French Portes du Soleil mountain bike trails
Discover the mountain bike trails trails in the French resorts of the Portes du Soleil
Some of the trails in Avoriaz and neighbouring villages in the Portes du Soleil.
Avoriaz has the downhill black rated track into Les Lindarets, a bike park and a four cross course going for it. When you have had enough of that you can head for the winter home run, Les Crot, which is more commonly known as the Gravelanche in the summer. This is super fast and gravely, hence the name, and brings you out at the head of the Prodains valley where you can indulge in a freewheel race all the way back to Morzine.
Avoriaz
The downhill course into Lindarets from the top of Avoriaz is a relatively new addition to the area and hosted a French cup downhill race as its inaugural event. So if you fancy testing yourself on the same course negotiated by the likes of French star Fabien Barrel, give this a go. It is super technical and a little bit demanding for all but full on downhill rigs. Again there are plenty of trails traversing the mountain in a less vertiginous fashion, pick them out if you’re more of an all mountain rider.
From Lindarets there is a great trail down to Montriond via the Parchets piste and onwards back to Avoriaz via the river trail – a most pleasant way to return to base. To access Les Crosets, try the Mossettes lift up to the high point of the Portes du Soleil. From here you can either drop down the fire roads to Les Crosets with a couple of obvious more technical trails dropping through Planachaux. Or try the Swiss cup downhill course from the ridge line - Grand Conche. This super steep black drops 470m in just 3km.
Plaine Dranse
There has been extensive trail building activity in recent years in this area, accessed via the Chaux Fleurie chairlift. The runs are graded as per a ski area, blue, red and black in order of ascending difficulty. There is numerous north shore dotted around the red and black runs with easier runs leading all the way to Pre-la-Joux. In terms of difficulty, the reds would suit an accomplished rider, the blacks are super difficult so be sure of your ability before tackling them.
Chatel
Chatel is accessed from the Plaine Dranse area via the terrace trail. There are two green runs (we recommend the Panoramique as it's fast and flowy and has great views of Lac Montriond) four really nice flowy blues, five red tracks, and eight black tracks. Over the past couple of years the bike park shapers have been busy putting in extra gap jumps and fun features, so definitely worth checking out. Find the trail map here.
Find more trail maps here.
What to see
Sights in Avoriaz
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Cascade des Brochaux
The Cascade des Brochaux is a stunning waterfall located above Les Lindarets, the charming "goat village". Just a 1h30 walk from Avoriaz, or 30 minutes from Les Lindarets.
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Horse drawn sleigh taxis
Avoriaz is a completely pedestrianised resort, no cars, vans or lorries. The best way to travel around, especially if you have little ones or lots of luggage is by horse drawn sleigh.
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La Ferme de Seraussaix
This family run farm is open for visits in summer and winter where you can take a tour or simply buy some of their delicious cheeses.
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Lac Montriond
Lac de Montriond is a peaceful natural retreat surrounded by cliffs and forest. Enjoy swimming, paddle boarding, walking trails, and more in this scenic lakeside spot.
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Les Gorges du Pont du Diable
A great walk through a beech forest and dramatic limestone gorges carved by the Dranse de Morzine. Expect vibrant rock colours, safe cliffside paths and even a daring glass walkway you can try.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Avoriaz
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La Cachette Restaurant
La Cachette is located in the heart of the historical Dromonts area in Avoriaz. It has a cosy alpine interior that will make you feel instantly at home.
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Le Festival Restaurant
Located in the Les Dromonts Hotel, this restaurant serves a wide range of traditional French cuisine, as well as lots of local specialities.
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Mamo's Café Lindarets
Open for breakfast, brunch and lunch, this is a beautiful spot to grab some food during a long day in the mountains.
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La Falaise Restaurant
Savoyard specialities, pizzas, pastas, sharing platters, a range of meat and fish dishes and more are on the menu here.
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Les Ancelles Restaurant
Traditional bar and restaurant accessible on skis in winter or by foot in summer, within close reach of the Cascade des Brochaux.
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Globetrotter Restaurant and après-ski Bar
The Globetrotter in Avoriaz serves a wide range of burgers and Savoyard dishes from breakfast to late-night après-ski parties. Open all day with live DJs and themed events, it’s a lively ski-in ski-out venue. Expect generous portions, good food and a buzzing atmosphere.
What to do
Things To Do in Avoriaz
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Village Igloo aperitif and dinner
A dining experience like no other! A spectacular and unique 200m2 ice grotto, bar, restaurant and mini hotel in Avoriaz, where you'll enjoy a typical Savoyard cheese fondue or aperitif in a unique setting.
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Aquariaz
Aquariaz is an aquatic paradise set in the heart of Avoriaz offering a huge water park made up of a gentle flowing indoor river, a slidewinder (an aquatic halfpipe), a toddlers paddling pool and water playhouse, a large pool with natural climbing walls.
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Le Strike Roc Bowling Bar
Located right in the heart of resort, Le Strike Roc is a bowling and gaming bar serving cocktails and snacks. The perfect place to take shelter when the weather draws you indoors.
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Outdoor Ice Rink
Located in the centre of Avoriaz is the outdoor 'patinoire' or ice rink.
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Horse drawn sleigh taxis
Avoriaz is a completely pedestrianised resort, no cars, vans or lorries. The best way to travel around, especially if you have little ones or lots of luggage is by horse drawn sleigh.
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Avoscoot Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling can be a fun, fast, snowy activity. Starting from Avoriaz resort, outings start from 17.30 to midnight, giving you free range of the snow and the Alps.
