A town where everything is ski-in, ski-out because there are no cars allowed! Avoriaz is a purpose built resort in the French Alps, part of the largest ski area in the world, Portes du Soleil. Spreading across the French and Swiss Alps, Portes du Soleil is made up of 8 resorts on the French side and 4 resorts on the Swiss side. Avoriaz is the highest resort in the Portes du Soleil, the altitude offers a long season with incredible snow!
Built into the cliffside, the village offers world-class skiing and has a unique alpine charm. Its futuristic wooden architecture stands out against dramatic peaks, there are 650 kilometers of linked terrain allowing skiers to cross borders between France and Switzerland in a single day. The village may be small but there is an amazing après scene, world class restaurants, and night life. Here’s everything you need to know before carving your way through one of Europe’s most unique ski resorts.
Where to stay in Avoriaz
Hotel MiL8
$$$$
Good for: people with kids, people who want an elevated luxurious stay.
Proximity to the slopes: ski-in, ski-out
Amenities we love: Swim out infinity pool with stunning views, sauna, and private massage room, chic bar in the lobby perfect for après cocktails.
Hôtel des Dromonts
$$$
Good for: couples who want a cozy alpine vibe right on the slopes with modern amenities.
Proximity to the slopes: ski-in, ski-out
Amenities we love: an amazing spa, Nordic bath and outdoor sauna.
Private Apartments and Chalets
$$
Good for: big groups, people who want more space, and to have a full kitchen.
Proximity to the slopes: ski-in, ski-out.
Amenities we love: Renting a private apartment or chalet is very common in Avoriaz, offers lots of flexibility and can be more affordable since Avoriaz has very limited hotels.
Best après ski in Avoriaz
La Folie Douce
$$
Where: Right on the slopes in the center of the resort, accessible by ski or by foot.
When: après party kicks off every day at 3pm and goes until 6pm.
What to order: can’t go wrong with a classic Aperol spritz.
Vibe: legendary après party, be prepared to be dancing on tables.
Shooters
$
Where: at the bottom of main street in town.
When: fun bar for late night drinks and music, open until 2am.
What to order: beer or shots.
Vibe: nightlife hot spot for music.
Ice Bar at Village Igloo
$$
Where: on mountain, toward the bottom of the Arrare run.
When: early afternoon when you need a mid day break.
What to order: sandwiches and fondu for lunch and they have a full bar.
Vibe: unique experience on the slopes
Best places to eat
La Cabane 1800
$$
Cuisine: Modern French Fusion
Reservations: highly recommend making reservations for dinner, there is limited walk ins and limited bar seating. Can walk in for lunch.
Best for: nice group dinners
La Reserve
$$$
Cuisine: Gourmet French
Reservations: yes, highly recommended for dinner.
Best for: date night, a nice dinner.
Mountain Piz’Burg
$
Cuisine: late night pizza, burgers, and fries
Reservations: Walk up take out only, no indoor seating there are some picnic tables outside under heat lamps or you can take your food to go.
Best for: when you’re drunk at the end of the night stop for pizza, bring it back to your accommodations or sit outside under the heat lamps.
Things to do in Avoriaz other than ski
Aquariaz
$
Where: right in town
When: book online ahead of time or walk in and purchase a entry ticket from the front desk. They can book up on busier days though.
Why we love it: tropical themed water park in the middle of the French Alps? Yes please! Perfect way to relax and rest sore muscles after days on the slopes.
Bowling Arcade at Le Roc
$
Where: at the bottom of town.
When: Open most days starting at noon, a great place to grab a casual drink in the evenings. Book bowling reservations ahead of time.
Why we love it: fun in-door activity there is bowling, billiards tables, and arcade games.
Snowshoeing
$
Where: variety of trails around the resort, see guide.
When: Anytime on your own or you can book a guided experience.
Why we love it: A fun new way to explore the mountains.
How to get to Avoriaz and getting around
Avoriaz is a car free resort in the French Alps, but the nearest airport is actually in Switzerland. Fly into Geneva and then you can book a transfer to Avoriaz. It’s a 1.5-2 hour drive to Avoriaz from Geneva. We booked a private car through Alps2Alps for around $400 USD. There are group shuttles, and buses you can book for much cheaper though. Depending on when your flight gets in you can arrange your transfer to pick you up right from the airport. We flew in a day early and spent a night in Geneva and had our transfer pick us up at our hotel the next day.
When you arrive in Avoriaz, you will be dropped off at the main parking lot since the resort is completely car free. From there you can walk to your accommodations or take a horse drawn carriage. If you have luggage and gear I highly recommend the horse drawn carriage. There will be carriages lined up along the parking lot they only take cash so be sure to have some Euros on you. If you rented an apartment or private chalet you will likely also pick up your keys at the main office in the parking lot. So check there before you head to your accommodations. When its time to leave just place your luggage outside in front of your accommodations and one of the horse drawn carriages will come by within 20-30 minutes. It sounds like a crazy system, but, it works!
Avoriaz is of course super walkable being a car free resort. Everything is ski-in, ski-out or you can walk pretty much everywhere. Most the restaurants, shops, and bars are all on the same main ‘road’, Promenade du Festival.
Ski passes and ski rental
Ski passes can be purchased for just Avoriaz or for the entire Portes du Soleil ski area. Avoriaz has 35 ski lifts and 53 slopes, plenty to explore for all levels of skiers. However, a Portes du Soleil lift ticket gives you access to all 12 resorts in the region, a total of 196 ski lifts and 286 slopes, including all of Avoriaz! We recommend upgrading to the full Portes du Soleil ticket so you don’t have to worry about which lifts you can get on and which ones you can’t. It’s really easy to cross into another resort without even realizing you left Avoriaz.
Tickets can be purchased directly from the Avoriaz website and start at around 57 euros per day. There are several rental shops throughout Avoriaz if you’re not bringing your own gear. Make reservations ahead of time since they do get quite busy during the peak season. Explore ski shops here.
