At the heart of the enormous Portes du Soleil ski area, Morzine has maintained its traditional Savoyard atmosphere and charming chalet style. Set at 1000 metres, it isn’t the highest spot in the area, but it does benefit from excellent lift linkage and the wide, tree lined runs make it a dream for beginners. Major investment in snow making in the last few years means the resort can stay open until mid April – the perfect time to learn on quiet slopes.
Orientation
An easy drive up the Route des Grand Alps, Morzine sits
between the quiet village of Les Gets and the purpose-built resort of Avoraiz.
Both provide links to the surrounding Portes du Soleil ski area, one of the
world’s largest ski regions with 407 miles of lift-linked pistes straddling the
French / Swiss border. The resort has an average annual snowfall of over 9
metres, enabling sleigh rides, winter hikes, snow shoeing, snow biking and snow
mobiling throughout the winter.
The Slopes
The dedicated ‘zone debutants’ on the Pleney side of the
valley has perfect, wide, tree lined slopes which run on to very steady and
easy blues back to the village. Slightly higher is the Les Indians trail, which
is more like a theme park than a learner’s area and crosses in to Les Gets. On
the Super Morzine side of the valley is the Proclou area, the base for the
Avoriaz ski schools. Although the piste can become fairly busy during key
weeks, this is the largest and widest area on which you can learn in the Portes
du Soleil. New for this year is a beginners-only trail through this area, to be
used exclusively by the ESF ski school. This is perfect for building confidence
and runs in to gentle tree lined blues all the way back to Morzine. The key
thing about learning to ski in Morzine is that you don’t have to go too far
from the village.
The Village
The village square hosts a large outdoor skating rink each
winter and is surrounded by bars and restaurants, many of which are geared up
for young families. Although the resort is a favourite with Brits, it manages
to retain a truly French working village feel – The Morzinous even have their
own national ice hockey team The Penguins and games take place on their own
rink in the centre of town throughout the winter season. With its weekly
market, traditional Savoyard architecture and setting on the banks of the River
Dranse, Morzine is much more than your average ski resort.
Our Recommendations
Hotel au Coin de Feu
A traditionally built and family orientated full service
hotel with lots of comfort and style at the foot of the Prodains gondola. Its
ski-to-the-door location makes it perfect for hassle free family ski holidays,
as does the well equipped crèche. For older children there is a games room and
for adults, a hot tub, sauna and perfectly prepared five course evening meal.
The owners Paul and Francesca have been operating family holidays in Morzine
for 15 years and live there all year round with their three children.
For more information please visit www.chillypowder.com or call 00 33 45074
7521
Restaurant Numero Dix
Modern European food is prepared by Numero Dix owners Phil
and Vicky in their cozy restaurant just off the town’s ancient Bourg area.
Popular with locals and tourists alike, ingredients are locally sourced and
cooked perfectly.
Restaurant Vaffieu
At the top of the Belvedere chairlift, Vaffieu is a
favourite amongst families and beginners, not least because of the excellent
views from its terrace. Traditional Savoyard food is served with a hint of
Corsican flavours. Prices are mid-range and there is an excellent children’s
menu. The best part though is the steady green runs back to the village after a
relaxing lunch.
Buddah Bar
Slap bang in the centre of town, The Buddah is decorated
with Asian inspiration, providing a nice and trendy contrast with the more
traditional wine bars and pubs in Morzine. Their happy hour is an excellent
opportunity to try the complimentary local meats and cheeses that are passed
around the bar and the mix of regular seating with low tables and cushions is
very conducive to late night drinking!
Green runs: 12
Blue runs: 5
Red runs: 3
Ski schools: 5
Access to slopes? 12345
Beginner’s area: 12345
Overall: 12345
Cost: Medium
Getting there: Allow 1.5 hours for the drive from
Geneva and two hours from Chambery. Access via the motorway system is excellent.
