Morzine Resort Review
Morzinedoes not fall into the stereotype of modern French ski resort. In fact it’s the exact opposite, located at just 1000m, it sits low down in the valley below Les Gets and Avoriaz, and instead of being a ghost town in the summer, it’s bustling with life thanks to around 7000 year-round inhabitants. Morzineis part of the huge Portes du Soleil ski area, one of the largest in the world boasting about 650km of skiable terrain.
Part of the charm of this popular resort lies in the fact that it still holds a real traditional Alpine atmosphere. The vast majority of Morzine apartments and hotels and are made of wood and are built in a chalet style, so when the snow falls, a magical transformation takes place and suddenly you will be whisked off to a Winter Wonderland. With an average of 929m of snowfall per year, this is a common occurrence, but even when the village does suffer slightly due to its height, there are plenty of snow-cannons to ensure that the wooded trails leading back to the village stay white.
As part of the Portes du Soleil ski area, Morzine is a fantastic base for a ski holiday. It has two gondolas linking up to Les Gets and Avoriaz, both of which offer different styles of skiing. The tree-lined wide runs of the Les Gets side contrast with the higher and more modern Avoriaz. On this side, you can even voyage further afield into the beautiful Swiss resorts Champery and Les Corsets. Beginners are well-catered for around the village itself, and intermediates will find plenty of terrain to explore with over 240 runs in the whole ski area. Advanced skiers are advised to visit the Nyon/Chamossiere which has 8 black runs or another wise option would be to hire a guide to explore the huge off-piste area.
It is no surprise that Morzine is an extremely popular holiday destination for British skiers. Families in particular are well-catered for with the tourist office arranging activities for children including a weekly torch lit descent run by ESF. The opening of a huge new swimming pool complex is only going to add to the non-ski activities available. Plenty of the Morzine hotels are ideal for families, especially the Hotel Alpina which has a family-room available at excellent rates.
Despite being such a small village, Morzine has a cracking nightlife. There are not too many bars but there are plenty of people there wanting to have a good time, and enough spots for a varied night out. La Kinkerne is a good option for anyone fresh off the piste looking for a pint to quench their thirst or alternatively Le Rhodos is a more chilled out spot with comfortable sofas and calming music. For something to eat, try Chalet Philibertwhich hasa well-recommended restaurant and a cosy bar.
The Alpine atmosphere of Morzine will charm the socks off even the most cynical of folks, and the vast Portes du Soleil ski area has got just the right amount of variance to suit the majority of skiers. Parents can be safe in the knowledge that thanks to the family-friendly feel of the resort, their children will be entertained both on and off the ski slopes whilst party-animals are assured of a good night out. The range of accommodation in Morzine will suit all groups, from families to couples looking for a romantic getaway.
It may sit at a low altitude, but getting a Morzine ski deal is high on our list for this season.












