Why Choose Morzine For A Skiing Holiday

Morzine is a ski resort that blends traditional architecture with modernism to provide the draw to attract visitors all year round. Set in a little valley in the heart of the Portes du Soleil area of France Morzine delivers much to welcome its visitors.

Unlike many resorts it is clear that development has been controlled to maintain the village's alpine charm. Chalets in Morzine tend to benefit from wooden facades, carved balconies and locally produced slate is used to cover the roofs.

Morzine is about one hour's drive from Geneva. The resort is nestled between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc, at the foot of the Dents Blanches and the Dents du Midi. Situated at 1000m Morzine is a low altitude resort with a bustling summer timetable. In the 1920s it was primarily used as a summer destination.

At this time Francois Baud built the 'Grand Hotel', which was the first establishment built to welcome tourists in Morzine. The new establishment took the village into a new era. People soon developed an appreciation for winter sports.

In 1934 Morzine gained recognition as a winter destination when it inaugurated the Pleney cable car. The Portes du Soleil ski area now boasts 206 lifts that service over 650km of marked ski runs. 1800 skiers per hour can be delivered to the blues of the Nyon Mountain and the rest of the Chamossiere whilst 3000 skiers an hour can now take a six-man lift to Les Lindarets.

The areas intermediate terrain makes it an excellent resort for beginners, less seasoned skiers and snowboarders. There are two snow parks, a half pipe, a 'canyon' slope and a new boarder slope. The area also boasts the first 100 percent ecological winter forest park called, 'Biotop' add to this four 'snow cross' venues and Morzine is a formidable resort.

Morzine also has a large floodlit area with skiing, tubing and big-air. The area remains open until 10pm and offers a fantastic skiing experience. There are also extensive opportunities to ski off-piste. The quality and variety of options make Morzine a well-rounded option for skiers of all abilities.

Morzine is a resort that also caters for the summer season. Indeed, it is rumoured that total number of visitors is actually greater in the summer season. Summer activities include mountain biking, golf, walking and caving. Paragliding flights are also available and for those of you that are missing the winter sports it is possible to summer toboggan.

Morzine's low altitude means that snow-cover in the village is by no means always reliable but the resort is a well-rounded option for those that may want variety from skiing. Morzine boasts a wide variety of festivals, events and themed fairs. There is a busy summer schedule which hosts a wood-cutters competition and the Edelweiss bazaar.

Morzine is also popular with cyclists. In 2006 stage 17 of the Tour de France ended in Morzine. Morzine does not have the nightlife of some other ski resorts but there are three discos, two cinemas, many bars and an ice-skating arena.