Morzine

Morzine ski area

One of 14 French and Swiss villages that make up the vast Portes du Soleil area with its 600km (400 miles) of runs, Morzine is ideally placed right in the middle of the area, with fast access up to the highest slopes surrounding the futuristic resort of Avoriaz above.

The local Morzine-Les Gets sector covers all the mountains on one side of Morzine. It links the Planay, Morzine, Nyon, Chevannes and the Mont Chéry area in Les Gets.

The Morzine - Les Gets sector is shared between the two resorts in the Portes du Soleil. It represents no less than 47 ski lifts and 71 different runs for over 120km of fun! For beginners, a special beginners area is on top of the Pleney telecabine, as well as the ESF children's area and some beginner slopes at the base.

There are plenty of fun areas for kids such as the Penguins piste or the Chemin de Zouzous, with slaloms, tunnels, bumps and life-size reproductions of wild animals. Both of these have been fully reworked for 2022/23 with plenty of new fun modules. The slopes are ideal for entertaining children and having a good time with the family in a quieter zone.

Reaching Avoriaz from Morzine can be done easily by either a cable car from the hamlet of Les Prodains, reached by free ski-bus from Morzine, provides the quickest and most direct link to Avoriaz.

Or alternatively, you can take the gondola from Morzine up to Super-Morzine, where you can work your way up through the lift system to Avoriaz, or over to the hamlet of Les Lindarets for access to Châtel and other resorts in Portes du Soleil.

There are lots of lightly wooded slopes in the local Morzine area, so bad weather rarely causes a problem. You can find open areas higher up.

Additional ski fact info, main ski info in resort facts box at top of page (24/25):

Les Gets/Morzine local area - 74 slopes, 50 ski lifts (4 gondola/cable car, 25 chairlifts, 14 drag lifts, 5 magic carpets):

Green slopes: 4
Blue slopes: 33
Red slopes: 28
Black slopes: 9

Morzine local area - 42 slopes:

Green slopes: 5
Blue slopes: 18
Red slopes: 15
Black slopes: 4

Morzine skiing info

Beginners
Beginners will enjoy the conveniently located wide village nursery slopes which are provided with many snow cannons to keep the snow at its best. Good progressive runs are to be found in the Nyon sector and there are lots of options on Le Pléney, including a great blue cruiser from the top to the valley lift station.

Intermediates
Confident intermediates will enjoy the challenging red runs down from Chamossiere and the fine steep runs on Mont-Chery. Less confident intermediates are also well catered for. The Le Pléney sector is great for parties with mixed abilities with a blue option to match a red option. The slopes down to Les Gets from Le Pléney are relatively easy (although the slopes face south).

Experts
More challenging pistes and famous runs such as the Swiss Wall and the World Cup downhill black run will keep the expert skier more than happy.  If you venture across to Les Gets, the black runs off the back of Mont Chery are quite challenging. If you’re looking for off-piste there’s is plenty to keep you occupied!

Did you know that in Morzine-Avoriaz, you can use marked trails specially for ski touring for free? In Avoriaz, ski touring can take you up the blue slope of the Lake, and the blue of Arare, as well as Le Crot slope (for cross-country skiing only; downhill skiing on these slopes is prohibited.) Access to Les Prodains is by free shuttle A from the centre of Morzine. In Morzine, you can go to Piste B except on Wednesdays and Saturdays. From Montriond, by ski touring, you can go up and down the slopes of Parchets and Combe in Floret. The ascent route will take you through the village and the Lindarets plateau. You have the choice between two routes:

• Route from the village of Lindarets to the top of the Chaux-Fleurie chairlift via the Grand Plan slope,
• An itinerary starting from the Lindarets plateau through the Stash.

On these routes, ski touring will be allowed from 9am-4pm. Outside these hours, access is prohibited, in particular, because of the dangerous nature of the preparation and maintenance activities of the ski area (grooming, circulation of machinery, preventive triggering of avalanches, etc). A guide is preferred.

Morzine resort runs
If you’re coming back to Morzine from Avoriaz, you can’t ski back. You need to take the Super Morzine gondola back into the village centre. If you’re skiing from the Les Gets side then you can ski back to the village centre on green, blue or red runs, or take the gondolas down.

Morzine mountain fun zones

A new, bigger boardercross and fun park is situated on the Nyon slopes. The perfect place to learn to jump and progress without the pressure of the bigger parks.

The Big Airbag is at the foot of the Pléney between the Mas-Verjus button lift and the ESF Espace Ski Enfants. It cushions your fall once you’ve launched yourself from the ramp some distance up the slope.

Snowboarders will love the freeride terrain and parks available with the best superpipe in Europe in Avoriaz.

Penguin park
The Morzine fun zones have all been remodeled for winter 22/23. The Penguin park, on the top of Pleney, is now filled with new modules and games to keep little ones excited about skiing! As you head down towards the village you'll find the Chemin de Zouzous, a special animal piste on a quiet track through the forest where you can spot statues of local wildlife on the way down. 

Nordic skiing

As a pedestrian or equipped with your cross-country skis, you can take the ski lifts to get to your favourite area of Morzine-Avoriaz. The Pleney-Nyon-Avoriaz pass (payable locally) gives access to the Pléney, Super Morzine, Ardent, Nyon and Prodains cable cars as well as the Zore and plateau chairlifts.

Note that cross-country skiing on the marked trails is free. For example, you can choose not to use the ski lifts, take a free shuttle or your own vehicle to the Nordic sector of Erigné and go skiing for free on the cross-country ski trails in Vallée de la Manche.

In Morzine, two cross-country skiing sectors are accessible at altitude, thanks to the cross-country ski pass that you can buy directly in resort. The first sector is on the Pléney side, on the north slope. It allows cross-country skiers to have access to the Les Gets area thanks to the Pléney cable car. The second sector is located in Super-Morzine, on the southern slope giving direct access to Avoriaz with the Super-Morzine gondola. You can also take shuttle A from the centre of the village and access the Avoriaz sector with the Prodains Express cable car. Alternatively, from the centre of the village of Morzine, you can use the (free) M shuttle and go directly to the bottom of the Ardent gondola.

Morzine ski hire & lift passes (pre-bookable)

Pre-book your 6 day+ Morzine ski hire and/or Morzine lift pass with Peak Retreats.

To download the ski extras form see 'Helpful links' further down the page. Please note that prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.

Other lift passes are available to buy in the resort such as half or full-day passes (for those who only wish to ski the odd day) or one-use lift passes for pedestrians. Some resorts also offer specific beginner area passes and cross country passes.

Special beginner passes are available for both the Pleney and Nyon areas. Check out what’s included in these to see if this is the right solution for you, these are payable in resort only.

Morzine group and private ski school (not pre-bookable)

Contact ESF Morzine for group or private lessons as Peak Retreats cannot pre-book lessons in this resort - 0033 4 50 79 13 13

Top snow activities to experience in Morzine

Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website.

Snowshoeing
Every afternoon, all levels. The Eagles of Léman: a new snowshoe track with explanatory panels about the local fauna has been installed in the Nyon area.

Sledging
Once the slopes close to skiers, Morzine opens a 4-kilometer sledging slope for a thrilling, exhilarating descent down to the village. This family-friendly adventure is experienced at night when you can feel the stillness of the vast area and get the adrenaline buzz as you sledge down with a headtorch to light the way. Go up in the cable car and enjoy sliding down the Pléney ski runs at night with guides to show you the way. This tobogganing fun is available for anyone over 12 years old. Anyone who is 8-11-years old must be accompanied by an adult.

For children up to 6 years old, enjoy a secure area dedicated to sledging on the Pleney snow front next to the Mas-Verjus ski lift. Open every day during the opening hours of the ski lifts.

Heli-skiing
With professional mountain guides: drop-off skiers and snowboarders (in nearby Switzerland or Italy). Pick-up points possible in the Portes du Soleil. Several descents possible per day. A sledging area also awaits you on the Mines d'or Experience site.

Nordic walking
A fast-walking style, on hard surfaces, with special poles that are loaned by the organizers. Gymnastic-style warm-up at the beginning of each session, and stretching at the end. Half-day treks. Walkers are accompanied by a qualified hiking guide.

Off-piste skiing and snowboard – Freeride
Learn to ski off-piste, or improve your technique (access via the ski-lifts, or a short walk). Half-day or all-day. Discover the Portes du Soleil. Glacier skiing, and famous routes around Chamonix (Vallée Blanche, Toule glacier and Vallée Noire). Activities accompanied by a qualified mountain guide or ski instructor.

Snowshoe trek
Enjoy a snowshoe trek with a mountain guide. Different options possible: half-day themed trek (wildlife, panoramic views…). Day-long trek with lunch in a mountain chalet. Themed evening treks: torch-light and dinner in a mountain chalet. Suitable for all levels.

Evening hike and night in an igloo
Hike to the igloos followed by drinks and dinner. Choice of returning to the resort or staying overnight in the igloo with breakfast in the morning. Activity supervised by a mountain leader.

Avokart
With Avokart, race down the slopes like you've never done before! If you like thrills, get on board this 3-wheeled vehicle equipped with hydraulic brakes and designed with a very low center of gravity for good road holding. Handlebars in hand, comfortably installed in your bucket seat, all that's left to do is to set off for a long descent of 3.5km and 600m of difference in altitude. Meeting at the upper station of the 3S. No age limit, but minimum height required: 1.40m.

Ski joëring
An activity combining skiing and equestrianism. Taster session and outings. Skier pulled by a horse.

Snow scooters
Supervised outings by qualified professionals in the Super Morzine area (Seraussaix) in the forest and on the pistes. Duration 45 minutes. Single or double-seater scooters. Every day.

Yooner
Experience this innovative sledging technique. Light, comfortable and easy to use. Instant thrills guaranteed! Equipment provided. Supervised by professionals.

Top activities to experience in Morzine

Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website.

Indoor ice rink
Covered 56 x 26m ice rink, located in the Palais des Sports Morzine. It has a play area exclusively for children. The 56x26m large indoor ice rink is open to the public every day as colorful lights and frenzied rhythm of music add an extra dimension to the fun loops around the ice!

Outdoor ice rink
The outdoor ice rink (30 x 15 m) offers sessions open to the public throughout the winter season.

Aquatic centre
Morzine-Avoriaz has a fabulous aquatics centre. Interior equipment:

• A 25m × 15m sports pool (heated to 27°),
• A 12.50m × 10m learning pool (heated to 28.5°),
• A paddling pool of 50m2 (heated to 31°),
• A wellness area of ​​160m2 (3 saunas, 2 hammams),
• A relaxation area with deckchairs to relax in peace.

Fitness circuit
The Dereche is a local park running all the way along the River Dranse. In the heart of the forest, take the winding paths or enjoy the various obstacles along the way. Whether you fancy some light exercise or something a little more high impact, the obstacle course winding 4.5km of the River Dranse consists of 20 exercises. Strength, agility or endurance. 

La Ferme de Seraussaix
The farm is located on the Seraussaix mountain pasture, on the road to Avoriaz, all year round. All the milk produced is processed on-site into farmhouse cheeses (abondance, tomme, raclette, reblochon). They also raise pigs for charcuterie. Come and visit them in the shop: farmhouse cheeses, charcuterie, etc. During the season, they offer a range of services (visits with tasting, access to the milking, snacks, etc.). Visits are organised by them every Tuesday and Thursday morning. Meeting point 10am at the farm, reserve online before (payable) - https://www.lafermedeseraussaix.com/réservations

You will be able to discover the farm and hear explanations about animal husbandry, cheese-making, haymaking, our daily lives...Afterwards, if you wish, you can sit out on the terrace and order a drink or a meal to sample the products (not included in the price of the visit).

Resort visit
The village of Morzine and the Avoriaz resort can be explored using the new application MAD,MORZINE AVORIAZ DISCOVERY. For each site, there are two possible approaches! One, for the general public, includes archival images, exclusive interviews, and 360° panoramas. The other is designed for families, with puzzles and observation games in the company of our guides Antoine, Zélie, and Maxence.

The circuits are accessible at all times throughout the year. Start at the Vieux Pont in the village of Morzine and Jean Vuarnet Square in Avoriaz. The application is free and can be accessed online by scanning the QR code on-site.

Market
The best local produce every Wednesday: meat, fish, fruit & veg, cheese, charcuterie…but also clothing and shoes.

Village Igloo
See details under eating tab

Helicopter flights
Flights on request departing from Morzine, Avoriaz, Annemasse, Megeve, Courchevel or Bourg- St-Maurice. Initiation flights. Panoramic flights: Portes du Soleil, Mont-Blanc mountain range, flights over Morzine.

Paragliding and speed riding
Introduction, initiation flights and training. With professionally qualified instructors. Various activities on offer: Accompanied paragliding flights. Discovery session. Speed-riding (courses and sessions). Courses and lessons for all levels.

Glass platform
Visit the glass walkway of Morzine at an altitude of 2,019m. This 10-metre-long platform is entirely free to use! Take in the 360-degree views from Lake Geneva to Mont Blanc, and create some unforgettable memories. This is also the area to check out the wild bird shows or even pit yourself in a race against a Falcon!

Morzine news & events

What's new for 2023/24:

• New chairlift - this winter there’s a new detachable six-seater chairlift that will replace the old four-seater Lac-Intrêts chairlift in Avoriaz. It will be able to transport 3,000 people per hour, that’s 600 more people per hour than before,
• New red run - skiers and snowboarders can enjoy a new red run, Le Creux de la Neige, in the Arare section of Avoriaz. Created along a natural route that needed no development, the run reaches 1.5km in length and descends 300m. The Arare benefits from good, natural snow cover and the new piste will be groomed throughout the winter,
• New magic carpet - being installed at the summit of the Pleney cable car. Starting close to the Nabor chairlift, behind the first-aid post, the 147m lift will arrive slightly above the Viking magic carpet, making it easy to transition between the two and access the beginners’ area easily.

Events taking place in the 2023/24 season:

• Enchanted village of Morzine - Sunday 25th December 2023-Sunday 7th January 2024: free access, every year Morzine lights up and adds magic to the end-of-year celebrations! The village comes alive to the sounds of parades, brass bands, fireworks, and in apotheosis the arrival of Santa Claus,
• 2024 Junior World Alpine Skiing Championships - 29th January-3rd February 2024: Haute Savoie and more particularly the Portes du Soleil will host the 4th biggest ski event in the world after the Olympic Games, the World Championships and the World Cups,
• Rock the Pistes Festival - 17th March-24th March 2024: the Rock the Pistes festival is a unique festival. Every day, live concerts on the ski slopes, in the middle of the mountain. International artists. Concerts for all skiers during the day on ephemeral stages spread over the ski area and only accessible by ski. Then after-ski concerts in the resorts to prolong the pleasure! More than 35 concerts during this LIVE week!

Further details can be found on the tourist office website: www.morzine-avoriaz.com

Morzine après-ski, bars & restaurants

Morzine has many restaurants, including 10 altitude restaurants. One of the more livelier French resorts - lots of bars and a few are open well into the night/early morning!

Village Igloo (bar & restaurant)
Totally unique place in Avoriaz. Inside you'll find a bar and restaurant made entirely of ice and snow. For a unique break on the slopes, you can stop off at the Village Igloo Ice Bar anytime between 9am and 5pm to enjoy a warm cup of coffee or a refreshing drink in the bar, with a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options to choose from. There is a new outside terrace with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. They also offer a cheese fondue or mixed meats board lunch every Tuesday and Thursday, from 12:00 to 14:00. The bar is in the heart of the Avoriaz ski area, within easy access from the Arare blue run. Suitable for all the family, skiers and non-skiers alike, the bar is within an easy 10-minute walk along a well-marked path from the top of the Prodains cable car. Alternatively, from 7pm onwards, once the lifts have stopped and the sun has set, you can prolong your day on the slopes with a visit to the Village Igloo, by booking dinner or even an overnight stay. Just click on the link for further information regarding these. Be sure to wrap up warm in your ski gear as the temperature inside the igloo rarely gets above 5 degrees!

Morzine amenities

Morzine is served by a range of amenities including library, gift shops, bakers, cake shops, clothing shops, garage, dental surgeries, 2 cinemas, hairdressers, creperies, clubs, beauty salons, florists, 4 doctors surgeries, optician, perfume shop, chemists, post office, launderettes, tea shops, tobacconists, supermarkets and cashpoints.

Getting to Morzine, France

By road
Distance from Calais to Morzine 538 miles, approximately 7hrs 30 mins. A6 motorway via Macon followed by the A40 motorway towards Geneva. Exit 19 at Cluses and follow signs.

2 x recharge points (as of 2023) have been put in place for electric cars (one near the tourist office and the other by the sports centre).

By rail & air
Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras. See our train services page for more information as we can pre-book the trains for you. The nearest train station to Morzine is Thonon-les-Bains.

4 international airports are nearby, see our flying page for information on airlines. We don't book flights, we invite you to do your own research.

Chambery Savoie Mont Blanc Airport to Morzine is roughly 123km, approximately 1hr 30 mins
Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport to Morzine is roughly 211km, approximately 2hrs 30 mins
Geneva Airport to Morzine is roughly 90km, approximately 1hr
Grenoble Alpes Isere Airport to Morzine is roughly 210km, approximately 2hrs

Private taxi transfers
Private taxi transfers from airports and train stations are pre-bookable with Peak Retreats. See our airport & station transfers page for more information.

Bus transfers
Altibus/Bens Bus/Snow bus (and the likes of) offer shared bus transfers from some French/Swiss airports and SNCF train stations to ski resorts. We don't book these (or have any affiliation with them), we invite you to do your own research.

Resort shuttle bus
Free shuttle buses and a little train will offer you free transport within the village during the winter season to help you get around easily.

Morzine opening dates

See resort opening information