A picturesque alpine village with wooden houses spread across the snow-covered hillside under a blue skyA picturesque alpine village with wooden houses spread across the snow-covered hillside under a blue sky

A complete guide to Morzine

Everything you need for your Morzine ski holiday.
13th January, 2025
5 min read time

Morzine serves as a gateway to an extensive network of slopes that span both France and Switzerland. Nestled in the heart of the Portes du Soleil, the resort provides access to over 600 km of skiable terrain, making it one of the most interconnected ski resorts in France.

We've created this guide to make planning your Morzine ski holiday easy. You'll discover everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and even the best spots to grab a bite or relax after skiing. At the end, you'll also find a downloadable resort map, plus some handy contact numbers and links.

Ready? Let's get started!

Morzine, France - overview

  1. Where is Morzine?
  2. Morzine the resort
  3. Morzine ski area
  4. Skiing in Morzine
  5. Morzine ski season dates
  6. Morzine snow history
  7. Restaurants in Morzine
  8. Things to do in Morzine
  9. Morzine apres ski, and nightlife
  10. Morzine resort map
  11. Practical information

Where is Morzine?

Morzine is situated in the Haute-Savoie region of the French Alps, near the border with Switzerland.

For a detailed view of Morzine's location, you can explore it on Google Maps.


Nearest airport

  • Geneva (77 km)

Transfer time

  • Geneva (1hr 49)

Morzine the resort

  • Resort altitude: 1000 m
  • Resort permanent residents: 3000

With its origins dating back to the early 1930s, Morzine's transformative journey into a sought-after winter haven was catalyzed by the introduction of its first ski lift in 1936. Today, the town radiates a magnetic charm that draws families, solo adventurers, and groups alike. Guests are spoiled for choice with a spectrum of accommodations, from quaint alpine chalets to opulent hotels, each exuding their unique ambiance. Morzine's gastronomy is a testament to its rich heritage, presenting a blend of traditional Savoyard dishes, such as pierrade, fondue, and raclette, with a hint of international flair. As dusk settles, the resort's nightlife unfolds, offering a melange of experiences from cozy bars to pulsating nightclubs, ensuring every visitor crafts unforgettable moments.
                                                                                                           
ProsCons
Attractive old villagePoor snow record
Lively nightlifeThe area can become crowded during weekends
Good valueLack of challenges for expert skiers
Easy to reachSome accommodations can be far from the lifts

Here is how Morzine looks like

Preview of Morzine ski resort showcasing a ski lift and piste

Watch Morzine on YouTube .

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Morzine ski area

  • Summit elevation: 2460 m
  • Kilometres of pistes: 107 km (650 km - Portes du Soleil)
  • Vertical drop: 1460 m
  • Ski lifts: 67
Morzine, nestled in the vast Portes du Soleil ski area alongside Avoriaz, Châtel, and Les Gets, offers a significant 650 km of combined ski runs. The resort itself features 64 pistes, including 7 greens, 23 blues, 26 reds, and 8 blacks, all served by 67 ski lifts. This variety ensures skiers of all levels, from beginners to experts, have an abundance of options. Morzine's terrain includes tree-lined runs, wide pistes, challenging Alpine descents, mogul fields, and child-friendly areas, making it an ideal mountain playground. The picturesque landscapes, encompassing Mont-Blanc views, forested areas, and charming villages, add to the skiing experience. The Pléney lift from Morzine center provides convenient access to the slopes, allowing a seamless transition from village to mountainside. A visit to the Pointe de Nyon and the Pas de l’Aigle viewing platform is a must for panoramic views from Mont Blanc to Lake Léman.

Skiing in Morzine

Beginners

At the top of the Pléney lift, beginners can practice on gentle runs and use the covered rolling carpet lift

Intermediates

For intermediate skiers there are plenty of gentle cruising blue and red runs, with access to the Portes du Soleil ski area providing endless choices, including the highest skiable slopes for breathtaking views at Pointe de Nyon.

Advanced

Morzine offers thrilling experiences for advanced skiers and snowboarders with giant moguls, steep black runs, couloirs, and sensational off-piste terrain. Iconic runs such as Chamossière and Aigle Noir under the TS de la Pointe lift provide exhilarating challenges.

Off-piste

For off-piste enthusiasts, Morzine boasts one of the highest vertical drops in Europe, and offer diverse and challenging trails within areas like Nyon and Chamossière.

Snowboarding

Morzine is a true haven for snowboarders. Highlights include:

  • the innovative Burton Stash, an all-natural snowpark built by Morzine locals, and weaving through the Lindarets trees, offering routes of varying difficulty
  • The Chapelle park, easily accessible from Morzine, is another hotspot for snowboarders, featuring everything from small kickers to challenging rails, all serviced by its own drag lift.
  • The Snowpark d’Arare, France’s first snowpark, is known for its larger kickers and the exhilarating Superpipe
  • .
  • For those just starting out, The Burton Kids Parkway in the Falaise area is an ideal spot to learn and hone skills.
  • Mont Chery Snowpark, with its tranquil atmosphere, is perfect for beginners and intermediates, while the Chatel Smooth Park, now more accessible thanks to the Linga – Chatel ski link, offers sequential features for all levels

Morzine ski season dates

The ski season in Morzine for 2024/25 is expected to start on December 7th and run until April 21st. Obviously, opening and closing dates may vary slightly depending on snow conditions. If you're planning a ski holiday to Morzine this season, be sure to explore our Morzine ski deals for the best ski offers available.

Morzine snow history

Morzine offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 28 cm of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 2.8 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases to 24 cm but occurs more frequently, averaging 3 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the first week of March, traditionally the snowiest week in Morzine, with an impressive 40 cm of snow over 3.6 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days—when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 13 cm of snow over 1.8 days, perfect for softer snow under brighter skies.


                                                                                                                                                                   
MonthSnow amount (week)Snow days (week)
December28 cm2.7 days
January28 cm3.0 days
February24 cm3.0 days
March24 cm2.8 days
April13 cm1.8 days

(Ref: snow-forecast.com)

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Restaurants in Morzine

Mountain restaurants

La Paika

Positioned on Morzine's slopes, La Paika with its sun-soaked terrace, serves mouthwatering grilled meats and regional delicacies, all while offering breathtaking views.

Le Vaffieu

Situated at the top of the Pleney slopes in Morzine, Le Vaffieu is a renowned mountain restaurant serving a mix of traditional Savoyard cuisine and innovative dishes

Le Tremplin

Situated at the foot of the Pleney slopes in Morzine, the restaurant serves a blend of traditional and contemporary dishes

Resort restaurants

La Chamade

La Chamade, a Michelin-starred establishment located in the core of Morzine, provides an exquisite and upscale dining encounter.

L'Atelier

L'Atelier, another one-star Michelin restaurant, takes pride in its blend of French and global flavors.

La Grange

La Grange, famous for its homely appeal and comfortable atmosphere, excels in serving traditional Savoyard cuisine such as fondue, raclette, and tartiflette, crafted from locally made cheese.

Le Clin d'Oeil

Le Clin d'Oeil, with its enchanting alpine aesthetics and warm welcome, curates a menu driven by local and seasonal produce.

Things to do in Morzine

  • Night sledging
  • Ice skating
  • Watching ice hockey matches
  • Snowshoeing
  • Nordic walking
  • Ice diving
  • Paragliding
  • Snowmobiling
  • Swimming
  • Husky sledging

Morzine apres ski and nightlife

Le Tremplin

Located at the foot of the Pleney slopes, Le Tremplin is a vibrant and energetic bar featuring live music performances, DJ sets, and themed parties.

L'Aubergade

Central to Morzine, L'Aubergade is a popular meeting spot for skiers and snowboarders. It offers a cosy and welcoming ambiance with live music, including acoustic sets, and a selection of craft beers and cocktails.

Le Coup de Coeur

For a more intimate setting, Le Coup de Coeur is a charming wine bar in Morzine.

Le Paradis

Located in the centre of Morzine, Le Paradis is a popular spot for après-ski drinks. It offers a lively atmosphere, especially during peak season, with live music, DJs, and themed parties.

Dixie Bar

Dixie Bar is a legendary après-ski institution in Morzine. Known for its lively atmosphere and live music, this bar is a favourite among both locals and tourists.

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Morzine resort map

Morzine resort map

Download Morzine resort map here

Practical information

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