Morzine, a well-known French Alps mountain destination that’s loved by holidaymakers year-round. With fantastic access to skiing in the Portes du Soleil, a charming typical French village atmosphere, and plenty of activities for all ages, on and off the slopes, it’s clear to see why luxury holidays to Morzine are a popular choice! But, if you haven’t yet visited this luxury ski resort, we’re here to help. In this guide to Morzine, we’ll detail everything you need to know, so that perhaps we can tempt you for your next winter holiday…
Where is Morzine?
Firstly, Morzine sits within a valley in the Haute-Savoie region of the French Alps, at an altitude of 1,000m. Deep within the Chablais mountain range, the resort lies close to a selection of well-known luxury ski resorts. In particular, Les Gets, Avoriaz, and Chatel are all just a short drive (or ski!) away. And as part of the Portes du Soleil, one of the largest ski areas in the world, guests will have access to over 600km of pistes when on luxury holidays to Morzine!
As one of the closest ski resorts to Geneva airport, guests can expect a short transfer time (approximately 1hr30mins). As such, it’s no wonder why Morzine is a popular ski destination for families, weekend skiers and short stay getaways.
Public transport can also take you into the resort for more eco-conscious travel to the Alps. The resort is an advocate for sustainable ski holidays, as this guide to Morzine will explore in more detail below.
Morzine’s Village Vibe
Morzine is a quintessential French mountain village that showcases an authentic alpine lifestyle and retains typical Savoyard charm. Lying in a valley, the village is overlooked by picturesque mountain scenery that’s scattered with a mix of traditional wooden chalets and ultra-luxe ski accommodation. In the resort centre, bars, restaurants and local farmers’ markets line the pretty streets, creating a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere; from one side of the centre of Morzine to the other is about 15 minutes, so all amenities are easily accessible. Additionally, there’s plenty of non-skiing things to do on luxury holidays to Morzine. The Parc des Dérêches sports centre, swimming pool and spa is a great option for days off the slopes. Wander around resort stopping in at artisanal boutiques, or take children to the outdoor and indoor ice-skating rinks.
Morzine Ski Area
A guide to Morzine must include details about the skiing! The resort is in an enviable position in the heart of the Portes du Soleil. With the Portes du Soleil ski pass, guests have endless opportunities for exploration across its 12 mountain resorts. This includes high altitude skiing in Avoriaz, skiing on the Swiss border at Châtel, and pretty, tree-lined skiing in Les Gets. Furthermore, with around 40 Green, 120 Blue, 100 Red and 30 Black runs, there’s plenty for all abilities to enjoy. We’ve listed our top 5 reasons to ski in the Portes du Soleil, for further inspiration.
Skiing in Morzine
Skiing in Morzine presents an attractive option for beginners and intermediates, as highlighted by our dedicated Morzine for Beginners blog. Characterised by wide, tree-lined runs, the resort’s sweeping slopes lean towards learners. There are a few Greens & Black runs in the local Morzine-Les Gets ski area. However, the majority of pistes are classified as Blue and Red pistes. Suitable for beginners, the top of the Pleney gondola is generally the main meeting point for ski schools. Meanwhile, on the other side of the valley, atop the Super Morzine cable car, a number of beginner areas feature. For more advanced skiing in Morzine, the Nyon sector presents the perfect spot for off-piste adventures.
Skiing in Avoriaz, Chatel and Les Gets
The resort’s position also means easy access to ski to neighbouring resorts. For example, guests can reach the Les Gets ski area from the top of the Pleney. For beginners, the Morzine-Les Gets ski pass is a great option to experience this ski area. Alternatively, ski in Avoriaz via the Super Morzine or Prodains cable cars. When skiing in Avoriaz visitors can experience one of Europe’s most renowned pistes; the world-famous Swiss Wall. You are also able to ski to Châtel and Switzerland here. In addition, there’s a family beginner area and snow park, to ensure all abilities are catered to on ski holidays to Morzine.
Bars & Après-ski in Morzine
Our guide for luxury holidays to Morzine wouldn’t be complete without mentioning a selection of après-ski hotspots! Whether you’re searching for a late-night party or a casual drink, the resort will adhere to your après-ski needs. Please see a list below of some of our favourite Morzine bars below:
- Le Tremplin Bar – Located at the foot of the Pleney slopes, Le Tremplin’s outdoor terrace is perfect for a spot of après-ski in Morzine! Live bands, DJ’s and musicians feature at après-ski parties, accompanied with delightful Savoyard specialities or terrace BBQ’s.
- Happy Hours – Home to the biggest après-ski parties in town. At the bottom of the Ardent, in Montriond, expect an electric atmosphere owing to live bands and special guest DJ’s.
- Cavern Bar – In the centre of Morzine, Cavern Bar awaits with beers, wines and spirits, and two live evening acts.
- Le Colibri – This cosy café bistro is perfect for all moments in the day. Le Colibri’s calm ambience suits a relaxed brunch/coffee, whilst also serving delicious cocktails for a leisurely après drink on luxury holidays to Morzine.
- L’Opera Nightclub – L’Opera Nightclub invites late night sessions in Morzine’s centre. Open until the early hours of the morning, it’s the perfect place to dance the night away.
- La Folie Douce Avoriaz – Although technically located in Avoriaz, no Morzine ski holiday would be complete without a visit to La Folie Douce. Après-ski in Folie Douce is a must on any ski holiday. Featuring live performers and a DJ to orchestrate wild parties on Avoriaz’s slopes, it’s not to be missed!
Restaurants in Morzine
From fine dining experiences to hearty Savoyard cuisine, eating out in Morzine will be sure to tantalise those taste buds and satisfy well-deserved ski appetites. Expect traditional French cuisine, in addition to international choices, all mixed with a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Perfect for those taking a self-catered chalet on luxury holidays to Morzine, or for a taste of the resort on an evening out. Our guide to Morzine restaurants should prove useful for foodies…
- La Ferme de la Fruitière – Listed in the Michelin guide, La Ferme de la Fruitière invites cheese lovers! Its beautiful classic stone and wooden interiors invite you next to the roaring fireplace. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a Savoyard speciality, including fondue and/or raclette; the cheese is even made in the neighbouring fromagerie, for some of the best local produce.
- La Rotonde – In the heart of Morzine, La Rotonde is a stylish alpine restaurant, serving everything from hearty French classics to a wide selection of international dishes. Its varied menu means there’s something to keep everyone happy.
- La Flamme – Well-positioned next to the Super Morzine, La Flamme is fantastic for a quick bite to eat in Morzine! Traditional, local French recipes feature on their menu, alongside pizzas, burgers and a children’s menu.
- Coup de Coeur – Coup de Coeur is a wine bar and restaurant in Morzine. With an impressive list of local and international wines, and even a cheese bar, it’s perfect for casual conversations in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
- The Hideout Kitchen – For a slightly alternative option, The Hideout Kitchen presents delicious pan Asian cuisine for an international taste in the Alps.
Sustainable Ski Holidays in Morzine
Sustainable ski holidays are becoming a more popular choice. As earth is experiencing climate change, it’s important that we all make a conscious effort to protect the precious mountain environment. Because of this, we want our guide about luxury holidays to Morzine to highlight the fantastic sustainability efforts being made in resort.
Morzine is taking a responsible approach to sustainable tourism. Alongside a number of its local stakeholders, the resort is working to reduce the impact of winter sports holidays on its cherished environment. Morzine is a member of the Flocon Verte project, a commitment made by mountain destinations to take strong, continual action to improve on a number of social and environmental issues. Since 2021, Morzine has attained sustainability accreditation, being recognised for its achievements. The Montagne Verte non-profit association also seeks to reduce the resort’s environmental impact, with the help of its community.
A number of our luxury chalet partners are also making increased efforts to be more sustainable. Discover how the operator of several of our chalets is committed to delivering sustainable ski holidays in Morzine. In accordance with their sustainable ethos, they are offering enticing rewards for booking a more eco-friendly ski holiday. For example, train travel is an incentivised option, and so is choosing a plant-based menu; a number of opportunities that reduce your holiday’s impact on the environment. Not only does this mean more affordable luxury holidays to Morzine, but a conscious effort to look after the mountains’ future.
Luxury Holidays to Morzine – Ski Chalets
The final section of our guide to luxury holidays in Morzine highlights a selection of fantastic ski accommodation for your stay. Whether you’re looking for an ultimate luxury ski chalet in Morzine that ticks all the boxes, family friendly chalets in Morzine, or for a more secluded alpine retreat in the Portes du Soleil, our portfolio of properties will certainly have a chalet that fits your needs. We have highlighted just a few of the luxury chalets in Morzine on our portfolio below…
Chalet Sapphire
As featured on Ultimate Luxury Chalets (our sister brand showcasing the top 100 luxury chalets in the Alps), Chalet Sapphire is not to be missed! Perfect for families, friends and corporate ski holidays, this immense 835m² Morzine chalet is well-suited to all group requirements. In a spectacular location and built without compromise, this ultimate ski chalet assures the best service standards and facilities in the Portes du Soleil. A 10 person hot tub, barrel sauna and sunken firepit all feature on its outdoor terrace. Further wellness and entertainment facilities will provide the opportunity to indulge and pamper all 12 guests, without overlooking the elegant and inviting interiors also found throughout.
Chalet Sapphire Gem poses a more suitable option for larger groups of up to 16 guests. This property consists of Chalet Sapphire and neighbouring Chalet Little Gem, a smaller, 135m² self-contained chalet that’s ideal for extended family or staff. Do catered ski chalets in Morzine come much better than this?
Chalet X
Chalet X is a truly incredible 7 bedroom property to host your ski holiday in Morzine. Showcasing a modern, chic design throughout, the chalet’s expansive, light-filled interiors welcome a total of 14 guests altogether. Found on Morzine’s sunny L’Ele area, the chalet is bathed in light throughout the day. There’s no better spot to take advantage than the immense wrap-around, south-facing terrace, which also features views towards the Pleney and an outdoor hot tub. An incredible array of luxury wellness facilities complete the chalet, including an indoor pool, sauna, steam room and fitness suite.
Ferme du Lac Vert
Originally built in 1842, Ferme du Lac Vert is a traditional yet eccentric Savoyard farmhouse setting for 24-32 guests. Perfect for large group ski holidays in the Portes du Soleil, Ferme du Lac Vert’s charming, open-plan interiors invite socialising; high ceilings create a light ambience to unwind, while the rustic fireplace in the main living area keeps things cosy. Outside, a hot tub with fascinating views, and a barrel sauna, bring modern luxury to the chalet – perfect following a day of skiing in Morzine!
The Old Macaroni
Effortlessly infusing alpine charm with luxury elegance, The Old Macaroni offers the best of both worlds; classical farmhouse features are intertwined with everything you’d expect in a luxury ski chalet. Suitable for 12-18 guests, The Old Macaroni is perfect for family ski vacations in Morzine. Whether it’s unwinding to the melodic sounds of the self-playing piano under the main living area’s vaulted ceilings, dining alfresco gazing out to views over Morzine on the terrace, or taking advantage of the hot tub and barrel sauna for a spot of post-ski relaxation, this property is certain to impress across all 4 of its floors.
Alpine Retreat
Lying in Morzine’s L’Ele quarter, Alpine Retreat comfortably accommodates 10 guests in luxury. With five en-suite bedrooms, a large south-facing terrace and stunning mountain views, it’s the perfect base for a ski holiday in Morzine. And as one of our luxury ski chalets with an outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi, guests can even enjoy the views whilst soothing tired ski legs, ready for upcoming days on the slopes…
Has our guide to luxury holidays in Morzine inspired you to look further into experiencing your own ski holiday in this fascinating resort? If so, our knowledgeable Ski Specialists are here to help. Call us on +44(0)1202 203650 or send us an email, and start planning your own luxury ski holiday in Morzine today…