Avoriaz Ski Resort Guide
Perched on a cliff high above Morzine, there are few more dramatic or recognisable resorts than Avoriaz. Purpose-built in the 1960s as part of the Portes du Soleil ski area development by Jean Vuarnet, what Avoriaz lacks in form it definitely makes up for in function.
The angular, dark wood-clad buildings that make up the town are almost entirely high-rise apartments. There are actually only a few hotels & chalets in resort, but that simply means Avoriaz benefits from great value self-catered accommodation. There are a good range of local amenities including plenty of shops and bars which are all central within the resort – as well as the impressive Aquariaz Water Centre.
One of the biggest draws to Avoriaz is its compact and well-designed layout. Accommodation here is mostly ski-in and ski-out which provides a fantastic level of convenience for a French resort. Rather uniquely, Avoriaz is also completely pedestrianised – with the only forms of traffic allowed in the resort being horse-drawn sleighs and snowcats. This creates a more relaxed atmosphere perfect for families, but can also mean a short walk through the snow on your arrival.
Avoriaz has always been a great destination for families, and has previously won the ‘Best Family Ski Resort’ at the World Ski Awards. The resort has fantastic facilities for children plus dedicated large ski areas to beginners. Avoriaz also lays on family-friendly events throughout the winter season.
Avoriaz Ski Resort FAQs
What are the best things about Avoriaz ski resort?
Avoriaz is well-known for its completely pedestrianised resort centre and horse-drawn carriages. It is a compact and convenient purpose-built resort with everything needed for a week holiday located centrally in the town. Avoriaz’s close proximity means short transfer times from Geneva airport and access to the huge Portes du Soleil ski area makes for a great holiday spot.
Is Avoriaz expensive?
Avoriaz is not especially expensive for a French ski resort unless you want to go for the full luxury experience. Accommodation can be found for reasonable rates with a little forward planning and by staying outside of the peak holiday weeks. The cost of food and drink is not overly extortionate outside of the busiest and most central locations.
Is Avoriaz a good ski resort for families with young children?
Yes, Avoriaz is a popular ski resort with families with young children and has won awards in this category too. There are plenty of gentle ski runs for beginners, areas to for children to learn, and child-friendly events and activities away from the slopes in Avoriaz resort. Childcare on and off the slopes is easy to arrange and the car-free nature of the resort makes for a much nicer area for children to play independently.
Is Avoriaz a good ski resort for families with teenage children?
Avoriaz resort provides a good option for a ski holiday with older and teenage children. There are a number of good options for ski & snowboard lessons in Avoriaz, coupled with plenty of green and blue ski runs where older children can be taught and practise independently. Off the slopes, activities like bowling and the large indoor waterpark are great for families with teenage children.
Does Avoriaz have a lively nightlife?
Yes, Avoriaz has a lively nightlife scene which benefits from being mostly in a small central area which means it is easy to move between venues. Le Tavaillon Bar and Le Shooters are two of the most popular late-night bars in Avoriaz, while the nightclub Le Yak Disco stays open until the small hours.
Is Avoriaz good for apres-ski bars & pubs?
When skiers & snowboarders are finished for the day there are a range of great apres-ski bars in Avoriaz to enjoy a well-earned beverage. The party starts in La Folie Douce, which is actually on the mountain, and continues in Globetrotters Cafe and Le Tavaillon down in the resort itself. Live music is regularly available and venues get lively in the late afternoon / early evening if you so wish.
What are the best restaurants in Avoriaz?
Avoriaz resort has plenty of restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. Most tend to be either French Savoie style or Italian pizza and pasta, but it is definitely possible to find all different cuisines within the town. Le Traino and La Reserve are TripAdvisor’s best-rated restaurants in Avoriaz ski resort at the time of writing.
What are the best bars in Avoriaz?
Depending on the time of day or what type of atmosphere you prefer, there are different bar options within Avoriaz. Globetrotters Cafe Bar is a popular slope-side bar with live music, while La Folie Douce Bar is always lively for at apres-ski time. For a more relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere, Le Lounge Roc Bar serves wonderful cocktails and tapas. The official Avoriaz website features more information on bars & nightclubs in Avoriaz.
What activities are available in Avoriaz for non-skiers or in the evenings?
One of the best non-skiing activities in Avoriaz is the Aquariaz aquatic centre which features a wide range of pools, slides, climbing wall and hot tubs within a tropical setting. There is also a bowling alley and cinema to occupy the evening away from the bars & restaurants in Avoriaz centre. Night sledging, dog sledding, snowmobiling and ice diving activities are available for the adventurous, while spa treatments and massages are available for those more inclined towards relaxation.
What special events does Avoriaz host during the winter season?
Avoriaz ski resort has some amazing special events on during the winter season. In addition to weekly family-friendly activities, they have special Christmas and New Year celebrations planned. In March Avoriaz hosts the internationally renowned Snowboxx Festival with a week of music from amazing artists as well as the great skiing that Avoriaz has to offer.
What activities are there for children in Avoriaz off the ski slopes?
As well as the Aquariaz aquatic centre for swimming adventures, children can get involved in a wide range of winter activities in Avoriaz including; sledging, ice skating, bowling, diving and even children’s snowmobiling.
