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Visitor reviews for Avoriaz Ski Resort

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• February 02, 2012
  Fred D'Ally from United Kingdom
  

  Spent the first week of January in Morzine and Avoriaz.
  Stay in Morzine, it's a quainter village with a great selection of chalet accommodation. Eat at L'Etale restaurant, food is fresh and varied. Although be prepared to wait, so don't eat here if you are in a rush.
  Avoriaz skiing is brilliantly linked the other to Portes du Soleil slopes.
  Spent a fair amount of time around the Lindaret area, great selection of skiing here, not crazy about the restaurants in the Lindaret bowl itself.
  If you can get to the Ardent lifts, it's better starting your day from here, as it is not as crowded as the Pleney lifts (if snowing heavily avoid, as you may get stuck up at the Ardent car park). Will definitely return to this resort 'cos it is well linked (plenty skiing) and close to Geneva for short breaks. Enjoy!

• Avoriaz Ratings

  Based on 11 votes. Vote

  Access: 4.3 (1) At least one overnight stop, (2) requires a whole day, (3) requires more than half a day – you may have time for a few turns (4) arrive by lunchtime and ski all afternoon, (5) there is a main airport within an hour of Avoriaz.	Public Transport: 4.6 (1) There are no buses or taxis to Avoriaz, (3) there are slow or infrequent buses / trains available, (5) getting to the resort is easy with frequent bus / train connections.
  Scenery: 4.2 (1) An ugly resort in a bland setting, (3) average mountain views and resort, (5) a spectacular setting and a beautiful / historic resort town.	Accommodation: 4.7 (1) No places to stay in/near Avoriaz, (3) a few places to stay in the resort, (5) a wide variety of accommodation suitable to suit all budgets.
  Cheap Rooms: 4.2 (1) No budget accommodation available, (3) just one or two hostels so book ahead, (5) several cheap hostels and pensions available.	Luxury Hotels: 4.0 (1) No luxury accommodation available, (3) just one or two luxury hotels so book ahead, (5) several up-market hotels in Avoriaz.
  Ski in/Ski out: 5.0 (1) The ski area is located far from any accommodation, (3) a free ski bus takes you to the ski area in a short trip, (5) Ski-in ski-out accommodation is available.	Childcare: 4.8 (1) There are no child care facilities at Avoriaz, (5) the resort has excellent child-care facilities including at least one reasonably priced creche.
  Snowsure: 4.9 (1) Occasionally gets enough snow for skiing, (2) is often closed due to a lack of snow, (3) occasionally suffers from a lack of snow, (4) rarely suffers from a lack of snow, (5) Avoriaz is snowsure even in the poorest seasons.	Snowmaking: 4.5 (1) Avoriaz relies entirely on natural snow, (3) there are just a few snow cannons, (5) there are snowmaking facilities on all pistes.
  Snow Grooming: 4.7 (1) There are no snow groomers at Avoriaz, (3) occasionally some pistes are left ungroomed and in a poor state, (5) all the runs at Avoriaz are groomed daily.	Shelter: 4.3 (1) there is nowhere to ski when it is windy or visibility is bad and lifts often shut, (3) there are some trees for poor visibility but main lifts sometimes close, (5) Avoriaz is mostly in forest where you can ski in flat-light and windy days, lifts rarely close.
  Nearby options: 3.6 (1) If snow conditions are poor at Avoriaz, it will be poor everywhere nearby, (3) there are good alternatives within an hours drive, (5) other locations on the same lift pass provide a rich variety of snowsure ski conditions.	Regional rating: 5.0 (1) Avoriaz usually has poor snow conditions compared to other resorts in region, (3) has average conditions for the region, (5) usually has the best snow conditions in the region.
  Lift Staff: 4.3 (1) The staff at Avoriaz are rude or unhelpful, (5) lift staff at Avoriaz are pleasant, cheerful and eager to help.	Crowds/Queues: 3.5 (1) the resort is always busy and there are usually long lift queues, (3) it is quiet apart from occasional weekends and school holidays, (5) it is uncrowded and lift queues are very rare.
  Ski Schools: 4.9 (1) No ski schools available, (2) one or two ski schools but local language only, (3) a few ski schools but book early for multi-lingual instructors, (4) plenty of ski schools and multi-lingual instructors available, (5) excellent ski schools with friendly multi-lingual ski instructors.	Hire and Repairs: 4.8 (1) Nothing can be sourced, not even ski-wax or ptex. (3) there are some ski shops but rentals need to be booked in advance, (5) good quality ski equipment can be purchased or hired and overnight repairs are possible.
  Variety of pistes: 4.9 (1) The ski runs are featureless and unvaried, (3) the ski runs are varied but not extensive enough for a week, (5) Avoriaz has diverse and interesting pistes including forests and high alpine terrain.	Beginners: 4.5 (1) Beginners can only watch others ski and snowboard, (3) a few gentle slopes but beginners will get bored in less than a week, (3) Vast areas of gentle terrain.
  Intermediates: 5.0 (1) No intermediate terrain at Avoriaz, (3) intermediate skiers will get bored after a few days, (5) vast areas of cruising runs.	Advanced: 4.8 (1) Nothing for advanced skiers and snowboarders, (3) enough steep terrain for a few days with some good offpiste, (5) Enough steep terrain and offpiste areas to entertain advanced skiers for at least a week.
  Snow Park: 5.0 (1) Not even a kicker at Avoriaz, (3) average sized park quite well looked after, (5) huge park area and expertly crafted pipes, jumps and boardercross trails.	Off-piste: 4.4 (1) No off-piste worth mentioning, (2) off piste is out-of-bounds, (3) some varied offpiste that stays fresh for one or two days, (5) a vast array of off-piste routes that can stay untracked for several days.
  Cross-country: 4.3 (1) There is nowhere to go for cross-country skiing around Avoriaz, (3) there are some cross country trails available, (5) the area features many spectacular and well maintained cross-country trails.	Luge/Toboggan: 2.6 (1) No designated luge or toboggan runs, (3) there are toboggan runs that open quite often, (5) Avoriaz has long and well maintained luge / toboggan facilities suitable for all ages.
  Mountain Dining: 4.6 (1) Nowhere to buy food by the pistes, (3) some places to eat up on the mountain but they are often busy and expensive, (5) there is a variety of excellent mountain eateries right next to the slopes to suit all budgets.	Eating: 4.5 (1) Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. (5) A wide variety of places to eat and drink in the resort, from fast food to fancy restaurants.
  Apres-Ski: 4.4 (1) Nothing to do, not even a bar, (3) there are a few bars in the resort but nothing special, (5) clubs and bars stay open until very late and have a friendly atmosphere.	Other Sports: 4.1 (1) No sports facilities at all apart from ski lifts, (3) resort has just a small public swimming pool, (5) resort has all kinds of sports facilities, including a full-size swimming pool.
  Entertainment: 3.3 (1) Besides the snow and walking there is nothing to do here, (3) the non-skier will find things to do for few days but may become bored after a week, (5) the resort area is a fascinating place to visit, regardless of winter sports.	Winter Walks: 4.3 (1) Very limited walking and no snowshoe trails, (3) a couple of designated scenic walking/snowshoe trails, (5) extensive and diverse winter walking trails for all abilities.
  Ski Pass Value: 4.7 (1) A 1 week ski pass is overpriced compared to the number of lifts available, (3) the ski pass is averagely priced and covers a reasonable number of lifts, (5) ski passes are excellent value for money and cover a lot of lifts spanning a big area.	Value (National): 4.5 (1) Overall, Avoriaz is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the country and not worth the money, (3) overall represents average value for money, (5) overall offers the best value resort in the country.
  Value (Global): 4.5 (1) Overall, Avoriaz is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the world, (3) overall it offers pretty average value for money compared to resorts from other countries, (5) internationally the resort offers excellent value for money.

  Based on 11 votes. Vote

• January 16, 2012
  Richard from France
  

  Having skied all over the world and experienced several types of accommodation, we decided to buy a house in the PDS, it really is that good. If you want to party go to Morzine, if you want high altitude skiing go to Avoriaz and if you want a change of scenery, go to one of the other 5 or more ski areas on the lift pass. No other place in the world has so much accessible on piste terrain in 2 countries, not even the mighty Sella Ronda, which is navigable either way for a day but doesn't allow you to explore too far, can beat the PDS. The off-piste is simply mind blowing and I'm not talking about the stuff to the side of the markers! You could say I'm biased but after 30 years on skis, you know when it's right! I haven't mentioned the summer season yet but it's just as good if not better for MTB and road biking, at least 5 Cat 1 including a HC climb not to mention hundreds of MTB trails - Enough said. St Jean D'Aulps, wear the fox hat! It's the place for winners.

• January 11, 2012
  Gordon from France
  

  So we decided to return to this lovely resort, only about 2 hours from Geneva, this time for 2 weeks. We only confirmed a few weeks ago after the snow really started and remained on the ground. The levels are the best for many a year, 250cm at higher levels, 230cm in the town. Runs are extremely well groomed and there are stash parks, obstacle runs and much more to satisfy any skiers fancy.
  We can visually see the high snow levels as we have to climb to exit the buildings, and most of the fences are under snow.
  A most charming pedestrian only resort, where one can ski through the town at the end of the day.
  Ski-out/ski-in is truly a reality in this resort, with over 650kms of runs, one can never tire of trying new areas.
  Plenty of restaurants, bars and other eating places and 2 supermarkets that hold everything, and more, that one needs for a comfortable stay.
  There is a lot of development going on and hope it will not detract from the atmosphere of Avoriaz.

• December 28, 2011
  Gordon from Israel
  

  We heard about Avoriaz through a friend that had just returned, after we had been to another, more distanced resort from Geneva, which, for us, is the easiest and closest airport to the French resorts. In 2010 we decided to give it a try, and were we so pleasantly surprised. Close to Geneva, by bus, completely pedestrian, and so so ski friendly. We decided to stay 2 weeks to really get to know and enjoy the resort, in a self catering apartment. Could not have been better.
  Enough ski runs, at different degrees of difficulty to please one and all. Ski to Italy, or Switzerland for lunch and then return home for dinner.
  Variety of restaurants, pubs, supermarkets and other speciality shops to satisfy us.
  Enjoyed so much we go back next week for 2 weeks!
  Snow has fallen, skis are ready, what more could we want?

• November 20, 2011
  Ian McKellar from United Kingdom
  

  Still waiting for the first big dump! However, unlike last Dec the ground is cold and hard so early snow will settle and make a good base. Snow cannons have been tested and snow is sticking. New accommodation and underground parking completed.
  Ian McKellar
  Director Avoriaz Alpine Ski School

• September 06, 2011
  Boots from Canada
  

  My wife and I spent a week (W/O February 26/2011) in Les Portes du Soleil and loved it! We were staying in Champoussin in the fartest Swiss resort on the Portes du Soleil map. As avid skiers and having gone everywhere from Whistler to Zermatt and anywhere else in between like Austria and Italie, we look for real mountain feel and powder. Starting from one end (Swiss side) of the 12 Portes du Soleil resorts and going as far as we could to the other side (In France) was our daily fun. We were always trying to go as far as possible for our lunch break before returning back by a different route. One note: the early bird gets the best snow and the farthest village..What a "trip" !

• April 02, 2011
  Ian McKellar from France
  

  Avoriaz will stay open to the end of the season, Easter Monday. All the higher slopes are still in good condition. Lower and beginners pistes are suffering by midday. Very warm but lovely for sitting out for lunch.
  Ian McKellar director
  Avoriaz Alpine Ski School

• February 27, 2010
  Ian McKellar from France
  

  27/2/10 - Just had the stormiest day for years in Avoriaz: strong winds but an amazing amount of snow falling. Great conditions for today; sun, powder etc. Ben Cavet, our sponsored British mogul skier, has placed 2nd in senior mens Europa cup and he is only 16! Keep your eyes open for him when you visit Avoriaz. Happy to help anyone with advice.
  Ian - Director Avoriaz Alpine Ski School.

• January 18, 2010
  Cesar from Portugal
  

  That was my 7th time in Avoriaz. Great week, with a lots of powder and well taken care tracks!
  Stayed at Club Med. The very best hotel of the mountain.
  Don´t hesitate, go to Avoriaz and have a great experience.

• April 23, 2009
  Richard Jones from United Kingdom
  

  Went to Avoriaz for the 3rd time in 4 seasons this March. I stayed outside of Avoriaz down near the Ardent lift which gives you a much better access to the whole Portes Du Soleil. Once again despite its low altitude the snow was very good, weather generally good also. For anyone who is considering going who has not been before I can only speak highly of the place. The runs are endless and I have only covered 80% of it after 3 weeks worth of skiing. A few tips on where not to go: Mont Chery on the other side of Les Gets is a hell of a hike, especially from Avoriaz and personally I would not recomend it. When I was out there a few local people said that there was planning permission underway to extend the resort south east from Mont Chery to link it with another resort, to give an impressive 900km+ linked piste. The only problem is, again, that it will be a hike from Avoriaz and is also low in altitude. As long as you head high, you won't be dissapointed. I will give it a break for a few years but I will certainly be going back in the future. All in all Avoriaz is a great resort. The place I stayed was with a company called Ouiski, and in chalet Jules. Great location, great food and a free bar next to the outdoor hot tub. What more could you ask for?

• February 13, 2009
  Andy from United Kingdom
  

  My 9th time in Avoriaz and Les Portes du Soleil and had a fantastic time again. The more we go the more hidden (and not so hidden) gems we find. Get a guide and ski the Valle De La Manche. Once you have done this and when the snow conditions are right you can go on your own but make sure you take the necessary equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel etc..)
  After a dump of snow ski the Avoiraz bowl; take the first chair up and ski back down on the far left for great bumps, drop offs and general hoots.
  Avoriaz is a great place to ski and snowboard and you will never get bored.
  Put it on your list of places to go.

• January 28, 2009
  Ron Bourke from Ireland
  

  Just back from Avoriaz. Went with a group of 11 including beginners and people who had skied before a few times in different resorts. Everyone had a brilliant week. Avoriaz is a great resort for all abilities and there was loads of snow. I recommend for anyone who has been skiing before to get the overall lift pass for the Portes Du Soleil area; well worth it as you will find plenty of new runs every day and can ski between Switzerland and France. There are plenty of restaurants in the town and in the mountains and most are reasonably priced. For nightlife, I can only recommend bar Chapka as it was the only bar we went to for the week; sound staff and great atmosphere and plenty of free drink. We all hope to be back next year. Avoriaz gets 10 out of 10.

• April 30, 2008
  Debi Murray from United Kingdom
  

  Best resort for skiing yet. Have been skiing for a number of years now and found this resort to be great for skiing to door. Restaurants great, snow brilliant and will be back next year.

• March 16, 2008
  Ben from United Kingdom
  

  Great resort. I came here in February and I enjoyed it so much I am going back in April. Everything was challenging: the snow park (very fun!!), the wall (do it on a sunny day) and venturing into Chatel, Les Crossets, and Champery. The good thing about it is that there are so many runs that are never busy and I went in half-term. Also the snow was good. Down low it got quite slushy but up high it was amazing. A word of warning: don't go to Morzine, it was so busy and the snow was slushy from the start(what a waste of a day).

• February 16, 2008
  Ian McKellar from France
  

  Great snow and sun in Avoriaz for February half term. Morzine becoming icy & warm so head high. Ian McKellar Director Avoriaz Alpine Ski School

• January 19, 2008
  Ian McKellar from United Kingdom
  

  AMAZING powder last week, 1st tracks down most backcountry routes. Empty slopes. Where have all the Brits gone? They are missing out BIG time! Ian McKellar - Director Avoriaz Alpine Ski School

• February 12, 2007
  James Vizard from United Kingdom
  

  Just came back from a week in Avoriaz. I wish I could have stayed! When we got there we were told by our rep that there had been no snow for about 10 days and that a light shower was forecast but not to get excited because it wouldn't be much, so we set out on our 1st full day and the weather was beautiful clear skies, not too cold not too warm, got a good days boarding in. 2nd day was much the same. Heard a rumour that there would be snow overnight, woke up a 8am looked out the window and.....nothing! Very dissapointed so went back to bed, half an hour got woke up by the sound of my mates screaming...IT'S SNOWING!!! And my god it did! Less than 50m visability! This carried on for 2 and half days eased off for an afternoon then came back with avengence for another day! On the final day the weather was brilliant clear skies again but this time loads of snow, on-piste and off-piste was amazing, never seen so much powder! Second time I have been to Avoriaz and am going to make sure that I do annual visits! Also new parks have been added since the last visit so made sure that I tried them out! What fun! Great skiing for all experienced skiers and boarders! Definite recommendation to anyone!

• May 29, 2006
  Richard Jones from United Kingdom
  

  I went skiing for the first time this April. I had an amazing time and enjoyed every minute of it. Avoriaz is an odd place and not really what I had imagined a ski resort to look like. The snow was excellent, about 2m of it and there is so much skiing you would have to go for about 3 weeks to get it all covered, as you can ski down to the Swiss ski resorts and also the pass will cover Les Gets on the other side of the valley as well. We had 24 hours of constant snowfall when we were there and the next day the skiing was excellent. Really good snow. The only thing I would criticise Avoriaz for, it that it says it is a beginners resort, but there are only 3 green runs in Avoriaz, one down the main street. I would, personally, have said it was a blue, as it was narrow, with a drop on the right hand side. All in all, great holiday though, great people, great scenery, great snow and had a great time.

• April 25, 2006
  Andrew Talkes from United Kingdom
  

  Been to Avoriaz three times now and the place never ceases to amaze me. It has by far the best snow in the Alpes (don't belive all the travel guides as this place gets loads of powder)and some great terrain.

  Great for a short break or a weeks skiing holiday plenty for all abilities and lots of fun to be found off piste. You must visit Avoriaz and the Portes Du Soleil. For those that like it steep and deep check out the Swiss Wall, a great run in anyone's book!

• April 16, 2006
  rob newnes from United Kingdom
  

  Just got back from Avoriaz and had over 2m of snow at the bottom in the last week of the season. My ESF instructor was great, it was my first time boarding and he found the best runs all the time; he even found some off-piste stuff that we could do. It also snowed for over 24 hours straight so the snow was amazing. The resort is also great as there are loads of great places in the evening and with no traffic, apart from horse drawn sleighs, it is great. The resort is perfect for adults and families and looks amazing with skiing from the door.

• March 25, 2006
  Daz and Kat from United Kingdom
  

  Weather was lovely and lots of fresh snow. Good slopes for beginners and intermediates. Morzine looked a good night out.

• February 27, 2006
  Andrew McConnochie from United Kingdom
  

  Awesome snow last week...fresh dumps.

• February 11, 2006
  ian McKellar from United Kingdom
  

  10/2/06 Amazing weather, cold, blue sky and 20cm of fresh snow.
  Avoriaz continues to have some of the best snow in the French Alps, so looking good for the busy half-term weeks.
  Ian McKellar - Director of the Avoriaz Alpine Ski School

• November 26, 2005
  ian McKellar from United Kingdom
  

  Sat 25th Nov and Avoriaz opened its first lifts and pistes. Amazing snow mostly artifical with 20cm of recent snow on top. About 50 skiers and borders on the slopes. Blue sky and sun but cold. Length of desecnt 1800 down to 1100m, perfect all the way. This descent is open every day with the main resort opening 10th Dec. Watch this space for more info.
  Ian McKellar - Director Avoriaz Alpine Ski School check out our web site for recent pictures.

• June 08, 2005
  Francisco Villagran from Chile
  

  (in spanish) bueno. fui el 2004 para avoriaz con unos amigos daneses y estuvo buenisimo, la semana que estuve alla la nieve estuvo powder los primeros dias y despues polvo pisada que igual es buena , el centro es gigante, hay muchas cosas para hacer (especialmente en la noche ).
  tambien hay unos snowparks y un pipe buenisimos para los que aman el snowboard.
  en resumen recomiendo mucho ir para este centro de ski en francia (buenisimo).

• January 25, 2005
  Andy from United Kingdom
  

  Just come back from Avoriaz...what a week. It dumped with snow from the Monday night and was still snowing when we left on Saturday. So if you are going get off piste and find some powder! I suggest hiring an ESF instructor as a guide, we did and found some unbelievable terrain. Can't wait to go back.

• December 29, 2004
  Steff Robinson from United Kingdom
  

  Avoriaz is a great resort to ski through as a gateway to the vast Portes Du Soleil domain. Situated on the French/Swiss border, it is traffic-free (except for horse-drawn carriages and the small luggage tranporters) and consists largely of purpose built apartments/hotels. Some very good quality mountain restaurants outside of the resort itself, particularly on the Swiss side (remember to take Swiss Francs to avoid being victim of unfavourable exchange rates). Skiing for all abilities and media! Try a tandem parapente from the top of the Chaux Fleuris into the Lindarets Valley.

• November 26, 2004
  Ahmet Douas from United Kingdom
  

  Although a low altitude resort, compared to the other skiing domains in the alps, Avoriaz has a good amount of snowfall, along with good quality snow. Located in the portes du soleil ski domain, Avoriaz has a large ski area, with nice slopes. Skiing into Switzerland, you will never have to ski in the same areas during your stay there. The difficulty, although not so hard, allows for enjoyable skiing. A good place for beginners, and intermediates who enjoy skiing, simply for the fun of it..

• March 08, 2004
  Paul from United Kingdom
  

  6 Ski trips in 1 week- FANTASTIC!
  Day 1 - cruise round main Portes Du Soleil Circuit taking in the other resorts - Avoriaz, Lindarets, Pr? La Joue, Linga, Chatel, Super Chatel, Morgins, Champoussin, Les Crossets, Champery, Avoriaz.
  Day 2 - small board park. Practice on smallish jumps, low rails and boxes, and finish with a nice cruise down to Morzine.
  Day 3 - Domaine des Super Noires. The ladies world cup downhill, Arrete des Interets, and the scary Combe du Machon.
  Day 4 - Big Boys board park and super pipe.
  Day 5 - Off piste spectacular, on the Point de l'au, le Savolaire, and finish with a burn along the Abricotine Motorway.
  Day 6 - SCARY DAY.The mogul field from hell, which drops vertically - THE WALL. A cool down on Le Grand Paradis, and finish with the awesome couloir du Courbor?.
  Need another trip to visit Morzine, Les Gets, St Jean D'aulps, La Grande Turche, Drouzin Le Mont, Abondance & La Chapelle d'abondance.
  The resort is relaxed and friendly, and being car free you can board down the hight street. The resorts of the Portes Du Soleil offer wonderful skiing & boarding without any of the pretention of Les 3 Vall?es or L'espace Killy. GO THERE- you won't regret it.

• January 10, 2004
  John S from United Kingdom
  

  Went to Avoriaz last Jan. Most beautiful resort with the best snow I have ever boarded on. I boarded into Switzerland every day and still did'nt manage to cover the whole area, it's huge. Good array of restaurants and bars. Great resort for kids and adults alike. Going to Avoriaz this Jan(04). And have decided to get married there Feb(05) If you want a quiet resort with no traffic and good slopes, go to Avoriaz. You'll love it!!