Green spirit Pedestrian Resort
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Pedestrian
resort
Avoriaz 1800 was designed with pedestrians in mind. The « no cars » concept marked the beginnings of this resort which continues to innovate in favour of the environment.
In winter: There’s no need for pavements here, just enjoy your holiday with both feet firmly on the snow-covered streets that skiers share with pedestrians and horse-drawn sleighs. A children’s paradise that bathes in a unique and magical atmosphere, far from the daily grind. The masterplan placed Avoriaz 1800 on a gentle slope and ensured it was an entirely ski-in/ski-out resort. There’s no need to check whether your accommodation is ski-to-door because, in Avoriaz 1800, you never have to take off your skis. You can even ski to the bakery!
Summer: Here, everything is done on foot, by scooter, or by bike. As soon as you arrive, the car is left behind and you dive into a relaxed, carefree atmosphere. The resort, entirely pedestrian, becomes a playground for all ages: while kids race down water slides or explore inflatable structures, teenagers head to Aquariaz, and parents enjoy some time to themselves—playing pétanque or relaxing on sunny terraces.
Everything is just a few minutes away, set in a breathtaking landscape where fresh air replaces the sound of engines. A true return to basics, where freedom means simplicity.
100% pedestrian
Public shortcuts and elevators allow those in a hurry to walk across the resort in under 15 minutes. Avoriaz 1800 has continued to follow this visionary layout by integrating every new building into the original plan. Each residence is less than 10 minutes from the center, making everything close and easy to reach.
The town has pushed cars out, giving space back to pedestrians and creating an environment that invites walking and well-being.
In the early 60s, when cars were king, the idea of a car-free resort seemed absurd, even crazy.
Today, it’s one of the resort’s greatest assets, bringing joy to visitors in both summer and winter. A stroke of genius.
In Avoriaz, you leave the city mindset behind. You feel transported, and the holidays can truly begin.
All those so-called experienced, competent people kept telling me it was madness to even think of building a vehicle-free resort.
Sleighs drawn by reindeer
When the resort opened, some reindeer from Lapland were brought to Avoriaz 1800 to tow the sleighs, the only means of transport here. After a presentation tour of the main cities of the regions, which included parading down the Champs-Elysées, the reindeer finally arrived.
They adapted perfectly to their new home and even reproduced. But the sloped streets meant they had to be replaced by the robust Jura horses which are still helping holidaymakers to get around the resort today.
There are now 20 sleigh drivers and 100 horses providing the daytime taxi service. The independent sleigh drivers are all members of an association. Each owns 5 horses and, in the interest of the animals’ wellbeing, no horse works for more than 2 hours at a time.
Electric carriage transport
In Avoriaz, even getting around becomes a unique experience. In summer, when the sun warms the streets and the mood turns to leisurely strolls, an electric-assisted horse-drawn carriage gently takes you through the resort.
It’s an original and friendly way to explore the iconic spots of the village while enjoying a special moment with family.
Blending tradition and innovation, this iconic service perfectly reflects the spirit of Avoriaz—eco-friendly, practical… and just a little bit magical.
Maps Avoriaz Winter
History
Avoriaz 1800, the wild gamble of 3 men who, at less than 30 years of age, defied every pre-conceived idea to create this unique and sustainable resort.
Organic architecture
The architecture mimics the surrounding landscape and blends into the environment, offering an example of the perfect marriage between modernity and nature. The resort's unique lines have officially made Avoriaz one of the great architectural achievements of the 20th century.
