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Morzine Ski Resort Guide (Alt 1000m) |
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Located approximately halfway between Geneva and Mont Blanc, Morzine is a popular choice for visitors keen to mix old world charm with ski terrain fit to rival that of the Three Valleys. Originally a modest farming and slate mining community, Morzine's development as a ski resort began in earnest during the 1930s, its first lift being the Pleney cable car. As the town's popularity as a tourist destination continued to grow, more lifts were added and the ski area developed; eventually resulting in the construction of sister resort Avoriaz and the creation of links to Swiss resorts Les Crosets and Champery. Morzine now sits proudly at the heart of the Portes du Soleil ski area, the oldest and largest town of the 12 now joined. Morzine itself is a busy Alpine town packed with Savoyard character, displaying numerous examples of traditional chalet buildings with sloping slate covered roofs and intricately designed wooden balconies. With plenty of ski terrain to suit all abilities and a transfer time of approximately one hour, Morzine is a destination especially popular with families and weekend visitors.
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Due to its proximity with Morzine, year-round village St Jean d'Aulps is also a popular base for holiday makers looking to explore the Portes du Soleil region. Along with providing easy access to Morzine via the Balad'bus (€1), St Jean d'Aulps offers its own compact ski area known as La Grande Terche. Entry to this independent domain is included as part of a full Portes du Soleil pass, along with Morzine, Avoriaz and Les Gets. You can reach the slopes by taking the Navette (shuttle bus) from the village centre. La Grande Terche offers 16 lifts, 34km of pistes, of which there are 3 green runs, 3 blue runs and 7 red runs. |
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The Portes du Soleil is a large region of the Alps encompassing 12 resorts that are dotted across the Franco/Swiss border. These resorts are Morzine, Avoriaz, Les Gets, Abondance, Chapelle d'Abondance, Chatel, St Jean d'Aulps, Montriond, Torgon, Morgins, Champery and the Val d'Illez-Les Crosets-Champoussin. The area offers 650km of pistes, 230 lifts, 7 snowparks, 3 halfpipes and 4 boarder cross runs. Morzine is the largest resort in the region, its gentle pistes and partially wooded slopes making it a favourite with holidaying families. |
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Constructed during the 1960s, Avoriaz is one of France's more sympathetically designed purpose built ski resorts. The initiative to build such a resort came from ski champion and Morzine local Jean Vuarnet, who recognised the area's potential for skiing. Morzine had already become a popular winter sports destination; and with the financial backing of noted Parisien builder Robert Bremond, the resort began to take shape. Now located at the heart of the vast Portes du Soleil ski area, Avoriaz declares itself to the be the European equivalent to a snowboarding Mecca, regularly hosting large international freestyle events. |
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Located on the periphery of the Portes du Soleil ski area, family friendly Les Gets is the quieter, more relaxing alternative to the neighbouring resorts of Morzine and Avoriaz. The resort's gentle and partially wooded slopes are an ideal choice for beginner and intermediate skiers, or a handy starting point for anyone looking to ease their way back into the sport. A favourite with visiting families, Les Gets has also put a tight focus on its provision for child-friendly skiing, having recently been awarded the 'Famille Plus' ski label by French ski authorities. |
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A great choice for anyone looking for a more authentic ski holiday retreat, Chatel, at heart, still remains very much a traditional Alpine village. Ancient stylised chalets, cobbled streets and a 17th century church contribute to the atmosphere, making the village an appealing location for visitors in search of a calm, festive break. Along with its time honoured architecture, Chatel's other claim to fame is its dairy produce. The resort's principal ski area, Super Chatel, predominantly offers a mixture of intermediate and advanced runs, along with a snowpark, blue halfpipe, and on a clear day, views of Lake Geneva. |
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Alp Line offer private ski transfers or shared ski shuttles to Avoriaz, Morzine, Les Gets, St Jean d'Aulps, La Grande Terche and Chatel. Book your Alp Line ski holiday transfer online now ... |
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