Tips for Planning a Family Ski Holiday in Morzine
It’s almost time to send the kids back to school so parents can turn their attention to their next family holiday, and for many, that means skiing! Morzine is a pretty Alpine town with excellent family facilities and skiing for all levels in the heart of the Portes du Soleil.
We caught up with our friends from AliKats Mountain Holidays, specialists in family chalet holidays, to get some top tips on planning a family ski holiday in this incredible French resort.
BEFORE YOU GO
Pick child-friendly accommodation
Learning to wear (and not lose) ski gloves, moving around a snowy ski resort, getting to ski school on time: there are many new things and organisations involved in skiing with kids, and that’s before you even get on the slopes!
Choosing accommodation that specialises in family groups will go a long way in helping with these transitions. Flexible childcare options, spacious ensuite family rooms, transport to the ski lifts, early kids dinners, mobile ski hire that fits you with skis when you arrive at your chalet – you can’t beat having everything in place for a smooth-running holiday.
Book everything early
Family resorts get busy during the school holidays, so getting as much as you can booked in before you arrive is essential, especially airport transfers, childcare and ski lessons.
For a carefree holiday start, reserve your ski equipment, book restaurants, and order lift passes before you arrive (your family holiday provider should help with these reservations).
For babies, check facilities and bring your favourite brands
Family chalets and hotels should be well-equipped with cots and linen, high chairs, microwaves, food processors, potties, changing mats and laundry facilities. There’s so much to pack when you go on a skiing holiday; checking ahead can make sure you don’t end up packing items you can loan when you arrive.
If you can’t get your usual brand in the resort’s supermarket, it’s a good idea to pack plenty of your regular milk formula, bottles, baby food, nappies and baby wipes. Remember your kid’s favourite toy and comforter for a peaceful bedtime, and bring any medication you might need, like Calpol.
Plan to get kids into a routine.
Early starts for ski school, lessons and meeting new people: ski holidays can ask a lot of little ones. For reassurance and to conserve energy, try to keep to some of your usual ‘at home’ routines, such as deciding and sticking to an evening meal and bedtime.
Request a high tea from your chalet hosts to help get kids off to bed at a good time. Ensure you advise ahead of any allergies or fussy eating patterns the chef should know about.
IN-RESORT
Opt for magic carpets over drag lifts (for beginners)
Magic carpets are excellent for building confidence in little skiers. Kids can quickly shuffle onto these enclosed rolling carpets and stand with little assistance as it takes them to the top. This is less daunting than tackling a drag lift and keeping little ones out of the cold and wind while on the lift.
In Morzine, you’ll find magic carpets at the top of the Pleney bubble (accessed from the centre of Morzine) and in the Nyon ski area.
Discover the kid’s ski zones.
Wondering where to ski on your next family ski holiday in Morzine?
Morzine’s ski area has everything kids need to progress on the slopes, from their first slide to hits in the snow park. Preparation is vital, as with everything, so having a few ski areas in mind is excellent for keeping kids entertained.
‘Pingouins Parc‘ is a gentle and fun penguin-themed kids’ area in the Pleney ski area with totem poles, arches, and a giant xylophone.
Next stop, head to the forest to check out ‘Chemin des Zou Zou’. Kids can look out for statues of life-sized animals on the side of this 2km run, which zig-zags its way through the trees – but shush, let’s keep the unicorn as a surprise!
Download the Portes du Soleil piste map here.
The best kid’s ski areas in Les Gets
Les Gets has more significant areas to explore, including ‘The Grand Cry’, a North-American-themed ski park with green runs, with fun, small but safe tracks to the sides of the piste dipping in and out of the trees so children can explore safely.
And not forgetting the ‘The Milka run’, an easy blue with endless tracks into the trees and off to the sides.
Where to ski with kids in Avoriaz
If heading to Avoriaz, ‘Les Proclou’ and ‘Super Morzine area’ have many interlinked greens and blues. You’ll also find ‘Lil’ Stash’ – a fabulous play area in the woods with tree houses, ropes, a super fun slide and a giant banana swing. This place is seriously fun and isn’t one to miss!
Mix it up with magical non-ski activities.
Family ski holidays are not just about skiing. Make sure you give little legs a break and mix it up with other memorable activities to instil a love of the mountains in your children for years to come.
From face painting to street theatre and craft workshops, Morzine’s tourist board lines up an exciting agenda of children’s activities, which mostly take place in the town’s pretty square. You’ll also find an outdoor ice rink and the town’s popular kids carousel here.
Plenty of bigger adventures for slightly older kids include husky sledging, falconry displays at the Les Aigles du Léman (winter bird of prey park in Nyon) and an enchanted night walk. Water babies will also love Morzine’s family-friendly swimming complex, right in the town centre and open daily in the winter.
Catch an ice hockey match.
Morzine is also home to the ‘Pingouins‘, the Chamonix and Morzine ice hockey club (HCMA), which compete in France’s top league, the League Magnus. It’s a highly competitive, exhilarating game for the whole family to watch, so if there’s a match on whilst you’re in town, be sure to catch it. Games occur in the evening at the Skoda Arena, which can be found under the suspension bridge in the town centre.
Keep it positive
Ski school is mentally and physically tiring, so keep it as fun as possible and never force it if your child looks tired. Take breaks when you’re on the slopes, celebrate their wins and keep kids well-fed, watered, warm and dry. If you’d like your kids to join sociable, fun ski lessons in Morzine, Avoriaz or Les Gets, take a look at our online availability and prices by clicking here.
Boost energy with a hot chocolate stop or a yummy crêpe. And finally, try not to refer to ski school as ‘school’, especially if they don’t like school much at home. It is a holiday, after all!
For your next family ski holiday in Morzine, choose Alikats Mountain Holidays for a child-friendly catered chalet holiday. AliKats Mountain Holidays offers stylish, child-friendly chalets with plenty of baby facilities, delicious food and a private chauffeur service to the slopes.
