‘Where should I go on my first ski holiday?’ When looking for inspiration for your first ever ski holiday, choosing the best resort for your group can feel like a challenge! There are so many different resorts across the Alps, and it’s key to choose a beginner-friendly ski resort to get the most out of your first skiing vacation. Luckily for you, we’re here to help. Let’s make your life that much easier, by introducing one of our favourite beginner ski resorts in the French Alps…
Morzine for beginners is a popular option, and it’s easy to see why! A favourite with British holidaymakers, families, and first time skiers, this beginner ski resort attracts a variety of groups. With plenty to do, on and off the slopes, Morzine offers something for everyone. So, whether you have always wanted to experience the white allure of the mountains, fancy trying something new, or are heading out on a first ski holiday with friends, let’s delve into the benefits of skiing for beginners in Morzine.
Morzine Ski Resort
Morzine ski resort is a lively French village that retains a typical Savoyard charm. The town sits in a valley and lies in close proximity to neighbouring villages, Les Gets and Montriond. Found within the Portes du Soleil region, it is also one of our beginner ski resorts with a short transfer time from Geneva (just 90 minutes). This makes it ideal for family ski holidays, and for those wanting to head straight onto the mountains! Upon arrival into the resort, beautiful scenery awaits, characterised by tree-lined mountains and a mosaic of staggered, snow-topped chalets perched across both sides of the valley – the perfect location for your first ski holiday in the French Alps.
While there’s a wide variety of luxury ski chalet rentals in Morzine, the town preserves a Haute-Savoyard culture that’s perfect for both holidaymakers and locals to harmoniously enjoy together. For first time skiers, popular ski accommodation in Morzine is often close to the resort’s centre, where everything is on your doorstep. The village centre exudes a welcoming atmosphere and has everything needed for a fantastic holiday; shops, bars, restaurants, cafés, pâtisseries and more are just some of the ways to enjoy moments away from the mountains.
Morzine Ski Area
Ski holidays are all about skiing, right? So, let’s talk through why Morzine is a good ski resort for beginners. Morzine is part of the largest international ski area in the world, the Portes du Soleil. The wider Portes du Soleil region has 61 green and 122 blue pistes for beginners to explore. Meanwhile, Morzine’s local ski area is an attractive proposition for beginner skiers in its own right. Tree-lined, cruisy blue pistes at Pléney are perfect for building confidence when beginner skiing. They connect to neighbouring resort Les Gets, and across both villages there are 14 green pistes and 43 blue. The top of the Pléney gondola is also home to numerous ski school meeting points, a necessary requirement on a first-time ski holiday.
On the other side of the valley, the Super Morzine lift grants access to more beginner ski areas, as well as Avoriaz. Morzine’s connection to Avoriaz means easy access to high altitude skiing, of up to 2,225m, and further beginner-friendly pistes. With 10 green and 85 blue runs local to Avoriaz, beginners can build confidence before exploring further, even into Switzerland! The blue Proclou piste is thoroughly recommended for beginners; its wide and relatively flat gradient is perfect for really nailing your turns!
While being one of the best ski resorts for beginners, Morzine also has options for more advanced group members. Morzine ski holidays with beginners and advanced skiers present the best of both worlds. With 130 advanced pistes across the Portes du Soleil, there’s some fantastic routes for experienced skiers to enjoy. Head to the Nyon for more challenging runs or visit the infamous Swiss Wall in Avoriaz for the ultimate test!
Non-ski Activities in Morzine
If you wish to take a break from skiing, there’s lots to enjoy off the slopes. Non-ski activities in Morzine are plentiful, offering options for all ages. Dog sledding, snowshoeing, and both indoor and outdoor ice-skating are just a few examples. Alta Lumina (in Les Gets) and fireworks at the Pléney are also a must on your Morzine ski holiday. Parc des Dérêches, with an ice-rink and indoor swimming pool, and the Aquariaz aquatic centre in Avoriaz present more in terms of leisure. Not to mention the resort itself, which boasts shops, restaurants, cafés and weekly local farmers markets throughout the season. In fact, Morzine is not just a brilliant beginner ski resort, but a tempting year-round mountain holiday destination, due to its range of activities available throughout summer and winter!
Morzine and Avoriaz are also host to annual mountain music festivals in the Alps. Why not try something new on your first ski holiday, combining the thrills of skiing with an unrivalled mountain festival atmosphere? Snowboxx and Rock The Pistes are just two examples that are perfect for beginner skiers and music lovers alike!
Après-ski in Morzine
Après-ski in Morzine is something both skiers and non-skiers can participate in together. The term ‘après-ski’ translates to after ski. And there’s no better way to celebrate getting down the piste than with a party on the mountain! Live music, DJs, table dancing and free flowing drinks all create an atmosphere like no other! To aid those hedonistic decisions, self-catered ski chalets in Morzine allow the flexibility to après long into the night as you wish!
In town, places like Le Tremplin bar, at the foot of the Pléney, and Happy Hours should be high on your list. Cavern Bar attracts a crowd with live music sessions in the centre of town. For more relaxed sessions, Coup de Coeur and Le Colibri are popular for a post-ski cocktail. L’Opera nightclub is open for those after-hours après moments.
If you’re a beginner skiing in Morzine, or on your first ski holiday, après-ski in La Folie Douce is unmissable. Located in Avoriaz, this world-renowned après-ski establishment encourages dancing on the tables, as orchestrated by their team of talented singers and lively DJ. La Folie Douce Avoriaz’s position, close to the Prodains lift, also ensures a convenient journey down the mountain following après-ski sessions, which is ideal for new skiers.
Morzine Luxury Chalets & Wellness
After a day on the mountains, there’s nothing better than returning to the wellness facilities of your luxury ski chalet, where rejuvenating afternoon spa sessions await for well-worked ski legs. Relax in the bubbles of luxury chalet hot tubs, target specific muscles with a massage, or swim in the chalet swimming pool; tailor the relaxation to your needs ready for forthcoming days on the slopes!
Beautiful luxury ski chalets in Morzine, such as Chalet Tataali (pictured), Chalet Doyen, Chalet X and Lodge des Nants, each showcase a whole suite of facilities for post-ski relaxation. Our varied portfolio of ski accommodation in Morzine includes the full spectrum of gorgeous properties. Whether you would prefer a cosy apartment in the heart of town, or an ultra luxury chalet for the holiday of a lifetime, there’s a chalet in Morzine to suit your requirements. Our partners are also leading the way for sustainability in the Alps. So, for a more environmentally friendly ski holiday, make sure to check out our eco-friendly ski chalets in Morzine blog!
On-Hand Support & Assistance
Many of our luxury ski chalets come with support to ensure everything is in place for your arrival. You can rely on the friendly, hospitable teams to provide the necessities to really enjoy your Morzine ski holiday! Whether you need to hire ski equipment and book ski lessons, or have other specific requests, you’re in good hands. Moreover if you have any questions that arise in resort, they can answer these too. Everything is taken off your hands, to ensure a stress-free getaway, letting you solely concentrate on the skiing!
So, we hope we’ve shown you why Morzine for beginners is such a great option! If you’d like to find out more, or even chat through options for your first ski holiday in the Alps, our knowledgeable Ski Specialists are here to help. Call us on +44(0)1202 203650 or send us an email, and hear all about beginner skiing in Morzine. Alternatively, for further inspiration read our guide to other top beginner ski resorts in Europe.
