including:

• Aquariaz: Tropical water park with slides, wave pool, and lazy river at 1,800m altitude.
• Deep Nature Spa: Wellness centre with treatments, pools, and relaxation areas.
• Ice skating: Outdoor rink in the village centre with evening sessions, too.
• Cinema: Regular film screenings in the village showing the latest releases.
• Shopping: Boutiques and sports shops throughout the pedestrianised streets.
• Horse-drawn sleigh rides: Explore the village and scenic surrounding areas by sleigh.
• Bowling: Indoor bowling alley in the centre of the village.

Avoriaz restaurants

Dining in Avoriaz ranges from simple slope-side snacks to proper gastronomic experiences. The car-free streets make restaurant-hopping easy, and mountain restaurants accessible on skis add variety for lunch.

• La Réserve: Fine dining in an intimate setting with creative, mountain-inspired French cuisine.
• Les Enfants Terribles: Mountain-top restaurant with panoramic terrace and quality Savoyard dishes.
• La Cabane des Marmottes: Cosy slope-side spot at Lindarets, the "goat village".
• Le Bistro: Central village restaurant with reliable and relaxed French cooking at reasonable prices.
• La Tanière: Good-value mountain fare with friendly service.
• Le Chalet d'Avoriaz: Traditional Savoyard specialities in a warm atmosphere.
• Les Fontaines Blanches: Refined dining in an elegant setting at one of the village's best hotels.
• L'Igloo: Mid-mountain restaurant with panoramic terrace views.
• The Chapka: Burgers and casual dining with a lively atmosphere.

WeSki insider tip: Lindarets - the "goat village" - makes a wonderful lunch destination, with several restaurants and resident goats who are actually very friendly once you get used to them.

Avoriaz après-ski

Après-ski in Avoriaz is more relaxed than in some French mega-resorts, though it picks up as the week progresses. The compact, car-free village means moving between bars is easy, and the atmosphere is friendly rather than frantic. It's a scene that typically starts around 4pm on the slopes, at spots like Les Enfants Terribles, before moving into the village as the lifts close.

The evening scene centres around a handful of bars that draw a mixed crowd of families, couples, and groups. It's not excessive - think groups sharing cheese platters and swapping stories from the slopes, rather than standing-room-only mayhem - but there's enough going on to keep you entertained. Last but not least, the walk home through snowy, traffic-free streets is rather magical regardless of how many vin chauds you've consumed.

Here are some of our top après recommendations at Avoriaz:

• Les Enfants Terribles: Mountain restaurant that kicks into après mode as skiing winds down.
• Le Globe Trotteur: Live music and a party atmosphere most evenings.
• Le Yak: Popular bar with good drinks selection and a lively crowd.
• Le Shooters: Late-night spot for when you want to keep going.
• Le Pub: British-friendly venue with familiar drinks and sports on TV.
• Le Tavaillon: Slope-side terrace perfect for afternoon drinks.
• Le Fantastique: Late-night club in the heart of the resort.
• The Place: Relaxed lounge bar with cocktails and live music.

Avoriaz map

Planning your trip to Avoriaz

Avoriaz accommodation

Accommodation in Avoriaz sits within the compact, pedestrianised village, with most options offering genuine ski-in, ski-out access (since that's how the village was originally designed). Apartments are probably the most popular, ranging from functional studios to spacious family units - all in the distinctive wood-clad buildings that define the resort's look. The resort's handful of hotels include some excellent options, notably Les Dromonts and the Chilly Powder.

Location matters less here than in many resorts, but the village is divided into a few distinct areas with different advantages. Centre resort puts you closest to shops, restaurants, and the main lifts - which are convenient, but busier. The Falaise area offers slightly more peace and better views, with easy access to the slopes. Properties near the Prodains lift provide a quieter alternative with direct access to Morzine below.

WeSki insider tips:

• Check if your apartment includes ski lockers - some do, some don't, and it makes a significant difference.
• Falaise apartments offer better views and quieter nights while remaining ski-in/ski-out.
• Properties near Prodains are great if you want easy access to Morzine's nightlife.
• Self-catering works well here - the supermarket is well-stocked and delivers to apartments.

Avoriaz ski pass

The Portes du Soleil ski pass unlocks the full 600km network spanning 12 resorts across France and Switzerland. This is the standard choice for most visitors and represents extraordinary value given the terrain accessed. For those planning to stay local, an Avoriaz-only pass is available at reduced cost, covering the immediate slopes above the village.

The pass also includes some free activities in the resort, including ice skating. Multi-day passes offer better value than buying daily, and the seamless integration across the international border makes exploring the full area straightforward.

WeSki can help you find the right pass for your group, with a variety of lift pass options available when building your Avoriaz ski deals package.

Equipment hire

Several rental shops operate in the Avoriaz village, with equipment delivered directly to your accommodation in many cases - which is useful given the car-free environment. Standard packages cover skis, boots, and poles (or snowboard and boots), with premium options for newer or performance equipment available. Given Avoriaz's freestyle reputation, shops here tend to have good snowboard and park ski selections. Helmets are available separately and are increasingly expected on the slopes.

Booking in advance saves money and ensures your equipment is ready when you arrive.

WeSki partners with SkiSet shops in Avoriaz, letting you add equipment to your package and collect on arrival. Browse Avoriaz ski deals to build your perfect trip.

Getting around Avoriaz

Avoriaz's car-free design means walking (or sliding on skis and snowboards) is how you get around. The village is compact enough that nowhere is more than about 10 minutes' walk from anywhere else, though the terrain is hilly and some routes involve steps or slopes. Horse-drawn sleighs provide transport for luggage and those with mobility issues, operating like taxis throughout the village.

The free resort shuttle bus connects different parts of the village for those who prefer wheels, though most visitors simply walk. For evening trips down to Morzine's livelier nightlife, the Prodains cable car connects the villages until fairly late, and taxis are also available for the return journey.

WeSki insider tips:

• Pack light - getting luggage from the car park to your accommodation involves sleighs and walking, not trolleys and lifts.
• Download the Portes du Soleil app before you arrive - it shows lift wait times and helps you navigate between resorts.

How to get to Avoriaz

Travel to Avoriaz typically starts with a flight to Geneva, approximately 75km away and offering the shortest transfer time. Lyon and Chambéry are alternatives at longer distances but may have better flight options depending on your departure airport.

From Geneva, the transfer passes through the Swiss lakeside towns before climbing into the mountains. The final approach is dramatic - the road climbs steeply to the village entrance, where you leave your car in the covered car park and transfer to horse-drawn sleighs or walk to your accommodation. This car-free commitment extends to the whole visit - you won't need (or be able to use) a car once you're there.

WeSki offers car rentals from the airport as well as private and shared transfers to Avoriaz, which can be added to your package for seamless door-to-door travel. Explore Avoriaz ski deals to start building your trip.

Avoriaz FAQs

Is Avoriaz really car-free?

Yes, it really is car-free here. Cars are parked in a covered garage at the village entrance, and from there you transfer by horse-drawn sleigh or walk to your accommodation. The village streets are covered in snow throughout the season, with no roads or traffic. It creates a unique atmosphere - children can play safely, and the sound of sleigh bells replaces car engines. Emergency and service vehicles are the only exceptions.

How reliable is the snow in Avoriaz?

Avoriaz is one of the snowiest resorts in the French Alps, with the village at 1,800m and slopes reaching 2,466m. The resort receives an average of around 8 metres of snowfall per season, and the north-facing aspect helps snow stay in good condition. The season typically runs from mid-December to late April, with the best conditions usually found from January onwards. Even in thinner years, the altitude keeps Avoriaz in better shape than lower resorts in the region.

Is Avoriaz good for families?

Avoriaz is one of the best family ski resorts in France. The Village des Enfants ski school pioneered children's instruction and remains excellent. The car-free environment means children can move around safely, the Aquariaz water park provides a rest-day alternative, and the ski-in/ski-out design eliminates morning hassle. The compact village keeps everything within easy reach, and the overall atmosphere is genuinely family-friendly rather than just tolerant.

What is the Swiss Wall like?

The Swiss Wall (Chavanette) is one of the most famous - and challenging - marked runs in the Alps. It's a steep mogul field dropping from France into Switzerland, with a consistent pitch that demands solid technique. It's not always in skiable condition, and when it is, it's genuinely difficult. Intermediates should probably avoid it; confident advanced skiers will find it a memorable challenge. There's a viewing point if you want to watch others attempt it first.

Can you ski to other resorts from Avoriaz?

Yes - Avoriaz sits at the heart of the Portes du Soleil, which links 12 resorts across France and Switzerland on one lift pass. You can ski to Châtel, Les Gets, Morzine, and several Swiss villages including Champéry and Les Crosets. Some connections are more direct than others, and some require walking through village streets. The Swiss Wall drops you into Switzerland, though returning by ski is more roundabout - a bus service helps.

What is the nightlife like in Avoriaz?

Après-ski in Avoriaz is relaxed compared to Méribel or Val d'Isère. The car-free village and family-friendly atmosphere mean it's more about cosy bars and good restaurants than wild clubs. Things pick up at weekends and during peak weeks. For serious nightlife, the Prodains cable car connects to Morzine, which has a livelier scene. The walk home through snowy streets is rather charming regardless of how many drinks you've had.

Is Avoriaz expensive?

Avoriaz is mid-range by French standards - cheaper than the Tarentaise mega-resorts like Courchevel or Val d'Isère, but not a budget destination. Self-catering helps control costs, and the Portes du Soleil lift pass offers excellent value given the terrain accessed. Restaurant prices are reasonable, and the car-free environment means no parking fees or fuel costs during your stay. Shopping in Swiss resorts on the pass is typically more expensive.

Explore other resorts in France

Val Thorens - La Plagne - Chamonix - Tignes - Val d'Isère - Méribel - Les Arcs - Les Menuires - Courchevel - Flaine - La Clusaz - Serre Chevalier - Samoëns - La Rosière - Montgenèvre - Val Cenis - Megève - St Martin de Belleville - Isola 2000 - Risoul - Valmorel - Les Gets - Morzine - Les Deux Alpes - Alpe d'Huez - Vaujany - Sainte Foy Tarentaise - Saint Gervais les bains - Châtel - Les Houches - Les Sybelles - Les Carroz - Les Contamines-Montjoie - Les Orres - Les Saisies