An Introduction to Morzine
What’s so special about Skiing in Morzine? Located in the centre of the Portes du Soleil ski area, the French resort of Morzine sits between the beautiful Lake Geneva and iconic Mont Blanc, just a stone’s throw from the Swiss border. The Portes du Soleil ski area is one of the world’s largest, with 650km of skiable terrain to explore. Even though the village is nestled at a relatively low altitude of 900m, the intricate network of lifts in Morzine allows visitors to ascend the panoramic Chamossière, peaking at 1800m, and Avoriaz at 2100m.
The town’s origins stretch back to the 11th century when it was a modest farming hamlet. Over the years, the resort has evolved into a charming winter ski destination and a favourite spot for biking, hiking, and alpine climbing in the summer. Despite being a popular winter and summer destination, Morzine has managed to preserve its original Alpine tradition, evident in its architecture, ambience, and the warmth of the locals.
This comprehensive guide explores the most important factors when choosing Morzine for your ski holiday. We’ve got you covered, from identifying the most suitable ski terrains for beginners and intermediates to advanced skiers and those seeking thrilling off-piste shredding. We delve into the array of après-ski activities in Morzine and shed light on the most convenient ways to reach this charming resort. If you’re looking for accommodation, whether a hotel or chalet, we’ve even categorised our top picks by price, saving you the trouble of scouring through countless options.
Where to Ski in Morzine
Despite Morzine’s relatively low altitude, the resort still generally receives a generous amount of snow. This may be partly due to the north-westerly winds that are full of moisture due to the resort’s proximity to the Northern edge of the Alps. This results in significant snowfall when temperatures drop. Morzine’s slopes are predominantly grassy, allowing them to remain open without needing a deep layer of snow. Our main advice is not to worry too much about the low altitude, as even when the snow is sparse down low, there’s convenient access to higher-altitude areas. While skiing back to your accommodation might not always be possible, the extensive lift system ensures you’ll always have a great day.
The best pistes for beginners in Morzine
Morzine is a haven for beginners, providing ample ski slopes that offer an ideal environment for those first steps on the snow. Morzine’s thoughtful planning for beginners includes several “Zones Débutants,” or beginner’s areas. These designated zones are cordoned off from the faster skiers, providing a safe space where beginners can learn and practice without worry.
Pleney Beginner Zone
Pleney’s beginner area is at the top of the Pleney gondola. It offers an expansive flat space and an enclosed rolling carpet lift with a gentle gradient, perfect for learning. As skiers become adept at turning on this slope, they can seamlessly progress to the Nabor and Belvedere chairlifts in the area. From Pleney, the Belvedere chairlift leads to the top of a green run. Skiers can explore the chilled vibe of the Piste B or challenge themselves on steeper blue terrains as they progress.
Nyon Magic Carpet
Nyon offers an excellent setting for beginners with a magic carpet lift. Though Nyon technically falls into the Morzine ski area, getting there by bus or car is more straightforward, especially with free parking. One significant advantage is that it’s often less crowded than the Pleney side during peak weeks, and for those staying around Nyon, hopping on the Nyon cable car provides swift access to the Birds of Prey cafe and the beginner’s zone.
Nabor
The Nabor run, a wide, gentle blue slope starting from the top of Pleney, provides a longer route for beginners looking to expand their range. This long cruising ski run is perfect for practising those new skills.
The best pistes for intermediate skiers in Morzine
Morzine’s ski terrain is full of blue and red runs, enveloped in a serene blanket of trees. This means it’s the perfect place for intermediate skiers to get some miles under their belt.
Pleney
Le Pleney stands out for its diverse range of runs accessible right from the get-go. The bubble transports skiers from the base to a starting point, offering them a choice between every kind of ski run – an ideal mix for varied skill groups. This area is invaluable at the start of a trip when visitors are just starting to acquaint themselves with the area, as they’ll have the opportunity to stay together as a group despite having diverse ski levels.
Nyon Ski Area
Another thrilling spot for intermediate skiers is the Nyon area. The red pistes offer a steep and exciting descent for those seeking to push their skiing boundaries, specifically the Aiguille Rouge, Les Lanches and La Combe red pistes in this ski area.
The best pistes for advanced skiers in Morzine
While Morzine isn’t often acclaimed for catering to advanced skiers, there is still an array of challenging terrain to choose from, both marked and off-piste.
Chamossière
With an altitude of 2002m, the Chamossière region is distinguished for its steep slopes, featuring standout trails like the Les Creux black run and the Arbis Red Run. On top of this, when you depart the Chamossière lift, you’ll have access to a top-notch freeride zone. Whilst this slope undergoes avalanche control, it’s not groomed or patrolled. With this in mind, only seasoned skiers with essential avalanche safety gear should venture into this zone.
The Swiss Wall – ‘Le Pas de Chavanette’
For the daredevil skiers, the Swiss Wall may be on your list. To access this run, make your way from Morzine Centre to the slopes of Avoriaz. From here, you need to get to the Arare Bowl by taking the A bus to the Prodains lift and up or following the cat track from the top of SuperM and dropping right into Avoriaz. Le Pas de Chavanette is an exceptionally steep and bumpy black run recognised as one of the most challenging ski slopes in the world. It’s not for the faint-hearted but promises an adrenaline-fueled descent you won’t forget quickly. Please bear in mind that this run is beyond a black – it has its own classification as an orange run because of the sheer vertical drop.
Skiing Off-Piste in Morzine
The connected resorts of Morzine, Avoriaz and Les Gets are a magnet for off-piste enthusiasts, offering some of the best powder conditions in the region. In Morzine specifically, the Nyon and Chamossiere offer easily accessible off-piste skiing for those not wishing to venture too far from the town. For quality snow, the areas beneath the Pleney lift are often rewarding. When venturing off-piste, ensure you’re accompanied by a knowledgeable guide or local. At New Generation Ski and Snowboard School, we provide tailored, expert instructors who can ensure you navigate these areas safely while honing your off-piste skills.
The best après ski activities in Morzine
When the ski lifts close, Morzine comes alive with a vibrant après ski scene, both in and out of the bars. There are plenty of activities and places to visit where you can unwind and recount the day’s adventures. From husky-led sledge rides to skidoo adventures and wellness spas, Morzine is full of unique activities to explore after a big day on the slopes.
Le Tremplin
Le Tremplin is more than just a bar. It’s an experience. As one of Morzine’s go-to après ski venues, it brings the party every day from 4 PM to 8 PM on its outdoor terrace. Strategically located at the bottom of the piste as you ski into Morzine, Le Tremplin often has live bands, artists, and DJs playing outside. Please note that Le Tremplin is an outdoor venue, so bring lots of layers if you’re planning to party here. Once that sun goes down, the alpine chill kicks in.
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The Bec Jaune Brewery
Ideal for beer enthusiasts and those looking for a home away from home in the form of an English pub. The Bec Jaune Brewery is a local microbrewery serving excellent beer, all brewed in-house. This is the spot for those after a few pints and a relaxed evening.
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Beanies
Beanies is a pizzeria and cocktail bar sporting a chilled, friendly après atmosphere. Renowned for its diverse drink menu, Beanies caters to cocktail lovers and coffee enthusiasts. As Beanies is a short walk into town, why not pop home first and swap the ski boots for something more comfortable?
Drive a dog sled, a skidoo, or ride a horse.
Why not take a skidoo ride through the famous Super Morzine forest? Or, for a more tranquil yet equally unique experience, you can explore the Dranse river trails and snowy forests on horseback. If you’re dreaming of an alpine adventure, it doesn’t get more perfect than a husky sled ride through the snow. Located in the neighbouring Avoriaz, it’s a well sought after activity so we highly recommend booking. Each of these activities allows you to discover the Morzine Valley in a unique way.
Swim and wellness in Morzine.
Dive into Morzine’s aquatic offerings at the Parc Dérêches. This facility offers indoor heated swimming spaces for those keen to enjoy a refreshing dip, regardless of the weather outside. Looking to enhance your wellness regime? Parc Dérêches also offers diverse fitness and yoga classes tailored to all levels.
Ice Hockey – Go Penguins!
One of the highlights of Morzine’s vibrant après ski scene is undoubtedly the ice hockey matches. So get your game face on and root for the local team, the Penguins. Matches are typically on Friday or Saturday nights. It is a perfect weekend activity to delve deep into the local sports culture. If you’re budget-conscious or just pressed for time, here’s a little-known tip – post 9:30 PM, entry becomes free.
Explore the town
Morzine is also a beautiful town to explore on foot. An evening stroll through the old town centre, with its charming cobbled streets and traditional Savoyard architecture, can be a delightful way to end the day. The town also has two cinemas that showcase a variety of films, including English-language movies if your kids are keen movie buffs.
The 3 Best Restaurants in Morzine
Morzine has many restaurants, ranging from Michelin-starred dining establishments to cosy, traditional eateries. We’ve chosen our top three, ranging from high-end treats to budget-friendly spots.
The Grange €€€
Tucked away just a stone’s throw from the tourist office in central Morzine, La Grange Restaurant offers a delightful Savoyard dining experience. The thoughtful spacing between tables sets the place apart, making it a hit among families, especially young families bringing buggies.
The Hideout €€
The Hideout is a fantastic, value-for-money spot ideal for those after something a little different from the typical Savoyard food served in the French Alps. The menu showcases a blend of oriental flavours with a unique Japanese touch. With small plates and mains on the menu that cater to vegetarian and vegan palettes, this is a must-visit for Asian food lovers. The Hideout is truly a unique and special mountain restaurant.
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Satellite Coffee €
Satellite Coffee in Morzine is a fabulous location for those searching for a healthier yet equally delicious dining option. Serving sandwiches, pitas, creamy homemade soups and refreshing smoothies, they’re the perfect midday pick-me-up. They’re not just about the savoury – Satellite Coffee also offers an array of baked goods that cater to vegans and are gluten-free.
The 3 best mountain restaurants in Morzine
Mountainside dining is essential to the skiing experience, and Morzine doesn’t disappoint.
Le Vaffieu €€€
For a high-end meal, Le Vaffieu, located at the top of the Pleney slopes, is an exceptional choice. This upscale restaurant offers an eclectic Savoyard menu with a flair that celebrates local flavours whilst being innovative. The views are incredible, and the reviews are exceptional.
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Le Tremplin €€
Le Tremplin, renowned for its après ski vibe, also stands out for its mountainside dining in Morzine. Offering ski-in ski-out convenience, it presents a beautiful setting for lunch. The Le Tremplin chefs manage to capture the essence of local cuisine perfectly. Its outdoor terrace comes alive on sunny days, where guests can savour their meals and près ski drinks under the sun.
Le Belvédère Restaurant €
For skiers on a budget, the self-service restaurant at the Belvédère Lift offers a great selection of dishes at reasonable prices. As skiers and pedestrians can conveniently access the restaurant, it’s the perfect rendezvous spot. With a large terrace that offers stunning views of the valley, this restaurant is the value-for-money place to refuel during a day on the slopes in Morzine.
The top hotels in Morzine
The Farmhouse €€€
The Farmhouse is a testament to history and elegance, being Morzine’s oldest structure, dating back to the 18th century. The centre of Morzine is just a 10-minute walk away, and the hotel runs shuttle services to ensure guests have easy, quick access to the slopes all day. This English-owned boutique hotel offers luxurious stays and a decadent slice of Morzine’s heritage.
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Hôtel Les Côtes – Family Friendly €€
Located in the centre of Morzine, Hôtel Les Côtes is a family-friendly chalet-hotel on a peaceful street, just a 5-min walk away from the Morzine tourist office and the Télécabine de Super Morzine ski-lift. For convenience, free shuttle buses on Line D also stop outside the hotel during the ski season. If you’re scouting for a lovely yet central stay for the family with a touch of tradition, Hôtel Les Côtes is the place to go.
Hideout Hostel – Budget-Friendly Basecamp in Morzine €
Hideout Hostel is the ideal spot for thrill-seekers on a budget. This alpine retreat is designed for convenience and comfort, offering guests a warm, functional space. Rooms, ranging from doubles to dorms, all with secure lockers. Extremely close to the key ski lift points and with amenities like ski storage and boot dryers, staying at Hideout Hostel promises an effortless ski holiday. It’s a fabulous spot for travellers looking to mingle, make new friends and enjoy Morzine on a budget.
The top chalet companies in Morzine
The Boutique Chalet Company €€€€
With an exclusive collection in Morzine, the Boutique Chalet Company is leading the game in luxury, high-end chalets. They have two collections – their exclusive collection and their luxury self-catered chalets and apartments.
Their exclusive collection properties are genuinely world-class, often exceeding 700m2 in space. The interiors have been crafted by World-leading designers. Simply put, they’re exquisite and one-of-a-kind, just like the best things in life should be.
Their self-catered options are designed for those looking for luxury and flexibility in their stay. To make the cut for the luxury collection, each property must be near the heart of the resort. That means ski lifts, shops, bars, and restaurants are just a short stroll away. Their friendly concierge service is ready to help you plan your trip. No fuss, just enjoyment.
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Alikats
Whether you’re after a central apartment offering panoramic mountain views or a family chalet with wellness amenities like saunas, hammams, and jacuzzis, there’s an option for everyone at Alikats.
Alikats has a mission to create a low-impact business and earnestly believes that every action, small or big, makes a difference. They have declared a climate emergency and a focus on achieving carbon neutrality. Their permaculture practices and their zero-waste philosophy for their chalets are all industry-leading ideas that have taken vast effort to implement.
CimeAlps €- €€
From modern apartments to traditional chalets, CimeAlps has fantastic accommodation types for every budget. With stays available in over 16 French resorts, CimeAlps has the experience, expertise, and range of accommodation types to ensure you get the mountain retreat you desire.
Lift Pass Prices in Morzine
There are many lift pass options when skiing in Morzine, like the ‘Portes du Soleil ski pass’, the ‘Morzine-Les Gets ski pass’ and the ‘Avoriaz ski pass’. The Portes du Soleil ski pass is the best value-for-money ski pass for skiable terrain you’ll find in the area. However, as the Portes du Soleil ski area comprises many resorts, you can explore the best options for your group and the more detailed pricing options on the provider’s website. Please note that when booking, the best rates are available online.
For reference, for a Portes du Soleil pass, the prices for the Winter season 2022/2023 were as follows (please note that lift pass prices in Morzine will vary year to year):
Adult (26-64 years):
1 day: 52,70 €
6 days: 263,50 €
Child (5-15 years):
1 day: 43,90 €
6 days: 219,50 €
Senior (65-75 years) and Juniors (16-25 years):
1 day: 52,70 €
6 days: 263,30 €
The best time to go to Morzine to
Typically, Morzine sees an annual snowfall of 343cm, spread across an average of 24 snowfall days. For a detailed look at Morzine’s historical snow data, refer to the historic On The Snow data. Below, we share our advice on the best time to visit Morzine for fresh snowfall, quiet slopes, reliable snowpack and sunny conditions.
Get fresh snow
While Morzine is a great year-round destination, if it’s fresh snowfall you’re after, aim to visit between mid-January and February. These are the coldest months, with regular storm cycles.
Dodge the crowds
You’ve a few options for crowd dodging in Morzine. Consider visiting in early December, mid-January or late March. These are the ideal times for those who appreciate a more leisurely ski experience without the hindrance of waiting lines. Whatever you do, avoid February if you’re after a quiet time on the slopes.
Get reliable snow
For those pursuing the most reliable snow conditions, the prime window to visit is from late December to late February. While the cold early-season days of January ensure snow retention, February through to March typically sees a combination of peak snow depth and a fair balance of sunny and snowy days. With this in mind, if reliable snow conditions are your priority, we recommend planning your trip between January and March.
Sunny, warmer conditions
There’s not much better than stopping for a coffee on the mountain, taking your ski jacket off and feeling the warm sun on your skin. To experience this winning combination, we advise visiting Morzine in late March until the end of the season. The deck chairs are waiting.
Ski hire in Morzine
Get your ski equipment from the experts at SkiSet. With several locations, you’re sure to find a wide range of equipment to suit your needs. With the option to book online in advance, you can be assured that all your ski needs are catered for before you arrive.
● Skiset Le Caribou Sport
Conveniently situated in the heart of Morzine, their shop is just 100 metres from the tourist office and right at the slope’s base.
● SkiSet Le Caribou Sport 2
Positioned centrally, the shop stands at the gateway to the Avoriaz ski lifts. For added convenience, there’s a bus stop and shuttle services right outside, too.
Les Portes du Soleil Mobile Application
If you’re visiting Morzine, it’s a good idea to download the Les Portes du Soleil Application beforehand and familiarise yourself with the functionality. We like to see this App as a handy helper to improve your trip logistics and make your trip safer. This App provides an array of features tailored to enhance your skiing experience:
– Real-time alerts: Stay ahead of the game by receiving push notifications about changes on the slopes. This will help you make informed decisions and stay safe.
– Interactive piste map: You no longer have to feel silly for pulling out a massive piste map and holding it up the wrong way around on the chairlift. You can easily navigate, viewing real-time data on slope openings and operational lifts.
– Weather and snow updates: This to-the-minute weather prediction means you can plan your ski day around accurate weather predictions and current snow conditions – a game changer.
– iSki community challenges: If you’re keen for a bit of fun, why not engage in exciting challenges and compare your skiing skills with the vibrant iSki community through the App’s tracking feature.
– Calendar tracking: Staying updated on current events in ski resorts can be challenging. However, you’re always in the know with the Les Portes du Soleil App and its integrated events calendar. Never miss out on the exciting happenings during your holiday again.
– Webcams: You can actually see the views at the top before you set off in the morning by accessing the webcam in the App.
– Essential directory: Obtain information on restaurants, toilets, access emergency numbers and more at your fingertips.
– Live GPS tracking: Stay informed about your exact position on the ski tracks.
Getting to Morzine
Here’s a comprehensive guide prioritising speed, cost-effectiveness, and environmental consciousness when travelling to Morzine.
Fastest route | travel by plane
Geneva Airport is the closest to Morzine, just 75 km away. Direct flights arrive here from most European cities, including London (1 hr 40 mins) and Paris (1 hr 10 mins). From Geneva airport, it’s only a 1 hr and 30 min drive to Morzine.
Cheapest route for groups and solo travellers
For Groups: Driving from locations such as Calais takes roughly 8-9 hours and offers the utmost convenience. Not only are there no luggage constraints, but you can also enjoy moving around within the resort, and the option of carpooling enhances its eco-friendly appeal. With this being said, you must make sure you’re equipped for mountain driving in winter – having snow chains is a legal requirement in France.
For solo travellers: As a solo traveller, exploring the coaches or bus options is a great option. While time-intensive, they’re cost-effective and reduce CO2 emissions by a massive seven times compared to flights.
Eco-conscious option | train travel
Your ski holiday’s carbon footprint is predominantly shaped by your travel choice, accounting for 50-70% of its environmental impact. Trains, particularly when considering electrified rail networks like France’s, stand out as a much greener alternative to flights. Changing trains is inevitable during the journey, but the French train system boasts generous luggage allowances and comfortable seats, which is a bonus. Please note that Cluses (29 km) and Thonon-les-Bains (32 km) are the nearest train stations to Morzine.
From London, it can take around 10-12 hrs total. Yes, it’s long, but it’s worth it and can significantly reduce your holiday’s carbon footprint. Plus, you can enjoy spacious seating, scenic views and onboard amenities.
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Thank you for reading
In this guide, we’ve learnt that Morzine is a remarkable destination for skiing enthusiasts. Ideal in particular for families, with its value-for-money pricing and fun activities to explore outside skiing, it’s a no-brainer to consider holidaying here. Morzine has everything you need for a skiing adventure—exhilarating runs, diverse and vast ski terrain, affordable accommodation, delicious eateries and more. If you’re heading to Morzine and looking for some lessons or guidance to ensure you get the most out of your trip, then explore the Ski Lessons offered by our Morzine New Generation Ski School team.
