Travel to Avoriaz with ski insurance from Essential Travel

Avoriaz, situated at 1,800m, is the highest of 13 interconnected ski resorts that make up the Les Portes du Soleil region, situated between Lake Geneva in Switzerland and Mont Blanc in France. Due to its height, the conditions at Avoriaz are often favourable at times when skiing the lower resorts is less desirable.

Avoriaz is entirely purpose-built and set amid breathtaking scenery. Additionally, the ski resort’s policy of no cars ensures that the area stays free of pollution. Alternative transport around the village is provided by horse-drawn sleighs, adding to the delightful atmosphere.

One of the major strengths of Avoriaz is that it encompasses ski runs suitable for all levels of experience, including: 3 green runs, 24 blue runs, 17 red runs, and 5 challenging black runs for experienced skiers. These 49 pistes make up a total distance of 150kms, and access to the slopes is via a system of 47 ski lifts.

If you feel like a change of scenery, try out one of the other resorts in the Les Portes du Soleil, all of which are accessible on a single ski pass. The quaint village and ski resort of Morzine is located only 14kms away from Avoriaz, and is known for its locally-produced cheese and handicrafts.

The ski season stretches from mid-December to late April (with peak season periods around Christmas and New Year’s Day) and from February to mid-April. The easiest way to reach Avoriaz is by flying to Geneva and arranging a transfer from the airport to the resort.

Skiing in Avoriaz

Avoriaz is located in the popular skiing region of the Portes du Soleil in the Alps, between Geneva in Switzerland and Mont Blanc in France. Les Portes du Soleil is made up of 13 different ski areas, all of which are accessible on a single pass, meaning that visitors to Avoriaz have the option of skiing the 150kms of runs within the resort, as well as the additional 500kms of pistes in the remaining Portes du Soleil area.

Avoriaz provides skiing for the entire range of levels, with 3 beginner runs, 24 intermediate runs, 17 expert runs, and 5 testing black runs for extremely advanced skiers. Le Plateau, just above the resort village, offers plenty of nursery slopes for beginners; while the most notorious ski run at Avoriaz can be found on both sides of the Swiss border, over an area dubbed ‘The Wall’.

There are 47kms of free cross-country skiing routes within Avoriaz. Off-piste skiing is provided by the Hauts Fort sector, the Crêtes, Le Fornet and La Suisse. Those wishing to try their abilities on these routes should be aware that there is a danger of avalanches in the area, and hiring a guide is advisable.

Most accommodation in Avoriaz comes in the form of apartments that can be rented, but there are also two hotels of a three-star standard. The village is well-equipped with essential amenities, including banks, shops, tourist information and childcare facilities.

The ski season at Avoriaz runs from mid-December to late April, and February to mid-April, with peak times over Christmas and New Year’s Day. The resort is accessible by car (though you will need to leave your vehicle in the parking area just outside the resort), train, or a flight to Geneva with a ground transfer to the resort.

Après-ski in Avoriaz

The resort is perched above a sheer granite cliff face, affording excellent views, and is known for its unique architecture and layout. Avoriaz is well-equipped with visitor facilities, and nightlife at the ski resort, though limited, is lively.

The après-ski activities at the resort are also renowned, with a range of restaurants and bars providing entertainment in the form of fine food, live music and dancing. Children are well cared for, with a nursery for the very young, and a children’s village for the slightly older set. Most people coming to Avoriaz stay in rented apartments, but the ski resort also has two three-star hotels.

You can also enjoy a wide range of facilities such as the sauna, cinema, fitness centre, Turkish bath and squash courts. The resort boasts a fine selection of restaurants offering local fare, and bars with live music, pool, table football and dancing.

Off-slope and après-ski opportunities abound in Avoriaz, with an excellent selection of facilities, restaurants and entertainment venues to choose from. Non-skiing activities include: sleigh rides, ice-skating, shows by local ski schools, paragliding, snowshoeing, dog sledding, night sledding, snowmobiling and bowling.

Transportation to Avoriaz

Avoriaz is located about 80kms from Geneva, in the Portes du Soleil region. Visitors can get to Geneva by car, bus, train or plane, and then transfer to the resort by bus or car. The quickest and most convenient travel option is to fly to Geneva Airport and arrange other means of transport from there.

If you opt to drive your own vehicle to Avoriaz, it is advisable to take snow chains, as they may be required, depending on road conditions. If you take a car ferry from the UK, the journey from Calais is approximately 900kms and takes about nine hours. Follow the Geneva/Mont Blanc autoroute and take exit 18 to Morzine/Avoriaz. Remember that Avoriaz is a car-free resort, so you will need to leave your car in the parking area outside.

To reach Avoriaz by train, you will need to take the Eurostar from Waterloo Station, and connect with French Rail trains or Swiss trains to Thonon-les-Bains, Cluses or Geneva stations. Eurostar offers a direct service to Bourge St Maurice and Aime La Plange on Fridays and Saturdays (overnighter), taking about 10 hours. Transfers can be organised from the respective station to the resort.

Air travel is the quickest and most convenient means of getting to Avoriaz, although it is costly. If you opt for this form of transportation, you should arrange a flight to Geneve Cointrin Airport, and a transfer on to the resort from there.

Geneva can be reached from all over Europe by means of Eurolines buses. From the city, additional buses run to Avoriaz, taking about two hours to reach the resort.

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