Winner:GOLD Best Ski Resort for Families
Who:Avoriaz 1800 - Morzine, France
What:An Alpine resort designed entirely for families
Why:
Avoriaz 1800 is a standout family ski resort, designed to make mountain holidays feel easy for everyone from families to advanced skiers. Created in the 1960s as a car-free, people-first destination, its cedar-clad buildings blend seamlessly into the Alps and have a warm rustic feel. Set at 1,800 metres in the Portes du Soleil, the resort offers true ski-in/ski-out access to 600km of slopes across France and Switzerland giving guests a truly immersive experience.
Families are at the heart of Avoriaz. The award-winning ESF Village des Enfants welcomes children from three years to teens in age-specific zones. On the slopes, there’s something for everyone: gentle beginner runs, the playful Lil’ Stash snowpark, and the Burton-designed Le Stash, a tree-lined freestyle playground loved by older children and teens. Après-ski is relaxed and family-friendly, with a lively La Folie Douce ski bar located in the resort centre and for a change of scene and temperature, the nearby Aquariaz tropical water park is great for kids.
Pierre et Vacances makes staying here effortless. The five-star L’Amara offers panoramic valley views, a kids’ club, spa, and ski-in/ski-out access to the Proclou piste. Opening in December 2025, the new Capella residence will add contemporary, family-friendly apartments. With flexible transfers, pre-booked ski packs, and a bakery service for morning pastries, Avoriaz lets families focus on skiing, playing, and time together — while the details take care of themselves.
"Avoriaz 1800 is a standout family ski destination that excels in being genuinely child-friendly from lift to après. Its car-free village layout makes moving around with kids easy and safe, while accommodation is right by the slopes so you can be on skis within minutes of leaving your door. Avoriaz 1800 truly deserves recognition for its family-focused design and experience."
"Easy, stress free and considered are the three words that spring to mind when talking about a Pierre et Vacances ski holiday. Everything is designed with real family life in mind — from spacious accommodation to ski in ski out locations, ski schools within easy reach and a plethora of slopes to keep everyone happy. The spa with the heated pool and outdoor hot tub, was a particular highlight - perfect for winding down after a fun day skiing. We love that sustainability is a key factor for Pierre et Vacances and that they are committed to environmental responsibility."
"Great location, accommodation and all-round family fun. Everything has been thought out to provide luxurious but convenient and family-friendly accommodation to make the most of a ski holiday. No time wasted waiting for ski buses etc. It covers the needs of both adults and children so that everyone can enjoy their ski holiday in style. From the smaller touches such as the bakery option to the facilities to the location - this is truly a family first holiday."
"I love that they offer a ski holiday but with so many other options. Skiing every day is sometimes exhausting for little ones, so having other organised activities is wonderful."
"Avoriaz is our favourite family ski resort - it's car free and a taxi is a horse and sleigh! Simply magical. Pierre & Vacances put you right in the centre of the magic - their full range of accommodation caters to all needs and their location is perfect for ski school and resort activities for all ages."
What makes it Special...
Avoriaz 1800 is a rare Alpine resort designed with families in mind, offering a car-free, ski-in/ski-out environment where children can explore safely and parents can relax, confident everything is close at hand. Nestled at 1,800 metres in the Portes du Soleil, it combines snow-sure slopes with a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere and a commitment to environmental responsibility.
The resort’s terrain suits all abilities — from gentle nursery runs to a marked freeride area for adventurous teens. At its heart, the award-winning ESF Village des Enfants provides age-specific teaching and play for children aged 3–16, letting parents drop little ones off and start skiing within minutes or watch from nearby cafés. Après-ski remains lively yet safe, centred around La Folie Douce.
Off the slopes, families can enjoy Aquariaz, a tropical water park, sleigh rides, dog sledding, ice skating, tobogganing, and the interactive Happyz Treasure Hunt that blends fun with local culture and sustainability.
Ideal for...
Avoriaz 1800 is ideal for active, multi-generational families seeking luxury and memorable experiences. Children of all ages are catered for with Le Garderie Avrizou nursery for under-threes, an ESF ski school from three years plus and the dedicated Teen Village for freeride and freestyle adventures.
Junior Fact File
A week in Avoriaz 1800 starts from £1,040 for 5* L’Amara (April 2026), £962 for 4* Capella (January 2026), and £386 for 3* Saskia Falaise (April 2026) for one-bedroom units sleeping four. Pets are welcome for £65. Families can pre-book ski packs via Pierre & Vacances for discounted rates, including a 6-day Portes du Soleil family pass (£1,035 for 2 adults, 2 children), adult equipment (£101.44), and child equipment with helmet (£44.89), saving 45% via SkiSet. ESF ski instruction starts at £200 per week.
Getting there: Most families fly into Geneva Airport, around a 1.5–2 hour drive from the resort. Transfers can be arranged through Pierre & Vacances or private shuttle services. Alternatively, families can drive from Geneva or Lyon, enjoying scenic Alpine roads, with secure parking outside the car-free resort. Once at Avoriaz, the pedestrian-friendly layout and ski-in/ski-out access make it effortless to start skiing or exploring immediately.
