The resort
Avoriaz is a purpose-built, pedestrian resort at 1,800 m above Morzine. Its snow-covered streets and ski access shape daily life, while the wood-clad buildings follow the contours of the cliff. It offers a different setting from the traditional villages lower in the valley.
The skiing
The local area runs to around 75 km of slopes on 35 lifts, with four snowparks and snowcross zones scattered through the named sectors: Arare, Lindarets, Grand Conche, Rochasson, Le Fornet and Chavanette, whose "Swiss Wall" is a steep mogul run. Beginners get the central Plateau area, reached on foot or by the Dromonts drag lift. Avoriaz connects with Switzerland, Châtel and Morzine through the wider circuit. From here the high bowls run up toward the Hauts Forts at 2,466 m, the Châtel sectors are reached over Pré-la-Joux, and the Swiss resorts open in the other direction.
How the circuit fits together →
Snow & weather
Avoriaz is higher and generally colder than the valley villages. The announced 2026/27 season runs from December 11 to April 18, subject to conditions. The month-by-month record, in °C and °F, is on the Avoriaz snow & weather page: read it next to Morzine's to compare locations 800 m apart in altitude.
Lessons & ski schools
Avoriaz has several ski schools, including ESF and independent providers. For a family trip, confirm the children’s lesson location and ages first, then choose accommodation around the route you will walk each morning.
Passes
The Avoriaz 1800 pass covers local skiing, while the Portes du Soleil pass covers the wider area across France and Switzerland. Beginner and shorter-duration products are also available. Compare current coverage, hours and prices in the official ticket shop at skipass-avoriaz.com before choosing.
Where to stay
Falaise is nearest the parking lots; Hauts-Forts is by the Prodains cable-car arrival. Dromonts is the historic quarter around the original hotel, while Festival, Snow and Ruches are central. Crozats and Amara provide other accommodation areas. Check the route from your arrival point to your building and the slopes.
Getting there
Geneva Airport is about 85 km away. Allow extra transfer time for traffic and snow. Cars remain at the resort entrance, where arrival services help move luggage into the pedestrian village. An alternative is a transfer to the Prodains Express gondola in the valley. Cluses and Thonon-les-Bains are possible railheads with onward road transfers; check current connections and arrival arrangements before traveling.
Beyond the pistes
Aquariaz is a tropical indoor water center at 1,800 m, open winter and summer. Families get a sledding area next to the Dromonts lift and a night-sledding descent on the Crôt du Chien trail that runs about 45 minutes top to bottom; dog sledding, snowshoeing, paragliding and ice diving are also available.
Who it suits
Avoriaz suits trips built around ski access and the Portes du Soleil circuit. Families can use the car-free streets and ski gardens; anyone seeking a traditional town should compare Morzine below.
Quick answers
Is Avoriaz car-free? Yes. Avoriaz was designed car-free from its creation. The streets are snow, and people move on skis and on foot, with the resort's own transport service covering arrivals and luggage. Cars stay in the parks at the resort entrance.
How high is Avoriaz? The resort is at 1,800 m, with the Portes du Soleil high point at 2,466 m on the Hauts Forts. The announced 2026/27 season runs from December 11 to April 18, subject to conditions.
How big is the skiing in Avoriaz? The local area runs to around 75 km of slopes on 35 lifts, with four snowparks and snowcross zones through it, and Avoriaz connects to the wider circuit: Switzerland, Châtel and Morzine are each just a few lifts away, opening the full Portes du Soleil (around 600 km on one pass).