PORTES DU SOLEIL
Morzine—Avoriaz
Morzine is at the heart of the Portes du Soleil, a vast ski area with statistics to dwarf other resorts. There are 650km of groomed runs – the largest linked ski area in the world – taking in 12 traditional towns and villages across both France and Switzerland. The unique selling point of the Portes du Soleil is the on-snow experience. Pistes of every orientation from high altitude powder bowls to beautiful winding tree-lined runs down into the villages; not to mention the limitless off-piste. There’s something for every ability from those learning for the very first time, through to the seasoned skier looking for the ultimate challenge. No two days are the same here, in fact, no two weeks are!
Morzine is a bustling Alpine town, full of character and atmosphere. The old streets in the village centre are still largely made up of traditional wooden chalets set against a dramatic mountain backdrop. There’s a real Savoyard charm to life here which is missing from so many ‘purpose built’ resorts.
There’s something for everyone in the town, with a wide variety of shops and boutiques from delicatessens to designer brands. There’s also a cinema showing the latest releases and a sumptuous new pool and spa complex featuring several indoor pools, hammams and saunas — all with the most fantastic views. You’ll also find a large arena, home to the Morzine—Avoriaz Penguins, a professional ice hockey team playing in France’s Elite League; it’s well worth watching a game if they’re at home whilst you’re in town.
Morzine forms part of the Portes du Soleil, one of the largest linked ski areas in the world comprising 12 interconnected ski resorts across Switzerland and France offering:
- 650km of pistes – the largest ski area in the world
- 285 slopes: 32 black, 100 red, 122 blue, 31 green
- 8m+ snowfall every season – the most in France
- 11 snowparks and border/ski-cross courses
- Endless off-piste terrain
Morzine is located in the Haute Savoie and is one of the most northerly of the French Alpine resorts less than one hour from Chamonix and benefiting from the Mont Blanc microclimate.
Resort altitude: 1000m
Highest lift: 2460m
Vertical drop: 1460m
Winter season: Runs from approximately 10 Dec – 30 April
Summer season: Runs from mid-June to early-September
Local population: Year round
Geneva Airport
Just over an hour away. From here there are regularly scheduled flights across Europe and internationally.
Annemasse and Annecy
Regional airports and a good option for those travelling by private jet. Both are less than an hour away.
Cluses or Thonon
Both less than 40 mins away.
Take the Eurostar from London to Paris (takes around 2 hours 20 minutes) or Lyon. Then take a high-speed TGV to either one of the two train stations that service the area, Cluses or Thonon (see above).
Off mountain there are cinemas, large swimming pools, an aquatic centre, tennis courts, climbing, horse-riding, bowling, a world class ice rink, ice hockey, ice skating, parapenting, ice diving, snowmobiling, tobogganing, snowshoeing, nature discovery tours, day trips, cheese-making tours, spas, and much, much more.
Insider’s Guide To Morzine
There is a hidden door, a secret place, an untold secret. That is the essence of travel, that journey of discovery when you uncover a gem, stumble upon the unique; when you truly manage to live like the locals. If you are looking for the authentic here are a few places to start.
Live Like A Local In Morzine
FOR THE BEST CROISSANTS AND BAGUETTES Chez Céline, Rue du Bourg At the lower end of the Rue du Bourg, just before the local Tabac, is a boulangerie pâtisserie, Chez [...]
Restaurants In Morzine
Morzine has in recent years experienced something of a gastronomic renaissance from a range of talented and creative chefs with diverse roots and pasts. Examples are the industrial chic of the [...]
Bars & Après In Morzine
Alpine nightlife can be hit and miss. Gregarious après, repetitive music and a general sense of excess over excellence can become wearing to the discerning traveller. So what if your holiday [...]
Things To Do In Morzine
It is easy to forget in the midst of a ski holiday that there are other equally exciting things to experience. In reality, such is the plethora of non-ski activities, they [...]
Shopping In Morzine
SLOPESTYLE Rue du Bourg You could conceivably arrive in resort empty-handed and kit yourself out in-shop. From thermals and socks, to outerwear and goggles, to evening wear and street shoes [...]
Day Trips From Morzine
CHAMONIX MARKET Chamonix market is on a Saturday morning, starting about 7am. Larger than the Morzine market, with a much stronger Italian influence, you will be hard pushed to leave [...]
Luxury Ski Chalets in Morzine
Morzine is at the heart of the Portes du Soleil, a vast ski area with statistics to dwarf other resorts. There are 650km of groomed runs – the largest linked ski area in the world – taking in 12 traditional towns and villages across both France and Switzerland.
