Morzine — France

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Photo © V. Poret / OT Morzine

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Set in the heart of the Portes du Soleil, Morzine offers great skiing from mid-December to mid-April.

At just 1000m Morzine is not one of the higher resorts in the Alps. However, the local slopes are on pastureland and only need 20cm of snow to be open. The unique microclimate in the snow shadow of Mont Blanc also ensures good skiing until Mid-April. Set in a wooded basin the traditional farming village has grown along the valley and nowadays offers plenty of activities for non-skiers.

Morzine forms a part of the massive Portes du Soleil – a linked ski area stretching over and through a dozen ski resorts in France and Switzerland and comprising an incredible 650kms of pistes. The links to Avoriaz for the high-altitude skiing and access to Les Portes du Soleil can be laborious but plans are currently being discussed to upgrade the lift infrastructure to that end.

Pistes can get pretty busy at weekends with Morzine rapidly becoming one of the favourite short break destinations in France. It is easy to see why when you consider that Geneva is just an hour away and there are literally hundreds of British-run chalets fighting for your business!

Where to stay

There is very little slopeside accommodation in the area, other than around the foot of the Pleney or the apartments at Nyon. Accommodation can be found in the resort centre as well as in several outlying hamlets, most of which are linked by free bus services. Morzine is top-heavy with British chalet operators but there is also a reasonable selection of apartments and 2-3 Star hotels. Read more...

Planning your trip

Morzine is one of the principal towns of the Portes du Soleil ski area, and it is situated on the French side of the Northern Alps. Access is easy by road due to the relatively simple drive from Calais, but flying into nearby Geneva is still the most popular option. Read more...

On the piste

The local slopes of Morzine-Les Gets provide plenty of treelined cruising and are a great place to learn or build confidence. The wider Portes du Soleil region is something of a mecca for skiers of all ages and abilities with everything from nursery areas to the steepest piste in Europe. Read more...

Food and drink

Morzine has a great culinary tradition and the local inhabitants are proud of the gastronomic options in the resort. There are plenty of bars for an après ski drink, ranging from quaint Savoyard places to the usual theme pubs and Irish bars. Party animals may struggle as the nightclub options are limited to just one expensive discotheque. Read more...

Things to do

Unlike most purpose-built ski stations Morzine has a wealth of things to offer non-skiers. From ice-diving to sleigh rides, boutiques to paragliding there is something for everyone. The shores of Lake Geneva are just 30 minutes away and around the lake visitors can experience everything from casinos to medieval villages and cosmopolitan cities. Read more...

Families

Morzine has a number of big established ski schools as well as a lot more independent instructors. There are many British instructors and most of the ski schools have fluent English staff anyway. Childcare facilities in Morzine are excellent value for money but if you prefer to have a private nanny to look after your children there are two British nanny companies. Read more...