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Avoriaz is unlike almost anywhere else in the Alps. It is car free, built right on the slopes at around 1,800 metres, and part of the huge Portes du Soleil ski area that stretches into Switzerland. We stayed in the Les Crozats area at the end of January 2025, into early February and found it one of the most practical resorts for a group of mixed abilities. We are going back in March 2027, this time staying at the Le Snow residence. This guide covers how it works, how to get there from the UK, and the transfer trick we used to save time and money.
Avoriaz at a glance
| Ski area | Portes du Soleil, around 650 km of runs across France and Switzerland; the Avoriaz area itself has 34 lifts and 75 km of runs |
| Altitude | Around 1,800 metres, high for the northern French Alps |
| Character | Purpose built, car free, ski in and ski out |
| Nearest airport | Geneva |
| Valley link | The Prodains cable car from Les Prodains, near Morzine |
| Adult 6 day Portes du Soleil pass, 2026/27 (approx.) | €373 |
| Best for | Families, mixed ability groups, anyone who wants to ski from the door |
Figures from the official Avoriaz website and the 2026/27 lift pass prices listed by Alti Mag. Always check the official site before you book.
Why we like Avoriaz
For a mixed group, Avoriaz works brilliantly. There are safe runs for every level close to the resort, so beginners and nervous skiers have plenty to enjoy while the more confident members of the group can head off across the Portes du Soleil and still be back for lunch.
Being car free makes a real difference too. Children can walk around safely, you can ski to and from the door of most apartments, and there is no traffic or parking to worry about once you have arrived.
How a car free resort works
Cars are not allowed inside Avoriaz. If you drive, you park at the entrance to the resort, where there are covered and outdoor car parks. The resort recommends booking covered parking early, as outdoor spaces cannot be reserved.
From the car park, you load your bags onto a luggage sledge (they unlock with a €1 or €2 coin), or request one of the horse drawn sleigh taxis, which the resort says cannot be booked in advance. Inside the resort you get around on foot, on skis or by sleigh. The village is built on a gentle slope, so most journeys are short.
Getting to Avoriaz
How we did it: Geneva and a shared transfer
We flew to Geneva and booked a shared coach transfer. Rather than staying on the coach all the way up the mountain road to Avoriaz, we were dropped at Les Prodains, the bottom of the cable car near Morzine, and took the cable car up. It saved time on the winding road and helped keep the transfer cost down. Ask your transfer company whether they offer a drop off at Les Prodains.
The Prodains cable car
The Prodains Express cable car links Les Prodains, in the valley near Morzine, with Avoriaz in about four minutes. According to the official Avoriaz website, for the 2026/27 winter it runs from 11 December to 18 April, with pedestrian services from 7am until late evening (later on Fridays and Saturdays). A single pedestrian ticket was listed at €9 for an adult and €6.50 for a child. There is a large car park at Les Prodains if you are driving and would rather leave the car in the valley.
Book your transfer
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SunTransfers: Geneva airport to Avoriaz
Get a price for your flight times and group size. This search is for transfers to the Parking du Plateau at the resort entrance.
Prices and availability change often, so always check the latest details before you book.
Other ways to get there
- Private transfer from Geneva: around an hour and a half in normal traffic, but a lot longer on Saturdays in the school holidays. It takes you door to door to the resort entrance.
- Driving: park at the resort entrance or at Les Prodains. Winter tyres or snow chains are required in the French mountains.
See our guide to getting to the French Alps for a full comparison.
Our guide to Geneva airport to Avoriaz transfers compares every option, with indicative prices.
Where to book
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Look for somewhere close to the lifts or ski school, and check whether bed linen, towels and final cleaning are included in the price. The searches below open with February half term 2027 dates as an example. Change the dates and group size to match your own trip.
Vrbo: holiday apartments in Avoriaz
We have used Vrbo for self catered apartments on our own trips.
Expedia: hotels and apartment residences in Avoriaz
Useful if you would rather have a hotel, or want to compare residences with a reception and services.
Skiworld: Hôtel des Dromonts
Half board hotel holidays in one of Avoriaz’s original buildings. Skiworld says its holidays are ABTA and ATOL protected; check exactly what your package includes.
Prices and availability change often, so always check the latest details before you book.
The ski area
Avoriaz sits in the middle of the Portes du Soleil, one of the largest linked ski areas in the world, with around 600 kilometres of pistes across France and Switzerland. Avoriaz itself has around 35 lifts and plenty of skiing on its own, plus snowparks and freeride areas for the adventurous. Because the resort is high, the snow down to the village is usually good, which matters a lot when you are skiing back to the door.
Lift passes
For winter 2026/27, the lift company sells an Avoriaz only pass for just 5 hours, 1 day or 2 days, so for a week you will need a Portes du Soleil pass. Six days cost €352 for an adult online in peak season, or €373 at the ticket office (official rates, checked October 2026). Complete beginners can start on a cheaper beginner pass that covers the nursery lifts, and children under 5 ski free. Our guide to Avoriaz and Portes du Soleil passes compares the options, and our lift pass guide has more tips.
Families and beginners
- Beginner areas at the Plateau and Proclou are close to the resort.
- Children’s Village by ESF (Village des Enfants), in the centre of the resort, takes children aged 3 to 16 for ski lessons and activities, according to the official Avoriaz website.
- Ski schools: the resort lists eight, plus independent instructors. Book early in the school holidays.
- Aquariaz is an indoor water park in the resort, with slides, a river current and a climbing wall. Ideal for a bad weather afternoon.
- Sleigh rides are a big hit with younger children.
Planning lessons and hire? See our guide to ski hire and lessons.
Things to know
- Food and shops cost more in resort. Many visitors self cater and do a bigger supermarket shop in the valley.
- Restaurant choice is more limited than in a traditional town, so book ahead for a night out in half term.
- The architecture divides opinion. The 1960s wooden clad buildings are either striking or stark, depending on your taste.
Who Avoriaz suits
- Families: car free, ski in and ski out, with beginner areas and a water park.
- Mixed ability groups: plenty for everyone, with easy places to meet.
- Keen skiers: the whole Portes du Soleil is on your doorstep.
See how Avoriaz compares with Les Arcs, Alpe d’Huez and Les Deux Alpes in our guide to choosing a ski resort. Weighing it up against Les Arcs? See Les Arcs or Avoriaz for families.
Choosing a neighbourhood? See where to stay in Avoriaz.
Frequently asked questions
Can you drive to Avoriaz?
You can drive to the resort entrance and park there, but cars are not allowed inside the resort.
How do you get your luggage to your apartment in Avoriaz?
Use a luggage sledge from the car park area, or a horse drawn sleigh taxi.
What is the nearest airport to Avoriaz?
Geneva, around an hour and a half away by road, though it can take a lot longer on Saturdays in the school holidays.
Can you take the cable car from Morzine to Avoriaz?
Yes. The Prodains cable car runs from Les Prodains, in the valley near Morzine, to Avoriaz in about four minutes, including for pedestrians.