Haute Savoie / France
Morzine, which was once a traditional market town of the French Alps, has grown to become one of France’s most popular ski resorts perfect for Christmas and New Year.
Nestled in the heart of the Portes du Soleil ski area, the resort consists mostly of hamlets and villages dotted around the main town. Unlike many modern ski resorts, Morzine is a thriving village all year round - you can find always find a lot going on during Christmas, Easter, summer, and more.
When the snow melts, pistes are replaced by lush green pastures, criss-crossed by mountain biking and hiking trails. In the village, traditional Savoyard charm combines with great facilities so that there’s always plenty to do.
Part of the vast Portes du Soleil ski area that covers a dozen resorts in two countries, Morzine offers access to an incredible 650km of downhill skiing.
Morzine’s own ski area is made up of two sectors — the first linking the resort to its neighbour Les Gets, and the second Super Morzine and Avoriaz, which rises to 2,466m altitude. There is plenty to explore purely in these Morzine ski areas, with something for all abilities — from novice skiers through to experienced powderhounds!
Take in the extensive Portes du Soleil ski area as well and you really are spoilt for choice, with the much-loved snowpark The Stash as well as other snowparks, plus skier-cross areas, look-out points, and mountain restaurants for all tastes. You can even enjoy night skiing here.
There is a choice of British ski schools, so tuition in English is easy to organise, and the French ESF ski school offers English speaking instructors too. Just request one when you book.
Cross-country skiers can also enjoy 95km of trails here, with five separate areas offering something for all levels.
In addition to great skiing, Morzine prides itself on being family and large group friendly, and with a great choice of winter activities and world-class ski tuition, it’s no surprise that it’s so popular. Morzine is a fabulous family ski resort, and with the prestigious Famille Plus status, there are plenty of activities to keep the children happy. From experienced, English-speaking ski instructors for a great day's skiing, to great sledging runs and horse-drawn sleigh rides, the kids are sure to be busy on a sunny wintry day. And if the weather turns, there are also bowling alleys and the cinema in the centre of Morzine, as well as the excellent aquatic centre, so whatever the weather, you can keep the kids entertained with just a short walk.
The pistes of Morzine provide plenty of scope for all abilities. Beginners will appreciate the gentle, sheltered slopes, while intermediates will adore the tree-lined pistes of Pleney. There are also plenty of challenging runs for more experienced skiers.
Ski in Morzine and you have access to one of the most famous ski areas in the world — the Portes du Soleil. A perfect resort for families and those who like clocking up the kilometres, Morzine has a loyal following of visitors who return year after year.
Beginners have a choice of some excellent nursery slopes all set in the heart of Morzine's ski area, while intermediates can quickly graduate up from Morzine to Avoriaz, and the more testing runs that take in Switzerland.
Expert skiers will love the challenging terrain on offer. Runs such as the Swiss Wall — one of the steepest black runs in the Alps - along with the World Cup descent down from Avoriaz down to Morzine are just the start.
It is possible to take a basic tour of the Portes du Soleil in one day, but if time is limited, the slopes around Morzine offer plenty to keep you entertained. Take a look at the Morzine piste map.
In the summer months, Morzine is a real family playground, with everything from swimming and kayaking to hiking and much, much more!
Morzine is a great family resort, and with its Famille Plus status there are plenty of activities to keep the children happy. With swimming pools, tennis courts and ice rinks, as well as kayaking, walking and kids clubs, children are spoilt for choice. If you’re heading to Morzine in the summer, take advantage of the Portes du Soleil Multi Pass. Offering unrestricted access to the full range of family fun for activity holidays — ski lifts for walkers, lakeside facilities, 850km of hiking trails, tennis, cultural sites, tourist trains, ice rinks and a shuttle service between resorts — the pass is offered at an exclusive rate of €2.50 at many OVO Network chalets in the French Alps, including our apartments in Les Gets right through to our Morzine luxury chalets (many with outdoor hot tub).
Skiing and boarding are the main activities that bring guests to Morzine in the winter, and in the summer, hiking, biking and climbing are the most popular. But when you stay at an OVO Network property, there is so much more to see and do. Here are some of our favourite things to do in Morzine - you’ll find the details below.
Helicopter sight-seeing tours - Soar over the snowy peaks on an exhilarating discovery flight. During these helicopter rides, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the panoramic views of the Alps for a 30-minute flight around the most famous peaks in the Portes du Soleil area. We recommend this as a perfect birthday or anniversary gift for an experience you will never forget!
Visit Lac Montriond - Lac Montriond is always a great day out when you're staying in Morzine. But if you're keen to take your lake trip to another level, then try out paddleboarding, or even kayaking! There are various providers around the lake who can sort you out for an afternoon of beautiful views and sunshine. Have a look at the link below to find out more.
Husky dog sledding - Take your mountain adventure to the next level with a husky sled ride in Morzine. The meeting point, located just beyond the Avoriaz Heli-pad, is accessible by car or by skiing. Initiate yourself to the activity by booking a 3-hour ride with an instructor.
Horse-drawn carriage ride - This activity is great for families and couples looking for a peaceful scenic ride around Morzine. Starting from the tourist office in the town centre, you will find several trips available around the resort and through the old quarter of town.
Summer sledge - Sledging doesn’t have to stop when the snow melts - this year-round rail sledge offers a thrilling ride for all, with jumps, chicanes and turns to soak in the beauty of the French Alps from the Pleney slopes.
Ice-skating - You can take to the ice all year round at the Penguins rink, the Morzine-Avoriaz hockey club. It’s open to the public, with music and lights for fun loops around the ice with family or friends.
Snow shoeing - Swap your skis with raquette shoes and explore the breathtaking landscape around the Portes du Soleil. Ideal for those looking for a break from the busy pistes, this activity promises a serene experience out in the snow for you and your group to explore the mountains around Morzine.
From traditional Alpine dishes such as raclette to top-end French cuisine and international flavours, Morzine offers something for all palates.
For a great coffee stop try Beanies Ski Shop and Coffee Bar, which has a lovely atmosphere, while for a warm welcome and delicious food La Grange is always a popular choice — booking recommended. Choose Restaurant Le Petit Coq for great steak and some more international dishes, or L’Atelier if you want a special night out. For great-value pizzas, burgers and Thai dishes, head for Mamma’s, or for a special night out book L’Atelier where local chef Alexandre Baud-Pachon offers Michelin-starred cooking.
On the mountain try Changabang at the top of Les Prodains cable car, or La Paika, set in an old wooden building on the Vorosses piste above Les Gets. You’ll also find plenty of bars in Morzine for an apres ski drink - try Dixie Bar, Cafe Chaud and The Cavern , or the Bec Jaune Brewery for something a little different.
Shop in Morzine and you’ll be spoilt for choice, with everything from the top ski brands to local delicacies and homewares. As you’d expect from one of France’s top mountain resorts, Morzine offers a large selection of activity shops, selling everything from the latest skis and designer ski wear to mountain biking kit and summer walking gear. If you’re already kitted out, head to the stores selling everything from wooden toys for the kids to delicious local cheeses and sausages, jewellery, fashions, perfumes, souvenirs and more, plus a choice of supermarkets for all the essentials.