Avoriaz is a modern, purpose-built resort with wood-clad buildings that blend into the surrounding peaks. The village is entirely pedestrianised, so you’ll get around on foot, skis or by horse-drawn sleigh. Wherever you stay, you’re only a short glide from the lifts, restaurants and shops.
Perched high on the cliffs above Morzine, Avoriaz is a striking purpose-built resort that manages to blend in beautifully with its surroundings. Unlike many ski towns that sprang up in the 60s and 70s, you won’t find rows of grey concrete blocks here – instead, the resort is made up of wood-clad apartments and chalets that sit naturally against the backdrop of the mountains. Much of its creation is thanks to local Olympic gold medallist Jean Vaurnet, who was asked to help develop the ski area after his 1960 success in Squaw Valley.
Parking in Avoriaz
Avoriaz is completely car-free, so you’ll be getting around on foot, skis or even in a horse-drawn sleigh. If you’re arriving by car, you’ll need to park on the edge of the resort near the Welcome Centre, or at the top of the Prodains gondola, before making the final journey to your accommodation. Snow shuttles, baggage sledges and horse-drawn carriages can help with the luggage run, and if you want the easiest arrival, the Amara and Falaise areas are closest to the car parks, while Dromonts and Hauts-Forts are nearer the Prodains lift.
The heart of Avoriaz is a gently sloping plateau where you’ll find the nursery slopes, the tourist office, shops, restaurants, bars and a sports centre. Accommodation is divided into seven sectors – Amara, Falaise, Festival, Crozats, Dromonts, Hauts-Forts and Ruches – and no matter where you stay, you’ll be no more than a five-minute walk from anywhere. Staying in the centre means you’re steps from the main facilities, lifts and après spots, perfect if you want to be right in the middle of the action.
Les Prodains: Easy access to the Portes du Soleil
The small hamlet of Les Prodains lies at the bottom of the cliff upon which the village of Avoriaz is perched. Situated around 5km from the centre of Morzine, it serves as a gateway to Avoriaz as the 3S Prodains Express gondola departs from here.
Those looking to make the most of their Portes du Soleil ski pass. Les Prodains offers easy access to the high mountain slopes of Avoriaz and its world famous snowparks.
The gondola takes just under five minutes to reach the top, but it's also relatively close to Morzine – a bus connects Prodains and Pléney in just 10 minutes. Some chalets in Prodains offer ski-to-door access.
| Location | Km from Avoriaz | Best for |
| Avoriaz | 0 | mainly apartments and being in the centre of the resort |
| Les Prodains | 14 | chalets and hotels, some ski-in, ski-out |
