Morzine is a ski resort situated in the Portes du Soleil, a collection of villages and ski resorts on both sides of the French-Swiss border. It is less than 1 hour 30 minutes from Geneva airport, making it one of France's most accessible ski resorts.
A holiday in Morzine is an excellent experience, but you can make sure you get the most out of it by thinking about what is important to you and your group. With some careful consideration, your holiday will be the best it can be.
Morzine has many catered and self-catered properties; both types have their own benefits. Self-catered properties give you lots of flexibility in terms of mealtimes. You also get to choose exactly what you want to each evening. Some self-catered holiday companies will provide shopping packs, so you will have some supplies for when you arrive. But, you will need to do your own shopping for the rest of your stay.
Catered chalets make your holiday in the resort stress-free. Your chalet hosts will look after you, y cooking your breakfast and evening meals. They will also keep your chalet nice and clean while being around to answer any questions you may have.
There is a third option, though. You can book a private chef to cook in your self-catered property. The many local private chef companies can tailor menus to your preference and budget. It is best to book a private chef well in advance to avoid disappointment.
The location of your holiday property plays a big part in what you want from your trip. Centrally located properties make getting to and from the mountains and village very easy. However, there are some fantastic places that are quieter than the centre of the village. For example, at the foot of the Prodains and Ardent ski lifts. These areas provide effortless access to the mountain but are away from the main centre.
When you book your accommodation, it is worth finding out if your holiday company provides lifts to and from the mountain. Alternatively, check if the property is on one of the bus routes.
There are many restaurants to choose from in the village. You will find many of them serve traditional Savoyard dishes, such as tartiflette, raclette and fondue. However, more restaurants open up every year, offering new and exciting cuisines. The village restaurants are also getting better at catering for dietary requirements of all kinds.
Morzine has a thriving après scene with many bars offering happy hour deals, live music and DJs. You can easily find a lively atmosphere as soon as you get off the slopes. Alternatively, you can also enjoy more a more relaxed experience if you prefer.
When it comes to late nights, the place has you covered. Its bars are great fun and are packed until the early hours of the morning. But there are a couple of other venues that will keep you dancing until 5am.
As this haute savoie resort is so close to Geneva airport, it is very easy to get to. You can hire a car at the airport, which will give you a little more independence during your stay. However, most people book with one of the many transfer companies in the area. You can either book private or shared transfers to get you to your accommodation.
Some people like to drive the whole way. Morzine is one of the closest ski resorts for British holidaymakers in the french alps, as it is just a 9 hours drive from Calais. Due to its location and quality of skiing, you will also see people who have driven from all over Europe to be here.
Les Portes du Soleil is one of the world's largest ski area, all accessible with one ski pass. It is one of the rare areas that allows you to ski in two countries in one day.
You can ski on both sides of the valley that the resort is located in. One side is serviced by the Pleney gondola, which is home to some lovely tree-lined runs, suitable for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. Many people learn their first turns on this side of the valley, as it is perfect for families. But there are some superb areas for advanced skiers and snowboarders too. This side of the valley gives you access to the neighbouring ski resort of Les Gets, extending the terrain.
On the opposite side of the valley to Pleney is the Super Morzine Telecabine. This takes you up to the rest of the Portes du Soleil via Avoriaz, a higher altitude purpose-built ski resort. The Super Morzine and Avoriaz areas have lots of slopes to suit all abilities. Whether it is your first time on skis, a powder hunter or freestyler, there is something for you.
Beyond Avoriaz is Chatel and all the Swiss resorts to explore. You can access Avoriaz a little quicker via the Ardent and Prodains cablecars. And for some advanced freeriding, Mont Blanc is not far away.
If you don't have your own ski and snowboard equipment, there is no need to worry. There are many ski hire shops and some mobile hire services that will bring your equipment to your accommodation.
These equipment providers get a fresh batch of new skis, poles, snowboards, and boots every winter. The wide range available means you can hire the right equipment for your ability and style. You can even hire skis and snowboards to suit the snow conditions perfectly.
If you are looking to buy new equipment and clothing, there are some great ski and snowboard shops in the centre of the village too.
No matter what your level or experience, there is always something else to learn. The resort has a wide range of ski and snowboard schools to start you off or push you to the next level. From the big name schools to small independent ones with a more intimate experience, there is an instructor for you.
Ski and snowboard instructors are also great for helping you find the best terrain. If you are lucky enough to experience a powder day during your trip, book an instructor to take you to the mountain's secret spots, away from the crowds.
There is more to Morzine than skiing and snowboarding. There are many other activities to do that will enhance your mountain experience.
Night sledging is a super fun thing to do once the pistes are closed. Indianaventures take you up the Pleney lift and, after a quick briefing, send you down Piste B in stages. The guide gives you tips on how to get down safely and with the most fun at each stop.
There is an ice rink in the tourist office square, which is an excellent introduction to ice skating. Kids love the atmosphere under the colourful lights while skating to music. It is an ideal child friendly après activity.
Snowshoeing is a wonderful way of seeing the mountains and the dramatic scenery. There are various snowshoe routes to take, either on your own or with a guide. You can hire snowshoes from several shops in the resort, but a guide will have everything you need. Also, a guided tour is an excellent way to see the best views and local wildlife.
Being pulled along by a team of huskies is a super fun experience for adults and kids alike. Your guide will take you around the forest tracks around the valley. Dog sledding is fantastic to do on an afternoon off the slopes, especially for animal lovers.
At the Point de Nyon restaurant, you can sit with wild birds of prey and enjoy a coffee whilst owls, buzzards, and condors fly around you. The birds come from the bird park, Les Aigles du Léman, near Thonon-les-Bains. The opportunity offers visitors to the Morzine the chance to ski with an eagle or just watch the birds fly freely around while eating lunch.
Morzine is an outstanding summer destination. For many, it is a refreshing change from a beach holiday, as there are so many activities.
One of the main attractions to Morzine in the summer is its world-class mountain biking. The fantastic mountain bike trails throughout the Portes du Soleil are all linked with the ski lift system. You can enjoy quick-fire downhill runs or picturesque and technical enduro routes on both sides of the French-Swiss border.
There are some stunning road bike routes around Morzine too. Some of which form part of the Tour de France route, such as the col de Joux Plane.
Morzine has some excellent bike shops providing bike hire and maintenance. You can rent high-end enduro, downhill, road and ebikes all over the village. It is best to book them in advance of your holiday to secure your bike.
But you don't need to be a mountain biker to enjoy summer in Morzine. There is a whole host of things to do, most of which are accessible via the Multipass. The Multipass gives you over 50 free and discounted activities all over the Portes du Soleil. These include the swimming pool, pedestrian access to the lift system, tennis and the indoor ice rink.
Just 10 minutes from the village, is Lac de Montriond. This stunning stretch of water is a beautiful place to hang out during the day and in the evenings. Here, you get to swim, kayak and paddleboard in the lake's clear water with an idyllic mountain backdrop. There are other things to do on the lake's banks too. The crazy golf and laser biathlon are fun activities to enjoy before cooking your lunch on one of the communal barbecues. Alternatively, you can dine at one of the stunning lakeside restaurants.
For a mountain holiday to remember, whether you want to visit during summer or winter, Morzine is an excellent choice. With its accessibility, amenities and attractions, Morzine is the place to be.
