Morzine or Avoriaz: which ski resort is right for you?

Morzine and Avoriaz sit within the massive Portes du Soleil ski area, providing access to an impressive 650 km (403 mi) of pistes across France and Switzerland. While both resorts share this extensive ski domain, they offer distinctly different vibes and experiences. Morzine is known for its traditional charm and family-friendly amenities, whereas Avoriaz stands out with its high-altitude slopes, ski-in/ski-out convenience, and unique, car-free architecture.

This guide will help you decide which resort fits your skiing style, group type, and holiday preferences.

Morzine or Avoriaz?

1. Quick comparison table
2. Ski area & terrain
3. Accommodation & village atmosphere
4. Après-ski & dining
5. Families & beginners
6. Advanced skiers & snowboarders
7. Activities beyond skiing
8. Accessibility & transfers
9. Cost and value for money
10. Which one should you choose?

Quick comparison table

note: Each resort offers access to the extensive 650 km (403 mi) Portes du Soleil ski area.

Ski area & terrain

• Morzine provides an ideal skiing environment for beginners and intermediates, with gentle tree lined runs around Pléney and Les Gets. Intermediates will appreciate the vast network of blue and red pistes. Advanced skiers find challenges on slopes like Chamossière and Aigle Noir, though extensive expert terrain is limited.
• Avoriaz offers excellent snow reliability and higher-altitude skiing, with varied terrain for all abilities. Beginners enjoy accessible nursery slopes and gentle runs, intermediates can explore extensive cruisy slopes, and advanced skiers tackle the legendary Swiss Wall and off-piste adventures in sectors like Hauts-Forts and Fornet.

Check out Morzine piste map and Avoriaz piste map

Accommodation & village atmosphere

• Morzine has traditional Alpine charm, featuring a lively village atmosphere filled with wooden chalets, boutique hotels, and bustling streets. The resort offers numerous accommodation options, but fewer ski-in/ski-out choices, often requiring short walks or shuttle rides to lifts.
• Avoriaz contrasts sharply with its distinctive modern architecture, car-free streets, and complete ski-in/ski-out convenience. Its purpose built design makes it exceptionally family-friendly, though some visitors find its architecture unconventional compared to classic Alpine villages.

Explore some accommodation options in Morzine and in Avoriaz

Après-ski & dining

• Morzine boasts a dynamic après-ski scene with lively spots like The Tibetan Café, Robinson's, and Bar Le Cottage. The resort also offers diverse dining experiences from traditional Savoyard dishes at La Chamade and La Grange to Michelin-starred cuisine at L'Atelier
• Avoriaz provides a bustling slope side après-ski atmosphere, with popular venues such as La Folie Douce, Shooters Bar, and Globe Trotters. Dining options include gourmet meals at Les Enfants Terribles, traditional mountain fare at La Ferme des Lindarets, and scenic dining at Les Fontaines Blanches.

Families & beginners

• Morzine shines as a family oriented destination, with dedicated facilities such as the Piou Piou Club, L’Outa Nursery, and extensive beginner-friendly slopes. Its vibrant village life, ice rinks, and various child-centric activities ensure a family-friendly atmosphere.
• Avoriaz is equally appealing for families, thanks to its car free environment, convenient ski-in/ski-out accommodations, and facilities like the Village des Enfants. The Aquariaz water park, offering tropical-themed indoor pools and slides, further enhances its family appeal.

Advanced skiers & snowboarders

• Morzine offers fewer challenges for expert skiers but has select steep runs and exciting off-piste possibilities around Nyon and Chamossière. Snowboarders will find notable parks nearby, such as Mont Chery and Nyon's small snowpark.
• Avoriaz caters well to advanced skiers with challenging slopes like the Swiss Wall and various off-piste routes. Snowboarders particularly favor Avoriaz, which boasts five impressive snow parks, including the renowned Burton Stash and Arare parks, making it a top snowboard destination.

Activities beyond skiing

• Morzine offers a wealth of non-ski activities, including snowmobiling, ice diving, sledging, and indoor amenities like swimming, ice skating, and cinema. Adventure parks and family-friendly activities ensure varied entertainment off the slopes.
• Avoriaz complements skiing with activities such as horse-drawn carriage rides, snowshoeing, bowling, and the popular Aquariaz water park. The resort provides unique experiences like heli-skiing, ice diving, and extensive spa and wellness options.

Accessibility & transfers

Both resorts have convenient access from Geneva Airport, with transfers around 1 hr 30 min. Morzine has slightly shorter transfers from Chambéry, Grenoble, and Lyon, making it marginally more accessible overall.

Cost and value for money

• Morzine generally offers excellent value with varied accommodation ranging from affordable chalets to upscale hotels. Dining and après-ski costs also tend to be reasonable, making it appealing for budget-conscious travelers.
• Avoriaz, with predominantly self-catered ski-in/ski-out apartments, often provides competitive value, especially for families. While dining and activities within Avoriaz can be slightly pricier due to its convenience and altitude, it remains good value within the region.

Explore our Morzine deals and Avoriaz deals

Which one should you choose?

• Choose Morzine if you prefer a traditional Alpine atmosphere, excellent beginner-friendly terrain, vibrant village life, and family-focused amenities.
• Choose Avoriaz if snow reliability, ski-in/ski-out convenience, modern facilities, excellent snowboard parks, and unique car-free charm appeal to you.