William's Guidebook
Sightseeing
Wow.
If you take the N bus you reach Nyon, one of the lowest parts of Morzine area, but typically one of the snowiest due to its angle with the sun.
Following this road for 10km you reach Lac Des Mines d'Or. In the winter this is a beautiful cross country skiing route (also something to consider if the lifts are closed). In the summer you can drive all the way to the Lac. BE CAREFUL there is OFTEN ICE/SNOW in thesummer on this road (I have gone off the road here in May due to ice).
The area can be quite steep so be careful with young children.
From the Lac, you can continue to walk/ski (in winter) up the hills and you will be able to pass through into Switzerland. This is one of the old passages between the two countries and was a way people escaped during WW2 (and more recently, during Covid!).
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Lac des Mines d'Or
Wow.
If you take the N bus you reach Nyon, one of the lowest parts of Morzine area, but typically one of the snowiest due to its angle with the sun.
Following this road for 10km you reach Lac Des Mines d'Or. In the winter this is a beautiful cross country skiing route (also something to consider if the lifts are closed). In the summer you can drive all the way to the Lac. BE CAREFUL there is OFTEN ICE/SNOW in thesummer on this road (I have gone off the road here in May due to ice).
The area can be quite steep so be careful with young children.
From the Lac, you can continue to walk/ski (in winter) up the hills and you will be able to pass through into Switzerland. This is one of the old passages between the two countries and was a way people escaped during WW2 (and more recently, during Covid!).
Easy to access from N bus. Or if driving the large carpark is free.
You walk a few minutes and reach this waterfall.
You can continue walking around this area and even walk back into town.
BE CAREFUL there can be steep areas/drop offs, ice (even in summer) and fast flowing water. A friend broke her wrist walking here in Autumn.
So keep an eye on your group, but especially young children.
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Cascade de Nyon
Easy to access from N bus. Or if driving the large carpark is free.
You walk a few minutes and reach this waterfall.
You can continue walking around this area and even walk back into town.
BE CAREFUL there can be steep areas/drop offs, ice (even in summer) and fast flowing water. A friend broke her wrist walking here in Autumn.
So keep an eye on your group, but especially young children.
Again, wow.
If you have a car, this is one place you want to come. There are various walking options here, some not challenging. But the views are beautiful, and once you hear the distant cow bells, you won't believe Geneva is less than an hours drive away!
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Roc d'Enfer
32 route de la télécabineAgain, wow.
If you have a car, this is one place you want to come. There are various walking options here, some not challenging. But the views are beautiful, and once you hear the distant cow bells, you won't believe Geneva is less than an hours drive away!
A dangerously peaceful place in the summer; you might quickly start questioning if you really need to head home so soon...
This can get busy on sunny summer days, and Lac D' Mines d'Or can be a quieter (although colder) place for a swim.
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Lago de Montriond
A dangerously peaceful place in the summer; you might quickly start questioning if you really need to head home so soon...
This can get busy on sunny summer days, and Lac D' Mines d'Or can be a quieter (although colder) place for a swim.
Nightlife
Chez Rogers
132 Rue du BourgGreat bar which is often open late.
Popular with Expats, especially in winter..
A newish bar on the Covid-changing nightlife scene in Morzine.
As Covid continues to change the landscape, le Crepu takes advantage of its large terrace area and well ventilated bar area. Plus, frequent drink offers can keep prices not too crazy high (compared to other apres-ski options), and the crowds younger and hipper than other nightclub options
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Le Crepu
80 Taille de Mas du PleneyA newish bar on the Covid-changing nightlife scene in Morzine.
As Covid continues to change the landscape, le Crepu takes advantage of its large terrace area and well ventilated bar area. Plus, frequent drink offers can keep prices not too crazy high (compared to other apres-ski options), and the crowds younger and hipper than other nightclub options
An enigma in Morzine's nightlife scene.
If you are lucky, and not totally knackered after a long day's skiing/biking then: at 1am, the chairs are moved out of an area of l'Etale (mentioned in restaurants) and a door is opened up to an underground nightclub open until 4-6am.
Often closed, usually pretty empty, but every so often crowded and huge amounts of fun.
If you make one of these rare nights, feel you are part of a privileged few...!
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OPERA Club Morzine
80 Taille de Mas du PleneyAn enigma in Morzine's nightlife scene.
If you are lucky, and not totally knackered after a long day's skiing/biking then: at 1am, the chairs are moved out of an area of l'Etale (mentioned in restaurants) and a door is opened up to an underground nightclub open until 4-6am.
Often closed, usually pretty empty, but every so often crowded and huge amounts of fun.
If you make one of these rare nights, feel you are part of a privileged few...!
Cafe
A classic in Morzine.
Fast WiFi, comfy chairs and good coffee makes this a good option.
Can be a bit loud with families during the day, especially if it's raining.
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Beanies
116 Rue du BourgA classic in Morzine.
Fast WiFi, comfy chairs and good coffee makes this a good option.
Can be a bit loud with families during the day, especially if it's raining.
*Name has changed. It says it is closed on GMaps but it is not*
A lovely, lovely little boulangerie.
If you are doing washing across the road, put the washing on, then head over to Pomponnette for an espresso and a croissant and a relax, as the machine does its stuff: life will feel good, trust me!
The owner is very understanding of any attempts at French you will make :)
Pomponnette
78 Rue du Bourg*Name has changed. It says it is closed on GMaps but it is not*
A lovely, lovely little boulangerie.
If you are doing washing across the road, put the washing on, then head over to Pomponnette for an espresso and a croissant and a relax, as the machine does its stuff: life will feel good, trust me!
The owner is very understanding of any attempts at French you will make :)
A hidden gem.
For EXPERIENCED skiers, who understand the risks of Avalanche, there is a vast, untracked run (Vallee De La Manche) which can take you all the way from the top of Avoriaz to the very bottom of Nyon valley (and to the Ligne C bus directly back to the apartment, if the snow is good). Near the bottom of this mega run is this wonderful warm cafe, which provides a well deserved stop!
Crapahute
5972 Route de la MancheA hidden gem.
For EXPERIENCED skiers, who understand the risks of Avalanche, there is a vast, untracked run (Vallee De La Manche) which can take you all the way from the top of Avoriaz to the very bottom of Nyon valley (and to the Ligne C bus directly back to the apartment, if the snow is good). Near the bottom of this mega run is this wonderful warm cafe, which provides a well deserved stop!
Food Scene
The standard in Morzine.
Open late, with lots of Savoyard classic dishes.
Gets very busy in winter so booking is a good idea, or arrive a bit later in the evening.
The staff are friendly and normally the manager will have a digestiv with you (for free) at the end of your meal (so when it gets busy, well, he ends up drinkin quite a bit!)
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Restaurant L'Étale
80 Taille de Mas du PleneyThe standard in Morzine.
Open late, with lots of Savoyard classic dishes.
Gets very busy in winter so booking is a good idea, or arrive a bit later in the evening.
The staff are friendly and normally the manager will have a digestiv with you (for free) at the end of your meal (so when it gets busy, well, he ends up drinkin quite a bit!)
At the finner end of the food spectrum in Morzine.
Prices are higher, but the food is very good quality and British speaking waiters are helpful and friendly.
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Le Clin d'Oeil
63 Rte du PlanAt the finner end of the food spectrum in Morzine.
Prices are higher, but the food is very good quality and British speaking waiters are helpful and friendly.
Great burgers, fast service.
If you need a quick meal of high quality, La Remise is a great option.
La Remise
46 Taille de Mas du PleneyGreat burgers, fast service.
If you need a quick meal of high quality, La Remise is a great option.
Incredible pizzas, if a little overpriced.
Service is pretty slow as they struggle to deal with the numbers of people trying to eat their delicious pizzas, so I would go for the takeaway options.
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L' Improviste
89 Route de la MancheIncredible pizzas, if a little overpriced.
Service is pretty slow as they struggle to deal with the numbers of people trying to eat their delicious pizzas, so I would go for the takeaway options.
Great staff and service. Open plan restaurant with Alpine classics.
A slightly higher end version of L'Etale (clientele is typically more French than other restaurants). The food is very good and the owner is very friendly and always willing to have some Genepi with you after your meal :D
Often open in the off-season if other places are closed.
Restaurant la Rotonde
Great staff and service. Open plan restaurant with Alpine classics.
A slightly higher end version of L'Etale (clientele is typically more French than other restaurants). The food is very good and the owner is very friendly and always willing to have some Genepi with you after your meal :D
Often open in the off-season if other places are closed.
Shopping
Huge Carrefour which you will pass on your way to the flat.
A good idea to buy what you want for the trip here on your way into the flat before you get here (will save the 15minute drive back).
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Carrefour Drive
4679 Route des Grandes AlpesHuge Carrefour which you will pass on your way to the flat.
A good idea to buy what you want for the trip here on your way into the flat before you get here (will save the 15minute drive back).
A great option to get cheaper food/drinks in the centre of Morzine.
Free parking.
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Carrefour Market
141 bis Rte du PlanA great option to get cheaper food/drinks in the centre of Morzine.
Free parking.
Alp'Laverie
75 Rue du BourgPerfect across from Pomponnette.
Skiing
The Cubore lift ascends on either side of this mountain, and connect the Fornet bowl (the higher and wider Avoriaz bowl) with Mosettes Valley (longer and forested which extends all the way down to Montriond).
Cuboré
The Cubore lift ascends on either side of this mountain, and connect the Fornet bowl (the higher and wider Avoriaz bowl) with Mosettes Valley (longer and forested which extends all the way down to Montriond).
Sitting atop the lower of the two bowls of Avoriaz which mark the boundary between France and Switzerland.
There are some awesome off-piste runs which go directly under the Mossettes lift, although, as they are sun facing, these can sometime pose a serious Avalanche risk. always seek advice before attempting anything off-piste. Know your ability level and be safe.
Cookie Cafe Mossettes
Sitting atop the lower of the two bowls of Avoriaz which mark the boundary between France and Switzerland.
There are some awesome off-piste runs which go directly under the Mossettes lift, although, as they are sun facing, these can sometime pose a serious Avalanche risk. always seek advice before attempting anything off-piste. Know your ability level and be safe.
SKIING.
This is getting a secondary mention as a SKI RUN.
The official run is 'Vallee De La Manche' but this is not an option on Airbnb.
KEY: this is OFF-PISTE. this is TOUGH. but it is INCREDIBLE.
Always check conditions before you go. ALWAYS ask the pisteurs/ski patrol. They are there for your safety and fun. If you tell them your skill level, they will recommend (or not), based on condition of the day. They are not killjoys, trust their judgements.
KEY KEY: if avalanche risk is 4+ DO NOT ATTEMPT EVEN IF PRO (this is very avalanche prone).
Okay the details: from he TOP of Le FORNET chairlift, hike up to the top of the ridge ~50metres (you should see other tracks. IF YOU DON'T. DO NOT GO).
From there you can ski alll the way down to Nyon valley (Erigne, E bus). IF snow cover is good you can ski ALL the way to the C bus stop and then it is a free shuttle to the front door of the apartment.
This is a CLASSIC run. It goes from the TOP of Avoriaz to the bottom of Morzine, takes at least 3 hours and is AWESOME. It was also the WW2 escape route for people trying to leave Vichy France for neutral Switzerland.
Lac des Mines d'Or, Francia
SKIING.
This is getting a secondary mention as a SKI RUN.
The official run is 'Vallee De La Manche' but this is not an option on Airbnb.
KEY: this is OFF-PISTE. this is TOUGH. but it is INCREDIBLE.
Always check conditions before you go. ALWAYS ask the pisteurs/ski patrol. They are there for your safety and fun. If you tell them your skill level, they will recommend (or not), based on condition of the day. They are not killjoys, trust their judgements.
KEY KEY: if avalanche risk is 4+ DO NOT ATTEMPT EVEN IF PRO (this is very avalanche prone).
Okay the details: from he TOP of Le FORNET chairlift, hike up to the top of the ridge ~50metres (you should see other tracks. IF YOU DON'T. DO NOT GO).
From there you can ski alll the way down to Nyon valley (Erigne, E bus). IF snow cover is good you can ski ALL the way to the C bus stop and then it is a free shuttle to the front door of the apartment.
This is a CLASSIC run. It goes from the TOP of Avoriaz to the bottom of Morzine, takes at least 3 hours and is AWESOME. It was also the WW2 escape route for people trying to leave Vichy France for neutral Switzerland.
Consejos para los viajeros
Desplazamientos
The bus system of Morzine
Hi,
Morzine has a comprehensive system of free buses for all.
Timetables online or at bus stops (one outside apartment).
*Ligne C* stops outside the apartment (this is the final stop of the bus, Haut De La Croix) takes you to the slopes or the centre (or get off at RondPont Meuniers, change to A for Prodain). Runs every 30mins, from 0800 to 1900.
Ligne D runs until late at night but does not go all the way to the flat.
Ligne N will take you to the Nyon area (one of the lower but often snowy and very beautiful).
Ligne A takes you to Prodains (fastest route to Avoriaz).
Viajar con niños
Easier walking and skiing
If you want areas of easier walking and skiing, the area up from the flat (SuperMORZINE) is a good option, you drive up the road from the flat, once the road begins to level out, roughly 10 hairpins, is a large parking area which is free parking, (this is also at the top of the SuperMorzine). There is a cafe here and it has beautiful sunsets. You can go walking or skiing and the slopes are very gentle.
Nyon is also another good area for this.
Modos de ahorrar
Saving on the liftpass
In the summer it may be a better option to NOT buy lift passes and to get a hardtail bike and do less steep routes.
The mountain bike routes can be VERY difficult, and so not getting liftpasses and getting a cheaper bike will save money AND may save your life :)
Modos de ahorrar
Supermarkets and cheaper food
Drinks and food can be expensive, especially in the winter and, you may not want to go out for dinner every night.
In the town centre is a Carrefour, back out of town towards St Jean DAulps is an even larger Carrefour. Stocking up on essentially, especially the first beer of the night, will save A LOT of money over your whole trip.
Modos de ahorrar
Parking
Buses are free and most areas have free parking.
In the city centre, up at Supermorzine, HALF WAY towards Prodains (the most technically challenging skiing area in Portes Du Soleil) are large, free parking areas, which will save you lots over your trip
Desplazamientos
Snow and Chains
Be careful driving around the area.
Often there can be heavy snow, and police will stop you from driving back up the hill if you don't have winter tyres or chains. Don't get caught out, always make sure you have chains with you when driving around AND DRIVE CAREFULLY, in the winter, black ice can be a problem, and the Prodains area is surprisingly cold (it can often be icy there when it is not in Morzine centre).
No te lo pierdas
Skiing Vallee De La Manche
The most famous run in PDS is Vallee De La Manche.
This is not too technically challenging. However, it is untracked and unmaintained. Therefore, be aware: a high risk of Avalanche and of taking the wrong route down (where it becomes VERY challenging, trust me :D). A high level of skill is necessary.
If you are very experienced:
From the top of the Fornet skilift, hike up roughly 100mtrs (follow the other tracks). From here you can ski to the bottom of Nyon, get the E bus, or if there is good snow cover you can get all the way to the Ligne C bus.
Crappahute is a welcome break 1/2way down!
Costumbres y cultura
French vs English
Morzine and Avoriaz are definitely quite anglophone places to ski (there are a lot of Brits, especially at NYE). However, most people working speak French and expect you to speak it. If you are British, on buses, in the supermarket and buying liftpasses, they will expect you to speak exclusively French, so make sure you bring your phrasebook!
Costumbres y cultura
Asking for advice
If you are attempting anything off-piste, especially if you are new to the resort ALWAYS check the boards at the bottom and top of each skilift for avalanche risk
ALWAYS TALK to the pisteurs. They are paid to give you honest, informed, sensible advice (especially if you tell them your skill level).
AVOID Social media sites for information on snow quality and ski areas: if it is free advice, it is worth as much as you are paying for it (nothing...) but seriously, it may be out of date, and it probably is misinformed.
Reserva antes de marcharte
Cars, roads and parking
Don't get the biggest hire car, even if Europcar gives you a great deal!
Alpine roads are NARROW.
The parking area at the flat is NARROW, and if it's snowy, I would say impossible.
There is ALWAYS FREE parking provided at the flat for you, but if your car is too big you may be caught out.
Also, Morzine is an old alpine village, those single lane roads are NOT one way, and there WILL be buses coming straight at you. Drive safe and drive cautiously...and drive small:D