Avoriaz

The extraordinary vision of former Olympic skier Jean Vuarnet inspired and created this distinctive, dynamic and environmentally-friendly 1960s resort. Perched on a snowy plateau, Avoriaz sits 800 vertical metres (2,625ft) above Morzine and was purpose built in a unique architectural design using traditional wood and sloping roofs in order to blend into the surrounding environment (based on the concept that in nature there are no right-angles). From a great distance it can be seen standing out against the white mountains but, because its style is so important, it appears more as a sculpture than a resort.

The architects created a large square in the centre of the resort and put a children's tobogganing slope in the middle. At one side of the square there is an open-air ice rink, on another a festival hall. The resort is designed so that all accommodation is slopeside with access over snow only. Avoriaz is also France’s first and only car-free resort and the concept of leaving your car at the entrance and getting about on foot, sledge or even pony and trap is what lends Avoriaz much of its charm. As it is one of the highest resorts in the area, it looks down over the mountains of the Portes du Soleil and beyond, offering some of the most stunning views in the Alps.

Avoriaz receives an average seasonly snowfall of a little over 30ft which makes it one of the most snow-sure resorts in the Portes Du Soleil. The resort is situated in the heart of The Portes du Soleil region which vies for the title "largest ski area in Europe," with 212 interconnected lifts servicing a mind-blowing 650 km of runs sprawling across 12 ski areas (8 in France and 4 in Switzerland). There are 273 marked ski runs and 216 km of cross-country trails as well as two snow parks and a super pipe. Needless to say, with such a huge area there's a vast choice of terrain to suit skiers and boarders of all mind-sets and abilities. Other activities available include sleigh rides, winter hikes, snowshoeing, dog sledding, hang-gliding, helicopter tours, paragliding, snowbiking and snowmobiling. An unusual option is the opportunity to scuba-dive beneath the ice in a frozen lake.

Avoriaz is well equipped for families with good nursery provision (accepting babies from age three months) and a choice of high quality children's ski schools. The resort has built a particularly strong reputation with its Village des Enfants (in the centre of the village) which offers a host of activities beyond skiing, including skijoring for children, where they are towed on skis behind a pony.

However, Avoriaz is not just about winter sports – come the summer months the resort morphs into a haven for mountain bikers and other summer sports enthusiasts. Mountain biking is the most popular summer sport in Avoriaz with 24 lifts and 4 bike parks open, plenty of gentle routes and trails throughout the region and competitions for all ages and abilities. However, there are many other sports and pastimes available including horse riding, walking, fishing, golf and many more. With rolling pastures, lush forests and clear mountain lakes there is a lot to be said for the Portes Du Soleil in the summer.

Out and about in Avoriaz there are always things going on and lots of things to do. Avoriaz is home to 25 shops, 20 restaurants, 8 bars, cinema, bowling alley, ice rink, fitness centre and night club. The cuisines range from Alpine, French, Italian, Savoyard, and American and Le Table du Marché has set high standards for its innovative gourmet cuisine thanks to the efforts of award-winning owner/chef Christophe Leroy.

We also provide ski holidays in Avoriaz.