Avoriaz, Avoriaz, France. Architect: Jacques Labro, Simon Cloutier, Jean-Jacques Orzoni, 2014. Sassafras (Winter).

Avoriaz, Avoriaz, France. Architect: Jacques Labro, Simon Cloutier, Jean-Jacques Orzoni, 2014. Sassafras (Winter).

Alastair Philip Wiper-VIEW / Alamy Stock Photo

Image ID: DWB25D

Avoriaz is a 1960s purpose-built skiing resort in the French Alps. However, it is a purpose-built skiing resort like no other – instead of ugly utilitarian apartment blocks, Avoriaz has truly unique architecture – wooden, angular, weird and enchanting. Located on a high shelf above the town of Morzine, the buildings are designed to blend in with the mountains when seen from afar. The resort is car-free, and planned so that every door opens to a piste to the bottom of town, while a series of public elevators carry people back up to the top of the town. You can ski to the shops to pick up your groceries, then take a lift back to your apartment. As part of the “Ports Du Soleil” ski area, Avoriaz is a central part of one of the largest, most diverse and best skiing areas in the world. Avoriaz is the brainchild of Gerard Bremont, founder of French tourism company Pierre & Vacances, and member of the French jet set of the 1960s.