Avoriaz: Architecture and Activities
Avoriaz combines a distinctive architectural history with water, snow and mountain activities. The resort is part of the Portes du Soleil ski area.
A Building with a History
Les Hauts Forts 2 is one of the first buildings in Avoriaz. Architect Jacques Labro designed and built it in 1967–1968. Its stepped, rugged architecture draws inspiration from the mountain’s geological folds. On 18 February 2025, Les Hauts Forts 2 was listed as a historic monument by decree. Permanent protection covers the building’s façades and roofs, as well as its communal and publicly accessible interior areas. The building’s early construction date, named architect and distinctive form make it a concrete point of interest for visitors interested in culture.
Water Experiences in Two Seasons
Aquariaz is a water experience area open in both summer and winter. It includes a heated outdoor whirlpool bath at 33°C with views of the valley. A gently flowing watercourse lined with tropical trees adds to the offering. Two distinct features stand out in the water area: the outdoor bath overlooking the valley and the watercourse bordered by tropical trees.
Tobogganing, Village Igloo and Avokart
The Piste des Dromonts is a shared tobogganing area next to the Dromonts ski lift, suitable for families and friends. At an altitude of more than 1,800 metres, Village Igloo Avoriaz offers a polar-themed visit with a frozen aperitif and fondue. Avokart is a downhill ride in a three-wheeled vehicle over 3.2 kilometres and a 600-metre vertical drop.
The activities differ in format: the Piste des Dromonts focuses on shared tobogganing, while Village Igloo combines a visit with an aperitif and fondue. Avokart, by contrast, is defined by its three-wheeled vehicle and the stated route length and vertical drop.
Golf and Bike Parks
Golf d’Avoriaz offers courses for beginners and advanced players, private lessons and a practice facility. The offering therefore includes instruction for two experience levels, individual coaching and a place to practise.
There are also several named destinations for bike parks: the parks in Avoriaz, Châtel, Morzine and Champéry-Morgins are easily accessible from Avoriaz. It is possible to return by mountain lift; operating schedules vary by season. If you plan to return this way, take the seasonal operation of the lifts into account.
Getting Around in Winter and Planning Your Season
Since its creation, Avoriaz 1800 has been designed as a car-free resort entirely oriented towards pedestrians. The specific arrangements in winter may vary depending on operations. In winter, people get around the snow-covered streets on skis; pedestrians, skiers and sledges share the space.
There is a specific difference to consider when choosing your travel dates: Aquariaz is open in both summer and winter, while lift operations for the return journey from the bike parks vary by season. If you are looking for hotels in Avoriaz, you can factor this seasonal consideration into your travel interests, from the resort’s architectural history to water and mountain activities.
For an overview of the wider region: Morzine.
