Morzine | 8 Chalets to choose from.
Morzine at a glance
- Traditional village atmosphere
- Ski to Switzerland for lunch
- Short airport transfer
- Transfer from Geneva 1.5 hours
- Resort altitude 1000m
- Skiing altitude 950-2466m
- Pistes 650km
Morzine is the best possible base from which to explore the Portes du Soleil and first time visitors are often surprised by the excellent tree-lined skiing for all standards around Morzine itself. From the snow-cannoned Pleney nursery slopes to the wide-open reds of the Les Gets bowl, untracked Chamoissiere off-piste or moguls and couloirs of Prodains, the variety is astounding.
The Portes du Soleil is the largest linked ski area in the world, a claim made by many certainly, but only here will you find 2 countries, 14 resorts, 209 lifts, 288 marked slopes, and over 650 kilometres of piste. Lift access from the village to 2000m is quick and easy, and from here you can pick your point on the compass. Switzerland for lunch? Mountain restaurants are a real highlight; value-for –money traditional log cabins with open fires, local speciality dishes and ‘vin chaud’ on tap.
Pretty and traditional by day, the village comes alive in the late afternoon, and those so inclined can drink and dance the night away. The family might prefer the outdoor ice-rink, bowling alley or weekly market. There are also a host of cultural and historical activities that lay bare the village’s traditional farming roots.
Morzine offers a wide variety of activities for those choosing not to ski, or those wanting some further amusement after their day on the slopes. Your host and rep in resort will have further information and would be able to assist you with booking.
Walking
Morzine, Avoriaz and Les Gets all offer excellent picturesque walks in the mountains, so even if you aren’t skiing you can still experience the amazing panoramic view of the Portes du Soleil. The pathways are clearly marked and groomed regularly so you won’t need a compass or snowshoes. A pedestrian (pieton) pass can be purchased for as little as €12 per day (prices vary dependant on area). Try the quiet tracks from the top of the Pleney bubble, an ideal way to meet up with the rest of your party in a mountain restaurant. Alternatively taking the Super Morzine bubble up, then catching the Zore chairlift will bring you to some spectacular views, you can follow the trails to Avoriaz, either coming back the same way or taking the Prodains cable car down and catching the regular bus service back to town. There is also a riverside walk which is beautiful and not at all difficult and the walk around the Lac de Montriond can be breathtaking on a clear day.
Snow-shoeing
Snow-shoeing is a great way to see the mountains off the beaten/groomed track, it is peace personified. You can truly find yourself in acres of freedom, with nothing but the sound of a marmotte scurrying in the undergrowth and maybe a mountain spring trickling by. You can hire snowshoes from Baud Sports and explore the local area, although for safety’s sake we would suggest that you take a guide, to avoid getting lost and walking into avalanche danger areas. We work with a company who organise regular trips, and will pick you up from your chalet, drive you to a private spot, guide you on a three-hour walk and pick a suitable vista to stop for a picnic. You then return by a different route and are dropped back at your chalet, energised and invigorated with fresh mountain air and exceptional views.
Skidooing / Snowmobiling
The snow scooter is a fantastic way to get around, inviting an exhilarating experience in a safe environment. Accessible to adults and children, no driving licence is required. The meeting point is near the Super Morzine slopes and you can also go on a nighttime trip, which can be combined with dinner at a mountain restaurant. Whether you are a beginner or you’ve done it several times before, after some expert instruction and tuition you are soon off an open country trail. Through deep powder (when there is some!) and speeding up and down the ski runs in the quiet of a late moon lit evening whilst closely observed by the highly experienced instructors the adrenalin soon gets buzzing!
Sledging
For most of us from the UK, Sledging is about the only winter sport that we get to practice at home, and that might only be down a 50 metre slope, after a ‘huge dump’ of 2cm one abnormally cold day in January. We often have a number of sledges shared between our chalets, so check with your Chalet Host before you go and purchase the latest carbon fibre sled with steering wheel. The Pleney slopes are the best places for sledging; there is an area to the left of the Pleney bubble which is free from skiers and suitable for children. For the more extreme adventure why not try night-time escape down the steeper Pleney slopes. Sledges and head-torches are supplied and a guide will ensure that maximum enjoyment is achieved without detriment to safety. It is still suitable for children though, they should be accompanied by an adult. The excursion normally departs at 18.00 leaving you plenty of time to get back for dinner.
Paragliding
Morzine is recognised as one of the best locations in France for paragliding. Realise mankind’s oldest dream, soaring above the mountains and above the town in total freedom. Take a flight in a dual harness with a qualified paragliding instructor from one of the many ideal sites in the Morzine valley.
Ice Diving
For a totally different sensation, you can experience pure escapism beneath the surface of the ice in the nearby Lac de Montriond. Attached by cord (so you are safe!) you explore the fantastic ice formations and discover the unique underwater ambience. All equipment (including warm dry suit!) is provided, and full training before your dive and guiding under the ice is included.
Ice Skating Rink and Ice Hockey Matches
There is a sports centre situated underneath the suspension bridge and the Super Morzine bubble. Whether looking for somewhere to keep the kids happy for a few hours, somewhere to behave like a kid for a few hours or a romantic skate with a loved one before dinner – the lovely ice rink never seems too crowded. The French national champion figure skaters often train here and on Wednesday and Saturday nights the Premiere Hockey league team the “Morzine Penguins” play matches here.
Climbing Wall
There is an indoor climbing wall in the Sports Hall, with instructors on hand who can initiate the beginners or offer advice to intermediate/advanced climbers. It is essential to book a session the day before.
Ice Climbing
During the colder months of the winter, many of the waterfalls in the surrounding area freeze and provide the perfect opportunity for an extreme workout and adrenaline rush. This is an incomparable experience and something that not everyone in your office can say they’ve ever done. The organizers of the trip can also supply all of the required equipment.
Massage and Beauty Therapists
Pamper Off Piste offer exclusive treatments to our guests; however, there are a number of other massage and beauty therapy suppliers within some of the luxury hotels. Pamper Off Piste offer a full mobile massage service to all our guests. For maximum convenience, qualified therapists will visit you in the privacy of your own chalet bedroom and offer a range of massage options. Appointments can be made at times to suit you. Whatever your needs, the highly trained masseurs have a treatment to soothe aching limbs and replenish energy levels, leaving you looking and feeling your very best and therefore helping you to get the most from your precious week’s holiday.
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