What is going on in Morzine and Avoriaz this winter?
As the first snow reaches the French Alps, the iconic resorts of Morzine and Avoriaz are poised to offer an extraordinary winter season filled with adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable moments. Nestled within the heart of the Portes du Soleil, one of the largest ski areas in the world with 600 km of pristine slopes, these neighbouring resorts are gearing up for an exciting 2024 season that promises something for every visitor—whether you’re an adrenaline-seeker, a family on holiday, or a lover of mountain culture.
Morzine is a veritable jewel, set against a stunning backdrop of forests and peaks, embodying the authentic charm of Haute-Savoie’s traditional mountain villages. It offers visitors a true art of mountain living, blending history, culture, and gastronomy into a seamless ski-in/ski-out experience. Surrounded by the scenic beauty of Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva, Morzine’s unique appeal lies in its preserved architectural heritage and its position as a cultural bridge between France and Switzerland.
Just a stone’s throw away, Avoriaz stands apart as Europe’s only fully pedestrian and skiable resort. Known for its sustainability initiatives and forward-thinking design since its inception in 1966, Avoriaz provides a total immersion in the alpine experience. With its sun-drenched, south-facing residences and eco-conscious approach, Avoriaz combines innovative design with a commitment to preserving the natural beauty of its surroundings.
This winter, Morzine and Avoriaz invite visitors to experience the best of both worlds—traditional alpine culture and cutting-edge mountain experiences—all on one ski pass. (A six-day Portes du Soleil ski pass costs from €336 / £282 per adult and €252 / £212 per child.
So, what’s new across these well-known resorts? Read on to find out more…
Must try activities
NEW: Go dog sledding in Morzine
Explore the Manche valley in Morzine with Quentin and his sled dogs. Discover breathtaking snow-covered landscapes and let yourself be amazing. This unforgettable experience combines fun and immersion in the mountain wilderness. A dog sledding experience is priced from €190 / £160 for two people, the activity lasts approximately one hour and is available for all over the age of two. For more information visit: https://iletaitunefoisnoschiens.fr
Try Ski-Jöering in Avoriaz
Ski-Jöering is a thrilling winter sport that blends skiing with horse-drawn carriage driving, offering a unique skiing experience where a horse or pony pulls the skier. Both tourists and locals can partake in this unforgettable adventure, surrounded by enchanting forests and stunning views of snow-covered peaks. Participants can choose from a variety of sessions, including a 20-minute introduction, a one-hour outing, or a more advanced one-hour experience. Prices for this memorable activity start at €42 / £35. For more information visit: www.avoriaz-skijoering.com
Head for the Far North for a trapper’s outing in the mountains in Morzine
This winter, families can enjoy a special outdoor adventure combining hiking and sweet treats. Equipped with snowshoes, including ones designed for children, and led by a guide, apprentice trappers embark on a three-hour journey. After walking for 45 minutes, they pause to learn how to light a fire in the snow and build an igloo. The outing wraps up with a tasty treat—grilled marshmallows, enjoyed piping hot! This trapper experience is priced starting at €35 / £29.40 per person. For more information visit: https://indianaventures.com/product/sortie-trappeur/
Race in an Avo Kart in Avoriaz
Launched for the winter season last year, the Avo Kart is back this winter season. Thrill seekers will love this three-wheeled vehicle, equipped with hydraulic brakes and designed with a low centre of gravity for excellent road handling. Settle down into the bucket seat, take hold of the handlebars, and set off on a long 3.2 km track descending 600 metres. A single descent is priced from €35 / £29.40 pp. For more information visit: www.avoriaz.com/en/fiche/avokart/
In Resort
Experience the charm of Avoriaz’s first landmark building
Dromonts Hotel was the first construction and the first major work by architect Jacques Labro. A four star hotel located in the heart of the historic district of Avoriaz, with its 60s look and pine cone shape, this hotel is the ultimate cocoon for skiers with rooms designed to be skier’s cells, a cosy and warm nest with an integrated layout, optimised and adapted to the skier’s needs. The hotel has a Pure Altitude spa perfect for relaxing after a day on the slopes and two well known restaurants, Les Enfants Terribles and the Festival restaurant. A seven night stay at Dromonts Hotel, is priced from €1,153 / £969 pp based on two sharing a classic room with breakfast included. For more information visit: https://en.hoteldesdromonts.com/
Spend a night in an igloo in Avoriaz
At Village Igloo Avoriaz , guests can indulge in a night of extraordinary experiences. The evening begins with a star-lit walk from the Prodains 3S ski lift at 6:45 PM, guided by Hervé, the resident mountain guide. Upon arrival at the igloo, guests are welcomed with a frosty aperitif, perfect for socialising and learning about the construction and history of the igloo. A traditional Savoyard meal follows, with a delicious cheese fondue served in the cosy igloo restaurant. After dinner, guests retire to their unique igloo rooms, equipped with duvets designed for polar expeditions, ensuring a warm and comfortable night. Morning brings a serene wake-up, with a private breakfast on the Village Igloo terrace or in the dining room, offering a peaceful view of the slowly awakening Avoriaz ski resort. A one night stay in an igloo is priced from €256 / £215 total for two people sharing an igloo, this includes a fondue dinner and breakfast. For more information visit: www.village-igloo-avoriaz.fr/
Rest and relax at Hotel & Spa le Dahu in Morzine
The 4-star Hôtel & Spa le Dahu, nestled on the southern bank of the Morzine valley, boasts exceptional sunshine and a panoramic view of the resort’s iconic mountains and charming village. Open to both guests and local visitors, the hotel offers a serene spa and wellness center, featuring a variety of treatments and rituals. Above all, Hôtel & Spa le Dahu stands out for its dedicated team, creating a warm atmosphere that makes every stay unforgettable—where scenic beauty, culinary delights, sports, and relaxation blend seamlessly. A seven night stay is priced from €765 / £643 pp based on two sharing a double room with breakfast included.
Enviromental news
In 2021, both Avoriaz and Morzine were awarded the precious ‘Flocon Vert’ label. This distinction, devised by the Mountain Riders association, reflects the resort’s commitment to taking concrete action in favour of the environment: preserving this exceptional alpine site through short and long term projects.
Based in Morzine, the non-profit organisation Montagne Vert works to preserve the local environment by implementing sustainable solutions. Since 2021, it has been running a second-hand shop in the heart of Morzine and has created the Alpin Express Pass, a scheme offering discounts at a number of accommodations, local restaurants and for ski passes, to holiday-makers arriving by train. Montagne Verte has now set itself an ambitious new challenge: to invest €1 million in protecting the planet by 2035.
Avoriaz Tourist Office has just launched a project with TakeAir. The goal of this company is to establish the carbon balance of a destination and implement a mitigation strategy to reduce carbon emissions and have a positive trajectory, which is part of the legal framework of decarbonisation defined by the state. Avoriaz will be the first ski resort to establish a carbon balance at resort scale, taking into account all the shops, services and accommodations. This review will be made available to the public.
Go there:
Morzine and Avoriaz can be easily accessed from Geneva Airport, which benefits from low cost, direct flight access from London, Aberdeen, Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester. Return flights from London Gatwick during the upcoming winter season cost from £49 pp with EasyJet. Alternatively, you can travel by Eurostar train from London to Paris, and then take a TGV to Cluses or Thonon-les-Bains, followed by a short taxi or bus ride to Morzine and Avoriaz. In the winter season, direct bus services often operate from Geneva to the resorts.
Please find a copy of the press pack for Morzine available to view / download here:
www.calameo.com/read/007250510785ee839bd9d
Please find a copy of the press pack for Avoriaz available to view / download here:
www.calameo.com/avoriaz/read/002827892859b31999d83
For more information on Morzine, please visit: https://en.morzine-avoriaz.com/winter
For more information on Avoriaz, please visit: https://www.avoriaz.com/en/
