Morzine for beginners?

Hi everyone, I hope someone can help give me some good advice. I intend to go skiing for the first time in January 2010. This is to celebrate my 40 birthday with my girlfriend and parents. I’ve been checking plenty of sites for advice and Morzine is now top of my list. Important points being that I can fly from Belfast to Geneva by Easyjet, its only 1 hour transfer and it usually has good snow.

Would Morzine be a good place for beginner skiers? Are there other activities for my parents to do if skiing proves to much? Can anyone recommend anywhere good in Morzine to stay or offer any other advice? Is there good food for a vegetarian?

Thanks for any replies.

Hi

I was in Morzine in April 2008 , nice resort ( the town) mainly shops and bars although you have to get super morzine ( gondola) upto Avoriaz where the actual skiing takes place. There are other areas around but the main one is towards Avoriaz , I dont know where the beginners area`s are but the area is extensive with greens and blue runs all over that side of the mountain, we covered a large part of the ports area as they are all connected , Chatel is a smaller resort ( In the same region) which is also worth a look at for beginners but probably less to do for your parents . I have just this week come back from le Grand Bornand which is slightly South west of Morzine ( still close the Geneva) but it is a wonderful resort idea for beginners and loads to do for non skiiers especially if you stay in Le Chinalion which is up the mountain a bit. Just thought I would mention it . Anyway Morizine is great try offpistemadness.com there is a guy called Dougie who we stayed with and who know the region really well. Also if you have not already get the where to ski book 2009 loads to read on all the resorts. Also go online and have a look at the piste maps it often gives you an idea of the terrian you would face which will help you choose the perfect resort for you. Dont know about food as we had an all in deal , the shops are good and the bars were even better, hope the pound gets stronger against the euro by then!!!

Good Luck
Dave

I learned to snowboard in Morzine in 2006 and 07, along with a group of learner and intermediate skiers. The town (it's not a purpose built resort like Avoriaz) has a nice atmosphere and local feel to it, and there are plenty of restaurants, bars etc. We didn't use the Avoriaz area (Super Morzine gondola), but stayed on the Morzine-Les Gets side. This area offers varied and enjoyable slopes for beginners and improvers, and is covered by a cheaper lift pass than the "Portes du Soleil" pass required for Avoriaz and other linked areas. I wouldn't hesitate to go there again, but I am not sure there is so much on offer for non-skiers or those who ski less.
Am off to St Gervais in 3 weeks, also 1 hr from Geneva. It's regarded as great for beginners and intermediates, with the bonus of being a spa town with several other nice towns and villages nearby e.g. Megeve. Non-skiers could also head to Chamonix (40mins drive) to check out the Aiguille du Midi, Montenvers Glacier tramway etc.
Will let you know how St Gervais turns out..

Morzine/Avoriaz is a great place for learning. Les Gets is not as easy to get to for none skiers from Morzine.

There are plenty of green and blue slopes at Avoriaz that would really suit you. Whilst purpose built, Avoriaz is a very nice place, on a sunny day the views are fantastic!

I cant speak for vegetarian food in Morzine, however there are a lot of restaurants, many of which have a wide variety of food - pricey though!!

In terms of other activities, do they like hanggliding or parapeting (too old I guess?!). Morzine is a great town with loads going on. Local market on a Wednesday selling some great local traditional french produce. My mum spends a week none skiing when we go, so I would say yes. They can also get teh (ski) bus to Les Gets and Avoriaz and possiobly meet for lunch.

GO there, it is a brilliant place :D

davewilli wrote:

I was in Morzine in April 2008 , nice resort ( the town) mainly shops and bars although you have to get super morzine ( gondola) upto Avoriaz where the actual skiing takes place. There are other areas around but the main one is towards Avoriaz Dave

Just so as not to put Badbark off Morzine, I would mention that there is plenty of skiing on the Morzine/Les Gets slopes, without touching Avoriaz. If you're beginner, there will be no need to buy anything other than the local pass and stay Morzine side.

Last time I went to Morzine, I didn't go to Avoriaz at all ( and I'm not a beginner!)

However, should snow conditions be poor in Morzine, which is quite low, Avoriaz does give the option to go higher.