Morzine

Morzine is nestled within the valleys of the Porte du Soleil area in the French Alps. Morzine is a picturesque and traditional ski resort, sporting panoramic views of the infamous Mont Blanc Massif, the Dents Blanc, and The Aravis. Morzine is located in the region of Haute Savoie and on the French border with Switzerland, Morzine is one of fourteen ski resorts within the Porte du Soleil area and at 1000m is hugely popular amongst skiers and snow boarders over the winter months, and mountain bikers, hikers and golfers during the summer season.

Just one hour away from Geneva an easy travel distance, Morzine is also in close proximity to popular historical and spa towns, Annecy, Yvoire, Thonon, and Evian. Unlike many mountain resorts today, commercialism has not yet reached the charming, traditional market town of Morzine, allowing it to preserve its original structures and appealing features throughout the town. Though predominantly a ski resort, Morzine has adjusted to the modern sports of today allowing it to cater for all types of mountain activities for all ages and abilities. With perfectly equipped slopes for beginners and intermediate levels, Morzine is ideal for families or less-experienced skiers and snow boarders. In addition to this its closeness to Avoriaz enables it to provide more challenging runs for the adventurous, with a large number of exhilarating off-piste trails. Morzine is both a summer and winter resort and offers excellent skiing in the winter and popular summer activities and adventure including mountain biking.

Morzine's charisma is evident throughout the town and amongst the large variety of shops, restaurants, regular markets, and horse drawn sleigh rides. The numerous restaurants, après ski venues, and lively bars provide a vibrant evening atmosphere. Two cinemas and an indoor ice skating rink, with regular ice hockey matches, are perfect during those bad weather days.

Morzine has an authentic Savoyard charm and dates back to the 16th century. Morzine is divided by the Dranse River with the main street running from the village centre up to the foot of Le Pleney where many of the hotels are located. The various sectors of the town, and the lift stations, are linked by a road train and free buses in winter.

Morzine has been a ski resort since before World War l. Wealthy guests arrived to spend the winter at the comfortable Grand Hotel. The first cable-car was installed in 1934. In 1960 the ski industry developed after the success of Jean Vuarnet who won a gold medal for downhill in the VIII Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley. He started the development of Avoriaz on the cliff top above the town and linking this purpose built village to Morzine and other resorts in the region, both in France and Switzerland. The first link was built in 1968 and the single lift pass for the Portes du Soleil was introduced in 1974.

Before skiing, Morzine depended on slate mining. The first commercial mining being in 1734. In the 1800's slate was split into sheets and formed tiles which provided significant employment in Morzine. The first slate quarry provided the material used to clad the church. Morzine slate is of high quality and beauty with its veined grey-blue hues. Slate mining still continues today.

Morzine eGuide lists the very best of Morzine's accommodation, a Morzine restaurant guide, and details of Morzine attractions and Morzine tours. For further information about Morzine, use the navigation on the left of this page or the Morzine site map and quick links below.

The team at Morzine eGuide very much hope that you enjoy your Morzine holidays and have a wonderful time in Morzine.