For an unforgettable holiday, winter or summer, the resort of Morzine-Avoriaz has many assets. Its natural setting, in the heart of the Haute-Savoie, is an invitation to discover the Alps.
Morzine, a resort in the heart of the Portes du Soleil
This magnificent Alpine territory is located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in the Haute-Savoie department. It is part of the Portes du Soleil ski area which also includes the following nearby resorts: Châtel, Abondance, Les Gets and Samoëns. Historically, this peasant village lived mainly from agriculture. In the early 20th century, mountain tourism began to develop, particularly in Chamonix. The village of Morzine became a winter sports resort, which expanded further with the opening of theAvoriaz ski area. It is 10 minutes from the village centre, which is entirely pedestrianised, with its large wooden-walled buildings.
The Morzine-Avoriaz ski area
Skiers can enjoy two quality ski areas which are linked to the Portes du Soleil. Morzine has remained a traditional Haute-Savoie village with a strong appeal to the family skiing public.
During the winter, ski enthusiasts can enjoy 75 km of pistes, which include :
- 6 black runs
- 14 red runs
- 26 blue runs
- 3 green runs.
A large cross-country skiing area offers 45 km of groomed trails. In addition to classic skiing, holidaymakers can try telemark skiing, snow scooters and snowshoeing on marked routes.
Top rated hotels
The ski resort of Morzine has a wide range of tourist accommodation, from hotels to flats and chalets. Each type of accommodation has its own advantages.
Depending on your budget, we have selected several hotels in Morzine. They offer excellent value for money and have very good customer reviews.
Residence Pierre & Vacances Saskia Falaise
This good quality residence offers flats with a magnificent view of the Morzine valley and private balconies. There is a kitchenette and a microwave.
French cuisine is on the menu. Children can join the popular club.
From €90 per night.
Hotel & Spa Le Dahu
The hotel & Spa Le Dahu is located in Morzine, 400 metres from the ski lifts and the heart of the village. Many activities are organised in the hotel. Electricity charging points are available.
From 184€ per night.
Hotel Névé
Hotel Névé is located 400 metres from the cable car in Morzine resort. You can enjoy culinary specialities in the restaurant. There is a shuttle bus to the slopes in winter.
From 210€ per night.
Hotel Le Nant
Hotel Le Nant is located 1 kilometre from the ski lifts and the ski school. Some rooms offer a beautiful view of the mountains.
From 74€ per night.
Winter sports
Skiing with eagles
In winter in Morzine, it’s not impossible to come across a few birds of prey on the slopes. And for good reason, the Eagles of Lake Geneva are present during the winter season. Mini courses are also offered to holidaymakers, who can take a snowshoe walk with the birds.
Skijoring
Skijoring is an activity that combines gliding and horse riding. The principle is simple: to be pulled by a horse while enjoying the pleasures of skiing. It is generally required to know how to keep your skis parallel in order to try the activity. The more experienced can try a few jumps and slaloms.
The snow kart
For a variety of activities, we suggest you go to the Roc D’Enfer ski area in Saint-Jean-d’Aulps, not far from Morzine. The snow kart is a motorless, non-polluting machine that races down the slopes in complete safety thanks to its large notched wheels.
To reach the start, a snow groomer takes you down a dedicated and secure track. 30 karts are available for those over 12 years old, booking and registration at the ESF of Saint-Jean-d’Aulps.
The resort’s athletes
Morzine has several ambassadors. Here are three of them, all specialising in winter sports.
Antonin Guigonnat
Antonin Guigonnat is a member of the French biathlon team. He made his international debut at the Junior World Championships in 2010. He joined the World Cup circuit in 2017 and reached the podium for the first time during the Grand-Bornand stage.
Anthony Chalençon
Anthony Chalençon is a member of the French para-biathlon team. Blind due to retinal degeneration, he is accompanied by his guide Lucas Duperrex. At the 2015 World Championships in Cable, they reached the top step of the podium. Then, at the Olympic Games in Beijing, he won silver in duet with Benjamin Daviet.
Alexis Page
A member of the French Telemark Team, Alexis Page is an ambassador for the resort of Morzine. In January 2022, he scored a top 10 at the World Cup stage in Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc. Following the Junior World Championships, he also finished first overall.
Morzine’s must-see events
Throughout the year, events take place in the resort of Morzine. Here are two of the most important ones.
Pass’Portes du Soleil
The Pass’Portes du Soleil is a mountain bike ride that takes place in the Portes du Soleil area and passes through Morzine. The route takes in around 15 ski lifts and the ride takes place over a day.
The loop is 80 kilometres long and has about 1,000 metres of positive and 6,000 metres of negative elevation gain. There is also a special ride for youngsters.
Rock the Pistes
Rock the Pistes is a pop-rock music festival that takes place on the slopes of the Portes du Soleil, between France and Switzerland. More than 28,000 festival-goers come together every year.
It’s a unique opportunity to end the season on a high note, while enjoying a great programme. Among the artists who have already performed at Rock the Pistes are Skip the Use, Ofenbach and IAM.
The festival takes place at the end of March and closes the ski season in a festive atmosphere.
Ski passes
Ski passes for Morzine can be purchased both online and on site. Some good deals are also available. For example, it is possible to take advantage of a 15% discount on 5 to 12 day passes. But beware, the offer is not valid throughout the season.
The group pass is also advantageous for tribes. The offer is available from 4 persons and for packages of similar duration. But beware, a child under 5 years old cannot be considered as the fourth person.
Snowshoeing routes
Since the health crisis, with the closure of the ski lifts, the public has turned to sports that are closer to nature and that do not require significant means to practice. Naturally, snowshoeing has experienced a powerful boom. It allows you to discover nature at your own pace, while benefiting from the Nordic ski areas. We suggest three itineraries that are well worth a visit in Morzine.
- Following the river: by following the river from Morzine from the Nyon car park, you can cover 10 kilometres, discovering a magnificent panorama of the valley.
- The Col de la Joue Verte walk: away from the car park, follow the ridge to discover a unique view of Lake Montriod and the beautiful Abondance valley. The walk ends at the Zore chairlift. To come back, you have to take the same route.
- The Crois des Combes circuit: in addition to the previous outing, follow the black ski run for 12 km to the car park. At the crossroads, at the bottom of the woods, turn left.
Cultural outing to Aulps Abbey
The ruins of this ancient abbey bear witness to the richness of medieval architecture. It was built in the 11th century by the Cistercian monastic order. Covering more than 3 hectares, the site included gardens, cellars, an abbey church and a former farm. As was often the case at the time, the gardens included a botanical area and a vegetable garden.
During the visit, you can benefit from the interpretation centre, built in 2007, which provides an educational approach to the life of the monks in medieval times. The permanent exhibition allows you to understand the evolution of the site through time, and the role of the noble families.
Address: take the D32 from Morzine, for 7 km.
Ideas for summer activities
The resort of Morzine has a varied and rich tourist offer during the summer period. In addition, accommodation prices are more attractive than during the winter period. We suggest some original activities.
- Disc Golf: by replacing the golf ball with a frisbee, you must make the minimum number of throws for each hole.
- Laser Game: by shooting at your competitors outside, you must earn points, the game is played individually or in teams.
- The TTT: the all-terrain scooter allows you to race down forest tracks accompanied by a guide.
Access and public transport
By train, you can get off at Cluses or Thonon-les-Bains station, with a further 40 minutes drive. The TGV station at Bellegarde-sur-Valserine is a 75 minute drive from Morzine. Once there, to get to Avoriaz, take the Prodains Express cable car (parking nearby) to reach Avoriaz in four minutes.
Video presentation of Morzine-Avoriaz
Resorts near Morzine
As Morzine is in the heart of the Portes du Soleil, other resorts are close by. These include Avoriaz, but also Châtel, Les Gets and even Abondance. Spending a holiday in Morzine allows you to enjoy the vast expanses of the area for skiing and hiking.
