The ski area
Avoriaz’s own slopes cover around 75 km with 54 runs (8 green, 27 blue, 14 red, 6 black) and 35 lifts. The gentle terrain around the village and the Lindarets bowl is ideal for learners, while the Hauts Forts above the resort has the steepest pistes in the whole Portes du Soleil. Snowboarders and freestylers know Avoriaz for The Stash, a park built from natural wood features in the forest, and several other snow parks.
The real draw is what lies beyond: the Portes du Soleil, 600 km of slopes across 12 resorts in France and Switzerland, from Morzine and Les Gets to Champéry and Morgins, with the famous Swiss Wall above Châtel for the brave. Avoriaz opens on 11 December 2026 and closes on 18 April 2027; the full Portes du Soleil link runs from 19 December.
Who is Avoriaz for?
Avoriaz is one of the best family resorts in France. No cars, apartments on the slopes, ski school a short walk away and the Aquariaz water park for a day off: it removes most of the stress from a family ski week. Intermediates have an enormous area to explore, and snowboarders have the parks. Experts will find the Hauts Forts and the Swiss sectors satisfying, though the area is not as high or steep as Tignes or Val Thorens. Après-ski is relaxed.
Practical
At about 780 km and 7.75 hours from Brussels, Avoriaz is the closest major French resort for Belgian skiers; you leave the car in the covered car park at the entrance. Geneva airport is 85 km away. A 6-day Portes du Soleil pass costs 352 euros online in the main season 2026/2027. Book early for the Belgian and French school holidays.