Which ski resort is best for you?

Morzine is centrally located within the huge Portes du Soleil ski area which encompasses 12 different French and Swiss resorts, giving you the opportunity to ski over the border into another country.  The 650km of piste playground offers so much varied terrain that there are always great skiing conditions to be found.

The Portes du Soleil provides plentiful intermediate territory, but also offers great opportunities for beginners, advanced skiers and powder hounds alike. The town itself is nestled in the bottom of the valley and situated at 1000m. From central Morzine, you have the option to ascend via two main ski lifts: Pleney heads up to the Morzine/Les Gets side of the ski area (local area passes are available for just this area – perfect for inexperienced skiers!), whereas the Super Morzine gondola heads up towards Avoriaz and gives you access to the more expansive Swiss side of the resort. The two areas are not linked by ski runs, so if you purchase a full area Portes du Soleil pass, it’s worth choosing one area per day, though a small road train does circle the resort centre and between the two lift stations!

Morzine has a lively après scene, with plenty of bars and a large selection of restaurant choices for your hosts night off, with something for every budget. There’s a huge array of additional activities including shopping, sledging, an ice rink, swimming complex, spa days and walks by the Dranse river through Parc de Dereches on the valley floor.

A firm favourite with families due to its proximity to Geneva Airport; a minibus transfer to Morzine is only 75 minutes. The short transfer time also makes it a very popular option for short breaks: catch an early flight and you could even be on the slopes before lunch time!

Situated at 1400m, La Tania isn’t the highest of our resorts, however you’re only two ski lifts away from both Courchevel and the Meribel Valley, and the 600km of pistes rising to above 3200m altitude provide endless opportunities.  There really is something for everyone here; beginner slopes (newly landscaped with a new magic carpet for Winter 2021!), an abundance of intermediate terrain, and extensive territory for advanced skiers including freeride and off-piste opportunities. The various runs down to resort are tree-lined and the Folyères ski run literally passes through the centre of the vehicle-free village, making it a true ski-in ski-out resort!  Snow cannons ensure runs back to resort remain open throughout the season.

La Tania itself is located on the hillside in a pretty woodland setting.  It’s a small but lively resort, with a great après scene and live music every Sunday through to Friday.  The restaurant offering is small but varied, with everything from a reasonably priced Pub le Ski Lodge burger, to local Savoyard specialties at La Taiga, to a Michelin starred degustation menu at Le Farçon.  We recommend booking in advance to secure your preference for your chalet hosts’ night off.

La Tania is all about the skiing so there as much in the way of other activities, however a complimentary bus service operates throughout the winter giving access to the other Courchevel resorts.  Some of our favourite stops include people watching and [window!] shopping in Courchevel 1850, and heading to Aquamotion in Courchevel Village which is home to swimming pools, water slides, a fabulous spa and climbing wall.

Worth knowing that the two runs down into resort are red runs, but for beginners there is always the options to return on the gondola, and a newly landscaped nursery slope is located at the bottom of the main pistes.  We also love that Le Praz is home to the covered Forêt chairlift, so even on a heavy snow day you can stay snug and dry on the chair lift, and head straight down the forested runs back towards to Le Praz which are often less crowded and great in snowy weather due to better visibility among the trees.

In contrast to the traditional village, the modern yet subtle Alpinium development was brand new for Winter 2019/2020 and houses the new tourist office, undercover parking, and the station for the new 10-seater gondola which accesses Courchevel 1850.  In Le Praz you will also find the ski jumps from the 1992 Olympics, which still hosts International competitions and practice sessions.

The après scene is relatively quiet, and much more centered around sitting in a cosy bar with a delicious vin chaud or glass of wine.  For those wanting a livelier bar, Le Praz is on the free bus route around Courchevel so it’s easy to get around.  There is a great selection of gourmet restaurants in Le Praz – definitely expect more classy than cheap and cheerful!

La Plagne itself is made up of 11 smaller villages, and forms part of the Paradiski area which extends over to Les Arcs thanks to the double-decker cable car, creating another extensive ski area with 425km of piste.  Over 70% of the Paradiski ski area is above 2,000m altitude, meaning it is snow-sure throughout the season, and you never have to worry about not being able to ski back to your chalet.  It’s a family-friendly resort, generally considered perfect for intermediate skiers, but also offers a great selection of both beginner pistes and plenty for experienced skiers looking for more of a challenge.

Our chalets are located in Plagne 1800 which is one of the more traditional chalet areas of La Plagne.  Getting around the different villages is easy thanks to both the free navette buses and some of the connecting ski lifts which remain open into the evening.  Plagne 1800 itself has various dining options (We love Le Loup Blanc at the bottom of the piste!) and is home to a great après ski bar Le Mine with live music several times a week, and a large outdoor terrace.

One of our two favourite things not to miss in La Plagne is the Ice Grotto located at the top of the Plagne Bellecote glacier at 3417m.  The ice cave is full of amazing ice sculptures, a great experience for everyone.  And secondly, don’t miss the opportunity to hurtle down the 19 bends of the Olympic Bobsleigh track at speeds of up to 120km/hr!

Massive linked ski area?  La Tania or Le Praz

Highest altitude resort?  La Plagne

Large resort with lots of shops and non-skiing activities?  Morzine

Traditional authentic resort?  Le Praz

A small compact resort with minimal walking? La Tania

Shortest airport transfer?  Morzine

The most family friendly resort? La Plagne

The opportunity to ski into another country? Morzine (Switzerland)

Suitability for a beginner?  All resorts have good beginner ski areas, but we would choose La Plagne or Morzine

Access to a lot of challenging terrain for experienced skiers?  La Tania or Le Praz