If you’re embarking on a family ski holiday this winter, the task of bringing together a perfect snow adventure can be daunting. If you’re looking to tick all the boxes of excellent skiing, top-notch ski tuition, family-friendly activities and accommodation, look no further than Morzine in the Northern French Alps. Cherished by skiers across Europe, this charming ski resort which also remains a French market town, consistently delivers on creating enchanting holidays for families. Let’s delve into what makes Morzine a winning destination for a family ski holiday.
An unbeatable ski domain
As one of the 12 interconnected ski resorts in the huge Portes du Soleil domain, Morzine is difficult to beat in terms of the quality and diversity of skiing on offer. Kids have been well thought off with gentle nursery slopes and fun ski areas designed specifically to engage and support little ones as they progress and build confidence. Magic carpets, easy drag lifts, themed areas and fun characters, from penguins to Indians and unicorns, ensure skiing is super fun. Families will find plenty of blue runs to cruise around on, and more advanced skiers will not be disappointed with the reds, blacks and off-piste havens that await exploration when the kids are in ski school.
France’s most accessible ski resort (for UK travellers)
Kicking off your ski holiday without a weary day of travel is every parent’s dream, and Morzine excels in this aspect. Situated in the heart of the expansive Portes du Soleil domain, Morzine offers easy accessibility from the UK via Geneva airport. Airlines including EasyJet, British Airways, and SwissAir offer regular flights to Geneva from major UK airports; and the transfer to resort is just 90 minutes (this is much faster than resorts, such as Val d’Isere and Les 3 Valleys, which require a three hour transfer).
A great choice of ski schools
Morzine boasts an array of ski schools and independent instructors catering to snowboarders and skiers of all styles and abilities. The ESF’s ‘Piou Piou’ program introduces tots as young as three to the joys of snow in a fun and encouraging environment. For older kids you’ll find group lessons, private classes and freestyle sessions offered by New Generation, BASS Morzine, Peak Snowsports and various other ski schools. For snowboarders, Real Snowboarding and Mint Snowboarding offer lessons and camps for juniors.
Après–ski for all ages
Beyond the slopes, Morzine is a rare find as a ski resort that manages to offer a vibrant après–ski scene of live music venues and bars, as well as maintain its charm and magic as a family resort. Morzine’s pretty town centre beckons families with its vintage merry-go-round, boutiques, pastry shops and family-oriented events. The Parc des Dérêches offers an indoor ice rink and a swimming complex with spa facilities, a 25m swimming pool and a children’s paddling pool. A must for wildlife enthusiasts, Les Aigles du Leman at the Point de Nyon restaurant, features falconry shows with owls, buzzards, and condors soaring above diners and skiers heads. When it comes to re-fuelling and feeding picky eaters, the town’s diverse dining scene includes everything from traditional French and mountain fare to vegan food, gourmet burgers, pizza and modern Asian cuisine.
Charming accommodation
From ski apartments to catered chalets and boutique hotels, Morzine offers a huge choice of accommodation. For a central spot in Morzine’s lovely old town, consider The Farmhouse Hotel, a charismatic boutique hotel offering luxury ski holidays. Guests are welcomed into a cosy lounge area with a crackling open fireplace, and gourmet meals are enjoyed in an atmospheric flame-lit dining room.
Family ski holidays here are hassle free, with private shuttles to and from the ski lifts; and tuition, lift passes and ski hire pre-arranged when requested.
