Morzine holidays

How to reach Morzine

• Flight time: There are no direct flights to Morzine. Flights to Geneva, the closest airport, from London take between 1 hour 30 minutes and 1 hour 45 minutes.

• Transfer time: From Geneva Airport, transfers to Morzine typically take between 1 hour 15 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes. The most common means of transport are shuttle services, which are frequent and convenient.

• Price: A shared shuttle from Geneva Airport to Morzine starts at approximately €40 per person one way. Private transfers cost between €150 and €200 for a vehicle, depending on the size and season.

Best time to visit Morzine

Choosing when to take your holidays to Morzine will depend on whether your priority is skiing and other winter sports, or enjoying alternative outdoor pursuits in the warmer months.

• December to March: This is peak ski season meaning that you will need to book your holidays early in order to secure the best accommodation, which will in any case be more expensive during this time. Temperatures range from -10°C to 5°C and expect around 4–5 hours of sunshine per day.

• April to June: April is still a good time for skiing at higher altitudes while the best times to hike are May and June, although some services may reduce their hours during the shoulder season. Temperatures range from 8°C to 15°C, with increasing hours of sunshine.

• July to August: Summer transforms the French Alps into one big outdoor playground for hiking, mountain biking and climbing among other pursuits. Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C, with 10-12 hours of sunshine daily. Be aware, however, of sudden storms in the mountains.

• September to November: Autumn offers much cooler weather, with temperatures between 5°C and 15°C. This shoulder season is great for autumn hikes and budget-friendly stays, though some ski-related services may not operate.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: French is the main language, but both Italian and English are widely spoken here.

• Local habits and customs: You’re not obligated to leave a tip in France. Tipping is not expected in French culture as the service is already factored into the price of your meal.

• Health and safety: Morzine is a safe destination, with all the relevant emergency services close at hand - but make sure you have travel insurance covering winter sports if you plan to ski.

• Currency: France uses the Euro. ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are commonly accepted.

• Getting around: The local Balad’Aulps Bus runs throughout the area, with tickets starting at €1.50. You can also rent bikes in summer or opt for ski buses in winter, often included with lift passes.

• Electricity and plug types: Voltage is officially 230V, using plugs with two round pins. UK travellers will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Morzine operates on Central European Time (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of GMT.

• Required travel documentation: UK travellers need a valid passport. Post-Brexit, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry.

Best things to do in Morzine

Nestled in the heart of the French Alps, Morzine is an all-season playground that blends stunning natural landscapes with charming alpine culture. From exhilarating outdoor adventures to relaxing scenic strolls, Morzine holidays promise something for everyone.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Pointe de Nyon: This stunning viewpoint offers panoramic views of the Morzine Valley and surrounding peaks. Take the lift up and hike the short trail to the summit for memorable vistas.

• Mont Chéry viewpoint: Accessible via the lift from Les Gets, this spot boasts views over Mont Blanc and the broad swathe of the Portes du Soleil.

• Lac de Montriond: Known as the Emerald Lake, this serene spot is perfect for a reflective walk or a picnic with dramatic mountain views thrown in for good measure.

Museums

• Maison de la Montagne: Learn about alpine wildlife and culture at this super little museum, which will particularly appeal to those with kids.

Historical monuments

• Église Sainte-Marie-Madeleine: A welcome, restful retreat in the heart of the resort, this sweet little 19th-century church is a classic example of traditional Savoyard architecture.

• Traditional chalets: Morzine’s wooden chalets, many of which are centuries old, tell the story of the region's alpine heritage.

Day trips in the area

• Lake Geneva: Enjoy the sedate pleasures of Évian on the French side of this huge and scenic lake, or, better still, hop on one of the frequent ferries to Switzerland.

• Annecy: Set on a sparkling turquoise lake, Lac d’Annecy is one of the most beautiful and popular resort towns in the French Alps.

• Yvoire: A medieval lakeside village on Lake Geneva, renowned for its flower-filled streets and historical charm.

Activities for families in Morzine

Morzine and its surrounding areas offer a plethora of family-friendly activities beyond skiing, blending outdoor fun with cultural experiences that will keep both kids and parents entertained.

• Skiing and snowboarding: As you’d expect, there are plenty of ski schools for families and kids in Morzine, which provide lessons and guides for skiers and snowboarders.

• Swimming: The indoor and outdoor pools at the Morzine Aquatic Centre have dedicated kids’ pools and slides.

• Adventure parks: Set against a backdrop of towering pines, Indiana Parc offers tree-climbing adventures suitable for all ages.

• Parks and playgrounds: Parc des Dérêches is in many ways the heart of family activity in Morzine, with sports facilities, trails and open spaces for picnics or games.

• Interactive museums: Nearby Les Gets is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and attractions like the engaging Museum of Mechanical Music.

Free things to do in Morzine

Morzine can be expensive, but with careful planning–and mostly spending time outdoors–you can get away with spending very little.

• Free events: Every Tuesday evening during the winter season, ski instructors perform a dazzling torchlight descent down the Pléney slopes, followed by a spectacular fireworks display. There are also numerous free outdoor concerts, weekly markets and seasonal festivals taking place in or around the resort.

• Hiking: A day in the mountains is by far the easiest and most enjoyable way to save money.

• Church visits: The Église Sainte-Marie-Madeleine offers free entry and insight into local religious heritage.

• Free shuttle service: In winter and summer, Morzine operates free shuttles to help visitors explore different parts of the valley and ski lifts. Routes and times vary, but the convenience is unmatched.

Nature and outdoor activities

Morzine is on the doorstep of some of the most thrilling outdoor activities on the continent, from world-class skiing and climbing to superb mountain biking and a range of hikes, from challenging, almost vertical trails for the experienced to the most gentle of valley walks.

• Hiking: Morzine boasts an extensive network of trails, ranging from easy lakeside strolls around Lac de Montriond to challenging climbs through the Portes du Soleil region, the Col de Cou or Pointe de Nyon.

• Mountain biking: Morzine is part of one of the largest mountain biking areas in Europe, with trails suited to all skill levels. Both the Pleney and Super Morzine lifts provide access to exhilarating downhill and cross-country routes.

• Watersports: Lac de Montriond is perfect for a family picnic, gentle paddleboarding or kayaking, and easy walks around the lake.

• Luge: For an adrenaline-filled adventure, try the Les Gets luge, which is located near the village centre; equipment can be rented on-site. This sledging experience is one not to forget and is also suitable for all ages.

• Ziplining: The Fantasticable at nearby Châtel lets you whizz along a 1.2km line, reaching speeds of up to 100km/h while taking in a bird’s-eye view of the Alps.

• Via Ferrata: Hugely popular, via ferrata courses have wires and ladders bolted onto the rock so that even inexperienced climbers (wearing harnesses and ropes) can make ascents which would otherwise be impossible for them; the Cascade des Nants is the main one here.

Local dishes in Morzine

One of the great delights of holidays to Morzine is indulging in the hearty mountain cuisine that embodies the essence of Savoyard tradition. From rich cheese dishes to rustic baked goods, Morzine promises a delicious culinary journey.

Some typical dishes

• Raclette: This lip-smacking dish involves melting Raclette cheese and scraping it over potatoes, pickles and cured meats. It's perfect after a day on the slopes.

• Tartiflette: Another deliciously cheesy dish made with Reblochon cheese, potatoes, onions and lardons.

• Fondue Savoyarde: A classic cheese fondue made with a blend of local cheeses, white wine and garlic; hunks of crispy bread are then dipped into the melted cheese.

Meat dishes

• Diots: Savoyard sausages cooked in white wine and served with polenta or potatoes.

• Boeuf Bourguignon: A classic French stew of beef braised in red wine, with onions, garlic and mushrooms - robust and filling, it’s just the ticket after a day on the slopes.

Sweets and desserts

Tarte aux myrtille is a blueberry tart made with wild blueberries from the mountains - there's also faisselle aux myrtilles, blueberries with a soft, creamy yoghurt-like cheese; while merveilles are crispy, deep-fried dough pieces dusted with powdered sugar, similar to beignets.

Local drinks

• Vin chaud: A delicious, warming beverage made with red wine, spices and a touch of citrus - just the job after hitting the slopes.

• Chartreuses: Powerfully alcoholic herbal elixirs ranging from the better-known green and yellow variants to a number of gentler fruit and nut liqueurs.

• Génepi: A traditional alpine liqueur made from the génépi plant, which grows high in the mountains; usually taken as a digestif after a meal.

Sports and outdoor adventures on your Morzine holidays

Morzine is an adventure lover’s paradise, offering world-class sports and outdoor activities all year round. Whether you're here for the snow-covered slopes in winter or the stunning mountain trails in summer, there’s always something to get your adrenaline pumping.

• Skiing and snowboarding

  As part of the vast Portes du Soleil ski area, Morzine gives you access to over 600km of slopes stretching across France and Switzerland. With runs for all levels, from beginner-friendly pistes to challenging off-piste routes, it’s a dream destination for skiers and snowboarders alike.

• Mountain biking

  Morzine is a top spot for mountain biking, with some of the best downhill and enduro trails in the French Alps. The resort is home to one of Europe’s largest bike parks, with trails suited to beginners and experts alike. If you're up for a challenge, the famous Pleney and Super Morzine tracks offer thrilling descents.

• Hiking and trail running

  In summer, Morzine transforms into a hiker’s haven, with breathtaking alpine trails leading to lakes, waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints. Whether you’re looking for an easy lakeside walk or a high-altitude trek, there’s a route for every level. Trail running is also popular here, with challenging terrains that attract endurance athletes from around the world.

• Paragliding

  For the best views of Morzine and the surrounding Alps, take to the skies with a tandem paragliding experience. It’s an unforgettable way to soak in the stunning mountain landscapes while enjoying an adrenaline-fueled adventure.

• White-water sports

  The fast-flowing rivers around Morzine offer excellent conditions for white-water rafting, canyoning, and kayaking. Whether you want to navigate rapids or slide down natural rock formations, these activities are perfect for thrill-seekers.

• Golf and tennis

  If you prefer a slower pace, Morzine has excellent sports facilities, including golf courses with spectacular mountain backdrops and well-maintained tennis courts.

From winter sports to summer adventures, Morzine is packed with activities for active travellers, making it one of the most exciting outdoor destinations in the French Alps.