Why you should visit Avoriaz in summer

High up in the Portes du Soleil ski area is Avoriaz, a spectacular alpine gem that flies under the radar of most visitors to the Haute Savoie region of France. In this guide, discover why I think Avoriaz in the summer is the perfect alpine base for families, natural lovers and sports enthusiasts.

I’ll be honest. I didn’t start out searching for a trip to Avoriaz. The name vaguely rang a bell, likely from years of searching for ski deals. Truth be told I was looking for somewhere to stay in Morzine so I could watch the Tour de France (more on that later).

But the moment I stumbled across some accommodation listings for Morzine’s near neighbour, Avoriaz, I had to pause. Why on earth wouldn’t we want to stay here instead? Not only did the town and its setting – perched high on a craggy ridge in a spectacular high alpine valley – look fantastic, it seemed packed with things to do. Perfect for folks like us that don’t spend many minutes sitting still, unless we’ve a beer in hand.

Of course, you never know for certain whether a location will live up to your expectations until you get there, and get to know it. And I had a bit of a wobble on the drive in, as Morzine (en route) was not what I had expected. But from the moment we emerged, blinking, from the shade of our underground car parking space I knew we made the right call. Avoriaz is a superb base for a week in the French Alps. In this guide, I’ll share with you why you should visit Avoriaz in the summer – as well as my favourite discoveries here.

There’s no AI here! Every post on Travels with a Saddle Bag is written by myself and based on my own travels. This post was written in September 2024 and published in March 2025, based on my week-long stay in Avoriaz in July 2023.

An introduction to Avoriaz

Avoriaz is a modern ski resort in the Portes du Soleil ski area of France’s Haute Savoie department. Just over an hour’s drive from Geneva airport in one direction and the alpine mecca of Chamonix in the other, it’s deep in the French Alps. The resort was first conceived in the 1960’s and purpose-built for winter sports. But don’t let this deter you if you’re looking for quintessential alpine views. Avoriaz is not home to your average mid-century architecture (there’s not a breath of the avant-garde Brutalism you’ll find in nearby Flaine). Instead, every building here has been designed to blend with the surrounding landscape, creating a charming, slightly quirky timber-clad skyline that’s surprisingly attractive.

The town is situated in a hanging, bowl-shaped valley some 600m above neighbouring Morzine. Not only does this offer superb views (and a sense of being surrounded by wide-open skies) but also it creates a cosy, inviting atmosphere. Buildings cluster around a central open space that hosts play areas, evening events and sports facilities. A main street, lined with shops, restaurants and cafes winds around the edge.

You’re extremely close to the Swiss border here, just a few kilometres walk (or a ski lift away). But equally, head to the high point and you’ll be able to see Lac Leman glittering in the distance to the north, and the awe-inspiring peak of Mont Blanc to the south.

As part of the Portes du Soleil ski area, Avoriaz is closely-linked to the neighbouring resorts of Morzine, Les Gets and Châtel. Whilst mountain roads can take a little longer, the ski lift network – open in summer to pedestrians and mountain bikes – makes it quick and easy to explore the whole region at the same time as enjoying the tranquillity of this small resort.

How we holidayed in Avoriaz

We stayed in Avoriaz for 8 nights during July 2023 as part of a longer trip to the Haute Savoie region of France. We’d spent the previous week in Les Contamines, close to Chamonix, and had driven to France from the UK. Our accommodation for the week was a superb self-catered apartment, purpose-built for skiers but with a sunny balcony that made it perfect for a summer break. Whilst we were within easy walking distance of everything in Avoriaz, we also found we barely used our car during our stay as there is heaps to do on foot or using the excellent ski lift network. Most days we explored the walking trails around this part of the Portes du Soleil, as well as checking out Morzine and the magnificent Lac de Montriond.

Why you should visit Avoriaz in summer

1. Avoriaz is easy to get to

One of the few downsides to visiting the Alps is that travel times can be long thanks to smaller roads, distance from big cities and well, mountains. Winding up, down and around them takes time. Avoriaz and the Portes du Soleil buck the trend. Whilst you feel like you’re deep in the Alps, Geneva is not far away. If you’re flying, this means a private transfer or drive in a hire car should take no more than an hour and a half. And if you’re driving from elsewhere in Europe, the A40 autoroute will get almost all the way here with ease.

2. Everything is open for business

Think a ski resort summer might be subdued? Think again. There is heaps to do, plus you’ll find most of the resort’s cafes, restaurants and shops open (including a comprehensive Carrefour Montagne supermarket tucked out of sight and two excellent artisan boulangeries). Rather than being jam-packed like in winter, it’s pleasantly lively with just enough folks around to bring it to life and fill cafe terraces without needing to fight for a table.

3. The landscape is fantastic

At 1800m, you’re high up in the mountains with fantastic views in most directions. The more you explore, the more you’ll find. Head uphill and you’ll discover viewpoints overlooking Swiss valleys and vestiges of snow even in mid summer. Head towards Super-Morzine and you’ll find scrubby woodland and hidden footpaths. And drop down into the Lindarets valley for idyllic alpage, a crashing waterfall and the enticing Lac de Montriond. As I’ll explain in more detail later, this means there’s also heaps to do in this alpine playground.

4. There’s no need to get in the car

Park up for free, then explore the resort on foot. Head out on infinite walking routes from the village or take a ski lift to start a walk elsewhere. It’s completely pedestrianised, making it a safe space for kids, joyful to stroll around and extremely peaceful. And listen out for the jiggle-jangle of bells. Public transport (and general delight) is provided by extremely well cared-for horses pulling carriages around the main thoroughfares of town.

5. Avoriaz is an ideal base for walking

Whether you’re a seasoned alpine explorer (like us) that wants to scale the nearest peaks and get off the beaten path, or looking for family-friendly strolls with plenty to see, you’ll find them here. You’ll find maps showing all the local trails at lift stations, and there is excellent signposting across the mountainsides.

Some of our favourites included;

• Lac de Montriond via Les Lindarets. A gentle downhill trail takes you first to the magical Cascade des Bronchaux waterfall and then to the village of Les Linderets. Beyond the ski station, this pretty cluster of traditional chalets is notable for free-roaming goats who treat the place as their home during the summer months. Woodland footpaths meander their way down to the lakeside beach at Lac de Montriond. Either return by the same paths if you’re feeling full of energy, or take the ski lift.
• Col du Chavanette. A short route that takes you uphill from Avoriaz to a viewpoint at this Col, this out-and-back offers great bang for your buck. As well as panoramic views of Avoriaz, you’ll likely find a few patches of snow here even in mid-summer and idyllic views across into Switzerland.
• Morzinette via alpages. A surprisingly flat route, this trail passes through flower-filled high mountain meadows level with Avoriaz until you reach a picturesque cluster of chalets at Morzinette. A woodland footpath decends steeply here into the valley, where you can head into Morzine to explore the town, or to the Ardent ski lift to head back up the mountain.
• A tale of two Lacs. Head down towards Les Lindarets on foot or by ski lift, then follow the signposted trails first to Lac Vert and then Lac de Cherys (a stone’s throw apart) for a quick trip over the border into the Switzerland – and magical alpine views. We continued on easy paths to Tête de Lindarets for more panoramic views and an easy decent back into the valley.

6. Cyclists will love Avoriaz and the Portes du Soleil

This ski area is extremely popular with mountain bikers thanks to hundreds of kilometres of trail accessible with the help of the extensive lift network (open throughout the summer). You’ll find plenty of hire shops open at this time of year, or bring your own. Road cyclists have plenty to enjoy here too. You’re in the heart of the Haute Savoie with access to hundreds of kilometres of mountain roads, many of which were made famous by the Tour de France that passes most years. Iconic climbs like the Col du Joux Plane a stone’s throw away. Plus, if you don’t fancy the ride back up the mountain at the end of the day you can always hop on a gondola home from Morzine.

7. Accommodation is extremely reasonable

As the resort is far from at capacity at this time of year, prices are incredibly budget-friendly. A beautifully decorated apartment sleeping four cost us just over €60 a night in July 2023. There’s a huge choice of self-catered apartments as well as hotel rooms available to choose from. We highly recommend choosing one with a balcony at this time of year to make the most of the mountain views.

8. A Portes du Soleil multipass offers a huge range of perks

Included free with some accommodation, and not reasonable to buy if not, the multipass the ticket to unlimited ski lift travel, free sports and family activities and access to Aquariaz, a huge indoor swimming complex. It offers fantastic value if you want to use lifts and is a great option for folks looking for lots of variety during their stay. It’s an ideal option if you want to explore the wider Portes du Soleil area as it gives you free travel (mostly by ski lift) to areas including Morzine and Lac de Montriond.

Check out the summer multi-pass and accommodation providers on the Portes du Soleil website.

 Top tip: If you’re not looking to make the most of these benefits every day, purchase a pass just for the days when you want to use it. This saved us a few Euros as some days we were happy taking circular walks instead.

9. There’s lots to explore nearby

Chances are, you’ll want to head further afield than Avoriaz during your stay. You won’t run short of adventure. Lac de Montriond is a few kilometres away and accessible on, by ski lift or by car. This fantastic alpine lake offers family-friendly beach areas, open water swimming and paddling – and some great waterside eateries.

Morzine is easy to reach by bus, car or ski lift and has a lively atmosphere. Very popular with Brits, it has a curious expat vibe but the hipster cafes and restaurants offer a refreshing change to traditional alpine menus. It’s also an ideal starting point for a wide range of walks and trail runs. You’ll also find a huge outdoor swimming pool complex – highly-rated by my young nieces!

10. You’ll find great local events

Ski resorts like Avoriaz do an exceptional job of hosting events to appeal to summer visitors. Avoriaz regularly hosts sporting events, particularly mountain bike and trail running races, and much more. You’ll find live entertainment and fireworks for dates such as the 14th July (Bastille day) as well as world-class sporting events (in 2023 Morzine hosted the Tour de France during our stay, and Les Gets hosted the World Mountain Biking Championships). We were lucky enough to experience both the 14th July celebrations and watch the Tour de France during our stay and I can’t recommend getting involved in events like this highly enough – it can add some really memorable moments to your trip.

11. There’s heaps for kids to enjoy

Avoriaz is super family-friendly, and I’ve earmarked it to return when our little one is old enough to enjoy it. Life centres around the lively play spaces in the middle of town during summer, and the pedestrianised streets feel safe and welcoming.

Ski lifts make it easy to get out and about with littler ones who may not be able to walk great distances, plus there’s an abundance of water sports facilities at Aquariaz in Avoriaz, Lac de Montriond and at the large swimming complex in Morzine. Getting up close and friendly with the goats of Les Lindarets is a unique experience big and little kids enjoy. And, as is always the case in France, children are very much welcome in the many cafes and restaurants that pepper the resort.

12. There’s the potential for great day trips

Want a change of scene? Try Cirque de fer-à-cheval for spectacular geology (and incredible waterfalls up close). Chamonix is just over an hour away if you want to see where alpine tourism began, or catch views of awe-inspiring glaciers. Evian-les-Bains (yes, the home of the mineral water) offers lakeside charm on Lac Leman. And if you can stretch to a 90 minute drive, Lake Annecy is truly one of the most spectacular locations in the French Alps and packed with things to explore for a day or more.

13. Enjoy a sun-soaked apero or dinner en terrace

I had to end with this. Is there any greater joy on holiday than the satisfaction of sitting in the sun on a bustling terrace, nursing a cold beverage and a few delicious nibbles after a day exploring? I suspect not. You’ll find a pleasing selection of mostly French restaurants and pizzerias in town, with comfy terraces that conjure up a laid-back atmosphere on an evening. If fine dining is more your thing, hotels like Mil8 offer a more unexpected and sophisticated menu.

Avoriaz travel resources

How to get there

Fly to Geneva, then take a hire car or private transfer to the resort. The journey takes around an hour and a half. Alternatively if you’re travelling by road from elsewhere in Europe, head to Geneva then continue on the A40 autoroute to nearby Cluses where Morzine and the Portes du Soleil are signposted.

How to get around in Avoriaz

The whole resort is pedestrianised, park up for free at the car park on the edge of town. Once in resort, shuttle buses and ski lifts will help you get around much of the Portes du Soleil area without getting in your car.

Where to stay in Avoriaz

There’s a huge number of apartments available during summer in Avoriaz, all of which are within a short walk of the resort centre. We found our excellent place on Airbnb.

What to pack

Check out my guide to what to pack for a trip to the Alps in summer here.

Avoriaz: Endlessly exceeding alpine expectations

Our week in Avoriaz far exceeded our expectations. Each day offered plenty of potential for new adventures and we spent our time exploring the Portes du Soleil on foot, diving into Lac de Montriond and soaking up the sun on the terraces and promenades at the heart of the resort. We couldn’t have picked a better time to visit, our trip reached a crescendo as we enjoyed 14 Juillet, with its fabulous fireworks and free entertainment, before an incredible day spectating at the Tour de France on the Col du Joux Plane.

Will I return? I hope so. Avoriaz quickly earned a place in my heart. I’ve no doubt we’ll make a future stop here in summer, and I have an enormous appetite to explore this area in winter. We’ve only just scratched the surface of the Portes du Soleil – we’ll come back for more.