Why ski in Avoriaz?
Avoriaz sits at the heart of the Portes du Soleil, with runs linking France and Switzerland. Its central position opens access to forests, wide snowy boulevards and fun areas, with terrain from beginner slopes to more challenging descents. The Plateau and Proclou sectors have beginner zones, while Lil’Stash has tree huts and a self-service barbecue reached by green and blue runs. The domain also includes secured freeride zones and a boardercross.
Green and blue runs start at the resort, giving newer skiers room to progress near the Plateau and Proclou beginner zones. More capable skiers can head towards Chavanette and the Swiss Wall, a steep descent between France and Switzerland, or ski through forests and along wide boulevards. Arare Snowpark, La Chapelle Snowpark and The Stash are among the freestyle areas. Altitude and the layout help maintain good snow conditions through winter and into spring. In the village, skiers, pedestrians and horse-drawn sleighs share snowy streets.
On a day off, horse-drawn sleigh rides pass through Avoriaz’s snowy lanes, shared with pedestrians. The indoor water park has a flowing river, slides, a bubble pool and a heated outdoor jacuzzi.
Highlights
Green and blue runs begin here
Beginner-friendly green and blue slopes start at Avoriaz; blue slopes lead towards the Lindarets area.
Arrive via Les Prodains
The cable car from the hamlet of Les Prodains avoids the winding, hairpin road up from Morzine.
Good snow conditions through winter
Avoriaz’s altitude and ski-area layout help provide good snow conditions from December through spring.
Reset on forest snowshoes
Snowshoe walks through snowy forests offer a change of pace between ski sessions.
Treat the Swiss Wall cautiously
The Swiss Wall at Chavanette is a steep, expert-only descent between France and Switzerland.
Destination
Destination
When to visit
Best seasons for ski in Avoriaz
January to March is the most reliable stretch for skiing in Avoriaz. January pairs settled snow and strong conditions with quieter pistes after the holiday crowds disperse. December can bring excellent snow, but it can also disappoint, making an early-season trip less certain. Christmas and New Year feel festive, but the pistes are busy; February is the busiest period, with French school holidays filling the slopes and ski-school places often booked early.
March brings longer sunshine and gentler temperatures, though snow can be hard in the morning and slushy in the afternoon. April can reward late-season skiers with fresh snowfall and quieter pistes, especially towards the end of the month. Higher runs can remain open when lower, sunnier slopes close, but spring snow may soften during the day. Strong winds, dangerous snow and other adverse weather can affect lift operations, while opening dates depend on snow conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Practical answers about ski in Avoriaz: weather, families, highlights and more.
The Plateau, on the edge of Avoriaz, is a place for first turns, reached on foot from the centre or by the Dromonts drag lift. The Écoles drag lift serves a fairly wide slope with a gentle gradient. Proclou and Super Morzine then offer wide, sunny green and blue runs for progression.
Skiers heading towards Switzerland through Chavanette can take the blue Aller de Chavanette piste, then use the TSD Choucas or TK Chavanette. The route reaches the Swiss Wall, a steep descent; a nearby Chavanette chairlift offers a gentler way down into Switzerland.
At the entrance to Avoriaz, the welcome booth directs arrivals to unloading bays, then to covered or outdoor parking. Covered parking should be reserved early; outdoor parking cannot be reserved. Compact bags and boots suited to snow are easier to manage, since wheeled suitcases and slippery soles are awkward on the resort’s snowy streets.
On high-demand days, full car parks can redirect day visitors from Prodains to Ardent, then towards Ferme de Seraussaix or the Avoriaz road up to Col de Joux Verte. Access for day visitors may be temporarily blocked if parking reaches saturation. Shuttle buses link parking zones with resort reception, and the Seraussaix green run gives skiers with equipment access to the ski area.
On Avoriaz’s slopes, busy snow fronts, intersections and slope bottoms call for slower, attentive skiing. Skiers should look uphill and downhill before entering junctions, and stop at the edge rather than behind a bump or in a narrow passage. The downhill skier has priority, and slope signage and markings apply across the ski area.