Les Abeilles
Sleeps 12+3
- Central location
- Close to ski lift / piste
- Balconies
- Mountain views
Today we are going to take you onto the ski slopes of Morzine for the perfect ski day with our partner ski school, New Generation Ski and Snowboard School.
Morzine is part of the Portes du Soleil ski area in France and is a fantastic choice for all skiers and snowboarders. In this article, we describe our perfect day in Morzine and share advice and knowledge on the best places to ski in Morzine.
Predominantly, we begin our ski day in Pléney, where the gondola goes up to the main slopes out of Morzine town. It’s a central location and very practical as it’s where New Generation’s ski lessons start.
Coffee in Morzine
If you fancy a quick coffee or croissant before hitting the slopes, we recommend the Tremplin restaurant on the snowfront. They do great coffee, and it’s the best people-watching spot for any non-skiers in your group.
While discussing breakfast, our favourite bakery in Morzine Centre is La Bonbonnière – perfect for grabbing something to eat quickly before hitting the slopes.
Beginner Skiing in Morzine
If you’re a beginner, Pleney is a great place to start, as the runs are gentle, and there’s plenty of space to practise. If you’ve also got kids with you, head through the Penguin park, which is always fun to get your ski legs moving. We like to warm up on Nabor!
Nabor restaurant is right beside the Pleney ski area, which is a great place to rest, grab a drink or meet up with friends. It plays classic tunes all day, so you might hear it before you see it!
Once you’ve skied around Nabor and its neighbouring runs, continue towards the Charniaz 6-person chairlift, which leads you to the Les Gets ski resort.
If you fancy a mid-morning coffee at the top of the long Charniaz chairlift, swing by Le Grand Pré restaurant. They make the best cappuccinos and delicious snacks, homemade by the elderly couple who run it. On your way from the top of the Charniaz chair, choose one of the blue or red runs to speed down to the bottom of the bowl.
Les Gets is another resort linked to Morzine, with an incredible network of blue runs to explore. The blue runs in Les Gets are long and relatively straight, so it’s ideal for anyone perfecting their turns and building confidence. Did you know there are 119 blue runs for you to explore in the Portes du Soleil?
Lunch in Morzine
Book a table on the terrace at Pointe de Nyon (we can do this for you) to see the eagles flying above the restaurant during your meal. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to get up close to these magnificent birds. This restaurant is in the Nyon plateau area, and the eagles have been moved there for the winter months, so you’re guaranteed to see them.
Take the Belvedere six-person chairlift to Le Vaffieu restaurant, another excellent spot to stop for lunch, which is suitable for both larger budgets and families. With its ample terrace, it is a popular sun trap. Carole who owns the restaurants makes delicious crumbles and fruit pies, so make sure to leave room for dessert!
The Belvedere chairlift can access Le Vaffieu at the top of the Morzine Plateau. If you’re not a skier and meeting friends for lunch, it’s also an easy walk from the same spot. If you’re coming from Nyon, the Fys chairlift will drop you outside the restaurant.
Probably the cosiest cabin in Morzine, La Grange restaurant is an absolute treat. Set in Morzine’s old town, Alex and her friendly team will look after you with generous portions of traditional food, including Fondue and other local Savoyarde specialities. Leave room for one of their homemade desserts and a shot of spiced rum.
Our recommendation: La Grange’s Raclette is fantastic for a big group or those wanting to share lunch. Raclette is a massive wheel of cheese that you melt onto charcuterie, salad and potatoes. Make sure you order the chunky chips (Pommes Pont Neuf).
After lunch, we like to do laps in the Chavannes area. This is a popular place for beginners and intermediates, as it offers plenty of blue runs to choose from. It’s also a great place to take kids, as they can enjoy tackling the obstacles in the Indian Village.
If you’re feeling ambitious after lunch, head back down to Morzine centre and make your way over to Super Morzine gondola. It’s on the opposite side of the valley to Pleney. From here you can access Avoriaz, and take in the views. Jump on the Zore chairlift and enjoy the blue and green runs that run beside the lift. The tree-lined runs are like something out of a movie and kids will feel like they are on a true alpine adventure.
Advanced Skiing in Morzine
Chamossiere has been a favourite area amongst the off-piste enthusiasts as it’s just over 2000m high. Labelled as one of the best ski runs in Morzine, Chamossiere Express takes you up to steep, challenging red and black runs.
Charmiaz, slightly further down, is a red slope that beginners should avoid due to its steepness, but is loved by advanced skiers. Both runs can be reached by the Le Ranfoilly chairlift, if you’re coming from Les Gets direction.
Mont Chéry is a ski area kept a secret by the locals of Les Gets. The mountain has some of the best Morzine ski runs, but it isn’t straightforward to access. Get to Mont Chéry by skiing to Les Gets and catching an in-resort car train. (The type that drives around the ski resort and looks like a train). Once you arrive at the gondola station, journey up to the central mountain. Here, you’ll find five ski lifts: a two-person chair or a retro T bar.
The runs are for advanced skiers, with one blue, four red, and four black runs. However, those who venture to Mont Chéry are usually met with untouched snow, quiet pistes and minimal lift queues. So it’s worth the adventure across the resort!
Après Ski in Morzine
Morzine sure knows how to party! Whether with friends, on a corporate trip or with your family, there is something for everyone regarding après ski in Morzine. We like to spend Wednesday afternoons at the Tremplin. Expect DJs playing party bangers and special guest DJs each week. It’s hard to finish the day in Pleney and not stop at the Tremplin on your way past!
If you’re after something more subdued, head to Bec Jaune Microbrewery and sample some home-brewed beer. Our team loves to hang out here and catch up as it’s much quieter and less of a party atmosphere. And for those looking for something more up-market and sophisticated, swing by the Coup de Coeur wine bar, which has an extensive selection of wines.
If you like to drink, head over to Bar Robinson, which has Mutzig on tap – it’s 8% – you’ve been warned! They don’t have any music or entertainment, but it’s a firm favourite for those who like a drink and catch up before heading elsewhere.
For parties that go on until the early morning hours, try the Crepu, Cavern, Tibetan Bar and L’Opera. You’ll find them just below the Plèney gondola.
Ready for your Prefect Ski Day?
Why not come and discover Morzine and the Portes du Soleil ski area with us. We hope this guide has given you a better idea of what you can expect from a ski holiday to Morzine. If you’re looking for ski or snowboard lessons for your trip then New Generation Ski School is Luxury Chalet Book’s ski school partner.
Luxury Chalet Book’s in-house concierge team will be delighted to assist you with booking either group ski lessons or a private instructor for your next chalet holiday in Morzine.
Images courtesy of:
© OT MORZINE
© OT MORZINE Matthieu Vitre
© New Generation Ski and Snowboard School
© Luxury Chalet Book
Morzine is the perfect destination to enjoy the Portes du Soleil ski area. View our chalet collection or head straight to one of our varied accommodation options below.