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Morzine Activities - Winter
| Winter Activities in Morzine |
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Well of course, you are always going to have the ubiquitous skiing and snowboarding, but whilst you’re in Morzine, you may want to try your hand at one of the many other winter activities available in this town. Below are a few suggestions to tickle your imagination! |
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| Cross Country Skiing (Ski de Fond) |
 | | 'Classic' Style |
Get back to nature and explore tranquil cross-country trails at your own pace. There are two different techniques – classic and skating. Classic is the easiest for beginners; you simply place your skis in two parallel groves, push off and glide around the trails. Skating is more energetic and a slightly harder skill to grasp; you push your feet out to either side as though you are ice skating and use your poles simultaneously to gain momentum.
You can hire the comfortable boots and lightweight skis and poles fairly inexpensively from most sports shops and book a group or private lesson to learn the basics from most ski schools or private instructors. For those used to downhill skis, at first you feel precariously balanced and downhill sections are definitely more exciting on narrow skis with no edges! The skis are lighter and slimmer than downhill skis and the boots are much softer and more comfortable.
The tranquility of cross country (also known as Nordic) skiing is perfect for anyone who enjoys peace and quiet, or finds the downhill pistes too crowded or too steep. It is a great form of aerobic exercise and one can be as energetic or slow as one likes, while the relaxed pace makes it a more tranquil way to enjoy the surroundings!.
 | | 'Skating' Style |
Once you have grasped the essentials, head off for the 90km of cross country (ski du fond) trails that are spread across the Manche Valley, Morzine-Avoriaz, Lake Montriond and Pléney-Chavannes.
ESF Morzine run twice daily cross country ski excursions (including transport) at 9.30am and 12.00pm. |
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last updated 2-Jul-2008 |
| Glacier Walking |
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For a truly unique experience, clamp on your crampons and go hiking on one of the many glaciers in the surrounding area. The breathtaking views and spectacular crevasses make this an incredible adventure. There are a number of glacial hikes, of varying difficulty, in this region of the Alps. Most mountain guiding companies will run organised excursions to the most accessible. To read more about glaciers and the environment please go to our Glacier Meltdown article. |
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last updated 11-Apr-2008 |
| Helicopter Tours & Heli-skiing |
Sit back and admire the mountains from even higher up! Daily panoramic helicopter flights are available (weather permitting) with a number of local flight companies or some mountain guide companies. Relax and enjoy the stunning views as you fly over the snow-capped mountain tops, glaciers and alpine forests of the Haute Savoie.
Unfortunately, heli-skiing is not permitted in France, however some of the ski schools and mountain guide companies will offer a pick-up/drop-off heli skiing service for you where you will be taken over the border into Italy or Switzerland. It is expensive, but definitely a once in a lifetime experience! |
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last updated 3-Jul-2008 |
| Horse Drawn Sleigh |
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You can snuggle up in the back of a horse drawn sleigh and take a number of scenic tours around Morzine and the surrounding area. Rides start from the square by the Tourist Office; prices start from €10 for a little mosey around town and go up to €70 to go further afield. |
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last updated 8-Jul-2008 |
| Husky Sledding (traineaux a chiens) |
Be in charge of your own sled and team of excitable husky dogs, driving them along forest paths. After a brief explanation of how to make your team stop and start (you shout "mush!"), and strict instructions not to let go of the sled if it turns over (the dogs would disappear for hours...), you set off following the guide’s team. Your huskies want to keep up with their doggy mates, so the next hour is a breathless scramble to keep the sled upright, trying to control the speed downhill, and hanging on for dear life when you tear around corners. Going uphill you have to help push the sled, so this is hard physical work.
If this all sounds a bit much you can opt for a less physical outing where you sit in the sled and the guide does all the hard work! Either way it is an exhilarating experience – you can find contact details on our Action, Fun & Sports page under Caméleon Organisation. |
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last updated 3-Jul-2008 |
| Ice Climbing |
For the true mountain enthusiast, why not scale an amazing frozen waterfall or glacier? This is a fantastic sport, not just for experienced mountaineers. The frozen columns of the Gachette, Dame du lac and Brochaux waterfalls are stunning locations to try your hand at ice climbing. The ice climbing season peaks between December and March.
Although it sounds like a very specialised sport, ice climbing is suitable for everyone - from complete beginners to experienced climbers. Some knowledge of ropes and basic climbing skills will give you a head start, but if you are a complete novice then your guide should be able to teach you from scratch.
Safety is important, so it is advisable to take an experienced mountain guide to instruct you on the use of crampons, ropes and ice picks. |
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last updated 4-Jul-2008 |
| Ice Diving |
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Although plunging under the icy waters of Lake Montriond in the middle of winter may not sound much like fun this is a fascinating and magical experience. Accompanied by experienced instructors you can go beneath the frozen surface of the lake and submerge yourself in the eerie world beneath. Contact Caméleon Organisation for information and reservations. |
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last updated 3-Jul-2008 |
| Ice Rink |
Morzine’s ice skating rink at the Palais des Sports is open to the public and also hosts regular ice hockey matches, the local team is Les Pingouins. There is a panoramic bar and restaurant, where you can warm your hands around a ‘chocolat chaud’ and a separate area for children aged between 3-6 years. Keep an eye out for the regular ice dancing and figure skating galas.
Opening hours are 10am-12pm, 3pm-6pm and 9pm-11pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. |
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last updated 4-Jul-2008 |
| Mountain Biking on Snow |
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Mountain biking is big in the Portes du Soleil; so big in fact that they don't even let snow get in the way of their favourite sport! Every winter you can learn how to ride using different techniques down the trails of Les Lindarets and Super Morzine - punctures and mud splashes are less likely than in the summer and you can finish off your ride with a warming glass of mulled wine! Contact Rustine for information and reservations. Mountain bikes, helmets and instruction are included. |
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last updated 3-Jul-2008 |
| Paragliding ('Parapente') |
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From the heights of the Morzine mountains you can fly above the pistes for an alternative view of the valley. Glide back to the bottom on a tandem paraglider controlled by the instructor (a vertical distance of approximately 1000m). They manoeuvre the parachute while you, the passenger, enjoy the ride and fantastic views. Taking off is the only scary moment: once equipped with a helmet and an instructor strapped behind you, in a rather intimate way, both of you simply point your skis (or board, or run on foot) downhill, and carry on getting faster and faster until the wing lifts you into the air. Peacefully ride above the pistes for ten to twenty minutes, aiming to catch thermals to keep you up for longer. Landing is very gentle and no more of an impact than jumping off a step. ... see "Morzine for Paragliding" for more |
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last updated 7-Jul-2008 |
| Snow-Mobile (Moto-Neige) |
Roaring over the slopes on a snow mobile is great fun - you can ride alone or with a passenger and will be supervised by a guide who will teach you the basics and then take you on a 30 minute or hour-long ride. Don't forget to wrap up warmly especially if you go after dark, and bring goggles if there is powder.
Guided excursions can be arranged through Avoscoot, situated on Route d'Avoriaz opposite Restaurant Seraussaix half way between Morzine and Avoriaz. |
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last updated 8-Jul-2008 |
| Snowshoe Walking ('Raquette à Neige') |
Strap lightweight plastic snowshoes to your feet, and walk effortlessly through deep snow. Either set out on your own, or join a group led by a knowledgeable local guide and explore the hidden parts of the valley. There are a number of local companies that organise guided snowshoe expeditions; you can learn about the local plants and wildlife and spot animal tracks in the snow, or take afternoon tea in the mountain pastures. There are folk tale evenings, evening meals at mountain restaurants and overnight stays in mountain chalets to be enjoyed! See Action, Fun & Sports for details of guiding companies.
You can also hire snowshoes from most Sports Shops, grab a trail map and head off on your own adventure. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you go. Maps can be found at the Tourist Office and the more popular trails are well marked - so there's nothing stopping you! The technique of snow shoeing is not fast or thrill-seeking but is definitely a good workout all the same, the beauty of it is that you can go at your own pace and just enjoy it!
This is a perfect activity for bad weather conditions, or for non-skiers; walkers and nature lovers will love these outings. Don't forget to take energy bars and wear comfortable boots.
Snowshoe Website for France & Switzerland
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last updated 9-Jul-2008 |
| Tobogganing |
Morzine has a dedicated toboggan area at the foot of the Crusaz chairlift, where children of all ages (including big kids!) can race each other down the slopes. Sledges can be rented or bought fairly cheaply from most Sports Shops.
Once night has fallen and the skiers have deserted the slopes you can still enjoy the thrill of whizzing down a mountain with the wind in your face – on a toboggan. Ascend the Pléney cable car with your sled and hurtle back down again through the woods for an amazing ride. This is a good way to round off the night (and get back home) after a meal in a mountain restaurant – just don’t try it after too many glasses of wine! Contact Indiana Bob for details and bookings. |
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last updated 9-Jul-2008 |
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