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
Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our
to discover the most spectacular roads of the world
Drive Us to Your Road!
With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click
to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 11.7 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateCide-Kastamonu Road
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the D010 in Turkey's Black Sea region, specifically the Cide-Kastamonu road. People say it's one of the most scenic drives *in the world*, and honestly? They're not wrong. This baby hugs the coastline, weaving between rocky hills and that unbelievably blue Black Sea. Most of it's asphalt, but watch out for a few narrow bits that'll keep you on your toes. Think winding roads, hairpin turns, and views that just don't quit. The highlight? The 101 km stretch between Cide and Kastamonu, two classic Black Sea port towns. Seriously, you'll want to stop every five minutes to snap a photo – turquoise sea, dramatic cliffs, and lush green forests everywhere you look. Just a heads-up: this area can get pretty wet and rainy in winter. Get ready for an unforgettable road trip!
moderateAn Iconic Paved Road to El Retamar in the Canary Islands
🇪🇸 Spain
# El Retamar: A Mountain Adventure in Tenerife Ready for some seriously scenic elevation? El Retamar is a stunning high mountain pass sitting pretty at 2,100m (6,889ft) on Spain's Canary Islands, specifically on the island of Tenerife. You'll find it tucked away in the south-central part of the island, just south of the iconic Teide volcano. The 21-kilometer (13-mile) drive along TF-21 runs north-south between Paradores Cañadas del Teide and Vilaflor, and trust us—it's not your average Sunday drive. The entire route is paved, which is great news, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's a smooth cruise. You're looking at plenty of hairpin turns, some seriously narrow stretches, and steep sections that max out at 11.9% gradient. Your hands might be white-knuckling the steering wheel, but the payoff? Absolutely worth it for the incredible mountain scenery surrounding you the whole way up.
hard64H-3: Sakhalin Island's Breathtaking Coastal Road in Russia
🌍 Russia
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! If you're craving a coastal drive with a serious dose of raw beauty, Sakhalin Island's 64H-3 road in Russia needs to be on your radar. This 406 km (252 miles) stretch from Smirnykh to Kholmsk hugs the island's edge, giving you front-row seats to the stunning Strait of Tartary and endless Pacific Ocean vistas. Think dramatic coastlines, rugged landscapes, and that 'end of the earth' feeling. Now, heads up: much of the road is unpaved, so you'll be kicking up some dust. Most vehicles can handle it in good weather, but be prepared for a bumpy ride. Speaking of preparation, to venture beyond Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, you'll need to sort out permits from the Federal Security Service (FSB) and Border Guard. Just a little red tape to navigate. Sakhalin winters are no joke, lasting from November to late April. Expect heavy snow, blizzards, and temps plummeting to -30°C (and sometimes lower!). Even summer can throw curveballs with sudden cold snaps. Beyond the road conditions, Sakhalin's wilderness is a major draw. We're talking dense forests, islands teeming with seals, prime fishing streams, and even ski slopes. Oh, and did we mention bears? Yeah, this place is wild. Public transport is pretty limited, and a 4x4 is your best friend for tackling some areas. If you're not confident driving solo, plenty of companies offer vehicles with drivers, so you can soak up the scenery without the stress.
hardRing of Kerry is a scenic road through majestic landscapes
🌍 Ireland
Get ready for an epic Irish adventure on the Ring of Kerry! This legendary route, a complete loop formed by the N70, N71, and N72 hugging either side of Killarney, carves its way across the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry. Clocking in at 179 kilometers (111 miles), you’ll be plunged into 10,000 years of history, from ancient forests to the wild Atlantic coast. Starting and ending in the bustling tourist hub of Killarney, this coastal road (known as *Mórchuaird Chiarraí* in Gaelic) meanders through a landscape of mountains and shimmering lakes. Be warned: the road can be narrow and winding, and it gets busy during peak season. Keep in mind tour buses run counter-clockwise. Some say go the opposite direction in your car, others say go counter-clockwise – it's your call based on your vehicle and preference. Located in the southwest of Ireland, prepare to be blown away by the scenery. Think rugged coastlines hammered by Atlantic storms, towering mountains, emerald green fields, ancient ruins, and those iconic dark, glacial lakes, all dotted with charming towns. It’s a journey through dramatic landscapes, where you might spot wild deer and cascading waterfalls plunging into salmon-filled streams. While you *could* technically drive the whole loop in about 3.5 hours without stopping, trust me, you'll want to dedicate a full day to soak it all in! It is one of Ireland's most popular attractions outside of Dublin and Knock for a reason. You'll be cruising past untouched beaches, medieval remnants, mountains, and lakes, with panoramic vistas of the island-strewn Atlantic around every bend.