Conveniently situated just over an hour from Geneva airport, Morzine is a buzzing, bustling tourist destination through winter and summer alike. From early December until late April, Morzine is a world-class ski resort attracting visitors from across the globe. Throughout the warmer months, it transforms into Europe's biggest and best Mountain Biking hub. If you like mountain views and outdoor activities as much as we do, you're going to love Morzine.
History
The village of Morzine has a long history, dating back over a thousand years. Once a monastic hermitage, then a mining and farming centre, Morzine would start a new history in 1960 when local skier Jean Vuarnet won gold at the Winter Olympic Games. The attention this brought sparked the development of what would become the Portes du Soleil ski area, including the creating of Avoriaz ski resort (which neighbours and connects with Morzine). Today, Morzine marks the centre point in a ski area that connects 12 separate resorts in two different countries. Ground zero.
Architecture
With a proud history that long pre-dates modern-day tourism, Morzine has retained a picture-postcard style that celebrates the best traditions of the local area. You will not find sprawling concrete tower blocks here. Instead, you should expect to find quaint Alpine chalets dotted along both sides of the valley. Exteriors and interiors make extensive use of local pine, giving each property a cosy, mountain lodge feel.
Morzine is one of the world's most desirable winter sports locations
Skiing & Snowboarding
Located right in the centre of Europe's largest ski area, Morzine gives unbeatable access to some of the best skiing in the world. Whether you get your kicks on-piste, off-piste or in the snowpark, if you're serious about skiing and snowboarding, Morzine belongs right at the top of your winter bucket list.
For first-timers, there are seven green-class beginner slopes to ease you in during your first days on the mountain. For the more experienced, there is a huge range of blue, red and black runs to explore, even before you head to the neighbouring resorts of Les Gets, Avoriaz and other nine sister resorts that make up the Portes du Soleil ski area. For more information, check out our Morzine skiing guide here...
Morzine skiing in numbers
1000m base altitude
1020m vertical drop
64 local-area ski lifts
197 full-area ski lifts
107km local-area piste
650km full-area piste
Access to 10 snowparks
30 local beginner trails (green-blue)
34 local advanced trails (red-black)
Morzine is a Mecca for MTB enthusiasts who come here from all over the world
Morzine MTB
The centerpiece of the Portes du Soleil network of connected Alpine resorts, Morzine is the jewel in the crown of European Mountain Biking. Worldwide, it is second only to Whistler (Canada) as the most popular MTB destination on the planet. And it's easy to see why. With 50 downhill tracks, 21 lifts and 600km of marked trails, the opportunities for adventure here are limitless. For more information, check out our Morzine MTB guide here...
Portes du Soleil MTB in numbers
50 downhill tracks
14 local-area downhill tracks
21 cable-cars and lifts
600km marked MTB trails
25 mountain biking schools
20 MTB shops & rental outlets
100's of unofficial / unmarked trails
80+ days of lifts in operation
There is a huge range of climbs and cols within easy reach of Morzine.
Morzine Road Cycling
The French Alps. When it comes to road cycling, Morzine is a destination that sells itself. With an enticing to-do list of challenging climbs and cols all within easy reach, Morzine is a dream for road cyclists looking to recreate the magic of Le Tour.
The climbs in this area are typically around 7-10 km in length. Gradients of 6-8% are pretty standard here, so a good level of fitness and climbing experience will be called for, even if anything above 12% is rare. For more information, check out our Morzine road cycling guide here...
Map of the area
Getting to Morzine
Just over an hour from Geneva airport, Morzine is easily accessible wherever you're travelling from. Transport networks are good and airport transfers are available throughout the year (albeit with less selection during off-peak times). For full details, check out this full guide about getting to Morzine...
By plane
Most people who come to Morzine arrive by air. Regular flights to Geneva airport are available throughout the year and staff at the airport are very used to dealing with bulky luggage items like skis and bikes. The transfer time to Chalet Flori is around one hour and twenty minutes.
By train
If you prefer to stay on land, then it's perfectly possible to get to Morzine by train (even if the last leg of your journey will be in a minibus). Take the high-speed TGV service to Geneva, then get the shuttle out to the airport. From there, the transfer up to Morzine will take around one hour and twenty minutes. Avoid getting the train to nearby Cluses because transport connections between there and Morzine are less frequent.
By Car
The drive from Calais is simple but long. To get the best driving experience, approach Morzine via Geneva. Avoid going into Paris if you possibly can (it is not a car-friendly city!).
For a cheap alternative to driving yourself, check out the carpooling website BlaBlaCar.
Airport Transfers
If you're arriving by plane or train, you're probably going to need a transfer from Geneva airport. There is no need to do anything: we will be happy to organise this for you at no extra cost. However, if you would prefer to go direct, here is a short list of the best-rated local providers.
SKI-LIFTS
Recommended
Ski-Lifts have been providing airport transfers to the French Alps since 2003.
Tourist Office Morzine, in the heart of the village
Getting around Morzine
Whether you're looking to pop into the village for some essentials, get to a ski-lift on the other side of the valley or get home after a night on the town, you'll find the best ways to get around Morzine here.
With Heyday Vans
Looking for a reliable transportation within Morzine and other nearby destinations? Heyday Vans is designed to provide you with convenient transportation options throughout your stay in Morzine. Whether you need to get to the ski slopes, explore local attractions, or enjoy a night out, Heyday Vans will be at your service.
We are not only skilled at navigating the local roads but also have in-depth knowledge of the Morzine area. We can provide recommendations, suggest the best routes, and share insights about the region, making your journey even more enjoyable.
On Foot
Morzine village is a one kilometer walk from Chalet Flori's door. On average, this walk takes about 13 minutes. All your daily needs and local amenities are available here, along or just off rue du Bourg — the road stretching from the Tourist Office to the Town Hall.
As you walk into the village, from Chalet Flori's side, you'll pass the Super Morzine Telecabine — one of the resort's main ski-lifts (giving you access to Avoriaz and the Swiss section of the Portes Du Soleil). A six-minute walk from there, directly through the village to the opposite side of the valley, will bring you to the Pleney Telecabine (giving you access to the Morzine and Les Gets side of the valley). There's also a small "Petit Train" service connecting these two lifts every few minutes during the winter season.
By Bus
To Les Gets, Montriond & Saint-Jean d'Aulps:
Morzine is blessed with a great bus service during its winter months. Connecting Morzine with Les Gets and all the way down to Le Biot. This, Balad'Aulps bus route, starts at 7 a.m and runs until 7 p.m, connecting Avoriaz, Morzine, Les Gets, Montriond, Essert Romand, St Jean d'Aulps and Le Biot. Morzine's central ski-lifts, Super Morzine and Pleney, are easily accessible by foot. The other three lifts, Nyon, Ardent and Prodains are a bit further out, and are realistically only accessible by bus or car.
The bus stops just 180m from the chalet, and passes every 30 minutes during the ski season. Tickets are available on the bus and cost €1.50. You can also purchase monthly tickets from the local bus stations. The Balad'Aulps bus route also operates outside of the winter season, but is a little less frequent.
From the middle of December to the middle of April, there is a free shuttle bus service. These shuttles, known as Navettes, connect the five main ski-lifts of Morzine. Some of these tend to finish early in the day, so it's a good idea to plan ahead and keep an eye on the timetable. Navettes also run outside of the ski season months, but are less frequent.
There are a number of companies that offer taxi services in Morzine and some transfer companies use their minibuses as taxis late at night. Make sure to book ahead though, some companies don't operate every day and the ones that do are often too busy to take bookings.
Nightlife
During winter and summer high-seasons, Morzine is a busy and bustling resort with lots of people and lots to do. Expect a wide range from 'Happy Hour' fuelled, cheap and cheerful spots to more laid-back quieter bars and clubs, plus everything in between.
Bars
Laury's Bar
RecommendedBar
Known as a late bloomer, it starts to come alive after 11pm. That's when the band, there most nights over the ski season, kick-off.
Situated half a mile from Chalet Flori's door, La Marmotte d'Or is the unofficial Heyday Chalet 'local'. Simple pub-grub for €10-15. Their Guinness gets the Plunkett seal of approval.
Morzine is the ideal location to sample all things Savoyard; the staple diet of the Alps for generations, mainly consisting of an infusion of bread and cheese, potatoes and cheese, or wine and cheese. Over recent years, if all that cheese sounds a bit too heavy, Morzine has also begun to specialise in healthier vegan and vegetarian options.
Morzine restaurants can be broken into two categories; Village Restaurants, dotted throughout the village's streets, and Mountain Restaurants, aimed at skiers and mountain-bikers looking for a place to dine after/during a day on the slopes.
Village Restaurants
Alpen Roc
RecommendedVillage Restaurant
If you're looking for no-frills and great value for money, then Alpen Roc will tick all the boxes. It opens for dinner only during the ski season and lunch and dinner during the summer.
Known for their use of fresh seasonal produce and traditional Savoyard specialities — such as fondue and tartiflette — all at a reasonable price.
Set in a picturesque mountain valley 3 km from the shores of Lac de Montriond, discover the atmosphere of a local inn where friendliness and simplicity are keys. Enjoy a quick and relaxed lunch break, or meet with friends or family in a traditional alpine atmosphere in the evenings.
A popular spot for years. Their pizzas are the stuff of legend and are best enjoyed with the accompaniment of their live music. If you're in a rush, they also do great coffee and cake to go.
Located a short walk from the centre of Morzine and just 400 metres from the Super Morzine lift, the restaurant is a popular dining option throughout the winter and summer.
Serving hearty Savoyard dishes during the winter, with lighter options also available. Modern French cuisine, that's a touch more gourmet, during the summer.
Restaurant L'Étale is a gourmet delight in the heart of Morzine. There's non-stop service available during the winter and summer months, from 11 am to midnight.
Serving regional dishes and as well as more contemporary offerings. Seating is available in the heated terrace or the large indoor area. Take-away options are also available.
A popular choice with foodies visiting Morzine, thanks to its central location, next door to the Spar shop in the town centre, and for its interesting menu.
Pan-seared foie gras, Braised stew in puff pasted casserole and grilled ribs are just a few of the current standouts. Also specialising in pizza and Savoyarde stables.
The atmosphere is cosy and laid-back, thanks to the stove fire, wooden features and the space left between tables. The interior designed to replicate a traditional Alpine barn.
The menu is made up of mainly Savoyarde dishes, with enough veggie and alternative options available to keep appeal to all tastes and budgets.
In the summer you can enjoy your meal outside by the swimming pool, while during the winter you'll dine indoors in cosy, wooden surroundings.
Serving gourmet cuisine, Les Jardins d'Ulysse restaurant is open daily for breakfast and dinner. Located in the centre of town at the foot of the Morzine ski slopes.
Le Tyrolien is located in the centre of Morzine and has become a favourite for diners over the years. Ideal for a cheap and cheerful (and filling) dining experience.
Known for their generous portions of traditional Savoyarde fare, including Raclette, fondue and tartiflette, as well as their delicious, and massive, pizzas.
The Hideout Kitchen is the go-to spot for those looking for delicious vegetable- and fish-based alternatives to the area's more traditional cheese and potato-based dishes.
A restaurant that purposely doesn't offer Savoyarde cuisine. Instead, popular local chef Sherif Gergis focuses on lighter options, often with a Japanese influence.
Found at 1,537 metres, on the Nyon plateau, Chez Nannon is an Alpine farm chalet serving old-fashioned Savoyarde dishes and local specialities.
Grilled meats, burgers and homemade soups and desserts are all worth the visit. But, the potatoes with reblochon, smoked ham and sausages is the real crowning glory here.
Found at the top of Mossettes TDS lift (between Morzine, Avoriaz and Champery) and featuring awe-inspiring 360-degree views to admire during your mountain snack.
If you can make it up the 2,300 metres, Cookie Café, is the reward that awaits you. Their flagship item the Gourmet Burger, lovingly made by their local Swiss butcher.
A popular and reasonably priced spot for skiers and snowboarders in Morzine. Can get busy during lunch and après-ski, so make sure you get there early.
Known for their deep pan omelette, homemade crêpes and croque monsieurs, as well as traditional fondue and tartiflette. Open daily during winter and summer months.
Less a mountain restaurant and more a mountain experience. The restaurant is part of a winter park, located above Morzine in the Nyon sector.
The menu is purposely kept small, they like to specialise in a few Savoyarde dishes and there is also a snack bar on the slopes serving sandwiches, ice-creams, cakes and drinks.
Morzine has a Café to suit all of your caffeine and sweet-tooth needs. From the innocent to the indulgent, and from grab-and-go to grab-a-seat and relax.
Most bars, cafés and restaurants also have WiFi, so coverage is extensive. For private network coverage, you can rent pocket WiFi from the Morzine Tourist Office for €39 per week.
Satellite Coffee
RecommendedCafé
Located in the centre of Morzine, on Rue de Bourg, Satellite Coffee offers snacks on the lighter, more natural side and containers that are environmentally friendly.
Unapologetically indulgent — we (usually) save it for after a day of outdoor activities. Renowned for its croissants and cakes, as well as its exceptional coffee.
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