Travelling to Avoriaz Practical tips

Travelling

to Avoriaz

all practical information

Preparing your trip is an essential step to fully enjoy your stay in Avoriaz, an iconic pedestrian resort in the French Alps.

Here is a complete guide to help you organise your arrival in France and your stay in Avoriaz with complete peace of mind

Getting to Avoriaz

Arriving in Geneva is the ideal starting point to reach Avoriaz. Located just 1 hour 30 minutes from Geneva International Airport (GVA) or Gare de Genève-Cornavin, Avoriaz is easily accessible whether you travel by plane, train, or car.

Here are the most convenient options to enjoy a stress-free journey and start your snow trip with peace of mind.

From Geneva airport or train station (GVA)

• Shuttle transfers
  
  Dedicated shuttles connect the airport to Avoriaz in 1.5 to 2 hours, with frequent departures during peak season.
  
  Price: Approximately €30–50 per person (advance booking recommended).
  
  We recommend booking your tickets via Altibus.
• Taxis
  
  A list of taxi companies is available here.
• Car rental
  
  If you prefer driving, rental agencies (Avis, Hertz, Europcar) are available at the airport.
  
  Take the A40 motorway (towards Chamonix/Annecy), then follow signs to Avoriaz (around 1.5 hours without traffic).
  
  Please note: once in Avoriaz, cars are unnecessary—you can get everywhere on foot, by sled, horse-drawn sleigh, or even on skis (one of the key advantages of a 100% pedestrian resort).
  
  Parking is therefore required.
  
  Tolls: Approximately €10–15.
• Train + Shuttle
  
  A budget-friendly and eco-conscious option: take the Léman Express (TER train) from Geneva Airport to Clusesor Thonon-les-Bains (1 hour, approx. €15), then a shuttle or regular bus to Avoriaz (30 minutes, approx. €10).
  
  Operators: SNCF Connect for trains, Altibus for shuttles.

If your shuttle or transport drops you off at the bottom of the Prodains Cable Car (and not directly in Avoriaz), don’t worry: a very convenient connection awaits you.

The Prodains cable car links the parking area and bus station to the heart of Avoriaz in just 5 minutes.

Open every day throughout the season, it operates from 7:30 am to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, until 10:00 pm on Sundays, and until 9:00 pm from Monday to Thursday.

Practical tips

• Book in advance: Shuttles and trains can be fully booked during peak season (December to March).
• Check shuttle schedules: Make sure you don’t miss the last departure from Geneva.
• Equipment: If travelling with ski or snowboard gear, some shuttles offer dedicated trailers (please specify when booking).
• Border crossing: No systematic border checks between Switzerland and France, but always carry valid ID (passport or national ID card).

Entry requirements and travel documents

Arriving via Geneva

Geneva is located in Switzerland. Although Switzerland is not part of the European Union, it is a member of the Schengen Area, which makes travel to France easier.

Non-EU / non-EEA travellers

• A valid passport (at least 3 months beyond the return date)
• A Schengen visa, if required (depending on your nationality)
• Travel insurance covering medical expenses (mandatory for certain visas)

European travellers

• A valid national ID card or passport
• A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for simplified medical coverage

Currency and payments

The currency used in France is the euro (€).

In Avoriaz

• All shops accept credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard)
• Contactless and mobile payments are widely used
• It is advisable to carry a small amount of cash for markets or small local shops

Arriving via Geneva

In Switzerland, the currency is the Swiss franc (CHF).

Tip:

• Wait until you arrive in France to withdraw cash
• Avoid ATMs at Geneva Airport
• You will find 3 ATMs and 2 banks in Avoriaz:

Locate Banque Populaire
Locate Crédit Agricole

Emergency numbers in France

• 112: European emergency number (free of charge, 24/7)
• 15: SAMU (medical emergencies)
• 17: Police / Gendarmerie
• 18: Fire brigade

Health and medical care

In Avoriaz, you will find:

• A pharmacy
• A medical centre

Find the pharmacy

Find the medical center

Several hospitals are accessible within 1.5 hours’ drive:

• Thonon-les-Bains
• Annemasse
• Sallanches
• Annecy

If you are undergoing medical treatment, remember to bring:

• Your medications
• A prescription translated into French (recommended to avoid any issues at customs)

Wi-Fi and mobile connectivity

• Free Wi-Fi is available in most accommodations, bars, and restaurants
• Excellent 4G and 5G coverage throughout Avoriaz

For added convenience:

• Purchase a French SIM card (Orange, SFR, Bouygues)
• Ideal for mobile data and local calls

Electrical outlets

In France, electrical outlets follow the European standard (Type C / E). If you are travelling from:

• The United Kingdom
• The United States
• Switzerland

You will need a power adapter for your devices.

Language and communication

The official language is French.

As Avoriaz is an international resort, most professionals speak:

• English
• Spanish
• Dutch
• German

You will be able to communicate easily throughout your stay.

Useful apps for your stay

• Google Maps / Apple Maps
  
  Routes, offline maps, restaurants, activities, and health services
• SNCF Connect
  
  Train bookings (TER, TGV) and real-time schedules
  
  Tip: book in advance to get the best fares
• WhatsApp / Messenger
  
  Widely used in France to communicate with friends, family, or your accommodation provider
  
  You can also contact the Office de Tourisme d’Avoriaz via WhatsApp
• Ariane – Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
  
  Register your trip to receive security alerts
  
  (official service of the French government)
• Avoriaz Up & Down
  
  Real-time information on the ski area, lifts, and snow conditions

Learn more about Avoriaz :