alpine2mine activities

ski/snowboard | apres ski | other activites | morzine | ski fitness

Skiing & Snowboarding

The Portes du Soleil or ‘gates of the sun’ is the largest international ski area in the world covering an amazing 650kms, two countries – France and Switzerland and more than a dozen ski villages all linked by an efficient lift and bus system. The majority of the skiing takes place above 1600m so although some of the resorts are not considered high altitude the skiing is some of the best in Europe and because the Portes du Soleil is on the Western edge of the Alps it has a fantastic snowfall record.

There is skiing to suit all abilities, from the gentle nursery ski slopes in Morzine and Les Gets to the numerous blues and reds all of which are beautifully tree lined with stunning views over the Alps. For the experienced skier there is always the infamous Swiss Wall in Le Croset and the off piste areas of the Combe du Machon and Renard bumps. The area has enough to challenge everyone, everyday.

There are is also some great choices for snowboarders in the Portes du Soleil including 7 snowparks, 3 halfpipes, 4 boarder cross and miles of freeride. Morzine and Avoriaz have excellent facilities for snowboarders from beginners up to experts.

Have a look at the piste map to give you an idea of exactly what’s available.

Ski passes- (ski pass prices)
Aswell as covering some 14 alpine resorts and over 200 lifts the Portes du Solieil offers an electronic hands free ski pass. We offer a free pre-ordering service to all our guests and will have your passes waiting for you on your arrival.

Equipment hire
We work with the excellent Doorstep Skis who provide a hassle-free alternative to Ski and Snowboard hire and repairs by visiting you in the comfort of Chalet Des Etoiles. Just pre order all your equipment hire requirements in advance and the night you arrive they will deliver and fit whatever you need while you sip a glass of wine in the chalet. That means no precious holiday time wasted queuing in the busy hire shops in town.

To pre-order your ski and snowboard equipment now click here to visit the Doorstep Skis booking form.

Learning to ski/snowboard

The Portes Du Soleil is a fantastic place to learn to ski and snowboard and has some well equipped nursery slopes. There are a number of excellent ski schools and private companies with English speaking instructors that we can highly recommend. Please contact any of the following:

Recommended ski and snowboard schools:

British Alpine Ski & Snowboard School
Avoriaz Alpine Ski School
ES2A
Ecole du Ski Francais
Freedom2Ski (Pete Hughes)

Private lessons
In addition to the ski schools we have contacts with some excellent private instructors and will help book lessons.

Alpine Learning Curves (Joe Beer)
Freedom2Ski (Pete Hughes)

Apres Ski
Morzine is famous for its après ski with numerous bars and a couple of clubs, many of which offer happy hour prices.

Traditional après ski is centred around a cluster of bars, with the infamous Bar Robinson providing very strong Mutzig Old Lager, popular with the regulars to Morzine, to get you in the mood for a good night ahead. In the evening the pace of life increases with a wide variety of bars and pubs staying open until the early hours in the morning. There are numerous late-night drinking holes and two clubs open until 5am.

Other Activities

If you wish to take a break from skiing/boarding, why not try one of the following:

  • Cross country skiing
  • Snow Shoeing
  • Snow mobile riding
  • Tobogganing
  • Luge/toboggan run
  • Horse drawn sleigh ride
  • Husky dog sleigh ride

Morzine

Morzine is a very pretty traditional alpine town that has really maintained its orginal savoyard charm and character with its wooden facades, carved balconies and slate-covered roofs. Generally low-key and relaxed its great for pleasant wandering and window shopping, with many opportunities to stop for a hot chocolate or beer. However those looking for a little more action will definitely find it in the bars and discos later in the evenings.

  • Restaurants
  • Cafe bars
  • Night club/disco bar
  • Tourist Information
  • Medical facilities
  • Sports Centre (gym and ice rink)
  • Cinema
  • Sports Shops
  • Supermarkets
  • Farmers market
  • Boutiques

Check out the excellent tourist board site (www.morzine.com) for further information.