Copywriter & Content CreatorWith a passion for snowsports and all things travel related, Kate is a whiz with words, and has a love of all things digital, especially social media.
Morzine the ultimate A to Z
Fri September 15, 2023
With an airport transfer of just 90 minutes, Morzine is understandably a popular choice, especially for families with young children. Part of the vast Portes du Soleil ski area, Morzine boasts 650 km of pistes in 14 resorts and 2 different countries! Whether you’re tackling the infamous ‘Swiss Wall’ or cruising down a beautiful tree-lined blue run, we guarantee that you will fall in love with the traditional, understated charm that Morzine exudes. Snowboarders will also feel at home here in one of the many purpose built board parks.
Got a non-skier in your group? Then this is the resort for you. With a plethora of activities ranging from snow-shoeing and dog sledding to paragliding and swimming, there is plenty to keep non-skiers busy all week…
Here’s our A-Z guide to this fabulous ski resort...
A: is for Aquariaz
Aquariaz is an indoor aquatic paradise in the mountains. It boasts a river with a variable gentle current, a slidewinder (a kind of aquatic half-pipe), a water playhouse, a paddling pool, a large pool with climbing walls, massage benches and the must-try: an open-air spa heated to 34 degrees!
B: is for Bec Jaune Brewery
The Bec Jaune is a trendy micro-brewery in Morzine. It serves up 3 or 4 different ales each week and the kitchen offers a new menu each season. The place to visit for locally brewed beer and locally sourced food, this little brewery is open every day from 3pm to 11.30pm. It gets busy so make sure you book.
C: is for Champery
Nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, Champerty oozes Swiss Alpine charm with traditional wooden chalets, narrow streets and cosy restaurants serving delicious Swiss cuisine.
D: is for Diots
The word 'diot' comes from the Savoyard dialect and means sausage. These smoked pork sausages are usually cooked in white wine with onions or grilled and served with potatoes, crozets (small, square-shaped pasta) or lentils.
E: is for Eight French resorts (plus four Swiss!)
Did you know that the Portes du Soleil ski area is made up of EIGHT French ski resorts (Abondance, Avoriaz, Châtel, La Chapelle d'Abondance, Les Gets, Montriond, Morzine and St-Jean-d'Aulps) - plus four Swiss resorts? Bonus!
F: is for Folie Douce
If you’re looking for the ultimate après-ski party on the slopes, then look no further than the Folie Douce. With two lunchtime dining options - La Fruitière (fine dining) and La Petite Cuisine (think gourmet self-service) - you can refuel in style before the dancing on the tables begins! To get back to Morzine, take the Prodains Express cable car then jump on the ski bus (Route A) back into central Morzine (don’t forget to check the shuttle bus timetable beforehand.
G: is for Goggles
An essential piece of ski or snowboarding kit, especially now that the majority of skiers and snowboarders wear helmets. Not only do they protect your eyes from harsh UV rays on bluebird days, but with the correct lens, they increase visibility in low-light conditions. If the weather is looking mixed, try goggles with interchangeable lenses for maximum comfort. And don’t forget your sunglasses for your lunchtime stop on the mountain!
H: is for Horse-drawn sleigh
Avoriaz village which sits above Morzine is totally pedestrianised, so the sleighs operate as taxis. A perfect way to spend an afternoon is to take the children up in the Prodains cable car to meet the rest of your party for lunch at one of the exceptional restaurants, admire the view and relax afterwards in a horse-drawn sleigh under the warmth of a thick sheepskin blanket, catch the cable car back down and finish the day off waiting for the others at the bottom with a delicious hot chocolate.
I: is for Ice skating
Skate on the large indoor ice rink, home to the Morzine-Avoriaz hockey club, the Penguins, or enjoy a loop around the outdoor ice rink on the tourist office square. With music and lights, it’s perfect for all the family.
J: is for Ski joering
This unique equestrian activity is a fun way to get around on skis. Admire the beauty of the forest all around you, whilst being pulled along by a horse! No previous experience necessary, it is suitable for everyone aged 6 and over. You just need to be able to stay upright on skis and like horses.
K: is for Kids
With dog-sledding, sleigh rides, ice skating, skidooing, swimming pools and an igloo village, there is plenty to keep the whole family entertained both on and off the slopes. And if you’re looking for some well-deserved ‘me’ time, our private nannies are on hand to make sure that children have a fun-filled holiday while parents have a chance to ski or snowboard together or unwind.
L: is for Lindarets
The picturesque village of Les Lindarets, or “Goat Village” as it is more affectionately known, is located just below the Lindarets bowl. With a large selection of restaurants, it is a lovely place to enjoy lunch in the sun.
M: is for Mushing
Learn to drive a sled dog team with a professional musher! This is an unforgettable experience suitable for all (children must be 5 or over to be a passenger and 10 to drive the sled), making it a must-try activity during your holiday.
N: is for Nyon viewing platform
If you are looking for spectacular 360 degree panoramic mountain views then the Pointe de Nyon viewing platform won’t disappoint. The 10-metre viewing platform is 2019 metres above sea level and has a glass floor at the end with breathtaking views of the valley below.
O: is for O'Chalet Burgers
Rated #6 of 90 restaurants in Morzine, this place is infamous for its gourmet hamburgers. A favourite for lunch between Pleney runs, crepes in the afternoon, or a beer or two post skiing.
P: is for Paragliding
Paragliding with an instructor during the winter is an exhilarating experience offering breathtaking aerial views of the pristine slopes below. Definitely an activity to add to your bucket list!
Q: is for Quick Transfer
We get it. Once you’ve safely landed at Geneva airport, you want to get your chalet as quickly as possible, especially if you have young children. In just over 90 minutes, you could be unpacking your ski gear and enjoying champagne and canapés by the fire.
R: is for Red runs
105 to be precise! The Portes du Soleil is a fantastic ski area for intermediate skiers but don’t worry, with 300 runs, there is something to suit every level of skier or snowboarder.
S: is for Stash snowpark
Good luck getting your children (and friends) out of this fun-filled eco-friendly winter playground!
T: is for Torchlight descent
Every Tuesday in Morzine, the ESF instructors come together for a traditional torchlight descent. With fireworks and free vin chaud afterwards, it’s definitely worth leaving your cosy chalet for…
U: is for Unpretentious
Morzine's unpretentious Alpine charm is one of its defining qualities. With its traditional chalets and family-owned businesses, this chocolate-box village exudes a welcoming and down-to-earth atmosphere in both winter and summer.
V: is for Valdez Suite
This private two-bedroom chalet is an absolute gem. Overlooking the high-street in the very heart of the resort, this is the perfect choice for 4 friends or a family looking for a private ski experience in Morzine.
W: is for Wall (Swiss)
The Swiss Wall, known as "Le Mur Suisse" in French, is a challenging ski run. Famous for its steepness and difficulty, it has earned a reputation as one of the most demanding marked ski slopes in the Alps. Due to its formidable nature, the Swiss Wall is often considered a rite of passage for advanced skiers looking to test their skills on one of the toughest marked runs in the Alps. Beginners and intermediates - avoid!
X: is for Xmas festivities
With its pedestrianised streets and horse-drawn sleighs, Christmas in Morzine is a magical experience. Enjoy carol singing, seasonal markets and Christmas dinner with all the trimmings back at your chalet after a day on the slopes (without the washing up)!
Y: is for Yeti bar
Perfect for lunch or après-ski drinks, the Yeti bar is located next to the Folie Douce so you can enjoy the buzz of the entertainment and music without the price tag. Serves sweet and savoury pancakes, Alpine favourites like tartiflette and tasty vegetarian options.
Z: is for Zipline
Looking for an unforgettable holiday experience with a little adrenaline thrown in? Then why not try the Fantasticable zipline? Located in Chatel at the top of the Chaux Fleurie lift, this zip wire covers over three kilometres in two stages and reaches speeds of up to 100 km/h. You can even do it in tandem if you need some moral support!
What are you waiting for?
Check out our Morzine chalets or call the team today on 0203 892 4060 to chat about your next ski holiday.
