A Guide to Skiing in Morzine- 8 Interesting Things to Know
Whether you’re an experienced skier or planning your first visit to the slopesc This book will cover all there is to know about the ski resort & offer expert advice to make sure your vacation is a success.
One of the most popular locations for skiing & snowboarding vacations is Morzine, which is situated halfway between Avoriaz and Les Gets. Its proximity to the Portes du Soleil’s 650km of slopes and the two other famous resorts puts it in a prime location for skiing.
About Morzine
Morzine is a charming town with many structures in the chalet architectural type. Given how dispersed Morzine is, the three main lift stations offer superb access to the valley’s skiing on both sides. The ideal strategy is frequently to stay close to the centre, among the stores and bars, as well as the two major gondolas, Super Morzine and the Pleney cable car, as transportation across the village can occasionally be challenging.
For access to Avoriaz, the highest skiing in the region, the Morzine gondola is situated in the village’s centre. The prices for hotels and chalets close to the Super Morzine lift to reflect the fact that this lift is the preferred one for the majority of our customers. It’s vital to keep in mind that you must use this lift both up and down because there isn’t a ski route that connects Avoriaz and Morzine; nonetheless, lines are rarely an issue.
Due to the magnificent long blue runs & open reds that lead back to the village or allow access across to Les, the Pleney lift is a favourite with novice and low-intermediate skiers on the other side of the town.
One travels northwest and is designated a freestyle area on the piste map. The snow is frequently superb because of the slopes’ northerly orientation. Here, there are some difficult off-piste choices. You can also access the Les Get & Les Chavannes sectors through a connected lift.
The ski lifts are continuously being upgraded; those that leave the village are all gondolas or quick lifts, while those that go higher still have a few slower lifts & drags, although lines are never an issue.
1. Mountain Facts
There are numerous slopes and mountains at the Morzine ski resort. So what can you anticipate from the mountains at the resort? Although Morzine’s first ski line was inaugurated back in 1925, it wasn’t until the Pleney cable car, which was just the second to be erected in all of France, that Morzine was transformed into a ski resort.
At 1000 metres above sea level, Morzine is one of the French Alps’ wettest locations due to its atmospheric weather conditions.
The lower slopes near Morzine are primarily on pasture land, which means the area experiences some of the greatest snowfalls & deepest snow depths in all of Europe.
2. Ski Resorts Morzine
Everyone may find something to enjoy at the Morzine ski resort. Ski lifts, an aquatic centre with three outdoor and three indoor pools, a golf course, and a variety of pubs and restaurants, and seasonal activities are available in addition to the wide slope alternatives.
The Morzine ski resort has earned the “Famille Plus” badge for its kid-friendly ski and play facilities, making it an excellent option for family ski vacations.
People in the know frequently think of Morzine as a haven for intermediate skiers, but there is also plenty of terrains for more experienced skiers to enjoy, including 9 snow parks, some challenging black runs, and an astonishing quantity of accessible off-piste terrain.
Typically, the winter season lasts from mid-December until mid-April. The time of the year you travel to Morzine ski resort will affect your vacation, just like it does with any ski trip. For instance, March and April are great if you want sunny slopes accompanied by a nice glass of wine, whereas January is the best month if you want quiet slopes with lots of fresh snow.
Fortunately for guests, local pictures will perfect the snow (both real and artificial) to ensure you have the best time, no matter what time of year you visit as long as the lifts are open.
3. Skii Areas for Skiing in Morzine
The ski areas that makeup Les Portes Du Soleil, which includes Morzine, are listed below.
1. Portes Du Soleil
The Portes du Soleil, which consists of 13 separate ski resorts spread throughout France and Switzerland, has Morzine at its centre. The region gets its name from such a mountain pass that links Morgins & Les Crosets and is still covered in snow at the start and conclusion of the season.
The region’s 600km of slopes include 306 slopes and 30 snow parks. Additionally, there are nearly 200 ski lifts, and the available ski slopes include 38 green, 131 blue, 105 red, and 32 black runs.
2. Grand Massif Ski
Due to its location right in the French Alps, the Grand Massif ski area boasts breathtaking views and surroundings. The famous Mont Blanc dominates the ski runs, and there are 70 ski lifts that give you access to 265 kilometres of slopes.
The area’s high elevation ensures that you will have plenty of snow cover, and the season lasts from December to April. Grand Massif is a great place for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, with slopes that can accommodate families, novices, and experts. Watch for the Cascades in Flaine, a lesser-known 14-kilometre route.
3. Avoriaz
Avoriaz is 600m above Morzine and is accessible from Morzine through three separate lifts. From the town’s centre, you can catch the Super Morzine Bubble, the Lordains Bubble, or the Linderets Express.
The Burton Stash, the first freestyle park in Europe, is located in Avoriaz, which is why snowboarders love it so much. The area has many snowparks, a halfpipe, a big air, and snowcross runs, making it a perfect destination for skiers of all skill levels to enjoy themselves on the slopes.
With a wide variety of courses, including 250km of blues and reds, it’s a particularly well-liked destination for more seasoned skiers because of the short hike you’ll need to take from Morzine.
The Swiss Wall, a renowned route connecting France and Switzerland, is where true experts should go, but this is only appropriate for slope professionals. Several black runs can be found if you head down Les Prodains if your skills are up to par.
4. Morgins
A well-known ski resort in Switzerland, Morgins is surrounded by beautiful natural features such as alpine meadows, mountain lakes, and the imposing Dents-du-Midi mountain range. For those looking to avoid crowds while yet experiencing the thrill of climbing a major mountain, Morgins is a particularly popular option.
There are enough slopes for beginners and experienced skiers, as well as extensive valley paths, huge off-piste, and freeride terrain alternatives. Although the chocolate box town is surrounded by pine trees and stunning scenery, experienced & advanced skiers who are searching for a thrill may not want to go there.
4. Skiing in Morzine, According to Ability
Skiers learning the sport adore the expansive nursery slope above the village, which offers a good selection of progression courses to help them build on the fundamentals they have already learned. The runs that may be accessible by the Pleney lift are well-liked by advancing beginners.
Advanced skiers typically choose the entire area pass because there are some extremely difficult runs inside the larger region. We adore the nearby Swiss Wall. The Nyon & Chamossiere sectors provide the best local challenges. In Les Gets, there is a mountain called Mont Chery that has a great black run and is always empty, even during the busiest weeks of the winter.
1. For Beginners
Families and beginners should stay in the Pleney area because there are many gentle slopes there with room to practise & polish your turns. Le Pleney has 69 runs, of which 29 are blue & 3 are green. Since they are always sunny and wide, the south-facing slopes exiting the Pleney telecabine are well-liked by beginners and families.
The blue lines in the area, Piste B, Corbeau, and Grizzli, are especially excellent for beginning skiers. Additionally, Les Gets offers three “Mappy Areas” for beginners of all ages, which include two magic carpets.
When you require a break from the slopes, there are plenty of restaurants & bars around that are the ideal place for a seat. The Super Morzine area is ideal for skiers wishing to improve their technique while in Morzine.
It is ideal for intermediate skiers, offering a range of wide yet steep slopes to explore. In the immediate area of the ski lift, there are a pair of excellent blue routes called Zore and Tetras.
2. For Advance Skiers
Despite the fact that Morzine isn’t recognised for its challenging ski runs, There are a few alternatives that let you gain some speed and put your strength to the test. If Le Plenty’s south-facing slopes didn’t lead directly into the resort, they would probably qualify as black runs, whereas Olympique is indeed a black run with a sharp drop right next to the lift line.
The slopes of Nylon, the tallest peak in the Morzine region, lie over there on the north-facing slopes. Powder lovers who enjoy steep, deep, and untracked slopes will love this region.
The Chavannes Bowl in the Les Gets region has some decent black runs for expert skiers as well. Due to the fact that morning skiers are at their best right after a snowfall. As you prepare to hit the slopes, transfers between Geneva to Morzine take about one hour and thirty minutes and take you over the snow-covered Alps.
Morzine is a popular destination for families who want to avoid lengthy and nerve-wracking automobile drives through the mountains with kids because of the highly trained Alpine drivers who can transport you from the airport to your resort. At Alpine Fleet, we provide both shared and individual means of transport with a variety of stops in Morzine for customers.
Because of the quick travel time, Morzine is ideal for shorter getaways because you’ll spend more time skiing instead of driving.
5. Best Morzine Ski Schools
Both group & private lessons are offered at New Generation Morzine, which has gained a solid reputation among British skiers. Another reputable and well-known ski school is Bass Morzine. The French ski school ESF in Morzine offers classes as well as training for skiers with disabilities.
Your youngster will be looked after by a Cheeky Monkey nanny at your ski lodge. Parents who wish to enjoy the skiing time while having to go back and watch their own child while the instructors eat lunch really like this choice.
Additionally, Cheeky Monkeys rent out baby necessities like cribs, high chairs, changing mats, and car seats.
6. Skiing cross-country
There are 95km of defined and groomed cross-country skiing tracks in the valley and at elevations above the resort in Morzine, which is a popular destination for the sport. There are 60 km of relatively easy routes, 20 km of trails of moderate difficulty, and 15 km of severe trails.
For beginners or experienced skiers, the French ski school (ESF) offers a cross-country skiing lesson programme. Cross-country skiing is particularly well-liked in the Manche valley.
7. After Dark In Morzine (Après Ski)
When the lights go out, Morzine comes alive, and there are plenty of bars fighting for your business. Skiers end their day at the foot of the slopes, where the Tremplin becomes very active and frequently features live music.
In Morzine, landmark bars like Bar Robinson & Dixie Bar are where most season-pass holders congregate later in the evening (cheap Beer). Coyote bar features dancing and DJs. The Opera and Laury’s, which are open till the birds begin to sing, are the late-night hotspots.
Although Morzine receives more than 9 metres (28 feet) of snow annually, the hamlet is on the smaller side for a ski resort in the contemporary period. However, there is access to the vast Portes du Soleil area, so the alternatives are virtually unlimited!
However, these lower slopes have substantial snowmaking, so when temperatures drop, large amounts of snow are produced on the slopes, which typically support skiing down to resort level during small to medium periods of melt, even if the town itself is no longer white.
8. Restaurant Recommendations in Morzine
In Morzine, there is no shortage of top-notch eateries, including some great hotel restaurants. They suggest the l’Atelier in the hotel Samoyede, which serves both fine dining options and traditional mountain fare. In order to keep prices down, they always stick to fixed menus.
Chamades offers exquisitely prepared food with a focus on flavour; reservations are advised. Mal in our sales team, which may be a food philistine, was eager to propose a chalet since he believes they have the best burgers in town. Who are we to debate whose cuisine is the greatest for non-foodies when Mal is the office’s biggest Morzine fan and goes skiing there every year with his family?
The Mountain’s Best Restaurants
What could be better than a leisurely meal on a patio with a view of the mountains on a sunny winter day? In order to identify the locations of eateries, the piste map uses a knife & folk logo, but they forgot to name them!
For Savoyard lunches, we adore the cosy, rustic Chez Nannon, which is situated halfway between Nyon & Chamossiere. Try the Pointe de Nyon as well; Mal didn’t care for the duck salad, but our MD did.
9. Accommodations in Morzine
The catered ski chalets, hotels, and apartments fill up quickly, so it’s important to book early, especially during the busiest times of the year.
1. Chalet No8, Morzine Sleeps 13
This fully catered chalet, which has received fantastic reviews from our customers, is available to rent for short getaways with a stay of at least three nights, and rates start at only £375 per person.
Although it takes 5-7 minutes to walk to the lift, the chalet offers a private bus morning & night to free up your legs for skiing despite the less-than-ideal lift access. Our visitors adore the hot tub & sauna after a day of skiing.
2. The Manoir in Morzine
The most beautiful structure in all of Morzine, dating all the way back to 1790 but still being a cutting-edge, cosy ski lodge. A week’s stay in the Manoir must be reserved well in advance; we know you’ll adore it! Children in bunk beds pay half the adult rate, and as this chalet is only 200 metres from the lift, families will undoubtedly find it appealing.
The chalet is offered as part of an ATOL-bonded package vacation with flights from Birmingham, Manchester, and London Gatwick.
3. Colibri Penthouse
A chalet is a great option for families with kids because it offers 4 bedrooms, two of which have additional bunk beds. Outstanding views can be seen from the top level. Booking right away is strongly advised because chalets this good don’t stay available for very long.
This penthouse, offered as an ATOL holiday trip with flights, is the ideal option for a fantastic ski chalet in Morzine.
4. Chalet Croc Blanc in Morzine
You can fly here on your own or drive yourself to the Croc Blanc chalet. This chalet offers a wellness suite with a hot tub and a sauna as well as 6 bedrooms, 5 of which have en suite. Just a few snowballs tossed from the major square and two minutes walk from the Pleney lift, it is situated in a desirable area. You may stay here for much less than £100 per night if you book quickly! Minimum 7 nights
5. Morzine’s Hotel Les Champs Fleuris
In Morzine, there aren’t many hotels that offer ski ski-out access, but this one is situated on the slopes. They provide flights to this hotel as part of an ATOL-bonded package holiday with choices from several UK airports.
The health centre, with its pool, sauna, steam room, and hot tub, is well-liked after skiing, but only those over 16 are allowed to use it. If you don’t have children, that’s fantastic, but if you do, it can be disappointing. In any case, this hotel with half-board is a well-liked option in Morzine.
6. Apartments at Chalet Matine in Morzine
This is a great option if you’re searching for an ATOL-bonded package deal toward a good self-catered apartment. These apartments either have two or four rooms. Sleeping for 2-4 people or 4–7 people. The hotel’s spa is free to use for guests over 16 and is conveniently located on the slopes for quick access to skiing.
7. Morzine’s Hotel Les Airelles
Just two minutes away from the Pleney slopes as well as the location of the ski school is this outstanding 4* Half-Board hotel. Our customers always give us positive reviews on the meal. They market it as an ATOL Bonded packages with flights available from Jersey as well as all the major UK airports.
Final Note
The ski areas in Morzine have enough to offer skiers of all skill levels, from absolute beginners to intermediate and expert skiers. Because the entire area is accessible and offers a wide variety of slopes, Morzine is the best choice for all intermediate skiers. There are many things to do while skiing in Morzine, like visiting Morzine town, surrounding slopes, ski hire, lake Geneva and so on.
As many of the courses give an alternative of either Blues or Reds routes down from any lift, groups of friends with a variety of skier levels will also enjoy skiing in and around Morzine. If the weather turns gloomy, there are many woodland runs above Morzine as well as around Les Gets that are ideal.
Also read:
