A family resort, Morzine-Avoriaz has more than one trick up its sleeve. In Morzine, you can both enjoy a quiet resort in a small village with incredible views over the valley, and access one of the largest ski areas in the Alps. The Portes du Soleil ski area was the very first Franco-Swiss ski resort to see the light of day. Today, it's a unique playground, offering 12 resorts and over 600km of pistes. Put on your skis and let us take you on a tour of the Morzine-Avoriaz resort and its must-do activities.
1- Snowboarding and downhill skiing
When you're on vacation in Morzine-Avoriaz, be sure to visit the Portes du Soleil ski area. Its 12 partner resorts allow you to ski on almost 600km of pistes between France and Switzerland, linked by 208 lifts.ESF Morzine offers handiskiing assistance for people with reduced mobility. Children and adult beginners can also take lessons.
Good to know 1 - Take advantage of a 10% discount on your rental equipment with the code petitfuteski on our partner's website.
2- Discover Nordic skiing
Nordic skiing brings together a number of different activities, allowing you to discover the mountains in a whole new way. In Morzine, there are two Nordic sectors where you can practice biathlon and cross-country skiing. Head for the Vallée de la Manche, a wild valley at an altitude of 1100-1400m, with excellent cross-country ski trails and a path for hiking or snowshoeing. A little higher up, at 1500m, the Pléney-Chavannes sector offers a sunny Nordic area and a lookout point with views of Mont-Blanc.
3- Night-time tobogganing
Morzine-Avoriaz is one of the ideal family ski resorts. So it's only natural that it offers a number of tobogganing areas, the perfect activity for children. During the day, you can access the dedicated and secure Front de neige du Pleney area, next to the Mas-Verjus ski lift. For even more thrills, you can go tobogganing at dusk and race down the Pleney piste B.
Good to know if you haven't booked your stay yet, you can choose the accommodation that suits you best on our partner's website on our partner's website.
4- Mountain biking on snow
Who says you can't bike in the mountains in winter? In Morzine-Avoriaz, you'll find electric Fat Bikes in the rental shops, ideal for mountain biking in the snow. These thick-wheeled bikes are specially designed to give you good grip on loose ground. The activity is fun and accessible to all.
Article to read: if you're a cycling fan, don't miss our article on the best cycling itineraries in France for the whole family.
5- Snowshoeing
If you prefer walking to sliding, opt for snowshoe trekking. Around Morzine, you'll find a wide range of footpaths to enjoy the magnificent Alpine scenery. With over 200km of marked trails around the resort, you'll be spoilt for choice! Around the valley or towards Switzerland, you'll find itineraries of every difficulty. Don't hesitate to ask theTourist Office for advice. If you're going without a guide, remember to take a first-aid kit.
6- What to do in Morzine-Avoriaz? A treasure hunt
Do you like treasure hunts? Morzine Tourist Office has set up a virtual treasure hunt through the village. This outdoor activity is ideal for families who want to learn more about the local history and heritage. All you have to do is download the"Géodyssée" application onto your phone. An interactive map will guide you between the various points of interest, and you'll be able to move forward as you answer the questions.
Activities to book 6- Discover Morzine's history and architecture on this guided walking tour of the village.
7- Try your hand at mountaineering
Succumb to the call of the summits during your vacation in Morzine-Avoriaz. From Morzine, you can choose from a range of professionally supervised mountaineering itineraries. What better place than the Alps to learn this demanding but rewarding sport. The area is renowned for its spectacular climbs, but the panoramas are more than up to the challenge. Qualified guides will take you here in pursuit of your first 4000m.
Activities to book if you prefer to see the landscape from the air, book a tandem paragliding flight in Morzine.
8- Ski touring in Morzine-Avoriaz
Also known as "ski-mountaineering", ski touring is the ideal way to discover remote natural areas. If this sport is becoming increasingly popular, it's because the effort is amply rewarded by the incredible landscapes you'll cross. In Morzine, you can practice the discipline accompanied by a local instructor, who will adapt the outing to your level. Once you've reached the top, all you have to do is enjoy the scenery before heading downhill on the powder.
9- Relax at the spa
Don't forget your bathing suit! Morzine boasts a large aquatic area, ideal for relaxing after a day's skiing or simply enjoying a moment of well-being. You'll find a large sports pool, as well as a learning pool and a paddling pool for the little ones. The center also offers a wellness area with saunas, hammams and a relaxation room.
10- Discover biathlon
In the Morzine-Avoriaz resort, you can try your hand at biathlon and follow in the footsteps of the great winter sports athletes. This sport, which combines endurance and precision, is accessible to all and is supervised by professionals. You'll learn how to handle the laser rifle and, above all, how to control your breath after cross-country skiing to improve shooting accuracy. This activity can be enjoyed as a family, but childrenaged 8 and over are not allowed.
11- Try an escape game
On a rainy day or after an afternoon of skiing, come and rack your brains in one of Morzine's two escape game rooms. Head to Le Room and take on the"Survival Room" if you're a team of 2 to 8 intermediate-level players. Trapped in the middle of the night in a mountain chalet, you'll have to find a way to keep warm to survive. More experienced groups can tackle"Villain's Lair". The aim is to infiltrate the laboratory of an evil scientist, and escape with information before a bomb explodes. Are you up to the challenge?
What can you do in Morzine-Avoriaz in winter if you don't ski?
If you don't like skiing, or you've come to the mountains just for the snow and the fondue, here are some of the things you can do in Morzine-Avoriaz:
- Take up mountaineering. Discover this demanding sport and admire the most beautiful surrounding peaks with a certified guide.
- Snowshoeing. Take advantage of the many trails around Morzine to discover the region in a whole new way.
- Relax at the spa. You don't have to have skied all day to deserve a sauna. Don't hesitate to treat yourself to a moment of well-being.
- Go on a treasure hunt. To discover Morzine's history and heritage, try the free treasure hunt created by the town.
Where to stay in Morzine-Avoriaz?
For your stay in Morzine-Avoriaz, take a look at our list of the best accommodations in the resort. Here are a few of our top-rated addresses:
- L'hôtel Les Bruyères: a stone's throw from the ski lifts, this establishment offers comfortable rooms at very good value for money. Book here.
- Hôtel Les Rhodos Morzine: this hotel in the center of Morzine offers comfortable, well-equipped rooms. There's a bar and a traditional restaurant. Book your stay here.
- Le Mas de la Coutettaz: this charming Savoyard mansion boasts the sobritish patina of its owner and refined rooms. The establishment also serves as a table d'hôtes. You can book your stay here.
Good to know if you're driving to Morzine-Avoriaz, get a electronic toll tag to make your journey easier.
What to do in Morzine-Avoriaz in summer?
The mountains in summer have their advantages: it's not as cold, there are fewer tourists and more places are accessible. Here are some of the best things to do in Morzine-Avoriaz in summer:
- Hiking and biking. Hiking is the number-one activity in the mountains in summer! On foot or by mountain bike, the choice is yours. Either way, the Haut-Savoie landscape is worth the detour.
- Water sports. The Alps offer a wide range of white-water activities. In Morzine, try canyoning, paddling or rafting.
- Horse-riding. Morzine's equestrian center will delight nature and horse lovers. Numerous rides are available for all levels.
- Try the Via Ferrata. Vacuum enthusiasts can try Via Ferrata, an alternative to rock climbing.
