Superb skiing in this traffic-free resort in the huge Portes du Soleil region

  • Over 600 kilometres of skiable terrain across the Portes du Soleil ski area
  • Avoriaz has a resort altitude of 1,800 meters
  • Portes du Soleil skiable terrain is as high as 2,300 metres

The purpose built, snow sure resort of Avoriaz is the highest in the Portes du Soleil - the world's largest international linked ski area. Awarded the Best Family Resort in the Snow Awards justifies its reputation as family friendly, as well as appealing to skiers and boarders of all abilities with slopes such as the best blue run in the area, Abricotine, and Coupe du Monde being the best black run with great views.

The Flocon Vert label has been awarded to Avoriaz, demonstrating the resort's commitment to environmental preservation and highlighting its dedication to sustainable development. Since the resort opened in the 60s it has been pedestrianised, making it incredibly accessible whether on skis, on foot or even horse drawn sleigh. The resort has a partnership with Blablacar which promotes carpooling to and from resort, additionally BlaBlaBus is the best way to reach the main Avoriaz 1800 station. Once you are on the mountain, the Stash snow park provides fun for the whole family, found between the trees in a reforestation zone. It's made up of different ability level snow parks built with dead untreated wood which has been collected locally, so it blends into the landscape. There's a wide choice of shops, restaurants and bars dotted around the resort, many of which serve local ingredients and French-origin products and most buildings are designed to conserve heat, and with the use of solar panels generate energy too. 

Skiing and snowboarding in Avoriaz

Avoriaz is located above Morzine and is part of the Portes du Soleil ski area, both of which are known for their abundance of high-quality and diverse skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Avoriaz itself is perfect for all abilities as there are plenty of cruisy blue slopes and tree lined runs. For the more advanced, upgrading to the Portes du Soleil ski pass is your ticket to endless adventures, you will have access to 600km of piste across France and Switzerland. If you are after a challenge, have a go at skiing The Circuit - it is the best way to see as much as the Portes du Soleil as possible. It takes about six hours for an intermediate skier to complete, not including the all important lunch break. 

Avoriaz has always been at the forefront of snowboarding culture, it was actually the first resort in France to open a terrain park. Since then, it has become an excellent choice for snowboarders and freestylers of all levels, with a wide range of snow parks to choose from. The Stash is an off-piste, tree-run, free-ride park with numerous tables, rails, and wall-rides. Additionally, there is the Lil Stash, which is designed for beginners and children and includes comparable features to those in the main park.

Where to stay in Avoriaz

We have a range of properties on offer in Avoriaz, many of which have a central location in the resort and great access to the ski slopes. Whether you want a cosy chalet or high quality apartments in the centre of the town, most of the properties have a central location with great access to the slopes.

Bars and restaurants in Avoriaz

Avoriaz has a great selection of restaurants for a variety of different tastes. The food in the area is predominantly French with Swiss influences, and be sure to try some of the delicious wines while you’re away. There are plenty of options that are suitable for families, as well as budget friendly options, including pizzerias, takeaways and cosy bistros. 

What's included in an Inghams Ski holiday to Avoriaz

Flights, transfers and accommodation based on self catering, half board or chalet catering. Optional add ons include equipment hire, lift pass and tuition, please see the 'Ski Extras' tab below for more information on these.

Added value

Save £100pp on your 2024/25 ski holiday when you pre-buy your lift pass and equipment hire/carriage (Book by 3 June 2024)

One free child, under 12 years, Portes du Soleil Lift Pass with each Adult Portes du Soleil Lift Pass that is pre-booked (departing from 30 Mar 24)

Ski hotels and chalets in Avoriaz

  • from£1254pp
  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    5 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • Sleeps 14-15
Marie exterior (2).JPG

Chalet Marie is a stunning chalet sleeping 14-15, full of character and a wonderful open-pan lounge with high, beamed ceiling, a feature fireplace, floor to ceiling windows and a balcony with great views over the ski slopes and distant peaks. The chalet is located right on the piste side, an ideal location for quick and easy access onto the Portes du Soleil Ski Area. This chalet offers a chalet catered board basis including breakfast, afternoon tea and cake and dinner with unlimited wine.

  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    5 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • 204 rooms
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We are delighted to feature this modern complex of luxury apartments which form its own village complex area affording a ski-in/ski-out environment.

  • from£1369pp
  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    3.5 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • 259 rooms
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Hotel Les Cimes du Soleil is an All Inclusive hotel and a wonderful choice with ski-in, ski-out accommodation in the heart of this quaint traffic-free resort. It's an excellent choice for couples, friends or families alike.

 

  • from£1439pp
  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    4 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • 35 bedrooms
HDD Exterieure 5 @ Maxime COQUARD[1]

This fantastic hotel is offered on a half board basis and is located in the centre of Avoriaz. It is a gem of a property with it's vintage-chic decor and iconic designer furniture. The hotel has a fantastic new spa with outdoor jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, as well as massages and treatments, which can be booked locally, offering the chance to truly unwind in style.

  • from£689pp
  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    4 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • 75 rooms
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Located in the "Les Crozats" area of Avoriaz, perched above the resort, the Electra Apartments enjoy an uninterrupted view over the Morzine valley.

  • from£669pp
  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    3 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • 120 apartments
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The Saskia Falaise residence is located at the entrance to Avoriaz, in the heart of the Falaise area.

  • from£728pp
  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    4 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • 199 rooms
exterior 2.jpg

These high quality apartments, built in 2012, are all situated in the Les Crozats area, close to the centre of Avoriaz and enjoy direct access to and from the slopes.

Ski and Snowboard Information
Skiing levels
Beginner
Intermediates
Advanced
Snowboard
Cross country

Beginner skiing and snowboarding in Avoriaz

Beginners can enjoy the gentle nursery slopes around the tops of the Plateau chair lift and Proclou chair lift. The the long, gentle green Proclou piste is a great place to start, and follow it up with the easy blue runs around the Prolays and Brochaux chair lifts. 

Intermediate skiing and snowboarding in Avoriaz

The whole Portes du Soleil is an absolute treasure for the intermediate skier with plenty of pleasant blue runs throughout. The area that towers over Avoriaz and is accessed by the Lac-Intrets chair lift offers plenty of easy cruising, and the blue runs in the Les Lindarets area, which is easily accessed by the Prolays chair lift. 

Advanced skiing and snowboarding in Avoriaz

At the very top of the Grandes Combes chair lift, there is ski section known as Les Hauts Forts that features a stretch of black-rated slopes as well as powder pockets. Try the Combe du Machon, a steep mogul run that leads you under the chairlift. This route is perfect for those looking for lengthy and challenging black slopes. Another great route from the Hauts Forts is the blue runs Bleue d’Arare and Le Crôt - These runs are varied so you can vary your skiing style. Then we can talk about skiing in Avoriaz without mentioning the infamous 'Swiss Wall', give it a go or get the chairlift down to watch those brave enough to have a go!

Freeriding in Avoriaz

Sitting directly above Avoriaz is the Snowpark Chappelle which includes a variety of features- jumps, boxes, rails and kickers. There is an area exclusively for the beginner freestyler to get some practice here as well.  The Stash Freestyle Park was the first of its kind- a long snaking run that dips and dives through the trees with rails, boxes and kickers made out of natural materials and hidden in corners and between trees. The Stash is in the Lindarets sector of the Avoriaz ski area and can be reached via the 6-seater Prolays chairlift.

Avoriaz features a few Snowcross Zones, which are un-pisted, secured zones where you can enjoy the freedom of off-piste terrain while keeping the same level of safety as you would on a pisted run.


Mountain facts
Area 600 km
Resort Altitude 1800m
Ski Alt. From 1000m
Ski Alt. To 2466m
Runs 37 123 110 30
Lifts Lifts 208
Lift Ski LockersNo
Whole Area Pass Lifts208
Night Skiing IncludedNo
Snow Cannons694
Off-piste OptionsNo
Things To Do

Food and drink

Avoriaz has a great selection of restaurants for a variety of different tastes. With French and Swiss influences, there is no shortage of great food - whether you feel like classic Alpine dishes such as fondue or raclette, or family friendly spots, you will be sure to find somewhere that meets your taste.

For on-the-go hearty burgers, curly chips and snacks in an ideal piste-side location, head to Le Changa, just opposite the Prodains cable car summit station. It is incredibly popular, especially on a sunny day.

Also in the area is Chez Flo, offering both inside/outside dining and a delicious menu of Savoyard dishes, croque monseuirs and chips. Next door is Les Trappeurs which is both a lively après bar as well as a good place to stop for a bite to eat, also offering Savoyard dishes but also some Italian specials, and wine.

If you are looking for somewhere to enjoy traditional French dishes, La Reserve offers classic gourmet French dishes, there is also occasional live music.

Après, bars and nightlife

Après culture reigns supreme in Avoriaz, and plenty of the bars and restaurants come to life at 5pm when the lifts close and everyone is growing a little thirsty. Providing you get the last lift at 5pm back up to Avoriaz, Happy Hours Bar at the base of Ardent is a great choice. Snacks are also served and there is live music occasionally. 

La Folie Douce has made its way to the slopes of Avoriaz, it is an ideal stop on the way back from a day of exploring the Portes du Soleil. A popular apres bar with live music and DJs throughout the season.

Back in Avoriaz and its getting late- head to Shooters Bar, which has a lively atmosphere and mostly indoors so you stay warm in the evenings. The Yak is a basement club and is open until early, with guest DJs, house music and good times! 

Shopping

Guests can expect the usual sporting goods stores, souvenirs, tabac shop, and a chemist (pharmacy) when shopping in Avoriaz. Most of the shops in the town are based along the Promenade du Festival which stretches past the tourism office. There are several Sherpa supermarkets for those who are living in self-catered accommodation and they are based very conveniently close to the hotels. You will find two ATM machines near to the tourism office on Promenade du Festival. 

If you want a full day of shopping it might be best to head down the valley to Morzine, where you will find a much wider array of shops and facilities.

Spas and relaxation

If you’re looking for something for the whole family, head to Aquariaz swimming pool complex where you’ll be transported a thousand miles away to a warm sub-tropical climate even when the snow is falling outside. There is an open air spa heated to 34 degrees, as well as massage benches and a water playhouse to keep the kids occupied. 

Arts, culture and events

Avoriaz is a purpose built in the 1960s with a ‘space age’ feel to it, but there is still plenty of culture to be had. With Rock the Pistes happening every year in March and the new Snowboxx festival migrating to this small town, it’s a real hot spot for music lovers. 

The mountains around Avoriaz are also home to plenty of vista spots that stretch over France and neighbouring Switzerland. For a wonderful experience and photo opportunity head up the Fornet chair lift and you’ll see what we’re talking about! 

More culture and Alpine lifestyle can be found if you venture down into the much older and more traditional Morzine at the base of the mountain.

Resort Activities

Aquariaz

Aquariaz swimming pool feels like a tropical haven, a thousand miles away from the Bahamas. The leisure centre has several different swimming areas including an indoor river, a sidewinder and themed children's area. It is the perfect place to spend an afternoon when it is just to snowy to go skiing.

Igloo Experience 

Discover the coolest dining experience in Avoriaz, the Village Igloo. A unique ice grotto, bar, restaurant and mini hotel in Avoriaz, where can enjoy a traditional Savoyard meal in a spectacular setting.  Apart from having dinner in the igloo, the bar is open throughout the winter season, as is the hotel. It really is an unforgettable experience for everyone. Book and pay locally.

Horse drawn sleigh

Acting as the taxi service in Avoriaz, there are plenty of horse-drawn sleighs around the town, and grabbing a trip from one end of Avoriaz to another is great fun for everyone of all ages! Pay locally.

Ice skating

There is a small ice rink in the middle of Avoriaz, lit up at night and you can hire your skates locally. This is a fantastic child-friendly activity that can be enjoyed even after the pistes close for the day. Pay locally. 

Bowling

There is a two-lane bowling alley and arcade located in a subterranean complex on Place des Dromonts. It’s hard to miss the big ‘bowling’ sign out the front. Pay locally. 

Cinema

Located in the centre of Avoriaz near the tourism office and ice skating rink, the small cinema has two screens and shows all of the national releases. Please note that some films will be voice dubbed in French. Pay locally. 

Parapenting 

For the thrill seekers out there, paragliding (or parapenting as the French say) is available in both Avoriaz and Morzine throughout the ski season for those who dare. 

Helicopter rides

If you think the mountains are beautiful from the ground then try seeing them from above. Helicopter tours and rides are available in resort and make a great day out for everyone.

Snowshoeing

You can take a guided ramble through the beautiful Alpine landscape with a pair of snowshoes. This relaxing activity is the perfect way to step back and enjoy a slower pace of things, explore the forests, spotting animals and breathing the fresh mountain air. There are even evening snowshoe walks to be enjoyed, so talk to your Inghams rep in resort if you fancy taking the mountains in at a different pace.

Cross country skiing

With 216km cross country trails and tracks in the Portes du Soleil area, 45km of them sit in Avoriaz alone. There are 4 areas that are generally accessible from Avoriaz and Morzine: the Manche Valley, Morzine-Avoriaz Parc Naturel des Cretes de Zorre, Lake Montriond, and Pleney-Chavannes. You can grab cross-country skiing lessons with the ESF in Morzine.

Ski Extras Offer

Save £100pp on your lift pass & ski hire - Save £100pp on your 2024/2025 ski holiday when you pre-buy your lift pass and equipment hire/carriage (offer ends 3rd June 2024).

Valid on all departure dates between 1st December 2024 and 30th April 2025. Buy any lift pass (found within the 'Extras' tab on checkout) and add either ski/snowboard hire or ski/snowboard carriage at the same time, for the same person to receive the discount.

Lift Pass

6 days

Season

Child
5 - 15 years

Youth
16 - 25 years

Adult 
26 - 64 years

Senior
65 years +

Portes du Soleil Area Pass

Low

£199 £228 £253

£228

High

£224 £268 £297

£268

Local Lift Pass

All Season

£158 £199 £209

£199

Lift pass information

Prices include a €3 non-refundable hands free card deposit.

Free lift passes for children under 5 years are issued locally, photo ID is required.

Local Area Lift Pass will cover Avoriaz only, Portes du Soleil Area will also cover Morzine and Les Gets around to Chatel, Morgins, Champoussin and Les Crosets.

Only the local area lift pass is available for 16/12/23.

Season dates

  • Low season: 30 Mar - 30 Apr 24
  • High season: 16 Dec 23 - 29 Mar 24

 

Prices and supplements are correct at time of publishing. Up-to-date prices are confirmed at time of booking.

Equipment Hire
6 days Category

Child

6 - 12 years

Adults

13 years +

Skis Red - £114
Black - £130
Skis & boots Blue - £130
Red £103 £152
Black - £174

White category skis, boots and helmet are available for children aged 3 - 5 years: £57

6 days Category

Child

8 - 12 years

Adults

13 years +

Snowboard Red - £114
Black - £130
Snowboard & boots Red £103 £152
Black - £174

Equipment information

A helmet is included for children.

Please see here for description of hire categories.

 

Prices and supplements are correct at time of publishing. Up-to-date prices are confirmed at time of booking.

Tuition

Ski tuition 

Season

Child

4 - 12 years

Adult

13 years +

6 days AM Low £200

£200

High £220 £220

 

Snowboard tuition 

Season

Child

8 - 12 years

Adult

13 years +

6 days AM Low £200

£200

High £220 £220

 

 Tuition information

  • Ski and snowboard 6 days AM timings: 9:00 - 11:30am and Sun is 2 hours 9:30 - 11:30am
  • Maximum number in each group is 8
  • Group ski lessons need a minimum number of guests to take place. Very occasionally these numbers aren’t reached. If you have pre-booked lessons and this happens, the ski-school will do their best to offer private lessons to the value of the lessons you had originally booked

Levels of tuition

  • Beginner: never skied before
  • Level 1: advanced beginner; can control speed, snowplough and change direction on gentle slopes 
  • Level 2: low intermediate; snowplough turns and start to ski parallel
  • Level 3: good intermediate; parallel turns 
  • Advanced: fully confident on all slopes and looking to improve technique

Season dates

  • Low season: 03 Jan - 04 Feb 24 & 05 Mar - 01 Apr 24 & 09 - 30 Apr 24
  • High season: 18 Dec 23 - 02 Jan 24 & 05 Feb - 04 Mar 24 & 02 Apr - 08 Apr 24 

Please ensure you pre-book tuition for high season dates to avoid the ski schools being fully booked.

 

Prices and supplements are correct at time of publishing. Up-to-date prices are confirmed at time of booking.

Travel Information

Flights depart Saturdays.

Transfer time:

  • Geneva airport: approx. 2 hours 15 mins by coach
  • Chambery airport: approx. 2 hours 30 mins by coach

London Gatwick flights available via Chambery.

Private transfers and self drive are available.

Good to know

  • High altitude skiing
  • 600km of piste in the Portes du Soleil!
  • Ski to/from the door at most properties
  • Inghams rep based in resort
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