What to do in Morzine-Avoriaz when you’re not on the slopes

The air is pure, the snow plentiful, the spectacular views and the epic slopes (the Portes de Soleil region has 650 km of terrain), but Morzine offers much more than the freedom of skiing. If you are looking for a ski resort that offers activities, bars and restaurants for all tastes, ages and experiences, Morzine is really for you. Situated between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc in the picturesque Northern Alps, it is only an hour from Geneva and is therefore the perfect place for a weekend getaway, a vacation or even to spend the whole ski season.

In addition to phenomenal skiing and snowboarding, adrenal junkies can have fun paragliding, taking a helicopter ride, renting a snowmobile, night sledding, or even following a fitness trail along the La Dranse river and forest. of Derêches.

For the full outdoor Morzine-Avoriaz experience, take a car-free sleigh ride through Avoriaz or try the outdoor skating rink. Seeing the local Morzine Penguins at their league ice hockey games is also a unique unifying experience.

If history is what you are looking for, then the slate factory is well worth a visit to discover how Morzine survived 200 years ago before tourism. If you are curious about the origins and development of the old town, there is no better way to explore it than by taking the official guided tours every Thursday at 10am. There is also the Museum of Mechanical Music in Les Gets for those interested in the history of music.

And for those occasional rainy days, there are two cinemas that often screen movies in English, an indoor climbing wall, and a gym.

After a tiring day in the mountains, everyone deserves a well-deserved après drink (or five!). If you only get to one après bar in Morzine, it has to be Bar Robinson. Run by local non-English speaking OAPs, Jean-Marc, Rosine, and their dear friend Nicole, this bar is full of charm. The atmosphere is electric, fueled by driving days and Mützig beer! (a tasty super strong beer that ensures a good night out for everyone, but it is recommended to drink it only in half pints!)

La Kinkerne also offers the local charm and friendliest service you’ll find anywhere in Morzine, or France for that matter, and is ideally located at the bottom of the Prodain elevator for a cheeky drink before heading back to Morzine via the free bus service.

For nightly entertainment, visit Le Cavern. It’s one of the season’s favorite haunts and plays popular but cheesy chart-topping music while showing exciting snowboarding movies.

Morzine has abundant restaurants serving hearty meals to replenish weary souls after a hard day on the mountain, so to make the choice easier, I chose some of the best.

For affordable traditional food and Savoyard specials, visit ‘La Flamme’.

La Barrique offers traditional French delicacies such as frog legs, regional meats and mussels.

For those looking for special haute cuisine, Nombre Dix is ​​the place to go with exquisite food and a relaxing atmosphere.