Winter 2023: What’s new and not to miss in Morzine

Skiing

Morzine continues to impress with its commitment to improving its ski area for all ages, abilities and styles of skiers and boarders. This season, the beginner ski areas and Penguin Park have received a face lift. Kids can look out for totem poles, arches and a giant xylophone. Then over on the  Chemin des ZouZous route statues of mountain animals and information panels will spark imagination about what creatures can be found in the mountain forest.

Nyon is an area that has seen a burst of life in recent winters with exciting improvements to the park, pistes and the addition of two extraordinary attractions  – Les Aigles du Léman, which invites visitors to get up close to rare birds of prey; and the Nyon glass viewing platform.

This season, a new route of 1000m pure descent starts from the summit of Nyon and heads straight down to the Nyon car park. With no stopping or lifts, this is one of the biggest descents in the Portes du Soleil.

Les Aigles du Léman combines the opportunity to see and learn about rare birds of prey whilst skiing, snowshoeing or dining on the mountain. This new concept is the only one of its kind and is linked to conservation efforts to breed and reintroduce these exceptional birds into the Alpine environment.

The Nyon viewing platform consists of a hair-raising glass footbridge, which launches visitors off the Nyon summit at 2,019 metres altitude. A 360 ° panorama view from Lake Geneva to Mont Blanc awards those who dare step into the void.

These attractions are not limited to skiers and can be accessed on foot via the efficient Nyon gondola, which starts from the Nyon parking area located a 15 minute walk or bus ride from Morzine centre.

Eating

Morzine’s food scene is an eclectic mix that just keeps getting bigger and more diverse. In this, increasingly, year-round destination, which attracts a diverse crowd of families, young skiers, mountain bikers and athletes, you’re as likely to find delicious Buddha bowls and Ramen noodles as you are traditional fondue or steak et frites. What’s more, Morzine’s dining experiences seem to get quirkier and more adventurous each year.

Up at Lac Mines d’Or you can enjoy lunch in a bubble. While taking in breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains, guests get to feast on Savoyard favourites, like fondue, raclette and pierrade chaude, all made from local ingredients. Resto des Bulles will be open from December to mid-April.

In town, Kamado Kitchen will be serving pan-asian dishes on its sunny terrace at the bottom of the Pleney. Delicious ramen, noodles and curry can also be take home with you in eco-friendly, fully recyclable containers.

Despite its short existence on Morzine’s foodie map for just a couple of seasons, Papa Renard has become a firm favourite for locals and skiers alike. Branded as a ‘Franburger’ specialist, this upmarket burger joint delights meat lovers with its fresh – and French – take on this fast food favourite, with a focus on local, seasonal flavours. Their delicious creations are washed down with brews from their excellent and unusual beer list.

Just outside of town, but definitely worth a mention, a new eatery called El Chalten is serving a wonderful selection of empanadas. Delicious little tastes of Argentina, the parcels are perfectly baked and stuffed with fresh, high quality ingredients, inspired by the cooks family secrets and traditional recipes. Also offering take away and located on Route des Grand Alps on the way into resort, this little Latin gem is worth consideration for something different when you don’t fancy cooking or going out on your chalet team’s night off.

Entertainment

Having trialled a Pedestrian Zone all summer in the centre of town with great success, the Place de l’Office de Tourisme will now be completely pedestrianised this winter. This creates a great buzz in the centre of town, where families can eat on restaurant terraces, ice skate,  ride the traditional carousel, as well as enjoy live events, street entertainment and musicians. Quirky, arty, imaginative, and most of all fun; Morzine’s calendar of festivities is bursting with activity and well worth checking out before your visit.

Light shows and trails have taken the world by storm in recent years, and the night skies, forest and mountains make an exceptional setting for Les Gets’ new night walk. Alta Lumina tells the story of a travelling music-maker and his hot air balloon through dazzling lights, music, imagery, set design and interactivity. The magical one-kilometre walk takes place in the woods above the village of Les Gets, and has quickly become a ‘must-do’ activity for families visiting the Portes du Soleil. It’s best to book Alta Lumina online before your holiday.

Wellness

Whilst skiing remains the biggest winter attraction pulling visitors to our town, it’s also blossoming as a mountain hub for fitness and wellness. At the top of town, Hive is a new venue for mindfulness, exercise and nutrition, boasting a well-equipped gym, Pilates studio and the renowned fresh food cafe, Wild Beets Kitchen.

If you dread the thought of skipping a yoga class, you’ll not be disappointed with Morzine’s long list of yoga teachers and gorgeous yoga studio, which is housed in an ancient stone building in the old part of town.

Meanwhile, if an in-house massage after a day on the slopes is more your thing, there’s a growing number of excellent sports and relaxation mobile massage specialists, which will have you feeling new again in no time.

Sleeping

This season we have an exciting new project to shout about, so please excuse us for a moment while we share this absolute gem with you! Over the last few months we’ve been busy finishing off our two new chalets –  Chalet Alpaga one and Chalet Alpaga two are adjoining chalets which when booked together will sleep 23-24 people in 8 ensuite rooms.

As well as being centrally located, these exquisite properties offer incredible views, a hot tub, sauna and a luxurious feel throughout. Located on the sunny side of town, the chalets are a five minute stroll to the Super Morzine lift and town centre via Morzine’s prominent suspension bridge. Booking is open for these stunning properties, which can be reserved individually or together.

Sustainability

Morzine continues to be a ski resort at the forefront of sustainability. We couldn’t be prouder to be part of this community and neighbouring Avoriaz, whose hard work in the area recently received recognition through a Flocon Vert sustainability label.

The accolade, which is awarded by the European organisation Mountain Riders, recognises destinations that demonstrate a commitment to sustainable development.  From environmental protections zones and greener public transport, to environmentally friendly piste grooming machines for reduced air and sound pollution; skiers can rest assured that Morzine is continuing to make progress to protect the mountains and future of skiing.