Morzine Resort Overview
Sitting at 1,000m, Morzine is nestled in the heart of the Haute Savoie region in France. It is the central resort in the Portes du Soleil ski area, which offers 650km of diverse skiable terrain, spanning 12 ski resorts across France and Switzerland. Morzine’s low altitude can result in reduced snow cover at the beginning and end of the season. However, you won’t have to worry if there is limited snow at resort-level, as the Portes Du Soleil ski area is one of the most snow-sure ski areas in Europe.
Morzine is linked directly to its neighbouring resorts of Avoriaz (1,800m) and Les Gets via an excellent lift system. The charming, picture-perfect Savoyard village is surrounded by tree-lined runs and the river Drance cuts through its centre. It has a traditional alpine feel and accommodation mainly consists of wooden mountain chalets. The year-round live-in mountain town is full of character and has an authentic and lively atmosphere. It’s also reasonably priced, so there’s no wonder why it’s a firm favourite with families.
Skiing in Morzine
There are two main ski pass options in Morzine; the Morzine & Les Gets pass and the Portes Du Soleil pass. The Morzine and Les Gets area is big enough for beginner skiers and families, but if you want to cover more terrain, you can opt for the full Portes Du Soleil pass providing access to 650km of pistes to explore. A daily beginner pass is also available for both the Pleney and Nyon areas in Morzine.
The ski area in Morzine has plenty of terrain for skiers of all abilities. The local Pleney area is particularly great for beginner and intermediate skiers, with wide, gentle greens and blues galore. For the more advanced and adventurous skiers, you can hop over the border and try your might on the infamous Swiss wall, one of the steepest black runs in Europe! The challenging mogul run will be sure to get your heart pumping!
The Portes Du Soleil ski area also offers some great snowparks for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The Stash, in Avoriaz, is a natural terrain park that offers a playful environment for mixed-ability skiers and snowboarders to test their freestyle skills. If the 650km of pisted terrain isn’t enough, there is some incredible off-piste skiing around Chatel, Lindarets and Linga to keep you entertained.
Is Morzine Family-friendly?
With many French families living in the resort year-round, Morzine is very well suited to family ski trips. As well as charming, family-friendly accommodation, it offers an array of family-friendly amenities such as a swimming pool, ice rink and a dedicated sledging slope. For those new to skiing, Morzine has plenty of wide slopes suitable for learning. Morzine also offers discounted ski passes for families and beginners.
Après-Ski Scene in Morzine
Known for its vibrant après ski scene, Morzine has a lively, feel-good atmosphere. Whether it’s a laid-back glass of French wine by the fire you are looking for or spirited table dancing, there is something suited to everyone! Popular spots include Le Tremplin, Coup de Coeur and Bar Robinson. Avoriaz is also home to a wildly popular Folie Douce venue, so you can dance the day away to a soundtrack of live music and head back to Morzine on the Super Morzine gondola ready for round two!
Morzine has a compact centre and most hotels, restaurants, shops and bars are within easy walking distance of each other. Morzine’s main commercial street, Rue du Bourg, is lined with shops, bars and cafes. The dining in Morzine is truly top-notch. Serving up traditional Savoyarde dishes, popular restaurants in Morzine include La Rotonde, L’Etale and La Chaudanne.
How to Get To Morzine
Located just 75km from Geneva Airport, upon leaving the airport you can arrive at the resort in as little as one hour and 15 minutes (though this can vary with traffic). If you are looking for a fuss-free journey and a cheap(ish) transfer, then Morzine is a stand-out resort! Thanks to its short transfer time, Morzine is great for weekend ski trips. There will be less time wasted on the transfer and more time spent out on the slopes!
Morzine Insider Tips
- Morzine has a great free ski bus network that can drop you off right outside the ski lift!
- Go to an Ice Hockey match and get behind the local team for some animated, local fun!
- Visit La Ferme de la Fruitière for a traditional Savoyard cheese fondue
- Ski the Chamois run for a fun but challenging ride with scenic tree-lined surroundings
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