Avoriaz

Visit Avoriaz, Rhone-Alpes

Avoriaz is a ski resort in the French Alps, east of Geneva and very close to the French border with Switzerland. The resort falls within the popular 'Portes du Soleil' ski region, along with neighbours Morzine, Abondance and Les Gets and several other resorts, both in France and in Switzerland.

Exploring Avoriaz

The resort of Avoriaz itself is an a very impressive location situated high on the top of a cliff. It is pedestrian only (car free), and is a very unusual resort from an architectural point of view - although development of Avoriaz started in the 1960's and didn't follow the 'Alpine chalet' style, it also avoided the 'concrete high rise' style of resort.

Instead of conventional buildings those in Avoriaz were designed with the landscape in mind and to integrate into the environment as much as possible, by mirroring design elements from the rocks and cliffs in the immediate area, incorporating natural elements (for example the roof tiles in Avoriaz are of red cedar, and most of the buildings are clad in wood rather than concrete), and by avoiding right angles in the building designs whenever possible.

The result works very well, and is a radical (and very attractive) contrast with many other ski resorts developed in the 1960's.

Transport within the main village of Avoriaz is in sleighs and carriages (or on skis), an idea which ensures that the resort maintains its individuality and makes for a very attractive skiing location with all facilities close to hand. As you would expect from a top class resort the facilities are very varied, with innumerable cafes, bars and restaurants.

The view from the summet just above Avoriaz is also exceptional.

Note: for a more traditional resort, Morzine is situated below Avoriaz and is also part of the Portes du Soleil region.

Skiing and activities

Skiing in Avoriaz, and in much of the Portes du Soleil region, is in a stunning setting, with pine-clad mountains around and ski slopes and challenges for all levels of ability. The Portes du Soleil is the largest ski region in Europe so you can be assured of an endless varity of ski slopes and off-piste routes.

Summer activities in the mountains are also catered for, and Avoriaz is very well placed to explore this beautiful section of the Alps particularly if you enjoy hiking or mountain biking.

See more Alpine Ski resorts or search for ski holidays in France.

See Rhone-Alpes for more travel ideas...

Suggested places to visit near Avoriaz, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Chamonix 31km; Saint Gervais Les Bains 33km; Megeve 39km; Yvoire 40km; La Clusaz 42km;

Avoriaz tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Jardin botanique alpin La Jaÿsinia - remarkable garden (13km) : Roc d'Enfer - site of natural beauty (13km) : Cirque de Sixt Fer a Cheval - grand site of france (15km) : Cascade de la Diomaz - site of natural beauty (21km) : Lac d'Anterne - site of natural beauty (22km) : Jardin d'eau de pré curieux - remarkable garden (26km) : Mole - site of natural beauty (26km) : Evian-les-Bains - ville fleurie 4* (27km) :

See more places and a map at places near Avoriaz