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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.
The advantage of Morzine being a relatively small town is that everything is in close proximity of each other. The Office de Tourisme is located in the centre of town, Place du Baraty and most of the shops, bars, and restaurants are located in the centre of town near this building.
The main roads in Morzine are Rue de Bourg which leads a one way road straight from the Office de Tourisme down to The Marie Town Hall and the town Church. Many clothes, gift, specialist food and wine shops and bars are scattered across the Rue de Bourg. Le Route de la Plagne is another main road where a number of restaurants, ski/ snowboard/ Mountain bike hire shops, a Pharmacy, specialist meat/ cheese shops, and clothes shops can be found.
The main bus stop is opposite the Office de Tourisme and frequent free buses drop off and pick up skiers and snowboarders, transporting them to the Prodain Cable Car, Nyon, and Ardent during the winter months. The main bus depot for journeys outside of Morzine, i.e. Geneva is located just off the Rue de Bourg at the back of Le Rhodos bar.
The two main supermarkets in Morzine are ED, and Champion. Champion, the larger supermarket is situated near the bus depot and just past the Post office. As you walk down the Rue de Bourg you can see it on the left hand side. The car park of Champion Supermarket is also used for the local market every Wednesday morning.
Ed Supermarket is located on Le Route de la Plagne, as you travel slightly further out of town. Both are in good walking distance of the town centre and many chalets and hotels.
Access to the mountain is relatively easy in Morzine. There are two bubble lift stations in the centre of Morzine. Le Pleney which takes skiers and snowboarders up the Pleney Mountain where you can then go on to Les Gets, and Super Morzine which takes you up and over to Avoriaz. Buses run regularly to the Prodain Cable Car which then takes you up to Avoriaz.
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