Morzine is a commune in the Haute-Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.
It is famous for panoramic mountain views, modern ski facilities and highly rated hotels and restaurants. The ski resort of Avoriaz is located on the territory of the commune.
A traditional market town in the heart of the Portes du Soleil, Morzine is dominated by attractive chalets spread across a river gorge, bordered by partially wooded slopes allowing skiing in poor weather conditions.
Morzine, at 1000 m, is the most northerly of the French Alpine resorts (with the exception of the areas of La Grande Terche at Saint-Jean-d’Aulps and Mont Drouzin), and weather wise benefits from the Mont Blanc microclimate.
Skiing
The immediate terrain makes the area best suited for beginners and less-seasoned skiers and snowboarders, which has led to the resort being especially popular with families. However more challenging slopes can be found at Avoriaz via the Prodains lifts which are only five minutes away on the excellent local bus service. The off-piste ‘trails’ are both varied and adventurous, making the village a firm favourite with snowboarders, including various European national teams and pro-riders. The nightlife of this functioning French village also keeps the boarders happy.
The village at 1000m, with top station at 2020 m, is closely linked to its neighbours Avoriaz and Les Gets in that they function as linked skiing centres during the winter season. The two resorts are included in the Portes du Soleil ski area, which includes both French and Swiss villages.
Mountain biking
Downhill Mountain Biking in the Portes du Soleil and centered around Morzine is some of the best available in Europe if not the world. Morzine is the center point and from here you can reach other resorts including Avoriaz, Morgins, Châtel, Les Gets and all by chairlift and cable car. The resorts of Pila, Verbier and Les Arcs are also with in easy reach with a car thus giving you access to more than enough places to ride. Day trips by minibus are also bookable via local companies at very reasonable costs.
The trails are generally single track and with varying levels of course and trail available from steep, rooty and technical to the fast open downhill tracks. There are also a small amount of Northshore available in the Chatel Bike Park area
A single lift pass can be purchased to cover the whole of the Portes du Soleil area and are much cheaper than during the winter months and with plenty of accommodation available and again much cheaper than during the winter makes Morzine an excellent holiday venue
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