Morzine

Morzine is one of the most popular resorts in the Portes du Soleil — a vast Franco-Swiss ski domain offering 600 km of pistes across 12 resorts. Situated at 1,000 m in the Haute-Savoie, Morzine is a traditional alpine town rather than a purpose-built station. Its mix of wooden chalets, cobbled streets, year-round community, and lively après scene gives it a lived-in authenticity that appeals to families, groups, and younger skiers alike.

The resort’s location makes it one of the most accessible from the UK — just 75 minutes from Geneva Airport — and its broad range of accommodation, from budget apartments to boutique hotels and catered chalets, ensures it caters to every market.

Morzine also enjoys a unique position within the Portes du Soleil. Linked with Les Gets on one side and Avoriaz on the other, it allows skiers to move seamlessly between family-friendly slopes, lively après hubs, and high-altitude, snow-sure terrain, all in a single day.

Skiing & Snowboarding

Morzine’s local slopes are extensive, with direct access to Les Gets and easy lifts up to Avoriaz.

• Beginners: Gentle nursery slopes in the Pleney area are perfect for learning, with excellent ski schools and magic carpets close to the village. Les Gets also offers wide, confidence-building greens and blues just a couple of lifts away.
• Intermediates: This is the heart of Morzine’s appeal. Long, rolling blues and reds dominate, perfect for mileage and exploration. Runs from Chamossière and Nyon are firm favourites, with tree-lined descents adding variety. Intermediates can also cruise into Avoriaz for steeper slopes and Swiss circuits.
• Experts: While Morzine itself is not as steep as Chamonix or Tignes, nearby Avoriaz and Champery offer legendary challenges, including the infamous Swiss Wall (a vast mogul field). Off-piste descents from Nyon and Chamossière provide powder days for those with a guide.
• Freestylers: Morzine has a lively freestyle scene with a snowpark on Nyon, but nearby Avoriaz is the freestyle capital of the Alps, with world-class parks and halfpipes.

The hallmark of Morzine skiing is its variety. You can cruise Les Gets’ sunny meadows in the morning, carve Avoriaz’s steeper reds in the afternoon, and still be back in the town square for après.

Ski Lift Passes (2024/25 Season)

Morzine offers a choice between a local pass or the full Portes du Soleil.

• Morzine–Les Gets pass (120 km): ~€52/day | ~€260 for 6 days
• Portes du Soleil full area pass (600 km): ~€62/day | ~€310 for 6 days
• Child (5–15): ~25% reduction
• Under 5s: Free

Deals:

• Family passes with discounts.
• Reduced passes for beginners.

Full details at the Morzine ski pass page.

Resort & Infrastructure

Morzine is a large, bustling alpine town with several lift hubs:

• Pleney sector: Rising directly from the village centre, this is home to nursery slopes and tree-lined runs, linking with Les Gets.
• Super Morzine gondola: Crosses the valley to connect with Avoriaz and the wider Portes du Soleil.
• Nyon & Chamossière: Higher, steeper sectors offering more challenging slopes and excellent off-piste.

The lift system has been steadily upgraded, with fast gondolas and high-speed chairs easing flow, though at peak weeks some bottlenecks remain. Snowmaking covers the lower slopes, while the proximity of Avoriaz ensures access to higher, snow-sure skiing when conditions in Morzine are variable.

Accommodation

Morzine offers one of the widest choices of accommodation in the Alps, catering to all budgets.

• Budget: Self-catered apartments, hostels, and budget-friendly hotels in and around town.
• Mid-Range: Chalet-hotels, B&Bs, and family-run hotels with half-board options.
• Luxury: Boutique chalets with private chefs, and stylish hotels such as the Hotel Le Dahu and Hotel Champs Fleuris.

Browse via the Morzine accommodation search. Many chalets here are British-run, adding to the resort’s popularity with UK skiers.

Dining & Après

Morzine’s dining scene is broad and diverse, from pizzerias and burger bars to Savoyard restaurants and gourmet dining. La Chaudanne is a long-time favourite for fine food, while L’Etale is known for lively, hearty meals. On the mountain, Le Vaffieu on Pleney is a must for its cosy atmosphere and traditional dishes.

Après-ski is one of Morzine’s highlights. Bars like Bar Robinson and Coup de Coeur are popular, while Tibetan Café and Dixie Bar bring live music and a party vibe. For a true slope-side party, Avoriaz’s La Folie Douce is only a few lifts away. The overall vibe in Morzine is energetic, international, and friendly.

Non-Skiing Activities

Morzine is a genuine year-round town, so non-skiers will find plenty to do.

• The Palais des Sports with swimming pool, spa, and ice rink.
• Snowshoeing and winter hiking trails.
• Ice diving in nearby Lake Montriond.
• Paragliding flights and helicopter tours.
• Weekly markets, shops, and cultural events in town.

It’s also a hub for mountain biking and hiking in summer, which keeps the town lively year-round.

Village Character & Access

Morzine is a real alpine town with roots stretching back centuries. Its wooden chalets, lively central square, and year-round population give it authenticity and warmth. The mix of locals, French families, and international visitors creates a cosmopolitan yet welcoming atmosphere.

How to get there from the UK:

• By air: Geneva Airport is 75 mins away.
• By train: Eurostar/TGV to Cluses or Thonon-les-Bains, then transfer (30–40 mins).
• By car: Around 8 hrs 30 mins from Calais.

InTheSnow Verdict

Morzine combines big-area skiing with small-town charm. Its slopes are perfect for families and intermediates, while Avoriaz adds altitude and challenge for advanced skiers. The après-ski is among the liveliest in the Portes du Soleil, and the town itself is authentic, buzzing, and convenient.

For those who want variety, nightlife, and easy access from the UK, Morzine is one of the best all-round ski towns in the Alps.

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