Winter 2019/20
It’s true that most people flock to Morzine and Les Gets in the winter for the fabulous skiing and snowboarding, but there are plenty of other things to do too. Whether you’re a non-skier, want something to do on a bad weather day, or just fancy a change, here are some of our favourite winter activities.
Your OVO Network chalet may have its own pool, but if it doesn’t, you can still enjoy a swim. There’s a 25m pool and plunge pool at the Parc des Dérèches in Morzine, and you can even relax in the sauna afterwards. This is a perfect pool for serious swimmers, but there’s a great family-orientated water park in Avoriaz with slides, rapids, a tropical jungle and a hot tub with mountain views!
You don’t have to let your training routine slip just because you are away from home. Mountain Rehab, based at the Aiglon hotel in Morzine, boasts a fully-equipped gym, as well as Pilates, yoga, massage and sports physio. And if you can’t get to them, they will come to your OVO Network chalet! There are plenty of hotels that offer spa complexes too if you’d rather relax and take it easy - try Le Dahu or Le Samoyede.
As the popularity of the Portes du Soleil resorts has grown, so too has the selection of shops! You can easily while away a day shopping in Morzine or Les Gets, where you will find great sports shops, gift shops, chocolate shops, delicatessens and clothes stores. Try Le Refuge de Marie Louise in Les Gets or Chez le Miladiou in Morzine for local produce. Many of the shops shut for a long lunch from noon to 2pm - a great excuse to enjoy a long relaxing lunch in one of the many restaurants.
Sledging is a great activity for families, and there are plenty of places to choose from. In Morzine, head for L’Aubergade Hotel at the foot of the Pleney. It has a huge outside area with a bar and a sledging run - bring your own sledge or hire one from a local sports shop. There are sledging areas for children in Les Gets - try La Chavanne or Les Perrieres, but remember that sledging is not allowed in the ski areas.
For an experience you won’t forget, why not try night sledging? When all the skiers have gone home, head for the slopes with a guide, strap on your head torch and off you go! These events are organised by Indiana’Ventures, who provide the sledge, the headtorch, a lift pass and a guide to make sure you are safe over the 4 Km descent.
Whether you’re a novice or an expert, the outdoor rinks in Les Gets and Morzine are a great afternoon out for all ages. Children can get around with the help of a penguin stability aid - unfortunately there aren’t any big enough for adults! If the weather’s not great, there’s an indoor rink at Morzine.
The Cinema Rex on the Rue du Bourg in Morzine shows films in French and English. Children will find something they like during the day, and there is plenty of choice for adults later on. They get all the latest releases - check the website to see what’s on and which language it is being shown in.
For a night of fast-moving sporting action, head for the ice rink in Morzine - the Pingouins play most weeks. Make sure you wrap up warm though!
Want to know what's on during your stay in Morzine and the surrounding areas? Take a look at our list of things to do in the area, including Avoriaz, Les Gets and Champery too.
We have tried to provide the latest information available at the time of writing.
Les Gets - Thursdays, 8am to noon
Morzine - Wednesdays, 8am to 12.30pm
Morzine
Meet the big man before Christmas outside the tourist office in Morzine. He’s there from 11am to noon and 5.30pm to 6.30pm on the Sunday, and from 5-6pm on the Monday.
Morzine
The spirit of Christmas fills the village for two weeks, with a packed programme of events to celebrate the holidays. Parades, treasure hunts, children’s workshops and shows, fireworks and much more make Morzine a very special place to spend Christmas. And, best of all, it’s all free! The full programme is available on the website.
Various locations, Les Gets
There’s a big build-up to Christmas in Les Gets, culminating in the arrival of Father Christmas on Christmas Eve. There’s a Christmas market, children can enjoy story-telling, and there are festive fetes, fairs and fireworks in the nearby villages.
Morzine
Gather at the foot of Le Pleney to watch the ESF ski instructors’ torchlit descent, and raise a cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate - bring your own cup or buy a reusable one from the tourist office.
Various locations, Morzine
If you’re planning a night out you will be spoiled for choice, with bars and restaurants offering music, parties and special menus. Most people head for the centre of town as midnight strikes for the firework display. Don’t forget to book if you have a particular restaurant in mind, as most places will be busy.
Les Gets
The first firework will go off at 7pm, getting the party started. Bars and restaurants throughout the village will be celebrating, so make sure you get in early to book your table!
Les Gets
Teams of dogs and mushers compete in Europe’s biggest race across 14 resorts, which this year includes Les Gets (Jan 14). Check the website so that you know where to be and when.
Morzine
The village welcomes some of the world's best women skiers, who will compete on the Pléney piste in two giant slaloms, a real treat to watch. The finish line is in the heart of Morzine, allowing spectators to get up close and personal with all the action. The European Cup is the gateway to the World Cup, with established competitors racing alongside new talent alike.
Les Gets
Ski instructors from the ESF Les Gets will entertain, with torchlit descents, spectacular skiing, piste grooming and rescue demonstrations, as well as fireworks. Enjoy a mulled wine or a hot chocolate while you watch the show. Check the website as times vary.
Plateau de Nyon, Morzine
Try your hand at speed skiing on a private slope with Xspeed ski tour. 10am to 4pm.
Plateau de Nyon, Morzine
Try your hand at speed skiing on a private slope with Xspeed ski tour. 10am to 4pm.
Les Gets
Ski instructors from the ESF Les Gets will entertain, with torchlit descents, spectacular ski, piste grooming and rescue demonstrations as well as fireworks. Enjoy a mulled wine or a hot chocolate while you watch the show. Check the website as times vary.
Portes du Soleil resorts
This music festival takes place every year on the slopes of resorts across the Portes du Soleil. And it’s totally free, as long as you have your lift pass! Organisers are expecting 28,000 people this year, with five live concerts and over 50 apres-ski concerts. Check the website for the latest line-up, and to see who is playing where.
Various locations, Avoriaz
Take a music festival, add plenty of snow and a carnival, and you get Snowboxx. World-class freeriders and DJs head for the resort for a fun-packed week. Past guests include Stormzy and Basement Jaxx - check the website to see who you can expect this season.
If you've found some interesting events, why not take a look at our range of gorgeous hand-picked chalets in the Portes du Soleil.
We have a wide variety of options from large group chalets to luxury chalets with pools and more. We're sure you'll find something perfect for your next visit.