Not everyone has time for a week-long holiday in the Alps. If you are going through a busy period at work, have young children, or often both, a long weekend on the slopes is the perfect antidote and a great chance to recharge those batteries. The weekend is a great time to ski as other tourists often transfer to and from their holidays on Saturday, leaving quieter, more open pistes to enjoy.
As time is short you will want to make every minute count, so it’s important to jet off somewhere jam-packed with things to do on and off the slopes. At only 1 and a half hours from Geneva Airport, Morzine is an awesome place to ski and is buzzing with fun activities. If after a long weekend you feel like you haven’t seen everything Morzine has to offer (which is likely!), you can always go back for a whole week when the time is right.
The Skiing
Morzine forms part of the huge Portes Du Soleil ski area which encompasses over 650km of terrain in two countries. Slopes for every ability level snake down the mountainsides, open and uncrowded on the weekends. For the full ski experience you will want a ski pass for the whole Portes Du Soleil area, granting access to Avoriaz and its more challenging descents.
Generally, most beginners test their skis at Pleney around 1.5km up, while intermediates like to head over to Avoriaz where the slopes are a bit steeper. For adrenaline junkies and skiers who really want to test themselves, the run known as the Swiss Wall has the reputation as one of the fastest and steepest black runs in the Alps. Don’t expect any mercy from the descent!
Off-Piste Activities
If you get unlucky with the snow or just fancy something different, Morzine has an abundance of activities for your attention. Ice diving at Lac Montriond is one activity in particular that should not be missed. Lac Montriond is a beautiful place to visit with great views across the lake from the coffee shops that litter its icy banks. Beneath the frozen lake however is where the magic really lies, and with accompanying instructors and reasonable prices, it’s a great place to take your first plunge.
Après Scene
It’s always nice to celebrate after a successful day of skiing with your partner. Toast to your success in the one of Morzine’s bars. It is the weekend after all!
Coup de Coer
This wine bar is, you guessed it, all about the wine. Guests enjoy the chilled atmosphere, sipping their vino with outstretched legs and minds at ease. The bar is a great place to meet people and wine drinkers can people-watch with endless satisfaction while sitting on the terrace, which backs on to the pedestrian square.
Hotel Le Petit Dru
The bar at the Hotel Le Petit Dru oozes comfort. With red velvet sofas and a roaring wood fire, there is no better place to put your feet up after a day on the mountain. Order a scotch from the bar and relive holiday highlights well into the evening.
Where to Stay – Hotel Le Petit Dru
For a comfortable stay in the best location, Hotel Le Petit Dru is your best option. This chalet-style, family-run ski hotel is only a couple of minutes’ walk from the centre of town and has a ski shuttle bus stop (free with a ski pass) right outside. Rooms are decorated in traditional Savoyard décor and have their own balconies, ensuite bathrooms and free WiFi. Your balcony is a great place to take in the views over the valley as is the garden terrace which serves food and drink throughout the day.
How to Get to Morzine
Geneva Airport is only a 1½ hour flight from London airports and the drive to Morzine takes around the same time. Leaving your house at lunch and arriving in time for dinner is easily done. With many of the budget airlines such as easyJet and Jet2 flying direct to Geneva, the journey can also be cheap – if you prefer more comfort on your travels, British Airways also flies direct.
Slightly further away are the airports of Chambery (closer to 2 hours by road), and Lyon (closer to 2 and a half hours). Whichever you choose, you will want fast, reliable transport straight to your hotel. On a short-break you have no time to waste; Shuttle Direct offers a transfer service from each of these airports, and they will even take your ski gear for no extra charge.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct is a company with years of experience providing holiday transfers. Our expert drivers know all the quickest routes and pride themselves on their customer service. There really is no point faffing around on a short trip away – just book a transfer with Shuttle Direct and let us do all the heavy lifting.
With Shuttle Direct you agree a fixed, low-cost fee before you get out there, meaning it’s all taken care of by the time you touch down. Your driver will be there to meet you at Geneva, Chambery or whichever airport you specify, and will also take along any ski equipment for free if you let us know in advance.
