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.
24th April, 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 (372 mi) 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 après-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.


Nearest airport

  • Geneva: 77 km (47 mi)

Transfer time

  • Geneva: 1hr 49

Morzine the resort

  • Resort altitude: 1,000 m (3,280 ft)
  • 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 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

This short video provides a glimpse of everything Morzine has to offer.


(Ref: Steven Marsh)

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Morzine ski area

  • Summit elevation: 2,460 m (8,070 ft)
  • Kilometres of pistes: 107 km (66 mi)
  • Vertical drop: 1,460 m (4,790 ft)
  • Ski lifts: 67

Morzine, nestled in the vast Portes du Soleil ski area alongside Avoriaz, Châtel, and Les Gets, offers a significant 650 km (403 mi) 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 typically runs from mid December to late April. While the official 2025/26 opening and closing dates have not yet been confirmed, we’ll update this page as soon as they are announced. Please note that these dates can vary depending on snow conditions and other operational factors. Planning ahead? Don’t forget to check out our Morzine deals for the best 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 (11 in) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 2.8 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases to 24 cm (9.4 in)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 (15.7 in) 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 (5.1 in) 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

Morzine's culinary landscape caters to a wide array of tastes, from hearty Savoyard classics to innovative international cuisine. Highlights include:

  • La Paika: with its sun-soaked terrace, positioned directly on the slopes, it serves mouthwatering grilled meats and regional delicacies, all while offering breathtaking views.
  • Le Vaffieu: situated at the top of the Pleney slopes, this is a renowned mountain restaurant serving a mix of traditional Savoyard cuisine.
  • Le Tremplin: located at the foot of the Pleney slopes, it serves a blend of traditional and contemporary dishes.
  • La Chamade: a Michelin-starred establishment located in the core of the resort
  • L'Atelier: another one-star Michelin restaurant taking pride in its blend of French and global flavours.
  • La Grange: famous for its homely appeal and comfortable atmosphere, it excels in serving traditional Savoyard cuisine.
  • Le Clin d'Oeil: with its enchanting alpine aesthetics and warm welcome, it 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 après-ski and nightlife

When the lifts close, Morzine comes alive with a vibrant après-ski scene. Highlights include:

  • Le Tremplin: a vibrant and energetic bar featuring live music performances, DJ sets, and themed parties.
  • L'Aubergade: a popular meeting spot, 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: a charming wine bar for a more intimate setting.
  • Le Paradis: 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: a legendary après-ski institution, 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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