Morzine Ski Resort is in my top 5, favourite skiing destinations in France. It is a resort that suits all types of groups from family ski holidays to a bunch of friends flying in for a weekend. It also offers a wide range of activities on and off the ski slopes and also has a large selection of restaurants and pubs to cater for your needs.
Not to mention it is part of one of the biggest ski areas in the world, Portes Du Soleil, with over 650kms of runs and is only around an hour and a half from Geneva airport.
Due to this, Morzine Ski Resort is fast becoming incredibly popular with British skiers/snowboarders, as skiing destination in France.
Morzine Ski Resort
Out of the 12 resorts that make up the Portes Du Soleil ski area, Morzine Ski Resort is the largest and probably the most convenient in regards to resort hopping. It is one of the reasons why I have been to Morzine France on several occasions during the ski season.
It is also the only resort where I have ever experienced extreme weather conditions from -26 with arctic winds to thunder and lighting while skiing.
Morzine Ski Runs
Skiing in Morzine France is ideal for everyone especially beginners and families. It has a large range of green and blue runs that are nice and wide so you can practice your turns, The ski school is at the top of the slopes just outside the Pleney cable car, which is great for the more nervous beginner and near the nursery area.
For the more advanced skier, you have a nice selection of both red and black runs to keep you entertained especially over in the Nyon plateau ski area.
If you decide that you want to mix it up, you can ski in Les Gets Ski Resort or catch the super Morzine gondola and head over to Champery Ski Resort on the Swiss side.
⇒ If you or someone you know is unsure about what steps to take before going skiing with a Pacemaker or Defibrillator (ICD). Then this article Travelling with a Pacemaker or Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD), covers all aspects.
Morzine lift pass
Like in my Les Gets Ski Resort Guide your Morzine lift pass is really flexible and you can get a lift pass for both the Morzine/Les Gets Ski area or the whole Portes Du Soleil.
It will depend on your experience, comfort, and budget for what type of Morzine ski pass will suit you. However, the Morzine/Les Gets Ski Pass does not include the Super Morzine & Ardent lifts, which are part of the Avoriaz Ski Resort lift pass.
To miss, the queues buy your Morzine lift pass online and pick it up from the ski office. You can also have it sent out to you in the mail if you wish. Once you lift pass, can also recharge it online when required.
Overview of the Skiing Morzine Ski Area
- 125 Open trails
- 83 Ski lifts
- Plenty of on and off piste skiing, especially through the forest after a fresh dump of snow
- 1 Snowpark called ‘The Nyon’
- Kids Area Penguin Park, mini slaloms, tunnels and jumps
⇒ Do you have the right travel insurance for peace of mind before hitting the ski slopes in Morzine France? Compare the best holiday insurance for FREE
Outdoor winter activities in Morzine
Skiing with the Ski Patrol
Looking for outdoor winter activities while staying in Morzine France, then how about skiing with the Ski Patrol? I was lucky enough to go skiing with the Ski patrol and learn how they prepare the slopes for your safety. It was one of the winter activities I was looking forward to as it is only offered twice a year during Morzine Loves Women.
I was up at the crack of dawn, as I had an early start at the bottom of the Pleney cable car. We could not have asked for better ski conditions for our activity. There was plenty of fresh snow, the sky was clear and the temperature was just right.
We set off behind the Ski patroller following him like a bunch of school kids to mark the unsafe areas. We watched him put up the flags and poles, while at the same time listening to him explaining the reason for their placement.
It was really interesting and I never really thought about how much work goes into preparing the slopes. Once we were finished, he radioed in to confirm that skiers were now allowed to use the run.
Take a horse ride through the Portes du Soleil villages
Another great outdoor winter activity in Morzine is Horse-drawn carriage rides exploring the village and its surrounding areas are one of the many activities that are offered during the winter season.
Prices and times vary depending on the route you want to take, from 10€ per person for a petit tour to 90€ for a circuit tour to Montriond. It leaves from near the Tourist Office, in the central part of Morzine France and the carriage can fit up to 5 people (6 including the driver).
Don’t forget your GoPro for all those action shots while hitting the slopes in Morzine.
The Horse Route
I went on the circuit tour around the Morzine village and to the town of Montriond, which went for around 90 minutes. We explored all the village and then we stopped at a gallery owned by a lovely local couple. To be honest, I think 90mintues was a bit too long but anything between 30-60 would have been perfect. This is definitely something that is great to do as a family or a small group.
Attend an Ice-Hockey game
I love trying different things and when I was invited to be one of the VIP guests at the indoor ice hockey, I thought this will be a lot of fun. Not only because of the atmosphere but it would be a good way to spend some time with the locals.
Unfortunately, the local team lost 3-1 and it was their last game of the season but everyone still had a great time and I made some new friends.
Read More – 6 Top Tips for Saving Money for a Ski Weekend
The Ice Rinks
The Morzine Ski Resort France has two ice rinks that you can use during the winter season, an outdoor and an indoor ice rink and the public can use both. The outdoor ice rink is opposite the tourist office and next to the children’s carousel. The indoor ice rink is at the Sports Hall and they host hockey matches, ice skating competitions and ice dancing performances.
Rock the Pistes Festival
If you only ever attend one ski festival in your lifetime, then it will have to be Rock the Pistes. It is an annual music festival spread across the entire Portes Du Soleil ski area, held over a period of a week. Each resort hosts a series of both indoor and outdoor events, with the drawcard being the on-piste concerts.
Read the full review of Ski Rock the Piste Festival that has tips and useful information.
The festival provides the perfect opportunity to ski or snowboard while enjoying music from international acts. The best bit is the concerts are absolutely FREE and are included in your ski pass.
I attended Rock the Pistes for a few days and to experience exactly what it is like to attend a concert at high altitude in Portes Du Soleil. I had such a wonderful time, the atmosphere was electric, the bands were great and the views across the Alps as the backdrop were stunning. There is no doubt in my mind that this one of the best ski festivals in Europe.
Most of the concerts start in the afternoon after lunch. So if you don’t want to miss out on skiing, get up for the first run of the morning. Then you get the best of both worlds, skiing and music. Ski racks are provided at each concert venue on the slopes, for your equipment. As skis and snowboards must be removed for entering the concert areas.
Tip
- The lifts will stay open half an hour later than usual during the week of the music festival.
Having fun in the VIP area at Rock the Pistes Festival
Getting to Morzine from the UK in Winter
Being a popular skiing destination for both a week and weekend trip, Morzine Ski resort is super easy to get to. You have a selection of airports that fly too and they are all short flights from the UK. Once you arrive, there are numerous ways of getting to Morzine from buses, trains, private transfer, shared transfer, or hire a car
Closest Airport to Morzine
The closest airport to Morzine is Geneva international, which is roughly an hour and a half away by car. You have a good selection of major airlines that fly there from London to Geneva every day. It really depends on time, price and who you prefer.
The airlines I use to get there are Easyjet, British Airways and Swiss Air, which is my preferred choice. If I am on a budget and I know well in advance, I find that Easyjet does some good cheap flights.
Transfers from Geneva to Morzine
The easiest way to get to Morzine from Geneva is to take a transfer directly from the airport departure area. Most of the ski transfer companies have a stall next to each other at the Geneva airport. As you come out of departures they are located just on your left hand side.
If you book a private ski transfer, the driver will have a sign as you come out. I have had a private transfer and shared transfer to Morzine from Geneva a few times in winter. Previously used the following companies, Skiidygonzales andAlpybus.
Catching public transport from Geneva to Morzine
If you are on a budget, your best option is to take public transport from Geneva to Morzine, which you can get from the airport. You can catch a train to either Cluses or Thonon-Les-Bains and then a bus directly to Morzine.
Both of these are around 30 minutes (30 km) and there is a regular bus service from the stations to Morzine in winter.
Winter accommodation in Morzine
Being the largest of the 13 resorts in the Portes du Soleil, Morzine has a large selection of accommodation available in winter. From luxury 5 star chalets to hotels, apartments, and hostels there is something for everyone with any type of budget.
Feel free to check current availability for accommodation in Morzine France.
- Morzine uses European adaptors
Food on the Mountain
I never got a chance this time to have dinner in Morzine Village, as I was on half board and ate at the hotel but I did get to try out a few places for lunch on the mountain.
Le Vaffieu
Le Vaffieu a cute little hut restaurant on the slopes between both Les Gets and Morzine Ski Resorts, opposite the Folliets chair lift. It is one of those places that you could sit there enjoying a glass of wine and then realised that you have been there for several hours.
The staff are friendly and they cook traditional mountain food like pasta and fondue. It is very popular, so it is highly recommended that you make a reservation for lunch.
Chez Nannon
I would have never ventured to this place if I wasn’t with the tourism board as I didn’t know it existed. I am so glad they did because Chez Nannon is definitely my type of place where you can have cheese overload. Located on the Nyon plateau in the middle of the ski fields, the only way to get there is by skiing or Skidoo.
It makes very traditional food and has some nice selections of wine to wash all the food down. I suggest you try one of the specialities like the ‘Potatoes with melted Reblochon cheese’ with a salad and a selection of cold meats (min 2 pers).
Tip
- It is highly recommended to book in advance, as it is not a very big place and it gets very busy. I don’t want you to miss out on this amazing cheese.
La Dez ‘Alp
Centrally located in the Morzine village, La Dez ‘Alp and is open for either Lunch or Dinner. Decorated in a traditional modern Savoyard style. This restaurant has all your favourite cheese dishes and a large selection of wines. It also has some beautiful views overlooking Morzine Ski Resort village that you can enjoy while having your meal.
Tip
- Ask for a table near the window, to appreciate the views.
Tips before going to Morzine Ski Resort
- You can get FREE WIFI at the tourism office
- Try ski joering which is being pulled on skis, holding onto a frame, behind a horse. Unfortunately, I was unable to try this due to the Morzine ski conditions being bad.
- Visit the other resorts Chatel and Champery if you have the time
- Children under the age of 5 can ski for FREE
Would I Recommend Skiing in Morzine France
I really enjoy skiing in Morzine France and it is one of my favourite Ski Resorts. The atmosphere was relaxed, the skiing was great, there were plenty of things to do and lots of places to eat. It is also super easy to get around and it is good for both families and groups.
With Morzine Ski Resort being at a low altitude, you can’t always ski all the way back to the village. Good ski conditions are not always guaranteed early or late in the season. However, I still would not hesitate to go back to ski, especially with easy access to Geneva airport.
Discover the Ski Resorts in Portes du Soleil
To discover other Ski Resorts in Portes du Soleil, feel free to read the following. All are great options for ski holidays.
- More to offer than a Ski Resort – Lets Gets France
- The Ultimate Skiing Guide – Champéry Switzerland
- A Resort On the Up – Chatél France
Stopping in Geneva before or after skiing in Morzine France, then there are plenty of activities to do. Or maybe simply just want to take a break from skiing.
Thank you for reading my article, I really enjoy skiing in Morzine France and it is a great Ski destination.
Have you been to Morzine Ski Resort or any other of the Portes du Soleil Ski Resorts before? I would love to hear your experiences in the comments below.
Disclaimer: Even though I was invited by the Morzine Ski Resort Tourism office. All views are my own and based on my own experience.
“This post contains affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you if you click on one of the product links, we may earn a commission.” For further details, you can view our Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions or contact me directly.
Wow those pictures! I was in Morzine when I was a child….so I hardly remember anything. Except that the landscapes were gorgeous and people super kind. Now I really want to go back 😉
Thank you very much, I was lucky that it has snowed just before I got there so everything was pretty and white.
Wow, your pictures are beautiful! I have never been skiing but this makes me want to give it a try. It looks like it has everything for a nice getaway and I can join the other beginners to give it a go!
Thank you very, this is a great place if you want to learn how to see. I highly recommend it and when you want to take a break, you can enjoin one of the many bars.
Seems like a great Place to og skiing. I love Your Snowy Pictures, all white and magical. I ski way too little for someone from Norway, most of the time I ski when I travel. Maybe I should add a trip to Morzine to my travelplans soon 🙂
It is a great place to ski, I think I have been there about 5 times 🙂 I would love to ski in Norway and thank you in regards to my pictures.
The pristine white and the snow covered trees looks so ethereal and paradise like!!! I’ve never skiied so far and I really hope to, sometime soon!!! Le Cottage looks like a perfect place to stay!!!
It definitely does look like a winter wonderland when it is all covered in snow 🙂
Oh it is so gorgeous!! After 27 years I still totally miss living in this part of the world! Grreat place to visit and wonderful skiiing!
I totally agree Tracy it is such a beautiful place.
This looks amazing 😀 I actually never ski, even though I am Norwegian and we are known to be “born with ski on our feet” I would definitely love to go to a place like this with so much snow and where the landscape is just breathtaking 😀 This is a dream place for winter sports lovers for sure 😀
This place is stunning when it is all covered in snow and definitely recommend it.
Nothing really compares to a Resort that offers a wide range of activities and it is convenient in almost everything a guest could need. This Resort is really a perfect haven for those that loves to commune with nature. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. Hopefully, I could go here as well if I get the chance.
I totally agree I love when a resort can offer so much more 🙂 I hope that you get there one day too
I’ve heard so much about Morzine (all good things!) and I know loads of people who went there on their first ever skiing holiday. As I’ve never been skiing before that’s good news for me! It’s also absolutely gorgeous – those snow covered trees look like something out of a fairytale!
This resort and Les Gets are both great resorts to learn how to ski in.. Also with Morzine, there are lots of pubs for after skiing too 🙂
Morzine comes across as a white wonderland shimmering in its beauty. I had not heard about the place but I can see why it is one of the top skiing destinations. It was interesting to read about the Ski Patrol and the work they do to ensure the safety of the skiers. Your pictures have captured the best of Morzine.
It is really pretty especially after a fresh dump of snow 🙂 Skiing with the snow patrol was interesting and I am glad that I got to do it.
I am so bummed we didn’t get to hit the slopes this year. Next year we need to make it a priority and oh how we would love to go here! Morzine looks like a storybook village with the most beautiful backdrop with the mountains and snow! We have to go here if not next year the year after!
I definitely highly recommend it when you go especially as there is so much to do there and the surrounding resorts.
As much as I love the views, I found out that winters sports and I don’t mix 🙁 Luckily there are the horse carriage rides through the village! I wonder if they play ice hockey as aggressively as us Americans ;P I’m from Boston and the Bruins are notorious for their aggression hahah
Funny you mention the ice-hockey and America because before I saw this game in Franc,e the only other time I have been to the ice-hockey was in America:-). This is an working village so you don’t have to ski, you can just enjoy the other activities.
How cool that you got to get some insightful info from skiing with the ski patrol 🙂 I used to go skiing, but after an accident a few years ago, I’m a bit terrified of going back on the slopes, but this is making me want to go back. I love that the ski passes are really flexible. Some places can be a real pain about it!
Sorry to hear about your accident and I hope that you are ok. This is a great place if scared, the runs are nice and wide and there are heaps of blues and greens to choose from.
I have not tried skiing before but I’d like to learn someday. Morzine looks like a fantastic place to go skiing. The views are spectacular. I also like the restaurants that you have mentioned. The potatoes with melted Reblochon cheese look delicious and probably it is a considered a comfort food there.
That cheese meal was so amazing especially with a nice glass of wine 🙂 There are lots of restaurant here on and off the mountain, so when you are learning and you get tired then there is somewhere for you to rest 😉
Oh I love this. I love the mountains and the scenery but usually seen through hiking or rock climbing. I have never been skiiing before but its something I have been wanting to try for a long time. This is a great series.
I love hiking and climbing too!!! You should definitely try it and there are plenty of ski schools that you can choose from 🙂
650 km of ski slopes is a huge amount! I like the idea of having lots of wide slopes for not so strong skiers like me to practise turns etc.. Le Cottage seems to be the perfect place to stay in Morzine village location and luxury wise.
The 650klms of runs is all connected by 12 ski resorts 🙂 Morzine and Les Gets are great places if you are not a strong skier.
What a beautiful looking ski resort. I just love your pictures. I have heard of this place before but not really read anything about it till now. Great read definitely on my radar now for next season.
This place is great for either families or a group of friends. Definitely, take a look into going here next year.
I’m based in America but come to Europe for holidays. My kids would absolutely love this place especially the ice-hockey and the horse ride.
This is a great place for kids and if you don’t ski you can still go up the mountain and watch them. There are lots of things to do to for kids, like the horse ride, like you said.
Chez Nannon is somewhere we haven’t tried but will definitely be booking as soon as it opens again… a few people have recommended it to us already and it’s certainly off the beaten track! I love that you got to go out with the ski patrol, I’ll check out the link and see if I can follow in your footsteps (or should that be ‘ski tracks’?!) and learn more about the important work that those guys do!
Chez Nannon was so good, make sure you take your husband because they give you so much food. My mouth is even watering when I think of their food. Definitely, book beforehand though as it was super busy in there and not much room. lol, ski tracks sound better 🙂 Chatel is up next 🙂 Hope you have a great summer season!!
What a beautiful ski spot! It’s always nice to know there’s more to do than just skiing. Thanks for the tip about where to find reliable wifi! The number of times the wifi hasn’t worked in hotels is crazy.
No worries about the wifi, I agree with you about it being crazy in hotels. I am not sure why all hotels don’t offer it, as it just apart of life now 🙂
I’ve never been to Morzine but thanks to your very complete guide I’d certainly be interested in skiing there. Must have been fun to watch the ice hockey and to accompany the ski patrol!
You would love it there especially visiting all the amazing restaurants. I overloaded on cheese 🙂
Wow this is definitely a must-try for ski lovers. Your pictures are so tempting! This place looks like the ultimate winter wonderland – it’s hard to even believe it’s real! I love that you added a comprehensive guide so it’s easier to plan for those who would want to go (like me!).
This definitely a beautiful place and I loved skiing in between the trees here. I highly recommend it.
Oh this looks fantastic. I have never tried skiing but I really want to. I wonder if this is suitable for a first timer hah
This is a great place to learn how to ski and when you need a break there are plenty of places you can eat and drink at 🙂
Great post! Morzine is indeed a beautiful ski destination:)
Tks… It is a great place
I don’t know how to ski… would love to learn. 12 ski resorts … that’s a lot of option to choose from. I guess I know where to head to this winter!
This is a great place to learn how to ski and when you need a break there are plenty of other things to do.
Morzine looks like an incredible place to ski.
We will have to check it out when we get to France
It is a great place and you can go there in the summer as well 🙂
Wow! Very thorough article… seems like you covered everything! Id like to check out the hockey game and the village looks lovely.
The hockey was a lot of fun, the only other time that I have been was in America.
Avoriaz(Morzine France) is a fantastic place to go skiing. Love skiing in Avoriaz late season. I think perfect if you want a small self catered apt. Would recommend however staying in Morzine in a nice chalet that does ski lifts so you get the full combination of the Portes du Soleil with morzine/Les gets. Stunning contrasted ski areas and huge choice
I have stayed in Avoriaz before as well and it another one of my favourite places and you are right about the self-catered apt.
Wow, I’ve actually been here and can attest to everything you’ve said. Unfortunately, as very much a rookie skier, I couldn’t take in all Morzine had to offer on this front but during my time there the food and especially the hockey were great. Also, my photography game isn’t nearly as impressive as yours!
Glad that you have been here Gareth, you definitely will have to go back and experience again 🙂 And thank you in regaards to my pictures.
I am teaching hubby to love the snow, so this might be the perfect getaway for us next year!
This is a great place for people to learn how to ski and when you want a break you can pop into one of the bars 🙂
Woww! The pics are amazing! Never really try skiing and experience full snow like this. Now I really want to!
You don’t have to ski to go here, it is a working village all year round and there is plenty to do off the slopes.
I’ve never skied but I loved this 🙂 Great photo and post and it makes me want to go there right now. Also love your Instagram feed
Ah thank you very much in regards to my Instagram feed, I appreciate it a lot. This would be a great place for you to learn how to ski
Morzine in France looks absolutely gorgeous. I have not heard of this ski resort until now, but it would be such a luxury to visit here. Your photos really capture this winter wonderland perfectly.
This is a beautiful resort and I highly recommend it.
Wow! I love the photos! I always wanted to try skiing on a snow. It’s on my bucket list!
You definitely try it and Morzine is a great place to do it.
Wow! This place looks truly amazing! I would love to explore quaint mountain villages by a horse-drawn carriage. And that potato/cheese gratin dish looks yummy too. Never tried one of those before, even though we have skied in France for many years… It’s nice how you always discover new things when traveling!
I love France especially skiing, you should definitely go with your family. I highly recommend it 🙂
Pingback: A traditional Swiss stay at the Le Chalet de l'Atelier Champery - MelbTravel
Oh wow! This looks like amazing skiing. So jealous. Especially of you getting a chance to ski with the patrol crew. It sounds aweosme! Especially if you have a flexible lift pass
This is an amazing place and I am heading back there on Saturday for the summer season and I can’t wait to see what it looks like.
Mel, great article on Morzine, you can’t beat French skiing for all sorts of reasons. I was going to ask if you had been to Val d’Isère, my favourite resort, but I have just picked up your earlier article, which I recommend everyone should read if they are planning to visit.
Thank you very much John, I appreciate your comment. I just got back from the French alps yesterday, where I was hiking in the same area. I liked Val d’lsere a lot too and it was my 2nd time there. I will definitely have to check out your blog. Enjoy your weekend.
Pingback: Sunrise hike and Breakfast on an Alpine Farm Morgins Switzerland - MelbTravel
This is incredible. I will surely visit Morzine! I love the sceneries.
Thank you guys, I have gone with you a couple of times in transfers and really enjoyed it.
Great article and would whole heartily agree, you certainly found the best mountain restaurants! Their reputation for quality dishes and service are increasing so swing by earlier in the morning when they are setting up and make a reservation for the coziest spots in the restaurants.
I have been a ski instructor In Morzine for the last 9 years and it is a great location for all skiing ability’s and with easy links to the wide open pistes of Les Gets (on the same lift pass). Mont Chery is perhaps the best secret with ultra quiet pistes and arguably the best views in the Alps (also on the Morzine pass). Perhaps the best way to find your way around is to hire an instructor for some top up tips and show you to the best snow, an instructor guide would be highly beneficial if you wanted to explore the rest of the Portes du Soleil area and into Switzerland on a day ski safari. Morzine resort has a great night life and easily manages to retain all its Alpine charm.
Just some more reasons to why Morzine France should be your next ski destination!
Thanks very much and yes I agree with you that it is great to hire a ski instructor. I always gain so much when I have one with me. Btw thank you for your comment too, I appreciate it.