Morzine Skiing

[simonlpearce]

Just wandered if anyone has been? Have just booked a week at the end of Jan with 5 other mates.

Be interested to hear tips/advice on which runs are best and which to avoid.

Also be interested to hear where is best for a spot of Apres :drinking:

 

[Gogo]

You could argue there is something for everyone in the Morzine/Avoriaz linked area.

You can download a piste map here:
http://www.piste-maps.co.uk/France/PortesDuSoleil/Avoriaz

Dependant on your skiing abilities you may wish to avoid The Wall which takes you into Switzerland. Here is a review extracted from the Telegraph web site, which pretty much sums it up. The advice about doing it straight after a fresh fall of snow is good advice!

The Wall, Avoriaz, France

WOW! FACTOR "Oh my God!" at the start.

WHEN TO DO IT As soon as it is opened after a fresh snowfall.

THE APPEAL A certain skier's cred, as in "took a tumble on the Swiss Wall in January when this guy skied into me." You were OK? "Yeah, bust my shoulder a bit."

DIFFICULTY RATING Moderate.

DANGER RATING "Danger," says the sign at the top, on the French side of the invisible line that separates France from Switzerland, "for expert skiers only." Its brutally exposed position means that snow can quickly turn to ice, transforming The Wall from a friend to a foe that can - and has - killed. But the risk of seriously hurting yourself is only high in extremely icy conditions. The biggest danger is from other skiers tumbling into you while out of control.

WHAT'S INVOLVED The Swiss Wall, also known by its real name, La Chavanette, has attracted more hype over the years than any other run in the Alps. In fact, most of the run is not desperately steep. In the right conditions (soft snow), almost any confident intermediate skier can do it.

HISTORY Its reputation was largely created by Frenchman Jean Vuarnet, better known to most for his sunglasses than his Olympic gold at Squaw Valley in 1960. After his success he was given the job of creating Avoriaz and the cross-border links of the Portes du Soleil ski area. The Swiss Wall was his second winner.

HOW TO SKI IT The initial gradient is so severe that, from the sign, you cannot see what is below. The first half dozen turns, through moguls the size of Volkswagens, require considerable courage. Turn slowly with care, but with commitment. Keep all your weight on the lower ski and your heart in your mouth. Once over the edge, the bumps tend to even out and hopefully you can find a rhythm. Any mistake can result in a 20m slide - or longer in icy conditions - followed by an exhausting struggle to retrieve a ski.

CAN I BOTTLE OUT? Not unless you fancy the climb back up. It is infinitely better to push on.

VERDICT Great test for anyone making the transition from OK skier or rider to competent skier or rider.

 

[A320_phill]

Never been skiing there but been mountain biking. Bar Robinson is a must visit! The Mutzig lager will see you have a good time (fairly strong) and goes down a treat enjoy!

 

[jamesgarbett]

Morzine is a really lovely area to ski in - easy access to Les Gets, Avoriaz and Chatel too

I've only ever been later in the season when down in Morzine it can be surprisingly warm (spring flowers etc) but still good snow up high. Avoriaz is pretty ugly but reliable snow

Second vote for Bar Robinson!

 

[simonlpearce]

The Wall looks a bit epic, though being intermediate I might just get to the top for a look then wimp out, lol.

Have heard about Mutzig from a friend that's been. He said it's a local beer that varies in strength depending on the mood of the brewery at the time, lol.

Anyone know what weather to expect this time of year?

 

[Wyldie85]

Went for the first time last year and went to Morzine and Les Gets for 10 days.

Lovely place, nice town and a great place to ski! Thoroughly recommend it.

If you're in need of instruction BASS would be the people to speak to - AMAZING!!

 

[simonlpearce]

I think it would be daft not to have a quick lesson. Whilst i can ski and i can get down pretty much everything, i have only ever had lessons 20 years ago when i was a nipper. So it would be good to brush up on my skills and make sure im doing things in the best way possible.

BTW - If anyone fancies joining us, we had one person drop out last night so there is a spot up for grabs

 

[Toe-side]

Massive area but quite strung out between areas if you include Avoriaz (its been a while so may have improved)
Watch you timing to get back home. Lots of varied skiing.

 

[mad4slalom]

used to ski there most years, been seven or eight times as friends have a chalet in morzine, porte de soliel is a lovely area but a car is a bonus as some have said the area is spread out , if you drive up the ardent area you find a lot of great runs, chatel is lovely and mont cherie is quieter and pituresque, avoriaz is snowboard party town with appartment blocks that look like rock ranges against the skyline, something for everyone , the swiss wall is just a load of big moguls and a steep top section do it to say youve done it but theres much better skiing . you will love the area , i only stopped going to experience ot her places and have found that there is a lot more off piste easier to find in other areas than there is in morzine, although around the back of mont cherie there are some good deep and steep back country trails if you dont mind going off the beaten : track. enjoy.

 

[CornishRob]

Morzine is a good central base. I did 3 ski seasons in Les Gets, 2007-2010. Loved it and loved the area.

I prefer Les Gets, but Morzine is a good base for Avoriaz. Avoriaz can however get busy and if the weather closes in, it's horrible as there are not many trees. You can go and cock about in the stash though which isn't too bad.

I have been back on holiday to les gets/Morzine for the last few years. I remember the Hotel Tremplin did a good Après on a Wednesday evening (I think) which is at the bottom of the Plenty lift in Morzine.

The runs in Morzine get very icy and crowded with ski school, so avoid the area unless you're heading out / back in each day. Les Gets is worth going too, with some nice runs in the bowl. Also go over the other side of the village to Mt Chery. Always quieter and some nice runs. Also some good off piste through the trees on the front side. If your crossing Les Gets, also worth stopping into K2, a lovely little cafe/restaurant which serves amazing burgers.

Also don't be surprised if there is no snow in the village at Morzine. It's the lowest of the tree and it's often bare. Les Gets seems to hold it a bit better, and Avoriaz always white.

If you need any more info let me know.