First Time in Avoriaz
First time
in Avoriaz
This Winter
Nestled at 1,800 meters in the Haute-Savoie, in the heart of the Portes du Soleil, Avoriaz is a resort unlike any other: entirely pedestrian, with its snowy streets and ski-in ski-out residences. Avoriaz immerses you in the authentic atmosphere of the mountains. Whether you come to ski, to discover the magic of horse-drawn sleighs in the white lanes, or simply to enjoy a change of scenery with your family, this guide will take you step by step. Access, first runs, activities, insider tips and practical advice: here you’ll find everything you need to make your first experience in Avoriaz a success.
Pedestrian resort
From its very creation, Avoriaz 1800 was designed as a pedestrian resort, a “zero-car” concept that makes it unique in Europe. In winter, you walk with both feet in the snow. Skiers, pedestrians, and horse-drawn sleighs cross paths in a magical atmosphere, perfect for children. Built on a gentle slope, Avoriaz allows ski-in ski-out access throughout the entire resort. Here, everything is reachable on skis even the bakery.
How does arrival in Avoriaz work?
Access to Avoriaz is either by road from Morzine or by cable car from the hamlet of Les Prodains. Cars are not allowed inside the resort: you must therefore park your vehicle in one of the car parks located at the entrance (covered or outdoor).
The Prodains Express cable car is an excellent alternative to avoid the winding, hairpin road up from Morzine. Dedicated parking areas are available on site.
Tip: outdoor parking cannot be booked in advance, but covered parking is reservable. Make sure to book as early as possible.
How to reach your accommodation?
Step 1 – Go to the welcome booth:
A staff member will guide you and explain how the resort works.
Step 2 – Drop off your passengers and luggage at the unloading areas:
The unloading areas are located next to the “Resort Welcome” zone. They are open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day during the season. Staff members are available on site to provide information and assistance upon your arrival.
Services available:
- Covered and outdoor parking
- Departure point for snowcats and horse-drawn sleighs
- Luggage sleds (unlockable with a €1 or €2 coin)
- Heated waiting room
- Left-luggage service
- Hot drinks vending machine
- Public toilets
Step 3 – Park your vehicle:
Once your car is unloaded, you can park it in the car park of your choice. After parking, return to the unloading area to request transport to your residence.
Step 4 – Request transport from the welcome staff:
In winter, around 20 coachmen provide a daytime taxi service with horse-drawn sleighs, supported by snowcats on busy arrival days and after nightfall.
Each coachman has his own sleigh and rotates his horses every two hours, ensuring their well-being. The breeds are carefully selected for their strength and their suitability for mountain work.
Please note: Avoriaz’s internal transport service does not accept reservations. Simply request your transport once you are ready outside.
Ski area
The Avoriaz ski area, mostly located above 1,800 meters, lies at the heart of the Portes du Soleil, one of the largest interconnected ski domains in the world. With 600 km of slopes stretching between France and Switzerland, it offers an incredible variety of landscapes and skiing experiences, suitable for both beginners and expert skiers.
Avoriaz itself features 35 ski lifts and 53 slopes, along with renowned snowparks, a boardercross, and secure freeride zones. The area makes it easy to move from one sector to another and enjoy a wide diversity of terrain: forests, wide snowy boulevards, and panoramic runs.
Thanks to its central position in the Portes du Soleil, Avoriaz provides direct access to the entire ski domain. This allows you to explore Châtel, Morzine, or even cross the border to discover the charm of the Swiss resorts at your own pace.
Tip: Two types of ski passes are available. One gives access to the Avoriaz ski area only, while the other covers the entire Portes du Soleil (including Avoriaz). Choose the one that best suits your desires and your program.
Learning to ski
In Avoriaz, no fewer than eight ski schools, along with many independent instructors, welcome both children and adults to learn and progress in complete safety. The Avoriaz ski area features specially designed beginner zones, such as the Plateau and Proclou sectors, with even a dedicated lift pass to make learning easier. Whether you are a first-timer or looking to improve your skills, lessons will help you make the most of the ski area and progress quickly.
Tip: Be sure to book your ski lessons early, especially during school holidays, to secure your spot and preferred time slots.
Activities
In Avoriaz, the pleasures of the mountains go far beyond skiing. The resort offers a wide range of off-ski activities for the whole family: snowshoe walks through snowy forests, magical horse-drawn sleigh rides, dog sledding, outdoor ice skating, or toboggan runs for guaranteed thrills. Adventure seekers can also try snowmobiling or fat biking on snow.
For those who prefer well-being and relaxation, Avoriaz also offers several spas and wellness centers where massages, jacuzzis, and saunas provide a soothing break. Yoga sessions and gentle activities are also available to help you recharge and find serenity in the heart of the mountains.
When it comes to indoor activities, the must-visit Aquariaz invites you to unwind in a unique water park featuring a flowing river, slides, bubble pool, and climbing wall. Families will also enjoy indoor leisure spaces such as playrooms, children’s entertainment, and the cinema, perfect for making the most of the resort even in bad weather.
Aquariaz
Do you love the water? Discover our tropical heaven in the heart of Avoriaz 1800. Flooded in natural daylight and surrounded by luxuriant vegetation, the pools of Aquariaz are perfect for the whole family.
Agenda
Throughout the season, Avoriaz comes alive with a rich program of events and entertainment that perfectly complements the resort’s sports and leisure activities. Gourmet villages, shows for all ages, torchlit descents, creative workshops, and festive events bring the resort to life. These convivial gatherings create unique moments to share with family or friends and contribute to the warm and lively atmosphere that makes Avoriaz so renowned.
You can find them all in the true holidaymaker’s bible: « the weekly program ». It contains all the essential information to make the most of your week in Avoriaz. We recommend checking it regularly so you don’t miss a thing.
Avoriaz offers two practical and connected tools.
The WhatsApp channel “Avoriaz 1800 – Infos / News” allows you to receive all the useful information directly on your phone: entertainment program, resort news, special offers, and real-time alerts. Simple and effective, it keeps you updated throughout your stay.
The interactive map “explore.avoriaz” is the perfect tool to easily find your way around the ski area and the resort. At a glance, it shows slopes, ski lifts, restaurants, shops, and services, with real-time updates to help you plan your days and fully enjoy the Avoriaz experience.
Tourist Office
Our holiday advisors welcome and assist you throughout the year. Experts on the destination and passionate about the mountains, they will share the best tips and advice for a personalized and successful stay.
Additional services available from our holiday advisors:
- Working center by Miliboo with free Wi-Fi access and smartphone charging stations
- Pocket Wi-Fi rental
- External battery rental (free of charge)
- Printing services
- Sale of merchandise and souvenirs
- 3 ski sledges for people with reduced mobility, Adaptable to all types of 4-wheel manual wheelchairs, Sledges available at the Avoriaz Tourist Office, Loan with a €1,000 deposit (not cashed), plus a copy of ID and proof of liability insurance.
You can contact us at +33 (0)4 50 74 02 11 or by email at info@avoriaz.com
In winter, the Tourist Office is open every day from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, without interruption.
Maps
Avoriaz provides a variety of useful maps: the piste map and the village map. The piste map helps you plan your ski days and easily identify connections within the vast Portes du Soleil area. The village map, on the other hand, makes it easier to get around the pedestrian streets and locate shops, restaurants, and essential services.
Find the map of Avoriaz
Unique for its mimetic architecture, the resort was designed in the 1960s with an avant-garde approach. Cars are not allowed in the resort, and the streets are completely covered in snow. Transportation is primarily on foot, by sled, or by horse-drawn carriage. Discover the resort map to navigate through Avoriaz.
Find the ski area maps
Find the ski area maps for Avoriaz as well as those for the Portes du Soleil ski area. Avoriaz is an integral part of two ski areas: The Avoriaz ski area: 35 ski lifts, 51 runs, 4 snowparks, 4 snowcross zones, The Portes du Soleil ski area: spanning 2 countries, 12 resorts, 196 ski lifts, 286 runs.
