Avoriaz, Mountain ski resort in Morzine, France.
Avoriaz is a ski resort at 1,800 meters (5,906 feet) elevation in Morzine offering 600 kilometers (373 miles) of slopes with multiple snow zones connecting French and Swiss territory in Portes du Soleil. The site consists of angular cedar-clad buildings reflecting the mountain profile and is entirely free of cars.
The resort was designed in 1967 by architect Jacques Labro and introduced a revolutionary pedestrian-focused concept that transformed winter tourism in the French Alps. This pioneering approach made it a model for modern mountain resorts worldwide.
The resort was intentionally designed as a car-free place where horse-drawn transport and walking paths shape daily life. Visitors quickly notice a different rhythm here—without engine noise or fumes—which sets it apart from other mountain resorts.
The best time to visit is between December and April when snow cover enables walking and skiing. Keep in mind that all movement is on foot or by horse-drawn sled since there are no regular vehicles.
The buildings are clad with wooden shingles and designed with geometric angles that deliberately mimic the silhouettes of surrounding mountains. This architectural detail was developed to integrate the structures into the landscape rather than have them appear as foreign elements.
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