Morzine For First-timers: Get The Lay Of The Land

Whether you’re an old hand looking for some challenging blacks and daring off pistes or a beginner wanting to try it out for the first time, the skiing in Morzinehas plenty to offer. That’s because Morzine is at the heart of the extensive Portes du Soleil winter sports area. This 650km stretch of snow-capped mountains encompasses a staggering 12 resorts stretching across two countries, all of which are connected by a network of modern lifts.

While of course you came for the excellent skiing in Morzine, you’ll be thrilled by everything else this year-round thriving Alpine town has to offer. Because the town supports its own population (as well as the tourist influx), you can expect a really good range of restaurants – from small local eateries to elegant fine dining – warm, welcoming cafés and a thriving après ski scene. For those who love the mountains but don’t want to ski there are also a range of other winter sports on offer.

But let’s get back to the skiing: here’s my introduction to the main areas you’ll want to explore while you’re skiing in Morzine.

Pleney

Take the Pleney cable car from Morzine on a clear day and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc. Then enjoy the beautiful tree-lined blue and red runs back towards the resort or over to Les Gets.

Nyon

The Nyon cable car will take you to an area which not only has some lovely blues and reds but also connects you to the Pleney and Les Gets runs, making this an ideal area for beginners and intermediates. The more advanced might also like to check out the powder in the freerider area.

Super Morzine

On the opposite side of the resort from the Pleney lift is the Super Morzine telecabine which will sweep you up to the runs of Avoriaz (by way of the Zore and Proclou chairlifts). Avoriaz often has the best snow and makes for a great day on the piste. Don’t forget to check out the snow park if that’s your thing.

Ardent

Heaven for beginners and early intermediates, the Ardent telecabine takes you to the excellent runs of Lindarets. Spend the day exploring the area before taking the scenic tree-lined blue run back down to the bottom of the Ardent lift where you can enjoy the excellent après vibe at the Happy Hours bar.

Prodains

If you want to get up to Avoriaz without having to change lifts then take the shuttle bus to the Prodains cable car. It will speed you up the mountain straight into the centre of the higher resort.

Lindaret

Lindaret , the starting point for the Portes du Soleil circuit, is a wide valley with loads of varied skiing, mountain restaurants and some decent off-piste opportunities. Start here and then head over to Chatel for a bit more of a challenge as the two areas are connected by lifts.

Chatel

This is definitely the place to head for if you’re looking for some more challenging off piste skiing. Chatel also has a wide range of different level runs, perfect to explore if you’re skiing with a group of varying abilities.

Getting There

The great thing about skiing in Morzine is that it is so accessible. Take an early flight from the UK to Geneva (flying time is around 90 minutes), book an airport transfer to drive you to the resort (another 90 minutes), and you could be on the slopes by the afternoon. 

If you book your airport transfer online with Shuttle Direct before you leave home and let us know what equipment you will be travelling with, we will transport it for you free of charge.

Author Plate

Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers all over Europe and northern Africa. If you’re planning to go skiing in Morzine or anywhere else in Europe, Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport of your choice swiftly and safely.