Ski holidays are perfect for adventure-seeking families, but they can also cost a pretty penny. This does not have to be the case, however, and I think that Morillon 1100 is a great choice for families seeking a quality ski break that won’t cost the earth. This charming Savoyard village in the Grand Massif region has everything that you need for a memorable family holiday, including a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, superb skiing, good food and plenty more.
Read up on the Grand Massif region here!
Skiing Options
Located in the world-famous Grand Massif and Praz de Lys, you have easy access to 265 kilometres of pistes, including 148 slopes. A large percentage of these are green (20) and blue (64), so they are well-suited to youngsters and beginners who want to develop their skills and gain confidence. Additionally, there are two cool snow parks, and the 71 lifts make it easy to get around each day.
There are plenty of highlights, but I highly recommend checking out Ze Marvel Safari on the Marvel slope. This is an educational and fun five-kilometre sledge slope, where you and the kids can carve powder and learn all about the beautiful animals in the area.
Low-Key Après Ski
Fortunately for families, there is not a big après ski scene here, so you won’t be kept up by any raucous party animals. Instead, it is a pedestrianised resort that’s surrounded by a traditional village. As it is small and very family-orientated, parents can happily let their kids venture out into the village and off the slopes.
The other great thing about being in a peaceful setting? You won’t spend a fortune on drinks, food and entertainment! That is not to say that there isn’t plenty to keep you entertained, though.
Activities
There are lots of fun family activities to try here, but these are a few of my favourites.
Dog Sledding – Do you and/or your kids love animals? If so, you’ll love this activity, which allows you to get to know the beautiful huskies as they whisk you across stunning snow-covered scenery. This really is a magical experience and is an all-time favourite among children.
Snowshoeing – Explore the picturesque Grand Massif region at a more leisurely pace with a snowshoeing expedition. This experience allows you to really take in your natural surroundings. There are a few lovely places to venture too, including a scenic trip alongside the River Giffre. Alternatively, you could opt for a half-day trek, during which you can track animals and spot them in their natural habitat.
Gyropode Rides – Gyropode segways are a fun and unique way to get around, and you are all sure to have lots of fun when you’re riding these. There are cool routes that take you along the river and through the forest, and you can even opt for a night-time journey, which will paint the area in a completely different light.
Horse Riding Activities – There are two terrific horse riding activities to try in Morillon. The first is ski joering, which is where you are pulled across the snow by a horse, and it is a great activity for horse/ski lovers. It is understandable if you have some anxiety about this, but fear not: you’re not in for a high-speed race – just a gentle gallop! The second activity is a pony ride sled, which is a fun and relaxing way to see the great beauty of the area and an activity that’ll undoubtedly be a highlight for the whole family.
How to Get There
Reaching the resort can be straightforward and affordable too. The best plan of action would be to fly from the UK into Geneva airport – depending on where you are flying from, this will take between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours and 10 minutes. The flight is made regularly from all around the UK and with budget airlines like easyJet, BA and Swiss.
Geneva Airport (GVA) is 46 kilometres from the resort, so you will want to pre-book a Shuttle Direct transfer. This is the quickest and easiest way to get the entire family and all of your gear to the resort, plus it saves you the headache of waiting for public transportation.
Where to Stay
If you want to stay in Morillon itself, the best option is Vacancéole – Résidence Grand Massif. This hotel is well-situated right at the entrance to the village, providing easy access to the cable car. All of the rooms here have a kitchenette, so you can enjoy family meals together and save money on food. They also have their own en suite bathrooms, satellite TV and Wi-Fi, allowing you to fully relax in a homey environment.
If you book a stay here, you’ll also love the balconies, many of which offer lovely views of the mountains. The hotel has a communal lounge, heated swimming pool and a bar. There are a host of activities that they can arrange for an additional charge, too.
Previous guests have spoken very highly of the staff, who are friendly and work hard to ensure that you are having an enjoyable stay.
About Shuttle Direct
Family vacations can be stressful, especially if you have all of your ski gear in tow. At Shuttle Direct, we can take the stress out of travel with our highly rated transfer service, which is available to and from ski resorts, airports, hotels and other places throughout Europe and North Africa.
