Author Bio: Jessie Moore
Jessie Moore is a luxury ski & travel expert with years of experience adventuring in the mountains to find the best resorts and hotels.
Let’s explore Morzine
I’ve been skiing in Morzine since I was a child and it’s a resort I return to time and time again. With friends living in the town and a familiar feel, it is very much an alpine home-from-home for me.
It may not be the most snowsure ski resort in the Alps, but I love that it offers a gateway to the huge Portes du Soleil ski area. Skiing aside, I have such fond memories of aprés partying and cheese fondues in this memorable ski resort.
Author Bio: Jessie Moore
Jessie Moore is a luxury ski & travel expert with years of experience adventuring in the mountains to find the best resorts and hotels.
Nestled in the heart of the French Alps, Morzine stands as a crown jewel among Europe’s top ski destinations. A quaint alpine town that wears its tradition with pride, Morzine effortlessly combines the charm of its wooden chalets and age-old traditions with world-class skiing provisions.
As part of the vast Portes du Soleil ski area, Morzine offers a gateway to over 600 km of slopes, catering to both novice snow enthusiasts and seasoned skiers.
Beyond the slopes, this popular ski resort offers a vibrant après scene, restaurants serving the finest Savoyard cuisine, and numerous activities from ice hockey to paragliding.
Whether you seek the thrill of slaloming down meticulously groomed pistes, the charm of its quaint buildings, or the comforting embrace of hot chocolate by a roaring fire, this Morzine ski resort guide will cover everything you need to know.
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Whether you’re travelling from far-off destinations or from neighbouring European cities, I’m pleased to say that Morzine is one of the easiest French ski resorts to access.
Unlike other French resorts with a painfully long transfer, Morzine is little over one hour away from Geneva airport, making it ideal for travelling by plane. The nearest airports are:
Geneva Airport (GVA), Switzerland: The most popular and closest international gateway, located approximately 75 km (47 miles) from Morzine.
Chambéry Airport (CMF), France: Another option, though with fewer international connections. It’s located roughly 125 km (78 miles) from Morzine.
There are several transfer options available from the airport to the resort:
Private transfers: Bookable in advance, offering door-to-door service. Companies like AlpyBus and MorzExpress are popular choices.
Shared transfers: More cost-effective and can be booked in advance or on arrival. I’d recommend Skiidy Gonzales, who also offer private transfers.
Public buses: Regular buses run between Geneva and Morzine. Check the schedule and fares on the official websites.
Car rental: Major rental companies operate at Geneva Airport. Ensure you have snow chains or winter tyres during the ski season.
While there is no train station in Morzine itself, there are a couple of options nearby. Both Cluses (for TGV services) and Thonon (for regional trains) are approximately 30 km (18 miles) from Morzine.
To get from the train stations into Morzine, you can get one of the regular bus services or book a private taxi.
Morzine is easy to reach by car if you choose to drive from within France or a neighbouring country.
From Geneva: Take the A40 motorway towards Chamonix, exit at Cluses Scionzier, and then follow the D902 through Taninges to Morzine.
From France: If coming from the direction of Lyon or Paris, use the A40 motorway, exit at Cluses Scionzier, and follow the same route as above.
Note: During the winter months, make sure your vehicle is equipped with snow chains or winter tyres. It’s also advisable to check the road conditions, as mountain routes can occasionally close due to heavy snowfalls.
Several companies operate coach services from major European cities directly to Morzine, especially during the peak ski season. Ensure you book in advance, especially during busy periods.
From welcoming chalet-style hotels to luxury spa options, this is my pick of the best hotels in Morzine.
Morzine’s town centre is relatively compact, making it easy to explore on foot. Most hotels, restaurants, shops and bars are within walking distance of each other.
That said, some hotels and chalets may be located a little further out of town, so you may need a bus or taxi on some occasions.
Morzine operates a network of free shuttle buses to connect the different parts of town. They generally run every 30 minutes from 08:30.
Taxis are available but they’re not always readily available so I wouldn’t recommend relying on them.
There is no need to rent a car within Morzine itself during the winter months, unless you’re staying outside of the town centre. I’d definitely recommend hiring a car in summer to get around.
In terms of getting up the mountain, the Portes du Soleil ski area has a vast network of efficient lifts which connect the different towns and resorts with the region.
Delve into a world of wooden interiors, crackling fireplaces, and panoramic mountain views with my pick of the best chalets and self-catering apartments in Morzine.
With an array of top-tier ski hire shops, you have plenty of choice for your ski hire needs. My personal recommendation is Doorstep Skis.
A name that truly lives up to its reputation, Doorstep Skis offers the pinnacle of convenience by delivering your ski and snowboard equipment right to your accommodation.
Not only do they promise modern and well-maintained gear, but their expert team also ensures that everything is tailored to your personal requirements.
From boots that fit like a glove to skis suited to your skill level. For those who want to avoid the faff of going to and from the ski rental shop, Doorstep Skis is a top choice.
A favourite among seasoned skiers, All Mountain Rental is known for its high-quality gear.
With a range of premium skis and snowboards, and a team that’s passionate about the mountains, they ensure you’re equipped with nothing but the best.
Positioned close to the Pleney lift, Francois Baud Freeride is ideal for those staying near Morzine’s centre.
Their expert staff provide insights on the best gear choices, catering to both skiers and snowboarders.
ABC Sport is located in the heart of Morzine. It’s a comprehensive sports shop that offers both ski rental in winter, as well as mountain biking and hiking gear in the summer.
Part of a well-known chain, Intersport in Morzine guarantees a vast selection of equipment, catering to all levels from beginners to pros.
They have a number of ski rental shops across Morzine, so you can choose the most convenient location based on where you’re staying.
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A strong appeal of Morzine is that it’s part of the vast Portes du Soleil ski region which boasts over 600km of slopes.
Morzine itself is sat at a low altitude, which often means that snow in the town itself and on the lower slopes can be thin on the ground – especially if you’re travelling early or late in the season.
Don’t let this put you off the resort though, as getting to higher slopes in the Portes du Soleil region is a breeze.
Intermediate skiers will be in their element here, as there is a wide expanse of blue and red runs that dominate the area.
For those seeking a challenge, the black runs off Pointe de Nyon and Chamossière promise a thrilling descent.
Snowboarders, too, find their haven in Morzine, especially in the Super Morzine area, known for its diverse features and terrains.
Venturing off-piste offers an added layer of adventure, though the company of a local guide is recommended for the safest experience.
I’d recommend heading over to Avoriaz for a greater range of ski slopes, as well as parks for the freestyle skiers.
With a network of modern, efficient lifts, the entire ski area is easily accessible.
In Morzine, as part of the Portes du Soleil ski domain, you have several lift pass options to consider depending on your skiing or snowboarding plans.
Here’s a quick overview:
This pass covers the Morzine and Les Gets ski areas, which are directly connected. It’s suitable for beginners and those who are content with staying within these areas.
This is the comprehensive pass covering all 12 interconnected resorts in the Portes du Soleil region, including Morzine, Avoriaz, Les Gets, Chatel, and others stretching across France and Switzerland.
It’s best for intermediate and advanced skiers or snowboarders, those on longer trips, or those who want the flexibility to explore a vast terrain.
This pass is specific to the Avoriaz area, which is directly above Morzine and offers more high-altitude skiing.
For those not skiing or snowboarding but wanting to use the lifts, perhaps to meet others for lunch on the mountain or simply enjoy the views.
It’s best for non-skiers/snowboarders, families, or those taking a break from skiing.
You can get a season pass for either the Morzine-Les Gets area or the entire Portes du Soleil. This is valid for the entire ski season.
Ideal for regular visitors, locals, or those on an extended trip or season.
Both Morzine-Les Gets and Portes du Soleil offer family passes, which can be more economical if you’re travelling with children.
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The Morzine region, as an integral part of the Portes du Soleil ski domain, offers a delightful range of ski runs catering to all skill levels.
“Le Pléney” (Morzine): A classic blue run, perfect for warming up in the morning. It’s wide, well-groomed, and offers stunning views as you descend into Morzine.
“Chamois” (Les Gets): A scenic red run that meanders through the trees. It offers a good mix of terrains, making it enjoyable for both intermediate and advanced skiers.
3. “La Combe” (Morzine): A sweeping red run that provides a more challenging descent on the Pleney side. It offers a consistent gradient and can be quite fast when groomed.
“Pas de Chavanette” or “The Swiss Wall” (Swiss side near Avoriaz): Infamous for its steepness and huge moguls, this is one of the most challenging runs in the Portes du Soleil and has earned a bit of a reputation.
If you don’t fancy the challenge, you can get the chairlift down the slope – the perfect viewing point for watching the attempts of others to conquer the slope!
“Les Marmottes” (Chatel): A gentle blue run that’s ideal for beginners and those looking to cruise. It’s often less crowded than other blue runs in the area, providing a serene skiing experience.
“Tête des Lindarets” (Avoriaz): A long, cruising blue run that takes you through beautiful alpine scenery, ideal for intermediate skiers or those who want to enjoy a leisurely descent.
“Les Crosets” (Swiss side): A series of delightful red runs that offer fantastic views of the Dents du Midi. They provide a perfect balance between challenge and enjoyment.
“Le Stash” (Avoriaz): Not a traditional piste, but an eco-friendly snowpark built entirely from natural materials. It’s a must-visit for freestyle enthusiasts looking for something different.
Morzine and the expansive Portes du Soleil ski region offer a blend of terrains that cater to off-piste and backcountry enthusiasts.
The varied landscapes range from tree runs to open powder fields and couloirs, with many of these off-piste areas easily accessible via the main lift system.
This accessibility, combined with the vastness of the region, provides numerous opportunities for those eager to carve their own paths down the mountain.
The neighbouring resort of Avoriaz, with its higher altitude, often supplements the off-piste offerings, especially after a fresh snowfall.
However, potential off-piste skiers should be aware that Morzine’s popularity can mean that fresh tracks are quickly carved up during peak times.
Plus, due to its relatively lower altitude compared to some other Alpine resorts, snow conditions in Morzine can be variable, making it imperative to regularly check snow reports.
Morzine and the wider Portes du Soleil region cater well to freestyle skiers and snowboarders, offering a range of snowparks equipped with jumps, rails, boxes, and other features to suit all abilities.
In Morzine itself, the Nyon-Chamossière area sometimes has a modest snowpark, suitable for those looking to practise their skills without venturing too far. Although it is popular with ski schools.
The real freestyle draw is in the neighbouring resort of Avoriaz which has several snowparks, including:
The Stash: An innovative and eco-friendly park, The Stash is a creation of Burton Snowboards. Set within the Lindarets forest, it offers a unique freestyle experience using natural wooden features.
The park has runs for all levels and is a must-visit for those looking for something fun and a bit different.
Chapelle Park: Located near the Proclou and Super Morzine lifts, this park is great for both beginners and intermediates. It has a variety of jumps, rails, and boxes.
Arare Park: Suited for more advanced freestylers, this park, located next to the Arare lift, boasts larger jumps and more challenging features.
Les Gets, another nearby resort within the Portes du Soleil umbrella, offers the Deborah Anthonioz Boardercross course, named after the Olympic silver-medalist snowboarder. It’s an exhilarating run filled with banked turns, jumps, and rollers.
Chatel, further afield in the Portes du Soleil region, has the Smoothpark. It caters to all levels and includes a fun boardercross course.
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Heli-skiing is not permitted in France due to environmental regulations that prioritise the preservation of mountain ecosystems.
This means that you cannot go heli-skiing directly from Morzine or any other French ski resorts.
However, for those keen on experiencing heli-skiing, it’s worth noting that it is allowed in nearby Switzerland and Italy.
Some adventure companies based in the French Alps, including around Morzine, offer heli-skiing trips to these neighbouring countries.
Typically, this would involve a short transfer to a location where the helicopter takes off, followed by the heli-skiing adventure in areas where it’s permitted.
Morzine itself is reasonably good for beginners and I’d recommend heading to Le Pléney for some beginner-friendly pistes.
There are a number of excellent ski schools in Morzine for those just starting out or looking to hone their skills:
ESF (Ecole du Ski Français): The largest ski school in France, ESF has a significant presence in Morzine. They offer group lessons, private lessons, and children’s classes.
British Alpine Ski School (BASS): Known for its English-speaking instructors, BASS is popular among British tourists and offers both group and private lessons tailored for beginners.
Mint Snowboarding: For those looking to learn snowboarding, Mint offers English-speaking lessons and has a strong reputation for its fun and effective teaching methods.
New Generation: Another English-speaking ski school, New Generation offers a variety of lessons for beginners, from group classes to private tuition.
Freedom 2 Ski: This school prides itself on its personalised approach and offers beginner lessons with a focus on individual progression.
Reach Your Peak: Known for its small group sizes and private lessons, it’s a good choice for those who want a more tailored learning experience.
Morzine offers a tantalising array of restaurants that cater to both traditional palates and those seeking a contemporary twist. And, of course, all the raclette you could dream of!
Morzine is not just a haven for skiers and snowboarders; it offers a plethora of activities to entertain non-skiers as well.
Ice skating: Morzine has its own outdoor ice rink located in the town centre, perfect for an afternoon glide or watching the local ice hockey team, the Morzine Penguins, in action.
Spa and wellness: For relaxation, head to one of Morzine’s wellness centres or spas. Enjoy massages, saunas, and other treatments to rejuvenate the body and soul.
Snowshoeing: Explore the serene winter landscape on foot by renting a pair of snowshoes. There are numerous trails around Morzine, and guided tours are available for those unfamiliar with the region.
Sledging: Feel the thrill of speeding down designated sledging hills. It’s a fun activity for both kids and adults.
Horse-drawn sleigh rides: Experience Morzine’s winter wonderland in a romantic way by taking a sleigh ride through the snowy streets.
Paragliding: For those seeking an adrenaline rush, paragliding offers a bird’s-eye view of Morzine’s majestic landscapes.
Ice diving: Experience the underwater world of a frozen Alpine lake with a guided ice diving session.
Indoor climbing: Test your climbing skills at Morzine’s indoor climbing facilities, suitable for both beginners and advanced climbers.
Swimming: Morzine boasts a public indoor swimming pool, perfect for a leisurely swim or just to relax.
Shopping: Wander through Morzine’s charming streets and shop for souvenirs, local produce, and high-quality ski and snowboard gear.
From traditional taverns to lively bars, discover the best après and nightlife spots in Morzine to unwind after a day on the slopes.
Want to save up to 25% on hotels?
Subscribe to the Pocket Wanderings newsletter and get immediate access to my guide on how to save money on flights and hotels. Our weekly emails are filled with adventure inspiration, insider travel tips and exclusive discounts.
Want up to 25% off hotels?
Subscribe to my newsletter and get immediate access to my guide on how to save money on flights and hotels. Our weekly emails are filled with adventure inspiration, insider travel tips and exclusive discounts.