Avoriaz, France
Chalet Beluga
Low season:£14,500per week
£1,450 per person

France
A car-free, ski-in/ski-out paradise in the heart of the vast Portes du Soleil.
9 properties available
About the Resort
Perched dramatically on a cliff at 1,800 meters, Avoriaz is a fully pedestrianized resort renowned for its unique, wood-clad architecture that seamlessly blends into the rocky alpine surroundings. Built in the 1960s, it offers an unparalleled ski-in/ski-out experience where snow-covered streets are navigated by horse-drawn sleighs and skiers alike.
The Resort
As the central hub of the massive Portes du Soleil ski area, Avoriaz provides direct access to 600km of interconnected pistes spanning France and Switzerland. The local terrain is an absolute haven for freestylers and intermediates, boasting world-class snowparks like the ecological Burton Stash, as well as high-altitude north-facing slopes that guarantee excellent snow conditions throughout the season.
Beyond the slopes, the resort maintains a lively yet highly family-friendly atmosphere. Features like the Aquariaz tropical indoor water park, a fantastic children's village, and a vibrant après-ski scene ensure that Avoriaz appeals to dedicated winter sports enthusiasts and families looking for a magical mountain holiday.
On the Mountain
Avoriaz offers extensive intermediate cruising, some of Europe's best snowparks, and easy access to both France and Switzerland. Its local slopes hold cold, chalky snow well into spring, while thrill-seekers can easily challenge the infamous Swiss Wall just over the border.
Portes du Soleil
One of the largest linked ski areas in the world, encompassing 12 resorts across France and Switzerland with 600km of pistes.
Location
Resort Details
Ideal For
Families
Car-free streets, doorstep skiing, and exceptional childcare at the Village des Enfants.
Freestylers
Home to multiple world-class terrain parks including The Stash, a giant ecological park in the trees.
Intermediates
Endless miles of well-groomed blues and reds stretching across the international border.
Eco-conscious Travelers
Purpose-built to blend into the cliffs with a strictly enforced pedestrian-only policy.
By Type
Slope Access
Wellness
Full Service
Full Collection
Where to Eat
Les Enfants Terribles
Hotel des Dromonts
Refined and chic dining in the resort's first-ever, uniquely designed historical hotel.
La Cabane
Resort Center
A lively, beautifully decorated wooden chalet offering excellent local cuisine, sushi, and live music.
Les Marmottes
Lindarets Valley
A classic alpine lunch stop right on the pistes, offering generous portions and a large sun terrace.
L'Epicerie
Village Center
A cozy, welcoming spot perfect for casual dining with high-quality regional ingredients.
Common Questions
The ski season in Avoriaz typically runs Mid-December to late April. The resort averages 8m per season of snowfall, so conditions are usually reliable throughout. Avoriaz-only passes are available at a lower cost, but the full Portes du Soleil pass is highly recommended for intermediates and above.
Avoriaz offers 600km of pistes with a vertical drop of 1,300m. Avoriaz offers extensive intermediate cruising, some of Europe's best snowparks, and easy access to both France and Switzerland. Its local slopes hold cold, chalky snow well into spring, while thrill-seekers can easily challenge the infamous Swiss Wall just over the border. It forms part of the Portes du Soleil ski area.
A car-free, ski-in/ski-out paradise in the heart of the vast Portes du Soleil. Avoriaz is a modern mountain resort, known for its distinctive character and atmosphere. Key highlights include family friendly, intermediates, ski in ski out, snowpark, extensive terrain.
Avoriaz receives an average of 8m per season of snowfall. With skiing up to 2,466m, higher altitude terrain holds snow well into spring. Recent snowfall: Consistent winter storms provide an excellent base.
Avoriaz is well-suited for several types of visitors. For families: Car-free streets, doorstep skiing, and exceptional childcare at the Village des Enfants. For freestylers: Home to multiple world-class terrain parks including The Stash, a giant ecological park in the trees. For intermediates: Endless miles of well-groomed blues and reds stretching across the international border.
The nearest airport is Geneva Airport (GVA), about 80km away (approximately 1h 45min by transfer). Numerous shared and private minibus transfers drop guests at the resort's Welcome Centre. Avoriaz is also reachable by train via Cluses or Thonon-les-Bains. Take a train to Cluses or Thonon-les-Bains, followed by a local bus to the Prodains cable car, which whisks you up to Avoriaz in 4 minutes.
Lift passes in Avoriaz are available as Adult Day Pass (Portes du Soleil) (EUR 68), Adult 6-Day Pass (Portes du Soleil) (EUR 342). Passes often cover the wider Portes du Soleil area, giving access to a much larger ski domain. Accommodation books up rapidly during the French school holidays in February; book at least 6 months in advance.
Standout dining in Avoriaz includes Les Enfants Terribles (Refined and chic dining in the resort's first-ever, uniquely designed historical hotel.), La Cabane (A lively, beautifully decorated wooden chalet offering excellent local cuisine, sushi, and live music.), Les Marmottes (A classic alpine lunch stop right on the pistes, offering generous portions and a large sun terrace.). With 4 recommended restaurants in total, the resort offers an impressive dining scene for a ski destination.
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