Are you keen to explore the massive Portes Du Soleil ski area and stay in one our luxury Morzine chalets? If you're not sure which of our Morzine chalets would be best for your winter holiday, call our team today on 0203 892 4060 or click to see our current special offers.
Please contact Louise, Jess, Maxine or Millie if you have any questions.
The 650kms of marked pistes in the Morzine ski resort provide an abundant variety of skiing that can both nurture the beginner into their first parallel turns on the nursery slopes or challenge the most proficient of carvers on some of the challenging black runs. Some highlights that should be attempted are the rolling blues and red runs in the Ranfoilly bowl stopping for lunch at the excellent Le Rossettaz at the top of the Rosta chair. Mont Chery has something for everyone and can often be extremely quiet - don’t tell anyone.
Lindarets has many long runs of all difficulties that are served by fast efficient lifts and the sun-drenched bottom of the bowl has five excellent restaurants. To keep the hardcore happy: ‘The Wall’ can test the strongest of legs or the Snozone’s (controlled off-piste) will push anyone’s technique.
It wasn’t until 1981 that the 14 French and Swiss resorts that make up the Portes du Soleil were finally joined. The towns of Champery, Morgins, Val d’Illiez, Les Crosets, Champouissin and Torgon on the Swiss side of the border, with Abondance, Avoriaz, La Chapelle d’Abondance, Chatel, Les Gets, Montriond, Morzine and Saint Jean d’Aulps on the French side, make up the largest linked ski area in the world.
Morzine for Beginners
Morzine provides a perfect place to learn to ski with ample blue and green runs. Close to your Morzine chalet you can find ski schools which meet directly outside the Pleney telecabine where they can walk across to two nursery slope areas. In Morzine there are two small green slopes with buttons lifts (TK Bouchet and TK Mas Verjus) where complete novices can safely learn the basic skills they need to tackle the mountain. The other area is at the top of the Pleney bubble where there is a small green slope at the top of the TS Belvedere lift. This area has a cluster of blue slopes around it where novices can progress as their confidence builds.
Are there snow parks in Morzine?
The Portes Du Soleil is a firm favourite with skiers and snowboarders alike seeking the thrills that boxes, rails and half pipes have to offer. The Les Gets Snow Park in Mont Cherie is full of kickers for all levels and has an air bag to hone your skills. Avoriaz is also home to the Burton Kids Parkway with low level rails, kickers and boxes for our smaller guests to have a play on as well as the world famous Burton Stash. The Stash is a natural snow park that runs through the trees in Avoriaz and mixes man made kickers and boxes with the naturally formed bumps and fallen logs. Finally Avoriaz also has Snow Park Arare that runs alongside the nursery slope. Although smaller than the Stash this area is home to kickers that would challenge even the most experienced boarder or skier.
Morzine Off Piste
The Portes du Soleil is often disregarded as a haven for off-piste. This often works in its favour, as the majority of extreme skiers and powder hounds head for our higher more famous neighbouring resorts. Subsequently when it snows here there is always plenty of powder to be taken. The tree runs off the Super Morzine are excellent fun as too are the Lindarets tree runs and the wide powder fields into Prodains. The Le Fornet sector also has the Marmotte Snowzone which is a safe off piste zone; here there is plenty of interesting natural terrain to play on for hours. It is imperative that you take all the safety precautions you can, shovels and probes and beepers can be purchased or hired. Speak to lift operators prior to going off piste as they will have a better idea of what is safe and what isn’t. To be extra safe professional guides can be hired who have all the local knowledge to take you to the best spots without sacrificing safety.
Cross Country Skiing in Morzine
There are 4 cross country areas generally accessible from Avoriaz and Morzine: the Manche Valley with 25km of challenging circuits, the Morzine-Avoriaz at Parc Naturel des Crêtes de Zorre with up to 47km for all levels, Lake Montriond with 10km of Canadian-style runs and the Pléney - Chavannes sector with 18km of forest runs. You will find ‘walking, Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing maps’ at the Tourist Office, alternatively lessons and guided excursions are available from the various ski schools, ask a member of staff for details.
It doesn’t get any easier
We have partnered with our old friends at Mathias Sports in the centre of the village to provide our ‘at home’ ski & board rental service in Morzine. Once you are settled in the chalet and have embraced the afternoon tea and cake that awaits you on arrival, a member of the Mathias team will pop by to fit your pre-booked equipment without you having to leave the comfort of your chalet. They might even share a piece of cake ! At the end of your stay just leave your equipment in the boot room. Can’t get easier than that.
Be careful of other suppliers offering great discounts online
We guarantee the quality of the equipment fitted in the comfort of your chalet and we have wrestled the price down to be extremely competitive. Others online might promise cheaper equipment but at what price ? is it available when you arrive? how far away is the shop and how do you get there ? how easy is it to change ? what happens when it breaks ? when do I have to drop the kit back ? Your time in resort is precious, don’t waste it sorting out your equipment.
Don’t forget to pre-book
It is ever so important that you book your equipment before you arrive as there is only so much quality kit in a resort to go round. Don’t worry that it might not fit perfectly or that you might need to change during the week, Mathias Sports are close by and next to the piste and lifts. You can book equipment on my VIP SKI shortly after you have made an accommodation booking, here is the list of guide prices. Alternatively drop us an email or call us for further guidance.
Possibly one of the most important aspects of a ski holiday, the lift pass is vital unless you plan to walk up the mountain before skiing down!
Pre-book your Morzine lift pass directly with us before you travel. Your lift passes will be delivered to your chalet before breakfast on the first morning, in plenty of time for you to make it up the first lift.
Prices shown below are a guide for 6 day lift passes and may fluctuate due to exchange rates.
6 day Portes du Soleil lift pass | ||
Adult (26-64 years) | £303 | |
Senior (65+ ) | £273 | |
Junior (16-25 years) | £273 | |
Child (5-15 years) | £227 | |
6 day Morzine / Les Gets lift pass | ||
Adult (26-64 years) | £244 | |
Senior (65+ ) | £228 | |
Junior (16-19 years) | £212 | |
Child (5-15 years) | £191 | |
Portes du Soleil SNOWrisk | ||
Adult and child 6 day | £19 |
There are several ski school providers in Morzine, each will offer a variety of tuition options from beginner groups to private lessons and off piste guiding, however, some may specialise in a particular area. We have listed a few of our recommended suppliers below, and highlighted the ski school we can pre-book on your behalf.
BASS (British Alpine Ski School) +33(0)4 50 74 78 59
We can pre-book lessons on your behalf - please call us on 0208 875 1957
Bass have developed a strong reputation in Morzine. They supply BASI trained, English speaking instructors, with a maximum group size of 6 to ensure personal and thorough instruction service. They have an effective lesson program that caters for absolute beginners to advanced, and are committed to helping their customers advance quickly, safely and enjoyably. Group lessons (prices are in pounds sterling)
New Generation +33(0)4 79 01 03 18
We can pre-book lessons on your behalf - please call us on 0208 875 1957
New Generation is a British ski school with teams in 16 resorts across the French, Swiss and Austrian Alps, including an international team in Morzine. With 18 years' experience they know how to tailor lessons or adventures to meet your needs and pride themselves on excellent customer service. They offer a wide range of lessons for all ages and abilities from tiny tots to those young at heart. And whether you're looking to join a group, want one-to-one coaching or an off piste adventure they will help you improve, develop technique and have fun. You are on holiday after all.
ESF +33(0)4 50 79 13 13
ESF are a local branch of the French Ski School and provide private and group ski & snowboard lessons, for children, teens and adults. ESF are unique in offering Kindergarten ski school for children from the age of 3 years. Lessons are available for beginners or advanced abilities and you will find all their instructors are not only highly competent but extremely friendly to ensure you enjoy your lessons.
Easy2ride +33 (0)4 50 79 05 16
Easy2ride offer a great service for private and group ski & snowboard lessons, for children (from the age of 5) and adults. They have very reasonable prices and are keen to share high quality tuition with English speaking instructors, small group sizes, tailor-made private lessons and a flexible timetable to suit you.
Alpine Learning Curves +33(0)6 77 04 01 45
A small independent, English speaking ski school offering group lessons for adults and children in small groups (a maximum of 6 people) or private lessons to all levels and all ages.
Supreme Ski +33(0) 4 79 08 27 87 (UK: 0203 744 1655)
Supreme ski offer a range of lessons in Morzine. Choose from private or group lessons including a special "minis" group for kids aged 4+. Supreme also offer skills sessions for more experienced skiers looking to improve on their skills and explore the mountain with confidence.
Morzine plays host to a variety of activities and snow sports during the winter months. Whether you’re looking for something relaxing such as a massage or beauty treatment, or the adrenaline buzz of speeding up and down the pistes on a snowmobile there’s plenty to keep you occupied. We’ve listed details of the most popular activities near to our chalets in Morzine below.
(Please note there are numerous choices of companies for all options so please speak to your Chalet Host once in resort for further details. With all extreme sporting activities please ensure you check your own insurance policy to see if you are covered to take part.)
Snow-shoeing is a great way to see the mountains. You can truly find yourself in another world, with nothing but the sound of a marmotte scurrying in the undergrowth and maybe a mountain spring trickling by. It is possible to hire snowshoes and explore the local area, although for safety’s sake we would suggest that you take a guide. Endless Trails organise regular trips, they will pick you up from one of our Morzine chalets, 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.
Kids and adults alike will enjoy the night-time adventure down the steeper slopes. Sledges and head-torches are supplied and a guide will ensure that maximum enjoyment is achieved whilst staying safe. You'll love it!
Once the ski runs have closed for the day, try your hand at driving these 500cc two-seater motorbikes built specially for the snow. With the rear wheel replaced by a caterpillar track for momentum and the front wheel swapped for a pair of skis for steering, these snowmobiles are incredibly quick. After some expert instruction you will soon be out on an open country trail enjoying the buzz and adrenalin rush of being in control of a snow scooter.
There is a small part of the piste to the left of the Pleney cable car near the winter playground which is reserved for sledging. It is gentle enough to keep young children who can’t ski happy and there is ample room at the bottom for general snow play. The older children (10 years and up) might enjoy the night-time adventure 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.
Want to try something new? Tired of having your feet firmly on the ground? For the ultimate exhilaration, experience the silence and taste the freedom of flying in perfect safety. Paragliding can be experienced in numerous interesting and beautiful places worldwide but it truly has to be said none more beautiful than the Alps.
For a totally different sensation on your Morzine ski holiday, 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.
Morzine has an open air ice rink next to the outdoor swimming pool. Skates are available to hire and you can take lessons if you wish, they also have a specific Kidzone for younger children. For those who prefer to spectate, the French national champion figure skaters often train there and on Wednesday and Saturday nights the Premiere Hockey league team the 'Morzine Penguins' play matches.
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.
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 trips are organised by Cameleon, who know all of the best locations, they can supply all of the required equipment.
Relax in the comfort of your own chalet with Mountain Rehab
Mountain Rehab 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. The service also offers facials, body treatments, waxing and manicures. For a full range of treatments and prices please ask your Chalet Host.
ESF offers a snow kindergarten for children above 3 years old who can’t yet ski on the pistes. It is a great way to introduce them to playing on the snow, wearing skis and boots, and starting to slide around. When the weather is unsuitable for children to be out all day there are indoor games and activities organised for them. Children can be left in their care for full or half days and food can be supplied or packed lunches taken.
Get a taste of Alaska on a husky powered sledge whilst taking in the breath-taking mountain scenery. Dog sledding began in Canada and Alaska where, in the far north, people were dependent on their dogs for protection, companionship, hunting, trapping and, most of all, transportation. Daily tours are available weather permitting.
The sleighs operate around the village in Avoriaz which sits above Morzine. Avoriaz 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 rich hot chocolate.
The cinema in Morzine shows a variety of films in both French and English. VO stands for ‘Version Originale’, which means it will be shown in its original language – perhaps with French subtitles (sous titres). Watching a film with subtitles can be a great way to learn a few new French phrases - their usefulness will depend entirely on the kind of film you are watching though!
Nicolas Baud abandoned law for a course in cheese making and returned to Morzine and converted the basement of the family shop into a cheese dairy and maturing cellar. Working with the dairy farmers of the village, he produces Tomme, Reblochon and Abondance cheeses. He receives visitors twice a week to participate in the making of cheese (Wednesday and Thursday at 9am, free of charge) otherwise visitors are welcome every afternoon from 3pm to 7pm.
A local slate miner explains the various techniques and the history of slate mining in Morzine which dates back two centuries.
We understand that for many guests an important part of their ski holiday is enjoying an après ski beer or dancing the night away into the early hours. We’ve listed below just a few of our favourite bars in Morzine. Don’t forget to ask your Chalet Host for advice on which venues are the best, they will after all, probably have frequented most of them!
Tibetan Café - An excellent place to unwind at the end of a day on the slopes. The Moroccan styled interior sets the tone for one of the most relaxed drinks in town. Sit back on a large cushioned sofa with a gin and tonic, or perch on a stool at a traditionally carved table with a ’giraffe’ of beer. Regular cover bands play between 5pm and 8pm, and after dinner the atmosphere livens up with the DJ playing some old favourites.
The Cavern Bar - In the early evening the bar is mellow and a good place to sit down and relax. The big screens show live sport or winter sports films. It is a popular hang-out for the season workers so as the evening goes on the bar fills up and can become hot and overcrowded. But the unique atmosphere speaks for itself - loud party tunes and dancing make this not the place to go for a quiet drink!
The Dixie Bar - If you are after a pint of Guinness and a big screen with all the live sport on, the Dixie Bar is for you. There are three bars inside each with their own style, so you can stand at the bar and listen to the band, or chill out on the sofas in the back room.
Opera - This is Morzine’s late night club. Situated right in the centre near the other bars, it is a great place to go and dance the night away. Admission is €12 and you will have to pay €2 to put your jacket in the cloak room. Beware the price of drinks increase after midnight as the influx starts from the other bars.
Once you’re on the slopes, you probably won’t feel like going back to your chalet to have lunch! There are a variety of restaurants to choose from for lunch, either on the mountain or in the village.
Many of the lunch time restaurants also offer dinner in the evening. As your chalet host will have one night off in the week, this provides the perfect opportunity for you to sample the local cuisine.
In busy periods don’t forget to ask your Chalet Host to make a reservation to ensure that you get the restaurant of your choice. Below we’ve listed a few of the many restaurants in Morzine.
Mountain Restaurants;
La Rossetaz - La Rossetaz at the top of the Rosta chair, above Les Gets, stands out for its innovative baguettes such as "L'Americain" - a whole baguette with two burgers, topped up with fries and special sauce.
La Grenouille - Situated near the top of the Super Morzine telecabine lift in the Portes du Soleil, La Grenouille du Marais is a mountain restaurant serving drinks, crepes, side orders and lunches. The restaurant features a small indoor area and a large outdoor deck.
La Pointe de Nyon - Ideal for large groups, this is a typically Savoyard restaurant. There's indoor seating and 2 terraces surrounding it.They serve seafood (the scallops are worth a look), fondue, pizzas and other French cuisine. The Point de Nyon gondola brings you 50 metres from the door.
Le Vaffieu - When the sun is shining this place provides a sunny terrace all day long. Offers a traditional menu with good food. You'll find it on the Pleney slopes, near the Belvedere chairlift.
Les Trappeurs - The Trappers Restaurant is located at the foot of the slopes in Avoriaz Arare. Accessible to skiers and pedestrians, it offers south facing terraces. The restaurant serves typically Savoyard dishes plus a dish of the day. They pride themselves on offering quality hearty food and a warm atmosphere.
La Cremaillere - Specialities include fondue, charcuterie, snails, trout and various snacks.
Le Grand Ourse - La Grand Ourse is situated over in Les Gets at an impressive altitude of 1750 metres and has stunning views of the surrounding mountains and most notably Mont Blanc. With its large outdoor terrace and cosy interior this place really is worth a visit one sunny lunchtime, although to avoid disappointment it’s probably best to book ahead. You'll find this restaurant by the Grande Ourse chairlift.
La Paika - Also located in the Les Gets sector of the resort, La Paika has a large terrace from which you can enjoy the afternoon sundhine. There's a reasonably priced kids' menu and a daily dessert buffet.
Village Restaurants;
Clin d’Oeil - Recommended by one repeat guest as the best meal they’ve had in Morzine. In addition to Savoyard dishes, the restaurant also caters for tastes from around the world. They do a very reasonable fixed menu that has a broad choice.
La Grange - Off the beaten track restaurant, serving traditional Savoyard food with a focus on local delicacies. Very good value, with well proportioned set menu's to add. Speciality is the wild boar stew.
La Chaudanne - With one of the best reputations for its wine bar and restaurant in Morzine, La Chaudanne is definitely worth a visit. The restaurant first opened its doors in 1979, and in 2010 the owners renovated and enlarged the property giving it the look and feel it now portrays - with modern clean lines but still in keeping with a traditional Savoyard style. This place offers a warm and welcoming interior and reasonably priced menu and wines.
La Chamade - La Chamade offers a traditional Savoyard menu and pasta dishes in a pleasant and bubbling atmosphere. La Chamade reputedly has an award winning chef, and efficient service. It is a favourite with previous VIP SKI guests and one of the finer restaurants in town.
La Rotonde - La Rotonde is open year-round and takes inspiration from the ingrediaent which grow in close proximity to Morzine. There's an extensive menu with everything from Savoyarde classics to Asian fusion dishes.
Bec Jaune Brewery - The owners have a long history of brewing beer in London and decided to make the move to Morzine to open the Bec Jaune Brewery. As well as a great selection of craft beer you can enjoy vegan and vegetarian specials in a relaxed and sociable atmosphere.