France

Morzine

Traditional, large and lively resort town within the huge Portes du Soleil ski domain

View Chalets View Hotels

Morzine resort guide - a general overview

This resort guide to Morzine gives an overview of the ski area, the restaurants (both on and off the mountain), the après ski scene and also the many nightlife options available to those that choose to take their ski holiday in this fabulous Portes du Soleil ski resort.

Morzine, the central resort of the Portes du Soleil, has become increasingly popular over the last decade as it offers fantastic value ski holidays and a great overall winter holiday experience. This is a lively, year-round resort with traditional mountain architecture spreads across both sides of a river which cuts through the valley floor. Its relatively low altitude leads to a risk of poor snow conditions in April but it remains popular with the British market being one of the easiest resorts to reach by car from the UK and offering one of the quickest transfer times from Geneva (less than one hour on a good day).

The ski area has plenty of terrain for everyone, especially on the local Pleney area which it shares with the resort of Les Gets. Although the main resort amenities are clustered around the Pleney lifts the accommodation on offer is widely scattered so the generally efficient bus service comes in handy. The après ski scene is one of the best in France with a multitude of bars, restaurants and activities after dark. Table dancing at the Crepuscule has been recommended and the Buddha Bar is also hugely popular.

With over 50 catered chalets in Morzine it's not hard to understand why this Portes du Soleil resort is highly popular with the British market.

Photos courtesy of Morzine-Avoriaz and VTL Photo

Resort stats

650km

1,000m - 2,350m

Level of skiing

Beginners
Intermediates
Experts
Snow sure
Off-piste
Ski area

Qualities

Charm factor
Non-skiers
Nightlife
Resort layout
Fine dining
Short transfer
Resort value

Airports

Geneva
1hr

Popular searches

Book ski hire in Morzine Ski Schools in Morzine

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Vast ski area - best for intermediates and beginners
  • Fun and varied nightlife by French standards
  • Traditional town with much charm - there are 100's of chalets in Morzine
  • Very short transfer from Geneva (less than one hour)
  • Ski holidays in Morzine offer fantastic value

Cons

  • As it is a large resort it is important to choose accommodation with easy access to lifts
  • Late season skiing when the snow cover on lower slopes can get thin
  • Weekend crowds in high season periods

Restaurants

Morzine Resort Restaurants

Morzine has a strong restaurant scene. For traditional Savoyard food, L’Étale remains one of the safest recommendations. La Chaudanne is another good option with a strong wine lists.

For something less Alpine, Hideout is one of the most popular restaurants in town and deservedly so. Le Bec Jaune, the local microbrewery on the edge of town, is a favourite with seasonnaires and locals.

La Rotonde is a family-friendly restaurants in the centre while L’Atelier at Hotel Le Samoyède remains the standout fine dining restaurant in Morzine

Morzine Mountain Restaurants

There are plenty of good mountain restaurants across the Portes du Soleil but a few consistently stand out. Chez Nannon, between Nyon and Chamossière, is ideal for a long lunch involving melted cheese.

Above Les Gets, La Païka is worth seeking out if you want something that feels a little more special. Nearby, Le Chasse Montagne has a more polished feel.

On the Pléney side we recommend Le Vaffieu and Changabang over in Avoriaz.

Morzine Apres Ski

Morzine still has one of the livelier après scenes in the French Alps, although it feels slightly more relaxed than places like Val d’Isère or Méribel. L’Étale is one of the main late-afternoon spots in the centre of town, particularly on live music nights.

Le Crepu remains a longstanding favourite for a more traditional pub atmosphere, while Le Coup de Cœur offers something a little smarter if you are after wine and cocktails rather than ski boots on tables. For live sport and bigger crowds, Dixie Bar is usually busy.

Morzine Nightlife

Morzine is still one of the better resorts in France for nightlife and there is plenty going on well after midnight. Bar Robinson, Café Chaud and Dixie Bar are all reliable late-night options in the centre of town, while Le Tibetan Café remains a more relaxed bar for quieter drinks.

For clubs, L’Opera is still a big late-night venue in town and tends to stay busy well into the early hours.

Morzine Resort Map

Key

  • Funicular
  • Cable Car
  • Gondola
  • Chair lift
  • Drag lift
  • Property