If you are coming to Morzine in the winter then it is almost certain that the winter activities that have brought you to town are skiing or snowboarding. They are the two sports which have put Morzine on the map and bring thousands of visitors week in and week out over the winter season.
Skiing began to take off in Morzine from 1934 when the Pleney opened. After Jean Vuarnetís success at the 1960 Winter Olympics in Tahoe, Vuarnet began to develop Avoriaz and the skiing above the new town, eventually linking up with the other resorts of what would become the Portes Du Soleil.
In the 1980s and 1990s snowboarders started to appear in Morzine. The Portes Du Soleil was one of the first areas to welcome snowboarders at a time when they were still banned in many resorts. The area has remained one of the most popular places in Europe for snowboarders to visit, with the worldís first all natural snow park as well as two half pipes and a number of other parks.
Ski School
There are plenty of ski schools to choose from in Morzine. They offer everything from beginner lessons for those just starting to snow plough on the nursery slopes to advanced racing lessons, off piste lessons and freestyle lessons. It is important to book early for the busier periods to avoid disappointment as they do book up.
Equipment
You canít go skiing or snowboarding without the kit! You can choose to rent or buy the equipment depending on which option works out best for your specific needs. More regular, experienced skiers might find that buying their own equipment means saving money overall as well as allowing you to choose the right set up for your needs.
There are also a number of local sales If you are in the area around November.
If you choose to rent equipment then it is possible to book online in order to make the process that little bit easier and quicker. There are also some special offers online, so itís worth shopping around to get the best possible deal.
In resort it is a good idea to visit the shops around town to see what is available and compare prices. Itís also usually possible to talk to the staff and get their advice. Although they are there to sell you the product, they are also very knowledgeable about ski and snowboard equipment so it is worth talking to them to see what they recommend for you.