What You Need to Know About Morzine
When heading off on a skiing holiday, choosing the right resort is always likely to be a priority.
In addition to making sure all your skiing gear is in order, checking out the slopes and, of course, looking at the Après-ski options, the location itself is always going to be one of the first decisions you need to make.
One of the most popular ski resorts in the Alps is Morzine.
But with Europe’s most popular mountain range stacked with a whole host of stunning resort options, what sets Morzine apart from the rest?
Well, in this article we’re going to provide you with a comprehensive guide that outlines what you need to know about Morzine, making sure you have everything you need and understand what this excellent resort has to offer.
Read on to find out more.
Where is Morzine?
Let’s start with the basics, where is Morzine?
Like many resorts in the region, Morzine is actually in the French Alps but is extremely close to the border with Switzerland. This means it’s easily accessible from both nations.
For example, Morzine is just an hour away from Geneva Airport, making it one of the region’s most easily accessible resorts. Plus, it’s just 20 miles from the stunning Lake Geneva, so if you fancy a day away from the slopes to marvel at a piece of natural Swiss beauty while on your trip, Morzine is always a good option.
More specifically, Morzine is part of the extensive Portes du Soleil ski area which is home to a wide range of ski resorts. This means it’s also possible to visit other resorts and experience different slopes if you feel like it.
The history of Morzine
The resort of Morzine has a rich history when it comes to alpine activities, and people have been skiing the slopes in the surrounding areas for more than a century.
The first official ski run was opened in Morzine in 1925, but it took until 1934 before the resort really started to make its name. It was here that the Pleney cable car was installed which began to draw tourists in with its spectacular views of the Alps. This was also only the second cable car of its kind installed in the entirety of France, making it a big draw for those wanting to take in these views.
These days, Morzine has established itself as one of the most popular skiing destinations in the Alps, with thousands of visitors heading to the town from around the world each year.
How high is Morzine?
Morzine sits at the very heart of the Portes du Soleil ski area, and boasts an impressive altitude of 1,000m. If you fancy something slightly higher, its sister resort Avoriaz offers heights of 1,800m and can be easily reached from Morzine if you wish to use the resort as your base to visit other places nearby.
However, altitude is not always the be-all and end-all.
In fact, many of the lower slopes at Morzine are regarded as better due to the fact that the pistes are built on pasture land. This means it’s less rocky and generally easier for snow to settle on making for a smoother skiing experience.
Where to stay in Morzine
Accommodation is another thing that is always high on the priority list when organising a skiing trip.
Fortunately, Morzine has something for everyone.
Whether you’re embarking on a family holiday, a trip with friends or a romantic getaway for two, Morzine is full of hotels, chalets and apartments that are suitable for any budget, party size or other requirements.
Due to its proximity to Geneva Airport, it’s no surprise that Morzine is one of the most popular ski resorts in the world. With this in mind, the town can quickly get filled up, especially during peak ski season.
Therefore, accommodation slightly further afield shouldn’t be ignored. For example, there are numerous towns and villages located along the neighbouring Dranse valley, many of which seamlessly link up with the resort through a network of ski lifts.
While slightly further away from the main Morzine amenities, they’re likely to be less crowded and perhaps even cheaper. Consider what you want to prioritise before booking accommodation to ensure you have everything you need when you arrive.
How to get to Morzine?
As previously mentioned, Morzine is located just over an hour away from Geneva Airport, making it one of the most easily accessible ski resorts in the Alps.
If you do decide to fly into Geneva, there are then a number of options you can take to get to Morzine. Using a transfer directly from the airport is perhaps the easiest way, as you won’t have to fork out for a cab or navigate the mountain roads in a hire car.
Both private transfers and shared transfers are available depending on what you’re looking for.
Is there snow in Morzine?
If you’re going skiing, then you’re going to want to make sure there’s snow on the ground. It’s pretty much a minimum requirement!
Well, with Morzine you’re in luck.
The snow in Morzine is considered to be reliable with around 400cm falling per year. This is combined with snow-making technology, like snow cannons, which add to the natural elements that mean skiing can generally be enjoyed at Morzine all year round.
Is Morzine good for beginners?
Whether your group is full of avid skiers, you’re all rookies or you have a mixture, Morzine is a great option for you.
Beginners can be apprehensive when hitting the slopes for the first time, but Morzine is full of ski schools and has access to fantastic teachers who can help even the most wobbly-legged skier perfect their form.
The resort has dedicated beginner’s areas for both skiers and snowboarders and has three green (easy) runs and 29 (average) ones to help people get to grips with the activity.
Is Morzine family-friendly?
Morzine is one of a few ski resorts to hold the prestigious Famille Plus label. This award means that Morzine is considered family-friendly and is perfect for little ones of all ages. Not only are there child-friendly slopes, but childcare is also on offer if you want to attempt something a bit more adventurous without worrying about the kids.
Furthermore, there is a swimming pool and daily kids events to keep them occupied at all times. There’s also a penguin-themed boardercross that, as well as helping with skiing skills, provides the little ones with educational information about the local wildlife and which will maybe even see them catch a glimpse of one of the magnificent eagles that occupy the skies in the region.
What events are in Morzine?
A skiing trip is so much more than just spending time on the slopes.
At Morzine, there are a whole host of activities that take place during the day and at night that you can enjoy.
Perhaps the most significant is an annual music festival, Rock Des Pistes, that takes place over a week every March. Here, live bands perform on the pistes and there are a whole host of other concerts and live music events that frequently take place in the town.
As well as this, you can take in live ice hockey matches, go husky sledding and even spectate at competitive skiing events.
And of course, there is plenty of Après-ski options to sink your teeth into after a long day out on the slopes. Morzine boasts a whole host of mountain bars as well as venues at the base of the mountain. One of the most popular is Hotel Les Rhodos which has a south-facing terrace which offers stunning mountain views when the sun is out. It also features numerous plasma TVs if you want to take in any live sport while away.
Morzine is also home to a popular, but strong, local beer called Mutzig. It is served in most bars in the town but beware, it can vary in strength from a standard 4% all the way to a hefty 12%.
Visit Morzine with Alpine Fleet
If you’re planning on making a trip to Morzine, Alpine Fleet is here to help.
We provide leading airport transfers from Geneva Airport to a whole host of ski resorts in the Alps including Morzine. This includes private transfers which can cater just for you and your party, as well as shared transfers which take large groups directly from the airport to the resort on a regular basis. If you want more information on how to get to Morzine, check out our previous blog on the topic.
Plus, for a full guide on what to expect from skiing in Morzine, we’ve got you covered here too with another article on exactly that.
To find out more about what we do and to begin planning your Morzine trip, contact Alpine Fleet today.
