Located in the heart of the French side of the Portes du Soleil ski area, Morzine draws in hundreds and thousands of adrenaline junkies every year. Sampling the smorgasbord of activities on offer during both day and night, winter and summer, many returning year after year. Don’t expect the all-night party atmosphere of other French resorts like Val Thorens and Val d’Isere but be prepared for a much more mature and laid back holiday in this resort that has a little bit of everything.
Ski area
Morzine forms just a small part of the Portes du Soleil ski area. Consisting of 12 linked resorts straddling the French-Swiss border, the Portes du Soleil has fantastic ski areas suited to everyone. From park rats to yummy mummies there’s something for every type of skier or snowboarder (we won’t talk about those on blades). Morzine’s highest point lies at 2,002 metres at Chamoissiere where you can find some fantastic red runs and off-piste areas to challenge the adventurous. If you were looking to head further afield whilst only having a local area pass, Les Gets is a short 20 minute ski away down windy cruising blues, where you’ll find wide empty pistes in lower season. Les Gets is a far more family focused resort and so throws in some fun extra features such as an American Indian themed run and exhilarating boardercross, just try not to get too competitive on the deadly banked turns!
Across town is the Super Morzine bubble lift that will whisk you over to Avoriaz in no time at all. Unofficially known as the European home of snowboarding, Avoriaz boasts 6 ‘gnarly’ snowparks with jumps ranging from mildly perturbing to genuinely terrifying. There’s even a free airbag for all the backflips you could sit aside and watch people do! For bad weather days the tree-lined runs of the Lindarets bowl are perfect both on and off-piste. In fact all over the Portes du Soleil there are extensive off-piste areas for all abilities and mental French ski guides are easily available.
(Top tip: Sport 2000 at the bottom of both the Pleney and Super Morzine lifts can store your skis and boots for a small cost to avoid you lugging hefty equipment all the way across town every morning!)
A snowball’s throw away from the Pleney slopes sits Chalet Igloo, a funky party chalet sleeping 8-11. Boasting full height glazing for incredible views across Morzine, a 3D cinema and gym for those with far too much energy left after a long day on the pistes! A truly incredible chalet putting its own twist to alpine tradition.
Non-skiing activities
For those who head out to Morzine with no intention of hitting the slopes there are plenty of things to keep yourself amused. Morzine is home to the Morzine Penguins, one of the best teams in the French League Magnus. If you fancy yourself as a budding ice hockey player or the next Torvill and Dean you can go for a skate for as little as €8 at the Skoda Arena. They also have ice hockey fixtures throughout both winter and summer seasons so be sure to pack your giant foam finger!
If the cold isn’t your thing then why not check out Aquariaz, Europe’s highest waterpark. Designed to house tropical plants from Asia, the pool complex is kept at a toasty 29 degrees. So you can watch your pals freeze their bits off on the TSF Plateau lift from the somewhat smug comfort of the indoor jacuzzi.
Of course a massive part of the alpine experience is indulging in the local apres ski scene. Morzine has a host of apres bars, clubs and traditional French restaurants which suit every taste. Dixie’s Bar, Cavern and Coyote all have live music to shake your tail feather to, and the party continues at Opera nightclub where the toffee vodka continues to flow into the early hours. For a real apres experience head to Tremplin at the bottom of the Pleney lift or journey over to the tiny village of Ardent where Victor’s Happy Hours team will ply with you with so many scary cocktails that you’ll be all but forced to jump on the table and boogie on down until it’s time to hop in a free shuttle service back to Morzine.
Why not stagger back from any or all of the above to Montana Lodge, a charming town house right in the centre of Morzine. Vaulted timber ceilings and comfy leather sofas give a stylish and modern feel to the living areas, whilst a sauna and hot tub await guests looking for relaxation in the wet suite on the first floor.
But don’t forget, the fun doesn’t stop when spring turns to summer…
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If you have any questions about Morzine or would like to enquire about a chalet, please don’t hesitate to call us on 0044 (0)1202 203650 or drop us an email.
