Where is Avoriaz located?
France, europe
11.7 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Avoriaz is a world-renowned ski resort located in the heart of the Portes du Soleil, within the commune of Morzine, in France. Perched on a cliff at an elevation of
above sea level, the station is famous for its avant-garde architecture and its legendary status in professional cycling.
Where is Avoriaz located?
The resort is situated in the Haute-Savoie department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in the south-eastern part of the country, near the Swiss border. It was built in the 1960s on a former mountain pasture. Unlike most Alpine stations, Avoriaz was designed to be fully integrated into the landscape, with wood-clad buildings that mimic the surrounding rock formations.
Morzine (Haute-Savoie)
D338 (Route d'Avoriaz)
Note: Avoriaz is a car-free resort. Mandatory winter equipment required from November to April.
How challenging is the climb to Avoriaz?
The road leading to the resort is fully paved. It’s called
Starting from Morzine, the ascent—known as the
—is 11.7km (7.2 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 795 meters, with an
average gradient of 6.85%
. However, don't let the average fool you; several sections reach
, especially through the series of hairpin bends that overlook the valley.
The Tour de France Heritage
Avoriaz holds a special place in cycling history. It was the very first ski resort to host a Tour de France stage finish in 1975 (won by Vicente López Carril). Since then, it has appeared in the race numerous times, serving as a battleground for legends. The climb is often used as a final test for the "GC contenders" due to its steady but demanding rhythm.
Morzine (Haute-Savoie)
D338 (Route d'Avoriaz)
Note: Avoriaz is a car-free resort. Mandatory winter equipment required from November to April.
Driving to a Car-Free Resort
If you are planning to drive to Avoriaz, keep in mind that the resort itself is entirely
. Visitors must leave their vehicles in the large indoor or outdoor parking lots at the entrance (known as
). From there, horse-drawn sleighs or electric shuttles transport guests to their accommodation, making it a unique destination in the Alps.
Can I drive to Avoriaz year-round?
The road is well-maintained as it serves a major ski hub, but during winter, snow chains or winter tires are mandatory. The D338 is a wide, safe road, but the descent can be fast and technical, requiring
good braking skills and caution due to the frequent mountain traffic and cyclists.
A gravel road to Lac de Plan d'Amont
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Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 11.7 km
- Difficulty
- hard
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