Accommodation in Morzine tends to centre on the vast number of independent chalet companies and self-catered properties. The town centre contains some good French-owned hotels but the outlying hamlets all contain British-run chalets and self-catered properties to let. The seasonnaire staffing solution is used to full effect, so there’s not many chalets that will offer you dinner on a Wednesday night.
Morzine has several sectors so figuring out a plan with the free Navettes (resort buses) and which parts of the resort you would most like to ski is important. Due to the spread-out nature of the town guests will not find many ski-in, ski-out properties, however a few options exist – look for properties at Nyon or Les Prodains or near to the Pleney lift if skiing back to base is important.
Most chalet operators provide shuttle services, so don’t be put off by accommodation options that are just outside the town. They may be even more convenient for other lift stations; Les Prodains offers great access to Avoriaz, Nyon is a wonderful ski area in itself and Ardent is also a great area for direct access to the heart of the Portes du Soleil from there you are just one lift away from Chatel or Avoriaz.
Chalets
The list of chalets on offer is massive and the quality and service is markedly different. Some chalet companies are, we are afraid to say, disaster zones, while others offer incredible luxury services or basic packages at affordable prices. Amongst the best value is Host Savoie with their two homely catered chalets and flexible approach to short break dates. The Family Ski Company has several chalets in the hamlet of Ardent and offer catered holidays specifically for people with young children. If you really want some luxury check out the Farmhouse, one of the oldest buildings in the area and in a beautiful spot.
Hotels
If you are looking for a central location the two main 3 star hotels in the centre of resort (Le Samoyede and Les Airelles) are great options whilst Chalet Philibert is a beautifully constructed chalet hotel just outside the centre. In Prodain the Chalet Hotel run by Chilly Powder offers ski to the door convenience and has in-house childcare.
Those people who are not reliant on public transport should consider the Hotel Dahu which occupies a spectacular position on the hillside above the town. The Viking Hotel is a creepy-looking building at the top of the Pleney gondola but does give the chance to be first on the slopes!
Apartments
There are plenty of self-catered apartments in Morzine but they’re not always easy to find. Those in the centre of resort tend to be quite pricey but if you have a car why not consider staying in one of the outlying hamlets and save yourself a fortune. The best bet for apartments is to contact the estate agents directly, although Morzine Reservation at the tourist office also has a huge database of chalets and apartments to let. If you’re a regular skier with some cash to invest in property, you might like to consider snapping up your own home from home in the snow. The French property links website has some great chalets and apartments – all of them prime for rental while you’re not holidaying in them yourselves.
If you’re budget is tight then consider the self-catered chalet, Eazy Riderz. Operated by a UK couple it offers self-catered chalet lodgings at a sensible price. They also offer a complete demo fleet of Atomic snowboards for you to sample.
