Discover Morzine
Morzine. A charming historic town
Since its humble beginnings in 1090AD when
it was discovered and inhabited by monks, Morzine has grown in to a town famous for its artisans, slate mines and generous ski resorts.
Full of tradition but still bustling with energy Morzine is a holiday destination that manages to keep the charm of a bygone era while still providing everything you would expect from a modern resort. Its historic wooden buildings and breathtaking natural beauty weave a spell that leaves you yearning to come back year after year.
Morzine. Tucked away in the shadow of Mont Blanc
Benefiting from the remarkable Mont Blanc micro-climate Morzine has been an active Alpine area for hundreds of years and takes its name from a German phrase meaning ‘Rising Sun’. Originally the settlement was a farming centre for the local monks but it was soon discovered that the area was rich in natural resources and the introduction of slate mines bought with it roads and plenty of jobs and very quickly Morzine became a hive of industry. Look around today and you will still see the grey and blue hues of the regions slate everywhere, even now there are still at least five active slate mines in Morzine with regular guided tours for those who would like to see a traditional craft in action.
The “Grand Hotel”, built in the 1920s was the first establishment of its kind in the town and heralded the arrival of tourism in the region. Tourism is an important part of the local economy these days and in recent decades Morzine has become renowned for its ability to host the best winter and summer outdoor pursuits, with people travelling from all over the world to experience the unique terrain.
Morzine. The birth of the Portes du Soleil ski area
Morzine established its first ski club as far back as 1910 but it was France’s first ski lift at the Pleney in 1934 that really heralded the dawn of a new era in the towns history. After the introduction of the cable car the popularity of winter sports in the region went through the roof. When Jean Vuarnet became director of the resort in 1960 he set about creating a ski area that would be the envy of the world. The Telepherique lift was built in 1961 at the Nyon plateau, eventually this location would become the coveted home of Hotel Les Chamois and the Ski Chamois business. The development of Morzines sister ski area Avoriaz and the continued close collaboration between Champéry and Les Crosets eventually led to the creation of the Portes du Soleil linked ski zone. In 1974 the skiing world cup was held in Morzine & Avoriaz and the event helped Morzine make its mark on the international ski scene. Today the total combined ski zone comprises of over 650km of piste panning 2 countries and over 200 ski lifts. Ski Chamois is proud to be able to host new generations of people eager to learn about and enjoy the stunning scenery and warm hospitality that Morzine has to offer.
If you would like to learn more about Morzine and Avoriaz please visit the resorts official site:
