Snowboarding in morzine
Total kms of piste
650kms (Portes du Soleil)
Number of lifts
206 (Portes du Soleil) (4 cable cars, 10 gondolas, 82 chairlifts, 106 drag lifts)
Direction of slopes
N, E, S, W
Snow cannons
694
Longest run
6kms
Mountain restaurants
89
Cross-country trails
Morzine 48kms
Avoriaz 48kms
Portes du Soleil 243kms.
Snow Range
1000m - 2350m
Village Height:
Morzine 1,000m (3,300ft)
Highest Ski Lift
2,350m (7,788ft)
Morzine is situated in the heart of the vast Portes du Soleil ski area covering parts of France and Switzerland and is located between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc. It has an enormous 650kms of marked pistes making it one of the the largest in the world! It includes the resorts of Les Gets, Avoriaz, Chatel, Morgins, Torgons, Champoussin and Les Crosets.
The snow record is excellent as it is in the Mont Blanc weather system and this coupled with an advanced snow making system means the pistes are well covered from December right through to the end of April. Due to the massive area covered by the Portes du Soleil there is enough terrain for every body, from complete beginners to advanced riders.
Your Portes du Soleil ski pass will allow you to access Avoriaz which is easily one of the top European snowboarding destinations and regularly features in international magazines. Freeriders should check out the Hauts Forts area.
For beginner boarders…
There are numerous beginner slopes easily accessible from Morzine with 41 green runs and 109 blue runs available to practice on.
For competent boarders …
There are hundreds of varied pistes throughout the whole area whether you want a challenge or just to cruise around. Practice cruising around on wide pistes or tree lined runs, big bowls and the ability to cover the whole Portes du Soleil area on blue and red runs.
For advanced riders …
There are challenging pistes and runs throughout the area including 110 red runs and 28 black that will keep you progressing. If you’re feeling energetic the full day Portes du Soleil circuit covers 80km of Pistes and 2 countries whilst not using the same lift more than once!
More … !
Snow Parks … There are 5 main parks in the Portes du Soleil ranging from beginner to pro. There are 2 in Avoriaz, Les Crosets (often featured in snowboard mags), Chatel and Mont Chery. The parks generally have the usual items kickers, rails, boxes, spines, hips and wall rides. Newly added in 2008 'the Stash' a series of jumps and rails built from natural materials in the woods in Avoriaz. Amazing fun especially when the visability's bad elsewhere. Les Crosets and Chatel also have half pipes and Avoriaz has a super pipe.
Boarder cross … For fast flowing fun on your own with your ipod on or racing your mates, there are 5 border cross courses which are easily accessible.
Freeriding … Due to the huge area covered there is massive scope for freeriding and due to a slightly lower altitude there are plenty of trees around in whiteouts to improve visibility. The off-piste is readily available without having to hike. Terrain includes wide open powder fields, steep colouirs and plenty of cliffs and cornices to drop. Off piste riding is at your own risk and you’ll need to check if you have insuranece cover.
Heliboarding … Not allowed and unfortunately banned in France but due to Morzines close proximity to Switzerland and Italy, heli-boarding is available for additional costs. Ask in resort for details and prices.
Night Riding … Is available every Thursday night on the Pleney slopes, walking distance from La Petite Taneire.
Discovery circuits … There are 12 circuits coded to the different levels of riding and take around 2 ½ hours each. Simply follow the bear, white rabbit, jackdaw, ibex or reindeer to cover many pistes within your level. Simply ask for a discovery route guide.