Activities in Avoriaz
Discover the top Avoriaz activities
The main draw for people coming to Avoriaz in winter is, of course, skiing and snowboarding in the vast Portes du Soleil area, with 426km of pistes spread across 12 different ski resorts in France and Switzerland. However, there’s a whole host of other activities to do in Avoriaz in the summer as well as in the winter. So, whether you're just looking for something to do when the lifts close or you simply don't ski, we promise you you'll have no time to get bored here!
What to do in Avoriaz?
Avoriaz is an outdoor-lovers paradise. The alpine town and its surrounding mountains offer hundreds of things to do for every ability and every age. Some activities are perfect for solo travellers while others are more suited to romantic couples. Families and groups will also find a wide range of things to do in Avoriaz. From relaxing to full on adrenaline, from child friendly to adults only, from outdoor fun to indoor bad weather activities, there is something for everyone in Avoriaz.
Top three things to do in Avoriaz
Below are our three favourite activities in Avoriaz but there are plenty more to choose from.
1. Wintersports, skiing and 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 breath taking views. An experience not to be missed!
3. Walking, hiking and 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.
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.
Alpine Skiing & Snowboarding in Avoriaz
Avoriaz is renowned for its excellent skiing and snowboarding, with direct access to the expansive 600km Portes du Soleil ski area. Set high in the mountains and known for its reliable snow, it combines wide, gentle pistes with challenging off-piste and one of the top snowparks in the Alps. The resort is car-free and completely ski-in ski-out, so getting onto the slopes couldn’t be easier. It’s a favourite with families, first-timers and experienced skiers. With easy access to the 12 resorts of The Portes du Soleil across France and Switzerland, there’s a huge variety of terrain to discover.
Climbing in Avoriaz
Avoriaz is a great base for climbing, with plenty of options for beginners and experienced climbers alike. You can head out on the rock with a guide, explore secure Via Ferrata routes with metal steps and bridges or take on a frozen waterfall in winter. Equipment is easy to hire in resort and there are guides available to help you get started or push your skills further.
Whether you're after a gentle introduction or something more adventurous like mountaineering or ice climbing, there are routes and experiences to suit all levels and ages. It's a fantastic way to enjoy the mountains from a different angle.
Guides & Tours in Avoriaz
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Culture and guided tours in Avoriaz
Avoriaz offers a relaxed mix of culture, local heritage and low-key guided experiences. The resort is car-free, so getting around is part of the fun, hop into a calèche, a horse-drawn carriage with electric assistance, for a scenic ride that adds a touch of charm to your stay. You can also tour local farms and learn how traditional cheese and sausages are made, with tastings included. For something a bit different, head underground at the Gorges du Pont du Diable or join a free cheese-making tour in nearby Morzine. And for a taste of classic French culture, try your hand at a game of pétanque on the village courts.
Guides & Tours in Avoriaz
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Cycling in Avoriaz
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.
Flying in Avoriaz
Take to the skies in Avoriaz and enjoy the mountains from a whole new perspective. From scenic helicopter tours to peaceful hot air balloon rides and thrilling paragliding flights, there are plenty of ways to experience the Alps from above.
Daily helicopter trips offer panoramic views over snowy peaks and forests, while hot air ballooning gives a more relaxed way to take it all in. For something more hands-on, try paragliding with a local instructor and glide down from one of the nearby peaks.
Flying in Avoriaz
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Heliskiing/boarding
For backcountry adventures, this independent company operates in and around the following three heliski destinations: Valgrisenche, The Courmayeur Valley and the Col de Petit St Bernard Pass. They have pioneered 32 drop zones within these three broad valley regions giving you a huge choice of terrain, snow conditions and mountain orientation to ensure you have a day best suited to your ability and preferences.
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Indoor activities in Avoriaz
Avoriaz has plenty of indoor activities to keep you busy off the slopes or when the weather is less inviting. You can go for a swim, enjoy the Aquariaz waterpark, hit the gym or enjoy some relaxed shopping. There’s also a large bowling and games alley that's ideal for groups and a cinema showing the latest films, with some screenings in English.
Things To Do in Avoriaz
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Snow and ice activities in Avoriaz
Avoriaz has plenty to offer beyond skiing, with a great range of snow and ice activities to try during the winter months. From snowshoeing through quiet forests to Husky dog sledging, ice skating or speeding around on a snowmobile, there’s something for everyone. You can take a night-time sledge run, spin around the local ice rink or even go ice diving at Lac Montriond. Whether you're after adventure or just a fun day out with the family, there are lots of ways to enjoy the snow off the slopes.
Spas and massages in Avoriaz
Spas
If it is calm and relaxation you’re after then head to a luxury day spa or book in for massage therapies and beauty treatments. A day spa is also the perfect activity when the weather turns. You can keep warm and revive aching muscles in saunas, steam rooms and jacuzzis or take a refreshing dip in a swimming pool. Unwind, relax and indulge.
Spas in Avoriaz
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Walking, hiking and running in Avoriaz
Walking and hiking are some of the best ways to explore Avoriaz in both summer and winter. With hundreds of kilometres of marked trails across the Portes du Soleil, you’ll find everything from gentle paths through forests and past lakes to high ridgelines with views of Mont Blanc. In summer, the lifts help you reach higher ground with ease, and in winter, groomed trails make walking just as accessible. Whether you're after a family stroll or a proper mountain hike, there's a route to suit you.
Walking Routes in Avoriaz
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Les Dereches Park
Located in Morzine
With three different circuit options possible, you can choose from a short 40min walk to a 1h20 walk. Located near the Parc des Dereches, you can combine this walk with the wide range of activities that are possible at the sports centre. Swimming, tennis, indoor climbing and horse riding are just some of the sports that you can try your hand at while in Morzine.
Watersports in Avoriaz
Avoriaz makes an ideal base for enjoying mountain watersports. Just down the valley, Lac Montriond is perfect for a relaxed day by the water, with kayak, pedalo and paddleboard hire available, plus plenty of space to picnic and paddle. If you’re after more of a thrill, try white water rafting or hydrospeeding on the Dranse river, or go canyoning through alpine streams with slides, jumps and abseils. The Aquariaz waterpark in the heart of the resort adds indoor fun with pools, play areas and tropical-style features. You can also explore underground with guided caving or pot-holing trips, suitable for adults and adventurous kids.
