Ski Holidays in Avoriaz
Raised in neighbouring Morzine, Vuarnet partnered with Gérald Brémond and together they delivered the absolute masterpiece, that is Avoriaz. Developed between the 1960s and 1970s, its beautiful Alpine wooden-clad buildings are in direct contrast to the dull, concrete buildings synonymous with building structures of its time.
Perched on a cliff overlooking Morzine, Avoriaz sits in the heart of the Portes du Soliel, one of Europe's largest ski areas. It covers 650 km of pistes across France and Switzerland, with up to 12 ski resorts within the ski area, including Avoriaz and Morzine. The resorts in the Portes du Soliel are all efficiently interlinked via a modern network of up to 196 lifts servicing the entire ski area.
Avoriaz ski resort epitomizes the quintessential alpine experience, offering visitors a perfect blend of breathtaking scenery, diverse ski terrain, and modern amenities. With its unmatched ski experience, state-of-the-art amenities, and exciting après-ski activities, it's the perfect place for winter sports enthusiasts looking for action and relaxation. Ski holiday makers will absolutely love Avoriaz's lively après-ski scene, which consists of a variety of bars, pubs, and clubs that provide a lively atmosphere, after spending a day on the slopes. The après-ski areas dotted around the resort provide a great place for guests to relax and mingle, whether they're dancing late into the night or just having a casual drink.
Avoriaz ski resort epitomizes the quintessential alpine experience, offering visitors a perfect blend of breathtaking scenery, diverse ski terrain, and modern amenities. With its unmatched ski experience, state-of-the-art amenities, and exciting après-ski activities, it's the perfect place for winter sports enthusiasts looking for action and relaxation. Ski holiday makers will absolutely love Avoriaz's lively après-ski scene, which consists of a variety of bars, pubs, and clubs that provide a lively atmosphere, after spending a day on the slopes. The après-ski areas dotted around the resort provide a great place for guests to relax and mingle, whether they're dancing late into the night or just having a casual drink.
Avoriaz is one of France’s most iconic ski resorts and is a popular ski destination for Brits. The recipient of several awards including a French Heritage Achievement award, Avoriaz is the ideal winter holiday destination for everyone; from large groups of friends on a ski trip to families visiting with young children.
Avoriaz offers some of the best resort facilities and entertainment across the Alps. Its car-free centre and ski-in/ski-out accommodation make it a pleasurable experience for holidaymakers looking to access the slopes, the shops and general amenities within the resort. Avoriaz is known for its vibrant apres ski scene, hosting a couple of winter music festivals over the ski season. It also has an awesome selection of bars and nightclubs within the centre, making them super easy to access.
Avoriaz’s prime position within the Portes du Soleil means you get direct access to what feels like endless skiable terrain across France and Switzerland. Sitting at a pretty impressive 1,800m, the resort benefits from brilliant snow cover throughout the season, with the highest point, Hauts Forts, reaching just over 2,400m – which actually rivals some of the highest-altitude resorts in France. Thanks to this winning blend of altitude and location, Avoriaz guarantees some of the best snow conditions in the area, making it a no-brainer for freeriders wanting to explore beyond the groomed pistes to make fresh tracks through untouched powder.
The ski area offers a varied selection of runs that provide all levels and abilities with a fun challenge. First-timers will be more than happy learning the basics on the green and blue runs, while more experienced skiers have plenty of black pistes and off-piste routes to pit their wits and skills against. In particular, the famous ‘Swiss Wall’, La Chavanette, is one of the most infamous descents in the Alps, offering an exhilarating challenge for advanced skiers (if you dare!), or a thrilling watch as you sit back and relax with a cheeky beer at lunchtime.
A picturesque, pedestrianised resort perched on the side of the mountain. In the heart of the Portes du Soleil ski area, spanning 12 different resorts and boasting up to 650km of pistes, from Avoriaz you can ski across borders from France into Italy. Across this expansive ski area you’re sure to find some treasures; wide open pistes in Les Gets, tree runs down to Chatel, there’s even a park made of 100% natural materials. Once you’re done exploring the vast ski area the village has much to offer. With a Folie Douce placed right in the middle of resort you can even walk to apres from your accommodation!
Avoriaz has a great selection of accommodation on offer from the wallet-friendly to 5* luxury. The accommodation in Avoriaz is built to blend in with the natural environment so it’s a really stunning and unique place to stay.
As Avoriaz is completely pedestrianised, all the residence are ski in ski out. No matter which part of resort you stay in, you can always step outside and clip in!
Portes du Soleil circuit
If you fancy a nice long day on the slopes to get your legs warmed up then the Portes du Soleil tour will do just that! You are best off bringing a packed lunch as you might struggle to stop for food and complete the circuit! Starting in Avoriaz you take the Supermorzine lift down to Morzine and spend the first half of the morning skiing in Morzine and Les Gets. There are some incredible runs over here with some brilliant tree skiing! After completing the 5 peaks over here, head back up towards Avoriaz and get ready for the long part of the journey! Skiing through Lindarets and Plaine Dranse, follow signs for Chatel. Ski through here and drop down into Torgon. You have now entered Switzerland! From here you want to follow signs for Morgins, a quaint little village in the Dents du Midi region. Making your way back through the Swiss resorts of Champoussin, Champery and Les Crozets you will see some of the most incredible views of Les Dents du Midi and Les Dents Blanches. This makes the quad burn so worth it! Take the Chavanette chair lift back up over to Avoriaz and watch people attempting the famous Swiss wall! You could have a go yourself but it’s probably best saved for another day, with fresher legs!
Tarzan’s Playground
Dive into the aquatic paradise of Aquariaz. A tropical wonderland in the middle of the mountains. With real vegetation, a river with variable current and a water playhouse, you’ll feel like you just stepped into Tarzan’s playground! Also featuring climbing walls over the large pool, massage benches and an open-air hot tub…it would be rude not to visit at least once!
Avoriaz offers a vibrant après-ski scene jam-packed with late-night party action, plus some lower-key pubs and bars if that’s more your thing. Here are some of our top can’t-miss highlights:
- No visit to Avoriaz is complete without experiencing the legendary La Folie Douce. Located right on the slopes, this iconic venue is the epitome of high-energy après-ski. With its open-air dance floor, epic live DJ sets and insane performances by professional dancers and singers who bring *all* the celebratory vibes, this place turns into an unforgettable party by about mid-afternoon. But be warned: don’t forget you’ll need to ski back down to the resort afterwards!
- For those who want to keep the party going long after the sun goes down, Le Yak is the place to be. Known as one of Avoriaz’s best nightspots, this lively bar offers a mix of live music, DJ sets and a buzzing crowd who’ll have you raving all night long. With table-top dancing almost mandatory and a party atmosphere that lasts well into the night, the après-ski vibe here is what can only be described as infectious.
- If you’re after a more relaxed, low-key vibe, head to Globe-Trotter, a laid-back wine bar with a welcoming atmosphere and a menu that changes daily. Known for its excellent selection of beers, wines and cocktails, it’s the perfect spot to unwind with friends after a long and tiring day on the hill. The bar’s cosy interior and friendly staff make it a favourite among both locals and visitors.
- For a truly unique après-ski experience, make a beeline for Les Trappeurs, a rustic and charming bar that feels like a sparkly hidden gem. With its wooden beams, fur-lined chairs and crackling fire that hits the spot on a cold evening, this bar is the absolute epitome of alpine charm. The extensive wine and cocktail menu features local specialities, making it an ideal spot for those looking to savour the flavours of the region.
Les Enfants Terrible
Located inside Les Dromonts Hotel, this restaurant is decorated in a bold sixties style, with bright colours and vintage furniture. They serve classic French cuisine. Their bistro menu offers French traditional dishes and local recipes such as foie gras, fera fish from Lake Leman, duck, steaks, pasta and home-made desserts.
Les Fontaines Blanches
Hearty portions, a large sunny terrace and a great apres-ski vibe make this a popular restaurant with locals and tourists alike. Located in the centre of Avoriaz, the menu veers towards traditional French Alpine dishes, but they also have a wood-fired pizza oven and host regular theme nights such as BBQ, mussels, buffet, etc. Portions are generous and prices are reasonable, with set menus and children's menus available. You are also welcome to come just for a drink or two, either inside in the cosy bar or outside on the sunny terrace.
Le Fournil de Cannelle
Situated in the centre of resort, at the entrance of the Fontaines Blanches, and close to the Intrêts residence. Le Fournil de Cannelle has a vast range of pastries, cakes, bites, and small meals- To eat-in or take away.
Les Intrets
In the heart of Avoriaz, on Place Centrale just a short walk from the tourist office, you will find this restaurant. With 2 large dining rooms and a big terrace, this place is good for group bookings. It serves all the local favourites like fondue and raclette as well as pizzas, pasta and meat dishes.
La Poya
French cuisine with soups, salads, sweet and savoury crepes and a large variety of full French meals on the menu. Good access for non-skiers and a great place to people watch.
Le Chapka
Open from noon every day, this great restaurant bar has a lovely sunny terrace with views of the landscape and when the sun goes in there are heated parasols to keep you toasty while you have your aperitif!
The Place
The Place to be! This bar regularly hosts live bands and keeps its patrons bouncing till it's time for bed or to hit the club!
Le Shooters
In the bar, you 'll understand the speciality here are the shooters. With over 50 different recipes to offer, you're sure to find the drink you need for a fun night. Located in the heart of the resort, with a lively atmosphere, live pop and rock every week, live music twice a day, after skiing and in the early evening from 22:00. Later, around midnight, their two resident DJs, DJ Gin and Tonic Nek, and will cook up some electro & hip-hop sets which are sure to ignite the dance floor and keep it lit until 02:00.
Le Tavaillon
A popular spot in the centre of Avoriaz, not only for après ski, but also to enjoy sporting events on the big screen. They have a selection of bar snacks and pub food that goes a bit too well with the beer... who can resist! With an outdoor terrace if you can brave the cold for a lunchtime burger... but it is heated and they will give you a blanket.
Jaja Bar
This new bar serves a great selection of wines and champagne, as well as food in a relaxed atmosphere. A good option for après-ski. Their wine list is one of the largest in the resort, and you can order tapas or platters together with your drinks. The cosy and warm decoration is the final touch.
Globe Trotter
The Globe Trotter in Avoriaz is a journey in itself. A place that’s lively and changes throughout the day, from a restaurant to a festive bar. Founded in 1997, our team welcomes you with the same dedication from breakfast (from 8am) to après ski/evening (up to 2am). 20 years after its opening, the recipe has not changed: a convivial place combining modesty and generosity to create a simple and authentic moment. Visit our large sunny terrace which is open from December to April.
Le Yak
There are plenty of places to go and have a drink in Avoriaz but this is the only one to stay open past 02:00, as such it often doesn't get lively until late on. Playing mainly house music with their resident DJ or a variety of guests, this popular nightclub is open from midnight until 05:00.
