Morzine French Alps in Winter

Skiing in winter is Morzine's flagship attraction. The slopes of Morzine ski resort are part of the Portes du Soleil area, which offers a huge variety of pistes for experienced skiers, as well as beginners, and above all intermediate skiers who will find different slopes to ski every day.

Whether you come with friends or family, in Morzine, you won’t be bored. Start the day with an early breakfast on the pistes, watching the pisteurs at work, before spotting Mont-Blanc from the summit of Pléney. Move on to the famous Pointe de Nyon and Chamossière, for experienced skiers the Chamossière black is a must-do. Then it’s time to explore Avoriaz, or even try the famed Swiss Wall in the Champéry area. At lunch time, how about a Swiss fondue at one of the many traditional restaurants on the morzine ski pistes?

After a long day, with your skis taking you from one summit to another, with a different view at each turn, it’s time to ski down to Morzine, nestled in the mountains. Or maybe let the kids have a last play in the Penguin snowpark.

After closing, you can always head back up for a night-time descent on sledges, or a torchlight explore on snowshoes!

 
Morzine ski resort is a pretty village surrounded by ski slopes, forests and snowy peaks. The village offers plenty to do after skiing, or for non-skiers. A variety of boutiques, cafés and restaurants, a bustling weekly market with local produce, a swimming centre, indoor and outdoor ice rinks…. And not forgetting the lovely river path for a snowy walk.

Two Morzine ski lifts leave from the village centre, and two more are a short bus ride away, offering plenty of options to start the ski day.

The Pleney ski lift takes skiers onto the Morzine-Les Gets ski area. This is the perfect area for beginner skiers with gentle beginners’ slopes, and a special great value beginners ski pass. Any ski lessons will start at either the base or the top of the Pleney lift. For first time skiers the “magic carpet” ski lift is a gentle way to start getting used to sliding on snow. Kids can play in the newly revamped Penguin park, or during the descent back down to Morzine check out the “Chemin de Zouzous” a special winding piste through the forest with statues of local animals so they can find out about local wildlife.

From Pleney many options lie open, head towards Les Gets for some gentle rolling ski slopes, wide open bowls, and the chance to visit another of the pretty Portes du Soleil villages. If you’re an experienced skier don’t miss Chammosière. From this lift three options are offered: a long red run, a steep unpisted black, or the freeride area. This is a patrolled off-piste area that is checked by pisteurs and opened if it’s safe to ski. A must-do on powder days!

The main peak visible from Morzine is the Pointe de Nyon, a major area of Morzine skiing. At the summit you’ll find the Pas de l’Aigle viewing platform with views of both Mont Blanc and lake Leman. Speeding down the piste with views over Morzine you’ll come to the Nyon plateau with its unique activity: Les Aigles du Léman (the eagles of Leman). Shows are offered free of charge to see these spectacular birds, all native to our mountains, and you can even race one, or book a falconry course. Find out about their reintroduction programme and protection of endangered species. Non skiers can easily access this area with the Nyon télépherique, and as well as the birds will find soft play for kids, a huge ball pit, sledging slopes and a snowshoe walk with informative panels about local animals. The restaurant offers local specialties and snacks. If you’re on skis, you can easily ski back to Morzine from here, or carry on exploring the Morzine ski slopes!

Heading up on the Super Morzine lift, which is on the opposite side of Morzine, will take you towards the Avoriaz ski pistes. Don’t miss a run of the lil’stash on the way, a fun wooden snowpark for kids, and big kids! From Morzine you’ll surely have spotted the craggy buildings of Avoriaz perched high up on the cliffs, now you can ski through this purpose-built resort, that is actually the same town as Morzine! Created in the 1960s by Olympian, and Morzinois Jean Vuarnet, on the Morzine summer farming land, Avoriaz was conceived to be car free, so you can ski right through the centre.

From Avoriaz you can pass through Lindarets and the pretty goat village (come back in summer to see why it has this name!) and head to Châtel ski area. Châtel is right on the border of Switzerland, so it’s easy to cross into neighbouring Morgins and the Swiss ski slopes of the Portes du Soleil. Many more options are offered up here with Torgon, les Crosets and Champéry ski slopes, all linked into the area and included on the Portes du Soleil ski pass. Long loops can be made in both directions, offering you a huge variety of views, different ski slopes, and incredible restaurants along the way. Take time to check the Portes du Soleil ski map and look at all the different possibilities for skiing in Morzine.

If you plan to have time of the skis, then don’t worry, Morzine is much more than a ski resort! Many snowshoeing routes can be found easily from the centre (check the free guide for info), or in the Vallée de la Manche at Mines d’Or Experience. This specially created area is a short (free) bus ride from the village centre in a protected natural forested area away from the ski lifts. It houses an igloo to explore, sledging slopes, cross-country skiing and easy signed snowshoe routes, plus many more snowshoe and ski touring routes for which we recommend that you book one of our local Morzine guides to show you the way. If you have never tried cross-country skiing, now’s the time to try! Book an introductory lesson and try out the gentle trails through the forest.

You can also try parapenting to see Morzine from the sky, or splash out on a helicopter ride! Fitness and yoga classes are on offer if you prefer your sports to be indoor, or head to the pool complex, that also offers a spa.

If après-ski is your thing, then Morzine is your ski resort! A bustling village centre offers a variety of different après-ski bars. Many have live music and DJs to pump up the atmosphere. Ski down the Pleney slopes and you’ll find a variety of places at the base of the slopes. These also offer great options for families, with the sledging slopes opposite! Another great spot for parents to enjoy a relaxed drink while kids make use of the pretty outdoor ice rink, is on the Tourist office square. You can also carry on through the village to find the different après-ski bars on offer and pick a restaurant for dinner – cheesy local specialties, pizzas, impressive fish and meat dishes, healthy bowls, and gourmet homemade burgers… Just make sure you book your favourite places in advance.

Families will find a packed entertainment programme offered by the Tourist Office with various games, creative workshops and shows on offer through the school holidays. Get to the free welcome drink at the start of the week to find out what’s on offer, and make sure you don’t miss out.

Morzine skiing is varied and really does offer something for everyone. A holiday in Morzine ski resort ticks all the boxes for fun both on and off the slopes. To sleep comfortably so you’re ready for the next day the Reservation centre can help you find the best accommodation on offer for your budget. Cosy chalets, central apartments, top quality hotels, friendly gites….

And if you’re wondering about our environmental credentials, and the impact of your ski holiday, then you can find out what we’re doing on our environmental responsibility pages. In partnership with Avoriaz, Morzine ski resort has been working hard to reduce the impact of our activities and put into place a long-term plan for sustainability. Since 2021 we’ve held the Flocon Vert award, and we continue to work hard to keep this and to lower our impact and protect the beautiful natural surroundings.