Avoriaz
Avoriaz is 95 km from Geneva Airport, about 1 h 30 by road via Morzine and the climb to the resort. Perched high above Morzine in the Portes du Soleil, it is car-free and largely ski-in ski-out, which takes a lot of stress out of a family holiday once you have arrived. AirportsTransfers.ch can drive you to the resort entrance with child seats fitted and space for skis and luggage.
- Distance from GVA: 95 km
- Drive time: about 1 h 30
- Border crossing: yes, into France
- Ski area: Portes du Soleil, spanning France and Switzerland
- Best for: families who want to walk out of the door onto the snow
Getting there, and how the car-free arrival works
The route crosses into France and follows the motorway and then the valley roads towards Les Gets and Morzine, before climbing a mountain road with many bends to Avoriaz. That final climb is the part to prepare children for: a light snack, fresh air and a window seat help with car sickness.
Because the resort is car-free, vehicles stop at the entrance area. From there, luggage and passengers continue on foot, by horse-drawn sleigh or by small snow vehicles that carry bags to the residences. Check with your accommodation how arrivals are handled and whether they can help with luggage. For families, this is the one moment of the trip that needs planning: keep a small bag with essentials, hats and gloves handy, and dress children warmly before leaving the car.
Travelling light makes the final stretch much easier. Some families send heavier items ahead or keep suitcases to one per person, and use soft bags that are easier to load onto a sleigh. Ski bags should be declared when you book the transfer so the vehicle has space for them up to the resort entrance.
Why Avoriaz appeals to families
Avoriaz was built in the 1960s and 1970s with a distinctive architecture of wood-clad buildings that echo the rock faces around them. The absence of cars makes the resort feel safe for children: streets are covered in snow, sleighs and pedestrians move slowly, and most accommodation sits right on the slopes. Parents can send older children to their lesson without worrying about traffic.
The resort is high for this part of the Alps, which helps snow conditions, and it sits within the Portes du Soleil, one of the largest linked ski areas in Europe, stretching across into Switzerland. For families, that means easy beginner zones within the resort itself and, for confident skiers, a huge network to explore day by day.
Ski schools and children's areas
The layout of the resort helps here. Beginner areas are close to the residences, so a parent can walk a child to the meeting point in ski boots without a bus ride or a long carry, and collect them again at the end of the session. That proximity makes short lessons realistic even for three- and four-year-olds.
Avoriaz has a strong family reputation, with several ski schools and dedicated children's areas where youngsters learn on gentle slopes with playful features. Children typically start group lessons from around three or four, and private lessons are available for those who need more attention. Booking ahead is essential in school holidays, when places go quickly.
Things to do when the skis come off
- Indoor aquatic centre: the resort has a tropical-themed water centre, ideal on a stormy day.
- Horse-drawn sleigh rides through the snowy streets.
- Snowshoeing and winter walks on marked paths.
- Morzine: a traditional town below the resort, with an ice rink and shops.
Packing and arrival-day planning
Altitude means cold days and strong sun. Pack thermal layers, waterproof outerwear, goggles, sun cream and spare gloves for every child. Ski-in ski-out living also means boots and skis go straight from the residence to the slopes, so check whether your accommodation has a ski locker. Hiring in the resort is easy and saves you carrying small skis through the airport.
Aim to arrive in daylight. Moving children and luggage from the car to the residence is much easier before dark, and the road up from Morzine is more pleasant to drive in good light. On winter Saturdays the valley roads are busy, so allow extra time and keep snacks to hand.
Booking your transfer to Avoriaz
Reserve online with AirportsTransfers.ch: you see a fixed price per vehicle before paying by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Your chauffeur follows your flight, waits in arrivals with a name sign and stays with you if the flight is late. Child seats are fitted on request, and skis and snowboards are declared at booking. A V-Class van takes up to seven people with skis, while a Sprinter minibus suits larger family groups. For help planning the drop-off at the resort entrance, call or WhatsApp +41 78 346 56 77.
