Aquariaz at Avoriaz: 2,400 m² of tropical jungle at 1,800 m, opened in 2012

A deliberate approach: transposing a Thai jungle to 1,800 m

The site’s design departed from the conventional “resort pool” formula to achieve immersive tropical theming. On the ground: rocks, roots and sculpted wood. In the air: 1,570 plants, 183 tropical trees, over 260 plant species in total. Some were brought from a Thai nursery; others have been acclimatised locally.

Contrast is the venue’s defining feature: outside, snow and often sub-zero temperatures. Inside, an atmosphere maintained around 28°C, water at 32°C, high humidity, jungle ambience. This contrast is the establishment’s signature.

What to find inside

The circuit alternates between several zones:

A main lagoon-shaped pool with verdant islets, where you swim in open water within a setting of trees and rocks.

A counter-current river where you drift with the flow.

A children’s area featuring a “water tree” with paddling pool, mini-slides, water play and geysers. This is one of the most popular spaces for families.

A 10-metre-high Slidewinder slide, a half-pipe down which you descend on an inflatable ring. This is the principal attraction for teenagers and adults.

A heated outdoor hot tub, the only space where you can step outside for air during winter in the snow.

An indoor climbing wall, an element less common in water parks, which extends the offer beyond pure swimming.

Who it is designed for

Aquariaz clearly targets families with children visiting Avoriaz for a half-day activity alternative to skiing. It also serves as a useful retreat during poor weather (snowstorm days, blizzards, poor visibility) when skiing becomes impossible.

Couples and solo visitors may find it worthwhile outside school holidays, when visitor numbers are lower and the pools less crowded.

Access, hours and pricing

Aquariaz is open year-round with seasonal hours:

Winter season (December to end of April): open daily, usually 10 am to 9 pm, with extended hours at weekends and during school holidays.

Summer season (July, August): similar hours, with equally high visitor numbers.

Entry charges vary by season and age, typically around £20 per adult for the day. Pierre & Vacances residents may have included or discounted access depending on their package.

Access is directly from Avoriaz resort, without a car (Avoriaz is car-free).

Points to be aware of

Several considerations:

During peak hours (French school holidays, early afternoon), the centre can be at full capacity, pools heavily crowded and acoustics challenging. Mornings (10 am, 12 pm) and late afternoons (6 pm, 8 pm) are the quietest periods.

The tropical atmosphere is immersive but also very humid, which can become wearisome over time. A session of 2 to 3 hours is usually sufficient.

Parking does not exist at the resort (Avoriaz is car-free): plan to arrive by cable car from Morzine or by the resort’s internal shuttle.

Planning a stay at Avoriaz

AEC Collection selects and represents quality apartments and chalets in Avoriaz and the Portes du Soleil. Aquariaz is integrated into the car-free resort’s layout, accessible on foot from most properties. Exact hours and technical closures should be verified on the establishment’s official website.