Morzine Avoriaz: top tips for mixed ability ski groups

A great resort for mixed ability groups

When on a ski holiday with a mixed ability group of skiers, you’ll be eager to enjoy time as a group, but also ensure everyone gets their needs met on the hill – from topping up skills with a few lessons to hitting the snow park or pursuing powder – skills and preferences may vary immensely. The good news is Morzine Avoriaz  is a resort set up for all levels with a great variety of terrain to choose from, modern (speedy) lifts, and plenty of accessible restaurants for lunch meet-ups. The ski resort sits in the heart of the huge Portes du Soleil skiing domain, which serves up some incredible skiing for beginners right through to experts, with stunning scenery and energising views across the French and Swiss Alps, Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva. Thanks to an incredibly efficient lift network guests staying in Morzine have the advantage of skiing at high altitude in Avoriaz and Switzerland, with the highest lift reaching 2,277 m. Make the most of your holiday, with these top tips for skiing in a mixed-ability group.

1. Respect individual limits

Everyone has their own comfort zone on the slopes. It’s important to respect each person’s pace and skill level. Before you hit the slopes, have an open conversation about everyone’s skiing level and plan accordingly. Remain flexible with your plan for the day’s skiing as conditions and confidence levels can change throughout the day.

2. Know When to Split Up

Whilst it is fun to ski together, sometimes the pace and skill gap in a mixed-ability group will make it impossible to keep everyone together. Pairing up skiers of similar abilities ensures safety and that each person feels challenged at their own level. Also skiing in smaller groups, between 3 or 5 people, can be really rewarding and make it easier to move around the mountain. Remember there will be plenty of other opportunities to enjoy time as a group – après-ski, meal times, spa sessions etc.

3. Take Lessons

If you have beginners or young kids in your group, they will definitely need ski lessons to learn the basics, move safely around the mountain and gain confidence on the slopes. We strongly advise against trying to teach kids or beginners to ski yourself, it’s much safer and more effective to get them into lessons. Nervous or ‘rusty’ skiers may also benefit from a ski lesson or two to feel more comfortable and eventually – when they are ready – ski with the rest of the group. This will also give the more experienced skiers in your group a chance to enjoy the more challenging areas of the mountain.

4. Check energy levels and take breaks

When skiing in a mixed-ability group, it’s essential to schedule frequent breaks. Skiing can be tiring, especially for novices, and taking breaks will help keep the group together and energized. Use the break time to check in with everyone, and don’t rush — this is about having fun together, not just skiing as fast as possible.

5. Keep it fun

A positive attitude is essential, especially when skiing with people who are still learning or building their confidence. Encourage each other, celebrate small wins, and avoid making anyone feel self-conscious about their progress. Skiing is about enjoying the mountain and the company — so keep the mood light and fun.

6. Plan meet-ups

If you’re splitting into smaller groups, it might be unrealistic to expect to reunite at intervals on the slopes, instead select a lunchtime meeting place at a mountain restaurant and a meeting spot for the end of the day. There are several lively après-ski bars at the bottom of the slopes: try Le Tremplin on the Pleney side or Happy Hours on the Ardent/Montriond side. If the hot tub is calling you, either meet at the pick up point to grab a shuttle back to the chalet or meet back at the ranch. Remember to swap phone numbers and create a WhatsApp group to keep everyone in the loop on plans.

7. Make food a thing

Enjoying meals together is a wonderful part of any ski holiday. Opting for a catered ski holiday or ordering meal deliveries, if self catered, is a great way to ensure you are well fed, enjoy relaxing meal times and avoid the hassle of cooking. Our catered holidays include breakfast, afternoon tea and a two or four course meal (depending on the chalet package you opt for). There’s always a staff night off on one night of your holiday, and this is an excellent opportunity to sample one of Morzine’s wide array restaurants. From French favourites, like fondue and raclette, to delicious pizza or Asian street food, there’s something to suit every mood. Just remember to book well in advance.

8. Be safe on the piste

It’s always important to follow the rules of the piste. Your most vulnerable moments are when stopping and when crossing or joining the piste. Remember these rules to stay safe:

• When you need to stop to wait for friends, always stop to the side of the piste, never in the middle or under the brow of a hill – it’s dangerous for you and other skiers.
• Look up and down the piste before you start moving again, and remember the downhill skier or snowboarder always has the right of way. It’s your responsibility to avoid them.
• Always give other skiers, especially learners and kids, plenty of room.
• Ski within your limits so you can control your speed, and ditch the ski apps that challenge your speed and often make you ski faster than you should.
  Check out the full Piste X Code.

9. Factor in fun activities

The number of non-ski activities offered by ski resorts is growing and Morzine is no exception. From a thrilling night time sledging session, driving a ski mobile or a husky sleigh ride to relaxing in a spa, exploring on snowshoes or learning how to build an igloo – there is plenty to choose from. Check out Morzine’s non-ski activities before you arrive, run the options by your group and book something really memorable.

Skiing in a mixed-ability group can be incredibly rewarding if you approach it with the right mindset. By setting expectations, being flexible, and supporting each other, everyone can have a fantastic time on the slopes. For a luxurious pad to call home for your holiday, line yourselves up with an AliKats’ chalet. Stunning interiors, shuttles to and from the ski lifts, exceptional food and wine and a friendly team to take care of you, our holidays are perfect for ski groups looking to make the most of their time in the mountains.

Image credits: image 1 – Photo by Yin Yin Low on Unsplash; image 2 Photo by Ahmed on Unsplash