Get ready to boot up, board up and drink up, because it’s time to stow the surfboard, pack up the paraglider and head to the snow! While we know you love your summer fun, there’s just something so epic about tackling the might of a snow-covered mountain with a group of your mates…
If you’re in search of the addictive thrill of adrenaline and an equally good après scene you’ve got a pick of plenty of resorts in Europe, but Morzine, in the massive Portes du Soleil ski area, ticks every box and then some. (By the way, it’s also pretty awesome in summer…)
Out of this World Skiing
Morzine is smack-bang in the middle of the Portes du Soleil, with linked access to 650kms of pistes across 12 resorts. Even if not everyone is at the same skill level, there’s something for you all – and plenty of scope to push your limits with loads of off-piste adventure to be had as well.
In the immediate resort area there are five lifts giving access to a host of blues and some pretty tough reds around Le Pleney. There are also some steep, wide runs directly above the resort, which are great for intermediates looking to graduate their status to expert.
You’ll find awesome powder runs at higher altitudes above Chamosiere and Nyon and into the neighbouring resorts of Les Gets and Avoriaz. If you’re really looking to blow out the cobwebs, set yourself the challenge of tackling the famous Swiss Wall – one of the steepest black runs in the Alps. (Experts only for this one.) If you’re looking to brush up your freestyle action, the most popular place is Avoriaz, with its six terrain parks ready for action.
Ski pass tip: Of course, the beauty of choosing a resort in the Portes du Soleil is the access you’ll get if you take advantage of the ski pass that covers the entire area. A 3-day pass is €139 and a 7-day is €288. (Morzine-Avoriaz only 3-day pass is €107 and 7-day is €217.)
But That’s Not All
You’re heading to a ski resort so, naturally, skiing and snowboarding are going to be high on the agenda. But it doesn’t hurt to mix it up a little, and in Morzine there are plenty of other things to do as well – both on and off the snow.
On the snow: There are other ways to get you up, over, and across the snow. You might want to try your hand at:
- Snowmobiling (drive yourself or with a guide)
- Snowshoeing
- Ice skating
- Torchlit downhill
- Paragliding (in winter it’s a whole different experience!)
Off the snow: Some days you might just feel like doing something different, and the resort can cater to virtually any whim with these facilities:
- Indoor swimming pool
- Sports centre
- Spa treatments (don’t laugh, a bit of manscaping and massaging can be fun!)
- Cinema complex
- Ski shops selling the latest gear
- Weekly ice-hockey fixtures
Awesome Après Ski
Morzine is renowned for its lively après ski scene and the resort is pretty much one big party once everyone starts coming down from the slopes. The choice is wide and varied, and whether you’re looking for chills or thrills, you’ll find them! Here are just a few top recommendations and, because it’s a resort, you can walk to them all.
- Le Crepu – relaxed, friendly and great for a wind down drink.
- The Tibetan Café – super cool crowd and lively atmosphere.
- Bar Robinson – don’t let drab décor fool you, this is one of the most fun and popular places in town!
- Dixie Bar – laidback sports bar with big screens and live music.
- Coyote Bar – yes, just like you’re hoping… Girls. Not many clothes. Enough said.
- The Cavern – the busiest nightspot. Music, DJs, beers, 2am close. Night night nurse…
Ideal for a Mates’ Break
You may already know how good the Portes du Soleil is in terms of skiing, but if you’re planning a mates’ break in Morzine and some of the guys need a bit of convincing, it’s been our pleasure.
How to Get to Morzine
There are a number of airports convenient to Morzine and from the UK you can fly into Geneva, Chambéry, Lyon or Turin. Geneva is the most popular, with a host of budget airlines, including easyJet, Swiss, Flybe and British Airways, offering great deals on flights as low as £36 one way from UK airports.
When you land, the fastest and most cost effective way to get your mates and any equipment to the resort is on a fixed price airport transfer with Shuttle Direct. From Geneva the journey by road takes around an hour and 15 minutes, from Chambéry approximately 1.5 hours, Lyon just over two hours and Turin is three hours away. If you are travelling with your own skis or snowboards, mention it at the time of booking and we’ll carry them for free.
Where to Stay:
Chalet le Feufy: In an ideal position just a short walk from a number of ski lifts, the Chalet le Feufy puts you right in the centre of the ski action. With comfortable apartment accommodation and plenty of room to spread out, it’s the perfect place for a mates’ ski getaway with TV, Wi-Fi, large rooms with balconies, and bars and restaurants on the doorstep.
Bel’alpe: Just 100 metres from multiple ski lifts and offering spacious, comfortable rooms overlooking the slopes, Bel’alpe has a warm and friendly ambience with free Wi-Fi and plenty of onsite facilities. After a hard day hurtling down the slopes you can unwind with a game of pool or a sauna, then enjoy drink in the communal bar before heading out for some après action.
Chalet Hôtel La Chaumière: If you’re looking to splash out a little, the friendly, family-run Chalet Hôtel La Chaumière will make you feel right at home, only better! With a fantastic central location walking distance from all the bars and restaurants, and a free shuttle service to the ski lifts, you can enjoy all the extras of a pool, terrace, Wi-Fi and onsite bar and restaurant to make your mates’ break just that little bit more luxurious.
About Shuttle Direct:
If you’re looking for Europe’s most cost efficient, friendly and trusted airport transfers, Shuttle Direct is the answer. With a wealth of experience in winter ski transfers, Shuttle Direct has a service to meet every budget and any group size. If you’re bringing your own ski equipment with you it’s no problem. Just advise us when you make your online booking and we’ll carry it for free.
Offering the fastest, most convenient way to get to and from your final destination, Shuttle Direct’s expert team are ready to take the stress out of your onward travel arrangements.
