Activities in Avoriaz

Below are our three favourite activities in Avoriaz but there are plenty more to choose from. Check out the selection of things to do below for some holiday inspiration – you'll see that there are plenty of alternatives to skiing and snowboarding in Avoriaz.

1. Wintersports, skiing & snowboarding: Skiing and snowboarding are probably the most popular activities in the Portes du Soleil. But we're not talking about lift-assisted, downhill skiing and snowboarding only – there's a whole host of activities that involve boards strapped onto your feet including ski touring and split boarding, cross-country skiing or telemarking. But there's much more than just skiing and snowboarding in Avoriaz in the winter. The Portes du Soleil mountains are the perfect setting to go snowshoeing and husky-dog sledging, while the ice skating rink in Avoriaz town centre will keep the whole family entertained.

2. Mountain biking: Many people would argue that it's actually mountain biking that's the number one activity in Avoriaz. The Portes du Soleil trails and bike parks are considered the best in the world and attract hundreds of enduro and downhill biking aficionados every summer to its almost 150km of tracks that meander through lush forests to reach stunning mountaintops with breathtaking views. An experience not to be missed!

3. Walking, hiking & running: In the summer, the Portes du Soleil pistes turn into meadows and deep-forested trails to explore on foot. From easy valley strolls to gruelling trail running climbs, everyone can explore the Avoriaz valley's beautiful sunny landscapes.

One way to find your way around town in the summer is to hop aboard the miniature tourist train that trundles daily through the resort, offering a free transport service. The Avoriaz 'Petit Train Touristique' is a great way to take in the sights and get your bearings!

Head down towards Thonon in summer and you can take a trip underground at the Gorges du Pont du Diable. There are a series of walkways and steps leading you into the gorge. It's a great place to escape the heat of the summer days!

Farm tours
Visit La Ferme de Seraussaix, on the road on the way down to Morzine, to buy some locally made cheese and sausages. You can also take a tour of the farm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 to 12:00, followed by a tasting of their products. Book in advance with Avoriaz tourist office.

Cheese tours
If you fancy a free, educational activity, why not try a lesson in Cheese making at the central Morzine cheese shop? La Fruitiere L’Alpage (which is close to the Ferme De La Fruitiere restaurant) offers free tours of its cheese cellar on Wednesdays at 09:00. You’ll learn about how all the popular Savoyard cheeses are made, whilst also tasting a few!

Petanque / boules
Petanque or boules is one of the most popular games in France with plenty of spaces to practice it in every village in the country. There are petanque grounds available for free in the centre of Avoriaz.

Mountain-biking
Avoriaz and the wider Portes du Soleil area was the original, and still remains, the best mountain biking (MTB / VTT) area based in a winter ski resort. Its popularity has increased year on year, aided and abetted by the stunning alpine scenery and 80 kilometres of world class trails. The variety of terrain ensures that everyone from beginners to expert and pro-level downhill and freeride riders, can get many days riding on trials suited to their preferences and ability level. Avoriaz only boasts 12 downhill pistes, 2 enduro trails and 2 pump track circuits.

Cycling
The roads around Avoriaz are the setting for some of the most gruelling sections of the Tour de France but they can be tackled by enthusiasts as well as professionals. To gain the most from your riding in the area it goes without saying you need to have a reasonable level of fitness although you do not need to be a super man or woman. In Avoriaz, the most famous cycling route is the ascent from Morzine which is a short 14.5 kilometres with 850 metres of altitude gain and an average 6% ascent with peaks of 11%. You can try and measure yourself against Bernard Hinault's record, 33 minutes in 1979.

Lake fishing
There are a few local and nearby lakes where you can catch some fish and enjoy the alpine scenery: Lac Mines d’Or, Lac Montriond, Lac Plan du Rocher... You can also fish the River Dranse, which runs from Morzine to Evian, in which the much sought after Lake Geneva (Lac Leman) trout spawn their eggs. You must, however, ensure that you have the correct fishing permit and are aware of the local fishing regulations.

There are fitness facilities in Avoriaz if you want to keep fit while you're here. The Tourist Office also offers fitness classes in the summer including Zumba, Body Sculpt, Cardio Step and Hatha Yoga which sometimes take place outdoors (no booking needed, find the full programme at Tourist Office).

Basketball
There are basketball courts available for free at the centre of resort. Tournaments are organised regularly by the tourist office.

Beach volleyball (yep, in the middle of the Alps, that's not a misprint)
Beach volleyball in the heart of the French Alps may sound strange but in Avoriaz you can hop on the sand and play a game of volleyball with your friends or family. Located in the centre of the resort, the beach volleyball courts can be used free of charge, and there are even beach volleyball tournaments and children's activities arranged regularly. Open every day from 09:00 to 20:00.

Helicopter tours
Sit back and admire the mountains from even higher up. Daily panoramic helicopter flights are available in Avoriaz (weather permitting) with a number of local flight companies. Relax and enjoy the stunning views as you fly over the snow-capped mountain tops, glaciers and alpine forests of the Alps.
How much does it cost to explore Avoriaz by helicopter? Helicopter tours in Avoriaz start at around €100 per person for a 10-minute flight. 

Paragliding
If you’ve never tried paragliding before, then Avoriaz is a great place to learn how to fly. Known as 'parapenting' in France, there are a great number of clubs and organisations in the area whose sole purpose is to give you the experience of flying. Flights usually start at the top of the Super Morzine lift and descend down to the Pléney. Other popular routes depart from the Chaux Fleurie, the Ardent and the Crete d'Arare. Top tip: go on a sunny, warm day when the thermals will keep your airborne for longer.
How much does a tandem paragliding flight cost in Avoriaz? Anyone can take part in a tandem paragliding flight, even if you've never paraglided before. You'll be attached to an instructor who'll take care of the wing, so you just need to relax and enjoy the views. Tandem flights start at around €90.

Hot-air ballooning
One of the best ways to take the spectacular mountain scenery from a different point of view is on a hot-air balloon. There are some companies in Avoriaz which offer balloon rides, which usually take up half a day including preparation and inflation.

Horse riding
The Portes du Soleil offers a wide expanse of spectacular terrain on which you can saddle up and go exploring. There is a wide range of trails and routes waiting to be explored in Avoriaz and what better way to explore them than on horseback. In the Parc des Dereches equestrian centre, you can have lessons for all abilities in horse riding from beginner to advanced. They also offer camping tours and rides which will be supervised by a qualified instructor and allow you to experience some of the spectacular mountain views including panoramic views over Mont Blanc. Open during the summer season, you can explore the mountains and trails on horseback with family and friends as lessons and classes are accessible from age 3. Ponies are also available to rent for half hours within the park. A great and exciting activity to do with all the family and a fun way to explore the mountains and scenery.
How much does it cost to go horse riding in Avoriaz? Horse riding prices in Avoriaz start at around €25 for the shortest horse rides and around €10 for pony rides.

Downhill skiing & snowboarding
Lift-assisted downhill skiing and snowboarding are the most popular activities in Avoriaz. So much so that we could write several guides dedicated to them... and, in fact, we have! Take a look at our Ski Areas, Pistes and Parks Guide where you'll not only find a lot of information on the Avoriaz ski area but also links to many other articles: Ski Lifts Guide, Best Pistes Guide, Snowparks Guide, Beginner Ski Areas Guide, Advanced Ski Areas Guide, Off-Piste Ski Areas Guide, Ski Itineraries Guide and even a guide on the best places to go skiing when the weather is bad.

However, lift-assisted downhill skiing and snowboarding aren't the only things you can do in Avoriaz while having a pair of skis or a board strapped to your feet.

Ski touring & split boarding
Whether it's going up the pistes that most people normally ski down or tackling a backcountry route, ski touring and split boarding allow you to get off the beaten path while working a sweat up the slopes. A number of ski schools, private instructors and companies can show you around or, if you've got all the necessary knowledge, you can head out in your own group. Some of the most famous ski touring routes in Avoriaz include the Vallée de la Manche or Col du Fornet, the Hauts-Forts summit, the Pointe de Vorlaz and the Dents du Midi tour crossing the border over to Switzerland.
How much does it cost to go ski touring or split boarding in Avoriaz? It depends. Ski touring prices in Avoriaz range between €60 per day f you’re only renting the gear and around €400 if you’re also getting a guide for the day to help you explore the backcountry. Of course, if you already have the equipment and the local knowledge, ski touring in Avoriaz is free!

Cross-country skiing
The Portes du Soleil boasts 216 km of tranquil cross-country trails. There are four cross-country areas accessible from Avoriaz: the Manche Valley with 25 km of challenging circuits, the Morzine-Avoriaz at Parc Naturel des Crêtes de Zorre with up to 47 km for all levels, Lake Montriond with 10 km of Canadian-style runs and the Pléney-Chavannes sector with 18 km of forest runs.
How much does it cost to go ski touring or split boarding in Avoriaz? You can hire the comfortable boots and lightweight skis and poles fairly inexpensively from most sports shops in Avoriaz, with cross-country rental prices starting at around €15 per day. You may also want to book a group or private lesson to learn the basics, in which case prices start at around €180 for a 6-day group lesson. Finally, to access the higher trails you'll need a lift pass. Cross-country skiers can purchase pedestrian passes starting at around €7 for a single trip and up to €80 for 6 days.

Heliskiing & heliboarding
Heli-skiing is not permitted in France but there are a couple of companies in Avoriaz offering panoramic helicopter rides that include heliskiing. They pick you up in resort and take you over the border into Italy or Switzerland from where you will ski down accompanied by a mountain guide. It is expensive, but definitely a once in a lifetime experience!
How much does it cost to go heliskiing in Avoriaz? Perhaps unsurprisingly, heliskiing is one of the most expensive activities on this list – after all, you’re swapping the lifts for your very own helicopter! Prices start at around €300 per person and include the helicopter ride and a guide to go with you as you ski down the remotest areas in Avoriaz.

Telemarking
Telemarking is a form of downhill skiing where you are only attached to the binding at the toe so, to turn, you have to lunge and bring your heel upwards. Talk to one of the ski schools or private instructors who can teach you how to telemark and take you out on excursions using this technique.
How much does it cost to go telemarking in Avoriaz? It depends. Telemarking prices in Avoriaz range between around €40 if you’re only buying a ski pass for a day, plus around €70 if you’re adding one-day gear rental, and around €90 if you’re also getting a private instructor for an hour to teach you the basics.

Biathlon
Modern winter biathlon is a combination of cross-country skiing and rifle shooting that tests not only fitness but also patience and control. In Avoriaz you can try your hand at this Olympic sport. If you like cross-country skiing but want to add another challenge, then biathlon is the perfect way to escape into the natural, quiet surrounding mountains and then shoot stuff. Bit of a contradiction this one, but it's fun all the same.
How much does it cost to try out biathlon in Avoriaz? Biathlon lessons usually start at around €150 for a half-day and they include all the equipment but for the cross-country ski rental, which starts at around €15 per day.

Speed-riding
The idea behind speed riding is to combine the sensations of skiing and paragliding into one activity, and then descend off-piste sections of the mountain using a mini-wing to enable you to access areas that you might not normally go. Learning and having fun with speed riding comes very fast as long as you are a competent skier – you need to be able to ski red pistes with confidence in any type of snow. 
How much does it cost to try out speed-riding in Avoriaz? Beginner speed riding lessons usually start at around €100 for a half-day group lesson and they include the wing but not the ski hire – high-end ski hire for advanced skiers starts at around €30 per day in Avoriaz. Speak to one of the companies offering this activity who can show you the ropes (literally).

Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing or, as the French call them, "raquettes à neige" is a perfect activity for bad weather conditions and a wonderful way for non-skiers to explore the mountains in and around Avoriaz. Either set out on your own or join a group led by a knowledgeable local guide and discover the hidden parts of the ski area. The trails will take you to places from where you can enjoy stunning views of Mont Blanc, Lake Geneva and the Swiss peaks or explore forests where local fauna such as chamois, wild goats and deer roam free. Popular spots include the Boutigny Valley and the Chardonnière forest.
How much does snowshoeing cost in Avoriaz? If you don't know the local area well, we recommend you get a private guide or join a group on a snowshoe expedition – it may seem safer than skiing but you'll be exploring backcountry trails where the avalanche danger is high so it's better to go with someone who knows what they're doing. These outings start at around €30 for a half-day. Snowshoes and ski poles are provided by most companies offering this as an experience but you can also hire them from most ski hire shops in Avoriaz starting at around €10 per day.

Ice skating
Go to the ice-skating rink in the centre of Avoriaz for fun loops with friends and family in winter. With a refreshment bar, music and lighting you can enjoy the indoor ice skating rink at the Parc des Dereches in Morzine, all year round.
How much does it cost to go ice skating in Avoriaz? A single entry to the ice rink in Avoriaz is around €4, with skate hire costing around the same. There are discounts for children, as well as 5 and 10-ticket bundles available.

Sledging
This is one winter activity that doesn't require a lot of expensive equipment, just grab your sledge and head for the nearest snow-covered hill!
How much does it cost to go sledging in Avoriaz? You can rent a sledge at one of the many local ski hire shops for as little as €5, while most of the sports shops in Avoriaz will also have them for sale. Several activity companies also offer you the chance to sledge at night, down the ski slopes.

Husky-dog rides
Be in charge of your own sledge and team of excitable husky dogs, driving them along forest paths in winter. After a brief explanation of how to make your team stop and start, you set off following the guide’s team. There are also child-dedicated rides. It's a very popular winter activity, so booking at least 48 hours in advance is a must. They run from early December to the end of April (snow-permitting) in Avoriaz.
How much do husky rides cost in Avoriaz? Husky-dog ride prices in Avoriaz start at around €100 for a half-day, with discounts for kids. 

Snowmobiling
Those who enjoy speed will love riding a powerful snowmobile (like a motorbike with caterpillar tracks) around Avoriaz. Discover the different dimensions of driving: carving turns, accelerating in a straight line, ascents and descents. Snowmobiles are a great way to explore Avoriaz especially as you get to ride them when the resort is at its quietest. Disappear into the woods and blast around empty snowfields on your scooter with your own guide. Remember to wrap up warmly especially if you go after dark, and bring goggles if there is powder. This is not a sport for the timid!
How much does it cost to go snowmobiling in Avoriaz? You can ride snowmobiles or skidoos through the Super Morzine forest with prices starting at around €65 for a 45-minute ride.

Ice diving
Plunge into the freezing waters of Lac Montriond and experience the thrill of diving under the icy layers above. Explore the beautiful water, the wildlife and ice formations found in the water. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced diver, you can have a go at ice diving. Adventure companies offering this activity will provide you with all the equipment and instruction you need and will take you on this underwater adventure.
How much does it cost to go snowmobiling in Avoriaz? Ice diving prices in Avoriaz start at around €90.

Zip wire
The Fantasticable in the Portes du Soleil is the only one of its kind in the Alps. Located in Chatel at the top of the Chaux Fleurie lift this zip wire covers over three kilometres in two stages and reaches speeds of up to 100km/h. Strapped into a harness you fly face first across the valley, taking in the views in unique style. All safety equipment is provided - Superman outfit optional...
​How much does a zip wire ride cost in Avoriaz? Fantasticable tickers range between around €35 and €75 during the summer, and around €25 in the winter.

Childrens' Village
The Village des Enfants in Avoriaz offers a great array of activities for children aged from 3 to 16 years old. Younger children can play on the mini-trampoline or bouncy castle, learn circus skills, try out the climbing wall, go pony trekking and learn gymnastics amongst other things. Older kids will enjoy archery, judo, pony trekking, mountain biking, fencing, building log cabins, taking part in various nature workshops and more. There are also football pitches, street basketball areas and a skate park, all free of charge.

Archery
Archery is one of those sports that people all ages love to try. There are archery lessons with qualified instructors every day in the summer from 09:30 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 19:00 (closed Saturday mornings) at the Plateau Sportif in Avoriaz, available for anyone over 6 years old. Kids can also practice archery in Avoriaz at the Village des Enfants and become the Robin Hood of the Alps. They will provide them with bow and arrows and they can also take lessons with qualified instructors.

Paintballing
Challenge your friends and family to a game of paintball! This exciting activity offers fun for groups of all ages. In most cases you're split into teams and a variety of scenarios and courses are offered at the beginning of all games, with each game lasting approximately 2 hours. The ultimate aim is to shoot your opponents with paint pellets and capture their flag before they get hold of yours. To practise it in Avoriaz, the minimum age is 14 years old and there is a minimum of 10 participants.

Walking & hiking
In the summer months, Avoriaz is an Alpine mecca for walking and hiking. The Portes du Soleil offers 800 kilometres of marked trails that go across a wide variety of mountain landscapes, from ridges to forests, farms and, of course, views of Mont Blanc and the Dents du Midi. From Morzine, you can embark on short walks to lakes like the Chavanette or the Lac de Montriond, farmlands like the Alpage de Morzinette, and waterfalls like the Cascade de Ardent. Longer hikes will take you across the border into Switzerland or down the surrounding valleys.

Trail-running
There are over 400 kilometres of marked running trails in the Portes du Soleil area, most of them divided into easy, medium, difficult and expert runs, as well as skyruns (with bits above 2000m on mountain ridges). In Morzine only, there are four discovery routes in the Vallée de la Manche, two short routes in the Vallée des Ardoisières, a 'vertical kilometre' in Ressachaux, three enduro trails and three routes belonging to the Trail des Hauts Forts. You can even get high thanks to the lifts running during the summer.

Winter walking
Avoriaz is a winter walker's paradise. With lifts giving access to the higher ground and a network of groomed trails in the winter, it's very easy to discover the resort on foot. Don’t forget to check the weather forecast before you set out as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains. You do not need any particular equipment, just a pair of sturdy boots and layers of warm clothing that you can take off or put on as necessary. A pair of walking poles will come in handy for extra balance on icy patches and for checking snow depth before you go striding forth. Top tip: buy ‘grippers’ for your walking boots to prevent slipping which you can buy from most local sport shops.