Last Updated on August 21, 2026

Morzine Avoriaz: a superb destination for winter activities

Morzine Avoriaz, in the Haute-Savoie region of France, is a fantastic winter destination with experiences for skiers and non-skiers alike. Spend a few days here during the wintertime, and you will not be disappointed with what this Alpine area has to offer.

Skiing in the Portes du Soleil

The ski area of Portes du Soleil is one of the largest in the Alps, with over six hundred kilometres of pistes. With 12 resorts across France and Switzerland, there is skiing for every ability level, with panoramic views of the mountains. The two largest resorts are Morzine and Avoriaz, together with Les Gets and Châtel; these are the main French ones. Swiss resorts accessible by ski from Avoriaz include Champéry, Morgins and Les Crosets. Skiing from one country to another is an adventure, offering a great sense of exploration.

We stayed in Morzine, an ideal base for skiing in the Portes du Soleil. From Morzine, either take the Super Morzine lift, then chair to get to Avoriaz, or catch a bus to Prodains for the Express gondola, which takes you quickly up to the heart of Avoriaz.

For lovers of snowparks and freestyle skiing, Avoriaz is the place to go. Try the Stash in the Lindarets area for a fun experience.

To explore Morzine and Les Gets, start with the Pleney Gondola. From the top, you can easily get down to Les Gets; a local lift pass will give you access to both areas. The Pointe de Nyon viewing platform in Morzine, accessible by the chair lift, rewards you with spectacular views over the mountains as far as the lake. This chair also runs during the summer months for walkers.

Ski touring to the refuge de la Golèse

A unique experience is ski touring to the Refuge de la Golèse, perched on a ridge between Morzine and Samoëns. This can be reached from both resorts. The Refuge de la Golèse is now open for overnight stays during the winter and summer seasons.

Ski touring is a great way to get away from the crowds and experience the peace of being in the midst of the mountains.

From the outskirts of Morzine, it is a four-kilometre climb uphill to the Refuge. If, like me, you haven’t tried ski touring before, this is a tough tour to start with. I would have benefited from proper instruction and a gentler first route before attempting this.

To wake up in the mountains and make your way down without using lifts is unforgettable.

Yooner Experience

A fun experience is to try a Yooner in Avoriaz. I had never heard of this before and was intrigued to discover more. The Yooner is a cross between a sledge and a ski, with one ski rather than two runners. 

This is a thrilling way to come down a specially prepared slope; it is suitable for skiers and non-skiers. You just need to wear suitable clothing and sturdy footwear.

Les Aigles du Léman

Based at the restaurant below Pointe de Nyon, you will find the winter home for some of the birds of prey from the eagle sanctuary close by in Léman. These birds include some of the fastest in the world, from falcons to kites, eagles and harrier hawks. Daily free demonstrations take place throughout the winter. 

For a more exciting and personal experience, you can book a session with these majestic birds close to hand. Weather permitting, you can ski with the eagles; it is astounding how fast they can fly.

We visited on a day when the wind was too strong to try the skiing experience. We sheltered in the lee of the restaurant to hold the birds on gauntlets. To hold a kite so close was amazing; I loved every moment. When the birds flew from one member of our group to another, it was an unforgettable sight.

The restaurant at Pointe de Nyon is reached by gondola from the station, a short bus ride from the centre of Morzine. You don’t have to be a skier to see the birds in flight.

These magnificent birds have been raised in captivity; they are content and well cared for. Part of the programme at the Léman bird sanctuary is dedicated to rearing birds for release back into the wild.

Mountain lunch at Chez Nannon

A highlight of any visit to the mountains is sampling local mountain specialities. The restaurant Chez Nannon, located on the side of the piste in the Nyon sector, is a cosy chalet-style restaurant serving excellent lunches. 

We were recommended the local dish patates de Reblochon, similar to a tartiflette, served in a pan. This dish is made from fried potatoes generously topped with slices of melted Reblochon cheese. This was a hearty and delicious feast.

Après ski at Le Tremplin & the folie douce

Why not end your day at a buzzing outdoor après ski venue?

In Avoriaz, the Folie Douce, right in the centre of the resort, is the obvious place to stop for a drink and appreciate the live entertainment.

For people staying in Morzine, the outside bar of Le Tremplin, at the foot of the slopes next to the Pleney gondola, is the place to see and be seen. Recently renovated by the new owners, the Le Tremplin Hotel would also be a great place to stay.

Take a horse & cart ride around Morzine

A memorable way to end your stay is with a horse-and-cart ride through the centre of Morzine. The driver will take you down the side roads and point out local landmarks. It is a great way to appreciate the town from a different angle.

Why not consider a short break to Morzine Avoriaz in the wintertime? From skiing to ski touring, outdoor activities and delicious Alpine meals, there is something for everyone, whatever you are looking for in a holiday. This is a perfect location for pedestrians to enjoy the beauty of the mountains with numerous experiences accessible by both gondola and bus.

Staying in Morzine Avoriaz

We spent a night at the Refuge de la Golèse, followed by two nights at the Alpen Roc hotel in Morzine.

The Alpen Roc is a cosy, family-run hotel with spacious accommodation, close to the centre of Morzine. The main lifts and bus stops are a short walk from the hotel.

Board can be on a bed-and-breakfast basis, with the Alpen Resto restaurant available for a half-board option.

How to get to Morzine Avoriaz

The easiest way to get to Morzine Avoriaz is to fly into Geneva Airport. From here, a transfer to Morzine is just over an hour.

Fact box

I was hosted by Morzine Avoriaz Tourist Office for a three-night stay.

For more information about Morzine, check the Morzine website; for more details on Avoriaz as a winter destination, visit Avoriaz.

A two-night stay at the Alpen Roc Hotel is priced from €334 / £288 for a double room, including breakfast.

A one-night stay at the Refuge de la Golèse is priced from €95 / £82 for a private room on a half-board basis.

For details on Lift pass prices, including access to the lifts for pedestrians. 

Flights from London Gatwick to Geneva Airport cost from £66 pp each way with easyJet.

A shared return transfer from Geneva Airport to Morzine is priced from €90 / £78 pp with Skiidy Gonzales.

A yooner descent with Evolution 2 costs from €28 / £24 pp.

Les Aigles du Léman eagles experience costs from €75 / £65 pp for a 40-minute session.

Some of the best places for après ski are La Folie Douce in Avoriaz and Le Tremplin in Morzine.

Check out our feature on skiing in Avoriaz for more details on exploring the Portes du Soleil ski area.