Morzine, France: Complete Ski Resort Guide 

Morzine is a bustling town in the heart of the Portes du Soleil (PDS) ski area. Its proximity to Geneva, alpine charm, and access to the entire 600km of slopes in the PDS, makes it an attractive destination for families and skiers of all levels.

Morzine The Stats

For this, we are including the neighbouring ski area of Les Gets, but don’t forget that it is also closely linked with the high-altitude resort of Avoriaz. 

Altitude: 1000m 
Top Lift: 2002m 
Ski Area: 120km of piste 
Lifts: 48 
Adult lift pass: 258 euros for 6 day lift pass 

Official Site | Download the Morzine Piste Map | Visit the Morzine Webcams

Morzine opening dates Winter 2025/2026

Pre-opening (weather dependent, limited lifts): 13–19 December 2025
Official opening: Saturday 20 December 2025
Scheduled closing: Sunday 12 April 2026

 

Morzine Resort Guide

Morzine, France is like the capital of the expansive Portes du Soleil (PDS) ski area which stretches across 12 resorts and 600km of pistes on the Swiss–French border. The town sits in a wide valley just over an hour’s drive from Geneva airport and has retained its traditional Savoyard charm, with wooden chalets, bustling weekly markets, and a lively village square. Unlike some purpose-built resorts, the Morzine ski resort is a proper working town with a strong year-round community, meaning there’s a bit more going on, ideal for non-skiers and families. A thriving expat population has also brought an international flavour, with plenty of independent cafés, bars, and restaurants creating a vibrant après scene in winter and a buzzing social hub in summer. Mountain biking dominates the warmer months, with world-class trails attracting riders from across Europe, while hiking, trail running, and various festivals keep the town alive long after the snow has melted.

Basing yourself in Morzine gives you great access to the full Portes du Soleil ski area, however it’s worth noting that you can’t ski between the Morzine and Les Gets ski area and the rest of the PDS. From Morzine you can take the Pleney or Nyon lifts into the Morzine/Les Gets ski area, or take the (slightly confusingly named) Super Morzine gondola up into Avoriaz Morzine France which connects with the rest of the PDS resorts. The town is also well connected by a free ski bus which you can take up to the Ardent or Prodains car parks for quicker access into the heart of Avoriaz.

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What is the snow like in Morzine?

Like many of the lower-altitude ski resorts in the French Alps, Morzine skiing relies heavily on artificial snow making throughout the winter. However, the Morzine ski resort does an excellent job of keeping the pistes in great condition even in a low tide season. The Morzine and Les Gets ski area can be risky for Christmas, New Year and Easter holidays, but it’s also highly possible that you catch it in pristine powder conditions. For families, February half-term is usually a reasonably safe bet, and for everyone else, the short transfer from Geneva makes last-minute ski trips when the conditions are good a very realistic option.

We’ve included this video to give you a real feel for the Morzine ski area, with stunning views of the slopes and village.

Resort slope stats: Morzine / Les Gets

The Morzine and Les Gets ski area offers a varied mix of pistes and terrain for all levels.

Beginner areas: 2
Total pistes: 74
Green: 4
Blue: 33
Red: 28
Black: 9
Snow parks: 2
Freeride areas: 1
Marked ski touring trails: 0

For full details and the latest updates, see the official Morzine Les Gets ski area map.

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Where to ski in Morzine

On a good day, skiing in Morzine and Les Gets can be terrific. While it might not have the highest peaks, the Morzine ski area is home to swooping, tree-lined runs and offers spectacular views across to the Aravis and the Mont Blanc Massif.

 

Beginner skiing in Morzine

Beginner skiers have a great area at the top of the Pleney lift in Morzine to get to grips with their first turns. There is a short walk from the top of the gondola up to the covered magic carpet, but it’s a good warm-up and gets you used to walking in ski boots in double-quick time.

This friendly plateau provides a safe and easy zone for beginners with great progression on gentle green slopes around the Nabor chairlift. From here, there’s a bit of a jump to exploring the wider Morzine ski area via various blue runs that lead towards Les Gets or Nyon, but once you’re linking turns on blues the whole resort is easily accessible. Les Gets is particularly welcoming for beginner skiers and young children, with a large area of green runs and fun slopes like Le Grand Cry and the Milka Chocolate Run.

 

Intermediate skiing in Morzine

Intermediates will love the variety of trails on offer across the Morzine and Les Gets ski area. It’s the perfect terrain for developing your technique and perfecting parallel turns, with wide sweeping blues and reds, plus winding tree-lined runs. From Nyon to Chamossière, and across to the Les Gets bowl, there’s plenty of terrain to explore. You can even take the little electric train across Les Gets town and spend the day on the sunny slopes of Mont Chéry – a quiet mountain on the north side of Les Gets with excellent skiing on all sides.

What Morzine may lack in altitude, the Morzine ski resort makes up for with beautiful pistes that provide more than enough variety for a full week of skiing. And for those who prefer not to cover the same patch of snow twice, the entire Portes du Soleil is easily accessible. A day exploring the Morzine ski holidays circuit is an exciting way to travel between the resorts and a great achievement, easily attainable for red and blue run skiers.

 

 

Advanced skiing in Morzine

The best Morzine skiing for advanced skiers is off the top of the Chamossière chairlift. From here you have access to a challenging red, a long, steep black and, when conditions are favourable, the Chamossière freeride zone. There’s also mogul mayhem over on the Yeti black beneath the Rosta chairlift and the Mouflon black on Mont Chéry, both of which have easier options either side so mixed-ability groups can easily meet up again at the bottom of the run.

For those who want to explore further, the Portes du Soleil offers a vast array of tough black runs and off-piste terrain. From Morzine town, the quickest access to steep descents is probably around the Grande Combe chairlift in Avoriaz. Further afield, the infamous Swiss Wall serves up a terrifying mix of deep moguls and a near-vertical entrance, making it one of the most challenging marked runs in the Alps. Beyond that, expert skiers can tackle the Swiss couloirs or the freeride playground of the Combe de Machon, or venture into the Vallée de la Manche – just be sure you’ve got the right avalanche safety equipment, or hire a guide from one of the many ski schools in Morzine France.

 

 

Ski touring in Morzine

Morzine is not especially well known as a ski touring resort, but it actually offers an abundance of terrain to explore. Surrounded on all sides by mountains that rarely reach higher than 2,400m, it’s a great place to hone ski touring and mountaineering skills without the need for glacier travel knowledge. Some of the easiest access ski tours start from the Col de l’Encrenaz, where uphill enthusiasts can reach the summits of the Roc d’Enfer, Chalune, and Pointe d’Uble. Alternatively, the Vallée de la Manche near Morzine France is a gateway to a number of beautiful ski tours and extremely challenging descents off the Tête de Bostan, beyond which you can access higher terrain in the Dents Blanches and Dents du Midi ranges.

Ski Schools in Morzine 

There’s an excellent choice of ski and snowboard schools in Morzine, which includes several British ones. Peak Snowsports, PDS Snowsport, Supreme Ski School, and  New Generation each have a growing presence in the resort, all offering skills clinics and off piste sessions as well as small-group lessons and private tuition.  

Maison Sport and British Alpine Ski and Snowboarding School – or BASS, Easy2Ride Ski & Snowboard Academy, The Snow Institute, Billski and Ski Beyond are also worth a mention, while Mint Snowboarding, REAL Snowboarding and Gypsy Snowboarding are popular, British owned snowboard specific schools. The resort’s ESF are also worth checking out for great value group lessons. 

If you do plan to book ski lessons in Morzine (particularly during school holidays) we would recommend booking in as far as advance as possible. Half term ski school bookings tend to fill up here as far as a full year ahead. 

Click for full listings of ski and snowboard schools in Morzine.

 

Ski hire in Morzine

Sorting your ski hire in Morzine is simple, with plenty of shops right in town and at the lifts. Intersport has one of the best selections of skis, boards, and boots for all levels, plus expert advice to get you set up quickly. We’ve teamed up with them to offer WeLove2Ski readers big discounts — just follow this link or use the code WELOVE2SKI when booking.

Best non-ski activities in Morzine

Morzine isn’t just about skiing – there’s plenty to do off the slopes, whether you’re after adrenaline or something more relaxed. For those looking to try something different, snow biking is a thrilling way to explore the mountain on two wheels, with evening sessions available so you can maximise your day on the mountain. Families will love the dedicated tobogganing areas, where you can race down the slopes on sleds by torchlight or on inflatable rings. One of the most unique experiences in Morzine France is the birds of prey show at the top of the Nyon cable car, where eagles, owls and vultures take to the skies against the mountain backdrop.

If relaxation is more your style, Morzine’s large indoor swimming complex is a great way to unwind, featuring heated pools, a spa area, and a kids’ splash zone. The town also boasts both outdoor and indoor ice-skating rinks, where you can catch a local ice hockey match or lace up your own skates for a spin on the ice. Winter walks and snowshoeing offer a quieter way to explore the stunning scenery, with a variety of trails leading through snow-covered forests and past frozen waterfalls. And of course, Morzine’s vibrant town centre is packed with cosy cafés, boutique shops, and restaurants in Morzine France, perfect for soaking up the atmosphere with a vin chaud in hand.

Where to stay in Morzine

Morzine has a plentiful supply of hotels, chalets, and apartments in each price bracket, but pick your Morzine accommodation wisely. It’s true that there are many places claiming to be ‘centre ville’ but are actually a long way from the slopes. That said, the bus stops are plentiful and the buses are frequent (just don’t expect them to stick to the timetable).

For a high-end catered experience, AliKats Mountain Holidays is a top choice, known for its stunning catered chalets in Morzine and exceptional food. Treeline Chalets provides a mix of catered and self-catered options, with rustic properties and a strong community vibe. For those seeking a more social and affordable stay, Hideout Hostel is a great option, offering modern, minimalist rooms alongside a lively bar and a great restaurant with tasty Asian-inspired food. Beyond these, hotels in Morzine range from luxury options to family-run B&Bs and self-catering apartments, making it easy to find the perfect base for your style of mountain adventure.

Read our guide to the top hotels in Morzine.

 

Where to eat in Morzine

Morzine is strong on both Savoyard specialities and global cuisine, influenced by the year-round expat community. If cheese is your thing, you could eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day of your holiday. Alternatively, Asian-inspired poke bowls, authentic ramen, tasty vegan food and good ol’ fish and chips are all on offer to eat in or take away at a variety of different pubs and restaurants in Morzine France.

Where to eat in Morzine on a budget

Eating out in Morzine on a budget can be tricky, as there aren’t many truly cheap options. Marmotte d’Or in nearby Montriond serves up tasty pub food for reasonable prices, while in town Kamado Kitchen offers good value with its Asian-inspired menu. Poppy’s Bar serves up foodie favourites like mac ‘n’ cheese and pulled pork buns alongside a selection of cocktails.

For coffee, cake, breakfast and brunch, Colibri – housed in the former cinema – is a lively, modern spot. The two cafés on Rue de Bourg, Solide and Satellite, are also popular with locals and cater to all dietary requirements. For those looking to self-cater, Morzine has well-stocked supermarkets, including Carrefour, Spar and Casino, where you can grab fresh ingredients, ready-made meals or even a rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy dinner.

Where to eat on the mountain in Morzine

The Morzine ski resort has plenty of mountain huts serving up tasty Alpine fare. Le Nabor at Le Pleney has a varied menu with everything from fois gras to vegetarian dishes, while Les Mouilles in the same area specialises in bread and cheese recipes. Le Vaffieu is a popular place for lunch at the top of the Belvedere chairlift – it’s easy access for beginners, who can even walk here from the top of the magic carpet if they’re not quite up to the chairlift yet. It has a great sun terrace and serves particularly delicious tartes.

Restaurant La Pointe de Nyon is a cosy spot at the top of the Nyon cable-car with a big open fireplace and slippers provided for guests (there’s also a picnic room in the basement). Chez Nannon is a tiny, romantic hut on a blue run beneath the Pointe de Nyon; everything here is cooked on a wood-burning stove and the croque monsieur is said to be second to none.

Les 2 Criquets at Le Grand Pre offers traditional cooking and Savoyard favourites such as tartiflette, while La Paika, a wooden hut on the piste above Les Gets, has a wood-burning stove and cooks meat and fish on an outdoor grill. The Belvedere is another welcoming mountain hut at the top of the Mont Chéry cable-car – it’s both a self-service restaurant and a waiter-service venue.

Where to eat out in Morzine

For an Asian-inspired feast, Hideout is the go-to spot, offering an ever-changing menu of small plates packed with bold flavours. Meanwhile, The Wood Yard at Ibex Brewery is perfect for those craving a great beer alongside crispy chicken wings. If you’re after a completely homemade experience, the Bec Jaune is a must-visit. This microbrewery not only serves excellent craft beer but also creates everything from scratch (right down to their ketchup). The menu is heavily influenced by Asian flavours and relies on locally sourced ingredients.

When it comes to pizza, restaurants in Morzine have two fierce rivals: Improviste and Gusto e Basta. Improviste is a popular choice with a broad selection, including vegan options, but booking is advised. Gusto e Basta takes a more traditional approach, with ingredients sourced straight from Italy.

For hearty mountain fare, La Rotonde – run by the team behind L’Etale (a great spot for large groups) – serves a vast menu featuring all-you-can-eat raclette, fondue and pierrade (hot stone). La Ferme de la Fruitière is a paradise for cheese lovers, producing their own cheese just next door, while La Grange is another top pick for traditional Alpine dishes.

Meat lovers will enjoy Le Clin d’Oeil, which specialises in dishes from the southwest of France, particularly duck. Or, for a fine dining experience, L’Atelier in the Michelin-starred Hotel Le Samoyède offers gourmet delights over several courses – think lobster, shellfish and indulgent chocolate desserts.

Where to party in Morzine

Whether you’re after a sophisticated glass of local wine, a lively après-ski session, or an all-night dance marathon, this Alpine town has got you covered, with just enough venues to cater for all but the rowdiest of party-goers.

The Wine Bar at Chaudanne restaurant is a smart place to start, home to thousands of bottles of wine and a tapas menu to keep things classy. If you prefer your après-ski with a bit more grunge, check out Bar Robinson, one of the oldest bars in Morzine France, run by the same family for three generations. It’s famous for its potent Mutzig beer, a brew so strong it’s practically a rite of passage. By 4pm, the place is packed and the good times are rolling.

For live music, the Dixie Bar, near the Place de l’Eglise, has a great atmosphere and a variety of bands who play late into the night. Near the tourist office, the Cavern Bar has a young and funky feel – though it fills with football-crazy Brits whenever there’s a big match on TV. Other après-ski hotspots include Le Coyote Bar and Le Tremplin, both perfect for keeping the momentum going.

When it’s time to shift up a gear, Laurys mix up killer cocktails, while sister-bar Café Chaud morphs into a full-blown nightclub as the night wears on. Le Garage and the Tibetan Café also have live music, and for those still standing after most have tapped out, the L’Opera dancefloor awaits.

 

 

How to get to Morzine

Fly

Morzine is just 90km from Geneva Airport and, on a good run, you can get there in under 90 minutes by car. There are numerous transfer companies offering shared or private transfers, or alternatively, for a fraction of the price, you can take the train to Cluses or Thonon-les-Bains and then hop on a bus from the station to the Morzine ski resort. Helpful guides to taking the bus from the train station can be found here.

Train

If you’re looking for a lower impact way to travel to Morzine France, why not take the train? To reward holidaymakers for reducing their carbon footprint, accommodation providers, restaurant owners, retailers, ski rental outlets, service providers and ski lift operators now offer discounts via the Montagne Verte AlpinExpress pass. You can take the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris and then hop on a high-speed TGV service to Thonon-les-Bains or Cluses.

Drive

Morzine is just under 900km from Calais. Either take the ferry or the Eurotunnel to Calais and then cruise the quiet French motorways all the way to the Alps. The drive to Morzine France takes between 8 to 10 hours – just don’t forget to factor in the cost of the tolls.

Link to resort map: https://explore.morzine.com/en/map 

Share your experiences and memories of Morzine in the comments.