FRANCE
Nestled in the heart of the Porte du Soleil ski area, Avoriaz is a unique and family-friendly ski resort that has captured the hearts of skiers around the world. It’s a car-free resort, with ski- in/ski-out snow covered chalets and an extensive array of activities. Avoriaz offers an enchanting winter wonderland for families seeking a memorable ski holiday. This guide explores everything you need to know about skiing in Avoriaz.
Plan your Ski Adventure
Booking a ski trip involves a range of reliable resources to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. I have listed below our favorite companies we use when we plan our ski holiday.
Ski World– They have been taking customers to the best ski resorts in Europe, the US and Canada for more than 36 years.
Skyscanner– it’s our go to for finding the best flights, we usually start here and usually finish here.
Booking.com– for accommodation, we rely on booking.com for its extensive options and user reviews.
Train Travel– to European ski resorts is convenient and scenic, popular trips include Glacier express to Zermat, the Eurostar from London to the French Alps. We find “Omio or Trainline” are the best sites for booking trains in Europe.
Car Hire – we usually hire a car it offers us flexibility and convenience, allowing easy access to most resorts. Companies like “Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com’ provide reliable options with winter equipment.
Travel insurance– Don’t ski without it. If you get hurt on the mountain it could cost, you a small fortune if you’re not insured. We used “Safety Wing” when my wife broke her ankle a few years ago in Wengen they were terrific.
Ski Equipment. – Bring your own ski gear, its usually cheaper and much better than renting, it ensures you have a perfect fit. Owning also saves time and money in the long run. Equipment like “Skis’, ‘Pants and Jackets,’ Gloves, ski -helmets and Thermal underwear” can all be bought online. You can purchase everything you need from Berg’s Ski and Snowboard (USA) or Snow and Rock (UK).
For specific resort information- we turn to the resort website, which often provides details on lift passes, equipment rentals, ski school bookings. These resources together make planning our ski trips a lot easier.
Village Overview
One of the snowiest places in France, Avoriaz is a purpose-built ski resort, located in the Haute-Savoie region of the French Alps. Sitting at an altitude of 1800 meters, it boasts reliable snow cover from December to late April. Making it a favorite destination for winter enthusiasts. Part of the Porte du Soleil ski area, offering 650 km of ski slopes spanning France and Switzerland, making it one of the largest ski areas in the world. What sets Avoriaz apart is its commitment to sustainability and family-friendly design.
The entire resort is car free, creating a safe and peaceful environment for children and ensuring the air remains clean and fresh. The design of Avoriaz is very distinctive with wood-clad buildings that blend in with the surrounding landscapes, giving the resort a cosy and inviting feeling.
Family-Friendly Skiing.
Avoriaz offers an excellent range of slopes for skiers of all abilities, making it well suited for families with children at different ski levels. The resort has gentle wide slopes that are perfect for beginners and young children who are just starting to learn how to ski. The plateau area, located near the heart of the resort, is a beginner paradise with easy green and magic carpet rides. Mum and Dad don’t forget your ‘Go-Pro or Action Camera, these are the best times when kids are just learning to ski.
For more experienced skiers, Avoriaz provides a variety of blue, red, and black runs that are easily accessible from the village. The entire Port du Soleil area is well connected, allowing families to explore neighboring resorts like Morzine, Les Gets, and Chatel with ease.
Wear a SKI HELMET, especially if you’re a beginner or in the snow parks and remember to pack your SKI GOGGLES for Avoriaz.
Children’s ski school and childcare
Avoriaz is home to several excellent ski schools that cater specifically to children. The ESF (Ecole du ski Francais) is the most prominent, offering group and private lessons for children 3 and up. The instructors are experienced in working with kids, ensuring the lessons are both fun and educational. For younger children, the Pior club provides a safe and engaging environment where they can learn the basics of skiing through play and games.
In addition to ski schools, Avoriaz offers a variety of childcare services, the village des Enfants is a popular choice providing daycare and ski lessons for children 3 to 16.
Portes du Soleil Ski Pass and ski Area
Avoriaz ski pass – is ideal for those who plan to spend most of their time within the Avoriaz area, allowing access to the 75km of ski slopes which is perfect for beginners and families who prefer to stay close to the village.
Porte du soleil ski Pass – if you’re looking to explore the full extent of the Port du Soleil area, this is the best option. The pass covers 650km of slopes across 12 resorts including Avoriaz, Morzine, Les Gets, Chatel and Swiss resorts of Champrey and Morgins. The Porte du Soleil pass is more expensive but provides excellent value for skiers who want to make the most of their time exploring multiply resorts.
Beginner and Child Passes
Avoriaz also offers ski passes specifically designed for beginners and children. These passes are usually limited to the beginner areas and the easier slopes within Avoriaz, providing a more affordable option for those just starting out. Children under the age of 5years old often ski for free, and there are discounted rates for older children and teenagers.
Handy Tip: Don’t forget your GOPRO or your INSTA360 for all those action shots of Family and Friends.
Accommodation in Avoriaz.
Most of the accommodation in Avoriaz consists of self-catered apartments, which are perfect for families who prefer to have their own space and the option to cook their own meals. Apartments range from cozy studios to larger multi- bedroom apartments accommodating larger families. Many of the apartments offer spectacular views with ski in / ski out allowing direct access to the slopes, which is great for families with young children.
“Pierre and Vacancies residences” operate several apartment complexes in Avoriaz, including the popular “Saskia Falaise” and “atria-Crozats residences”. We recently stayed at “L’Amara” and found it perfect for a family of five. All these apartments offer kitchens, living areas, and balconies with stunning views.
“Maeva” also offers a range of privately-owned apartments that are rented out to holiday makers. They also offer good value for money and are conveniently located in the village.
For a more Luxurious experience, these accommodations often come with extra amenities such as half-board options, spas, and concierge services.
“Hotel des Dormont’s” – This iconic hotel, built in the 1960s, is a landmark in Avoriaz. It combines retro design with modern comforts. The hotel’s spa and gourmet restaurant make it a great choice for Families.
“Chalet Neva” – located in the center of Avoriaz, Chalet Neva offers a luxurious and spacious stay for families. The chalet features multiple bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a cozy living area with a fireplace. Its ski-in/ski-out location ensures easy access to the slopes.
Search here for more “Accommodation in Avoriaz ‘ BOOKING.COM LINK
Getting to Avoriaz
Getting to Avoriaz is easy, with numerous transportation options available, making it easy for families traveling from different parts of Europe and beyond.
The closest international airport to Avoriaz is Geneva Airport, located about 80km away. Geneva is well-connected with flights from major cities across Europe and worldwide.
For families travelling by “train”, the nearest major railway station is Cluses, located approximately 40 kilometers from Avoriaz. Cluses is accessible from major cities in France, including Paris and Lyon. From Cluses, a bus or taxi can take you to Avoriaz.
Driving to Avoriaz from other parts of France or neighboring countries is relatively straight. The resort is well- signposted in nearby towns of Morzine and Les Gets. One of the unique aspects of Avoriaz is its car-free policy. Upon arrival, cars must be left in designated parking areas at the resorts entrance. From there, guests can take a horse – drawn sleigh or a snowcat to their accommodation.
Compare these car rentals DISCOVER CARS or RENTALCARS.COM
Getting to France’s best ski resorts couldn’t be easier than with Ski-Lifts, offering both airport and train station transfers. Private transfers are a popular choice, as you’re not sharing with others or waiting at the airport, your driver will be waiting for you on arrival.
5. By Bus
During the ski season, several coach companies offer direct services to Avoriaz from major cities like Paris, Lyon and Grenoble. While this option might take longer it could be cost-effective.
Handy Tip: be prepared for winter conditions, make sure if you hire a car it has snow chains and winter tires (We have been caught in this situation, it wasn’t much fun, we didn’t have either.)
Resort activities
Handy Tip: make sure you have TRAVEL INSURANCE before you hit the slopes.
Avoriaz offers fantastic skiing experience for all levels, with its well-planned piste layout and excellent ski pass options. Whether you’re staying within Avoriaz or exploring the wider Portes du Soleil area, understanding the ski area will help you maximize your time on the slopes, and create unforgettable memories in this ultimate ski resort for families.
Please email us with any questions to Gary and Sally at [email protected]
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