What's new in Morzine & Avoriaz winter 2016-17

From new bars and restaurants, to new types of après ski entertainment and activities for the whole family, there’s always something different and unique to experience.

Winter 2016/17 is no exception. Watch out for new places to go for a night out, new restaurants to eat at and plenty more fantastic things to try that will help make your holiday here even more magical.

On the Snow

As well as lots of changes in the centre of both resorts, there’s also lots going of new stuff going on on the slopes as well.

ESF has teamed up with Burton Snowboards in the Avoriaz Riglet park. This means children as young as 4 are able to start snowboarding with the help of instructors. The park has been designed with shallow gradients so that the mini riders can find their feet before taking to the steeper, more difficult slopes.

The Stash has had a bit of a revamp as well. Over the summer Avoriaz has worked on improving the popular park after several of the main wooden posts, totem poles and wooden rails started to rot. This stretch of piste is one of the favourite in the Avoriaz region so people will be pleased to hear that it’s going to be even better this year.

Cookie Cafe are offering an exclusive challenge for our readers which is also new for this season - ski around a pre-arranged route in the Portes du Soleil taking selfies at designated spots along the way and get rewarded at the end of the day.

Bars

It’s an exciting season for Morzine’s nightlife with new bars opening and some changing hands, each hoping to bring something special to the after hours drinking scene.

There’s been a change of hands at popular late night bar, Café Chaud.  A team of people (including those behind the well liked Retro Rentals company) are hoping to inject a new lease of life into this venue. They’re planning to run all sorts of special nights throughout the season, they've given the venue a lick of paint and are planning to make it the new favourite after hours venue. Keep an eye out on their facebook page to find out what’s going on when you’re in town.

It’s also a big year for Mountain Mavericks and the team at the Aubergade. As well as running the popular piste side restaurant, hotel and bar they’re also managing the Cottage, a huge hotel and bar at the bottom of the Pleney. I’m also told the Aubergade is having a bit of a makeover so we can be confident that there will be a couple of well located bars to head to both after skiing and also later on in the evening.  

Shops

If you fancy a day off from skiing then it’s often quite nice to have a little potter round the shops and collect a few souvenirs or treats to take home with you. Morzine and Avoriaz are full of little boutique shops and stores that stock all sorts of things including alpine gifts, chocolate and plenty of wine. There are also (unsurprisingly) quite a few sports and clothing shops. New this season in Morzine is “Little One”. A modern, boutique children’s clothing shop in the centre of Morzine. Run by people who know the town inside out, this shop is bound to be popular with visiting families.

Fitness

Last year, the long awaited Morzine Gym opened. After a successful first season the facility run by the team at Mountain Rehab looks like it’s here to stay. So if you can’t manage a week without training then get yourself signed up. Buzz performance fitness classes also take place at the gym and this year they’ve got a lot of new classes on their timetable. So if you do want to keep up with your fitness regime whilst on holiday then keep an eye out on what they have to offer. From spinning to conditioning and strength training, they’ve got something for every type of exerciser.

French Lessons

The biggest language school in Morzine is opening its doors to a wider audience this season by offering budget lessons and more flexible timings. So if you’re here for the season, live here or just fancy improving your French, these lessons could be for you. The team at Alpine French School also offer intensive courses and specialist lessons so enquire if you want to develop your language skills whilst you’re here.

Along with all of this amazing new stuff, many of the old favourites are returning. Watch out for music festivals Rock the Pistes and Snowboxx, movie and music nights at Beanies coffee shop, club nights at Paradis and Opera, the torchlit descent down the Pleney, fireworks over the mountains and much, much more. Winter 2016/17 is going to be one to remember! 

Find more events on our What's on Calendar for the whole season.