Morzine Source Magazine Winter 26

INTERVIEW

Tim Warwood

“Unfortunately 309 people were offended by it”

Preparing to commentate for the BBC at the 2026 Winter Olympics

Welcome,

For sure, it would be easier to simply load all of the articles on the pages of this magazine to our website and be done with it. Easier, considerably less time consuming and wildly less expensive. Print media is dead right? I’d have spent this final weekend before our print deadline sledging with my boys in Avoriaz instead of proof reading pages until 2am. We’d have saved hours of our lives if we hadn’t been designing adverts, laying out pages, selecting images.

As my friend Carrie explains on page 154, we’re not supposed to wildly race around these mountains, documenting every twist and turn for Instagram. We’re supposed to pause, move away from our screens and into our holidays. And that’s why Morzine Source Magazine continues to exist in the real world, as a physical, tangible thing. I have this romantic vision of you, dear reader, sitting in a cosy corner, turning pages and absorbing every detail, making the most of your trip to our beautiful valley. We won’t become ‘just another Insta account’ and I’m beyond grateful to all of the local businesses who continue to support Morzine Source Magazine through continued advertising commitment.

Bonjour à nos lecteurs français !

It’s an Olympic winter and I’m always up for the challenge of interviewing as many professional athletes as possible - and there were certainly no shortage of them this year! Across all winter sports disciplines, Olympic qualification is complicated, arbitrary and puts a huge strain on the mental health of athletes. Biathlete Jacques Jefferies explores these themes and more in his article on page 46.

From lakeside photography exhibitions to new restaurant openings; from plans to build a new ski lift linking Morzine to Avoriaz (and visa-versa) to a day in the life of the Avoriaz helicopter rescue team, we’ve tried to pack as much local news, information and inspiration onto these pages and I hope you enjoy reading them.

Wishing you a wonderful winter holiday

Amie - amie@morzinesourcemagazine.com

Si vous découvrez Morzine Source Magazine pour la première fois, bonjour et bienvenue. Bien que les pages du magazine que vous tenez actuellement soient en anglais, nous aimerions vous diriger vers la version française. Scannez simplement le code QR ici et vous trouverez notre magazine complet en français, ainsi que des liens pratiques vers toutes les entreprises locales qui figurent dans ce magazine. Nous espérons que vous apprécierez lire ce magazine sur nos merveilleux villages cet été .

brought to you by…

We’re incredibly grateful to our very talented contributors:

Michael Henderson | Birdy Kids | Russell Price | Nicola Iseard | Jacques Jefferies | Jacquie Cutler Carrie Greer | Valerio Antoniello | Maddy Gordon-Finlayson | Tammy Esten | Kyles Garrett

Scannez le code QR

a note on our paper…

We love our paper and we’re proud that it’s sustainably sourced and recyclable. We’re also very proud to support the following organisations…

and Les Portes du Soleil.

places stay

As you’ve hopefully come to expect, Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz have delivered a long list of new properties for your next holiday. It’s still possible to find the perfect bolthole for your group, whether you’re in the market for a simple studio, a cosy family apartment or an all-singing, alldancing luxury chalet. Here we’ve curated a list if our favourites, all of which are available for the first time this winter season.

This brand new, stylish, central Morzine apartment sits less than two minutes from the Super Morzine telecabine, giving you quick and easy access to Avoriaz and beyond. Inside you’ll discover three beautifully-designed bedrooms sleeping up to six people with two bathrooms. There’s an open plan living area featuring large windows and spectacular views, while the private terrace is the perfect apres-ski spot. Apartment Bamo is available to book on a self-catered basis and includes a fantastic kitchen that’s equipped with everything you need for a hassle-free holiday. Also included is an underground parking space with EV charging point, ski storage and a handy washing machine!

As the name suggests, this penthouse apartment sits on the top floor of a brand new luxury residence in the centre of Morzine and within an easy walk of both Pleney and Super Morzine lift stations. You’ll love the doubleheight living space with exposed beams, the floor-to-ceiling windows with exceptional views and the custom kitchen featuring quality appliances. Snowgum sleeps groups of up to 12 people in five en-suite bedrooms, including one bunk room that’s perfect for little skiers. There’s also a collection of balconies and terraces, a hot tub and a cosy fireplace too.

Apartment Bamo by More Mountain

Penthouse Snowgum by Elevation Alps

This stunning renovation sits in the old quarter of Morzine, close to the ski bus stop and overlooking a beautiful river. Featuring five bedrooms and four bathrooms, Chalet La Rive is perfect for family groups or friends, but it’s the unique interiors that are most likely to catch your attention. Reclaimed French oak blends with contemporary micro cement in the bathrooms, while in the custom made kitchen you’ll discover picture windows overlooking the river. There are two living spaces at Chalet La Rive, both of which feature sumptuous sofas to make relaxation easy.

Combining traditional alpine spaces with contemporary furnishings, this beautiful chalet in Montriond overlooks the valley with stunning views in all directions. Sleeping groups of between eight and 12 guests in five elegant bedrooms, the open plan living space makes it perfect for large groups or multiple families. The kitchen is packed with high-end appliances for an easy self-catered break, there’s also a sauna and hot tub to enjoy after a day on the slopes. Heavenly also benefits from easy access to the Ardent

Chalet La Rive by Bolobo

Heavenly by The Lodgist

Find out more: thelodgist.fr

Find out more: bolobo.co.uk

This brand new, spacious chalet comfortably sleeps nine people in four bedrooms including one huge master suite and is available to rent for the first time this winter season on a self-catered basis. It’s located in a quiet part of Morzine, but just a short distance from the hustle and bustle of the village. Each room in the chalet enjoys access to a balcony or terrace so you can really enjoy the mountain views towards Pleney and Nyon. The living space is open plan and perfect for groups, while the state of the art kitchen is sure to make cooking a pleasure! You’ll love the floating log burner, complimentary toiletries, welcome pack and handy washing machine and tumble dryer too.

One of the most exceptional new chalets to arrive in Les Gets this winter, Chalet Goya overlooks the rooftops of the village and offers stunning views of Mont Chery and beyond. It’s located in the Chavannes sector, just 100 meters from the shuttle bus stop and accommodates groups of up to 10 guests in five beautiful bedrooms, including a very cool bunk room for children. The star of the show at Chalet Goya is the private spa area, including a heated indoor pool, a sauna and a hammam; they’re so beautiful, you might forget to go skiing! Elsewhere there’s covered parking, lots of storage and a state of the art kitchen that’s perfect for a self-catered holiday.

Renovated just in time for the Winter 26 season, this central Morzine duplex apartment is located in a quiet, residential area that’s also just a stone’s throw from the centre of the village. Access is via a private staircase in a small, well-managed residence. Expect fresh, contemporary interiors throughout and enough space to comfortably sleep eight people (plus two extra children if required) in four bedrooms with three bathrooms. There’s a log fire to warm you up after a day on the slopes, plus a fullyequipped kitchen for self-catered stays. The large, wrap-around balcony would also be fantastic during those springtime afternoons.

Newly refurbished for this winter season and located on the top floor of a centralMorzine building, La Muse is the perfect blend of alpine charm and contemporary comfort. Four bedrooms sleep a combination of up to six adults and three children, making this the perfect holiday apartment for large families or groups of friends. There are multiple balconies from which you can enjoy the surrounding views, while the village’s restaurants, shops and bars are on your doorstep.

Chalet Mirail by Treeline Chalets

Chalet Goya by Agence My Home

Apartment Suki by MountainXtra

La Muse by AliKats

Located at the heart of Les Gets and brand new for this winter season, Kangto is a small collection of luxury ski apartments for groups of up to 12 people. Kangto is just 150m from the slopes of Mont Chery and is conveniently located next to the Annapurna and Kinabalu residences, giving guests access to restaurants, bars, a ski shop and a luxurious spa and swimming pool. Individual apartments range in size from three bedrooms to a five bedroom penthouse, all come complete with a fully-equipped kitchen, beautiful interiors and a concierge service, as well as underground parking and lots of storage.

Brand new for this winter season at the heart of Avoriaz, Yalada sleeps 12 people in 145m2 of living space. Arranged over different levels, discover the open plan living space, large terrace with views over the slopes and a handy boot room. There are six flexible bedrooms and four bathrooms, one of which includes a large sauna. Yalda has been newly refurbished in a contemporary yet cosy mountain style to take full advantage of natural daylight and stunning views. It’s located within the historic Dromonts quarter and offers ski-in, ski-out convenience. You’ll also enjoy hotel-style services such as breakfast delivery, housekeeping and bed and bath linens too.

A stunning,

catered chalet hôtel which

Kangto by Alpine Resorts

Chalet Yalada by avoriaz holidays

winter 2026

essentials

New places to eat, new places to relax, new ski lifts to travel on… each season in Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz are packed with exciting new openings, events and experiences for you to enjoy and this winter is no different. Here’s our guide to what’s hot this winter.

A New Rosta Ski Lift in Les Gets

On schedule to open for Christmas 2025 as we go to print, the brand new Télésiéde de la Rosta in Les Gets replaces the original fourperson chairlift, which came into service in 1992. Decommissioned at the end of the Winter 2025 season, the original Rosta lift carried 2400 skiers per hour on a journey that lasted seven minutes, 40 seconds. It’s super-speedy replacement is an eight-person, detachable chairlift with comfortable, ergonomic seats and easy boarding via a positioning mat. It’ll travel at a speed of six metres per second, so you’ll reach the summit in less than three minutes. The new lift is also equipped with the latest environmental technology, such as a direct drive motor which has reduced energy consumption and produces less noise.

Farewell to the Atray chairlift

It came into service on the front face of Morzine’s Pleney in 1976, but the TS d’Atray has been retired from the ski lift network this winter. As one of the oldest ski lifts in the Portes du Soleil, it travelled at a speed of just two metres per second, which is incredibly slow compared to today’s modern ski lift technology. As a ‘fixed grip’ chairlift, it required a lot of expensive maintenance and we’re sure it's enjoying a well earned rest after all these years! The retirement of the Atray is part of a wider four-seasons development plan on the Pleney (we’ve recorded these in detail on our website) and we’re excited to share news of new features across the mountain area very soon.

The Journey Continues at the Dixie Bar

The Dixie Bar in Morzine is one of your favourite holiday pubs and you might already know that its legendary and charismatic owner Pascal Anselmet sadly passed away in 2025. But fear not, the spirit of the Dixie Bar continues this winter as Pascal’s nephew Lucas and his family have ensured that the Dixie Bar stays in their family. They’ve planned an excellent winter of live music from local bands, and of course the famous Dixie Micks will make a triumphant return to the stage. The team will continue to show all the major live sports games and they’ve made some subtle upgrades to make you more comfortable this winter.

Welcome to Woody

After several years of planning and with much (often hilarious) speculation, Woody opens this winter. Woody is the huge and very beautiful venue between Montriond and St Jean d’Aulps on the outskirts of Morzine, just next to the Carrefour supermarket. Inside you’ll discover seven different activity and gaming zones spanning 2000sqm, all of which have been carefully curated and designed to be fun for everyone. Woody will be open throughout the year, there’s a large bar and multilevel brasserie, plus a sunny terrace to enjoy during the warmer months. Enjoy a round of bowling with your children on one of six lanes, reserve the 300sqm laser tag game for your next birthday party or book one of the brilliant private karaoke rooms, complete with disco balls. There’ll also be a large soft play and activity room for children aged up to seven years, four interactive darts boards, axe throwing, a private meeting and dining room, arcade games and a big screen on which you can enjoy live sports. The menu at Woody promises salads, burgers, a plat du jour and a handy tapas selection for you to enjoy while you play. We’re particularly excited about the Sunday buffet brunch plans! There’s also a stage for live music and a raised DJ booth too. And the best part? Every element at Woody is available to book online, in advance. There’s a large car park right next to the venue, it’s also on the Ballad’Aulps bus route too.

Discover more: woody.top

Morzine en Scéne Returns

After a wonderful first season earlier this year, Morzine en Scéne returns with a seven-month cultural and entertainment programme that continues until March 2026. The schedule features comedy, music, theatre and family-friendly shows, all of which take place at the Palais du Sport in Morzine. This second season features eight events, all of which are delivered in French and give a fantastic insight into local culture. Organised by the Mairie de Morzine-Avoriaz, each artist was selected for their ability to deliver a powerful, memorable experience. Take a moment en-famille to enjoy the fantastical and adventurous Bête Beurk on 21st December at 6pm. Fans of French stand-up will appreciate Sophie Forte’s La Valise on 18th January at 8.30pm.

discover more: mairie-morzine-avoriaz.com

Fly High in Eagle Park

The eagles return to their beautiful winter home on Nyon and you’ll be able to join them for a unique and memorable experience until the end of March 2026. Several activities are free to join, including ‘The Falcon Wins’; race against the birds each morning, after meeting in front of the Pointe de Nyon restaurant at 11.15am. Enjoy a complimentary drink and meet these magnificent birds. There’s also a daily Dahu hunt at 11.30am and further bird demonstrations at 3.30pm.

Discover more: ski-morzine.com

Avoriaz Made Easy

Avoriaz accommodation specialists Avoriaz Holidays and their elevated sister brand Avoriaz Premium have added a brand new catering service to their holidays this winter. The company, which operates an extensive range of accommodation options in the Portes du Soleil’s highest mountain resort, from simple studio apartments to large, prestigious chalets, has noticed a change in the dining requirements of their guests in recent years. You can now free yourself from the kitchen during your ski trip, adding half board or full board catering packages to your holiday. All meals are homemade and delivered directly to your accommodation. They include daily specials, vegan options and mountain specialities, freshly prepared and ready for storage in your chalet for up to three days. The service is entirely flexible, you choose the number of deliveries each week.

Happy Birthday to the Cavern Bar

Twenty five years ago this winter, Russ Price bought Morzine’s legendary Cavern Bar and he shares how this came to be on page 32 of this magazine. It’s fair to say that Russ has seen a few changes in the valley over the past 25 years and this winter will be a celebration of all that’s great about The Cavern. Russ has planned a packed schedule of live music events throughout the winter season, with some of the best apres-ski bands in the Alps returning to the infamous Cavern stage. Pop in and wish Russ a happy birthday if you’re passing!

Le Tremplin is Back

Morzine’s most iconic piste-side apres-ski venue returns this winter after an extensive two year renovation. Purchased by the Timpson family in 2022, Le Tremplin has been both extended and upgraded to include a larger apres-ski terrace, a cosy restaurant and a private dining area, in addition to a duplex bar and lounge. The hotel’s holiday suites will be available from Summer 2026 and you’ll be able to enjoy them all year round. Apres-ski at Le Tremplin this winter will be a celebration for everyone and the musical line-up features some of the very best live bands and DJs in the Alps. The party begins at 3.30pm each day and - for the first time in the history of this famous venue - the restaurant will open for dinner too.

discover more and make table reservations: hotel-tremplin.com

A Dedicated Beginner Ski Festival

Les Gets has been the preferred resort of beginner skiers for many decades and this winter it further enhances the experience with the inaugural Festival des Premières Traces - an event dedicated to first time ski holidays. Taking place between 21st and 28th March 2026, the week includes an introduction to the joys of skiing and the mountains in a unique, friendly atmosphere where everyone can progress at their own pace. Priced at just €399 per person and reserved for beginner skiers over the age of 18, packages include equipment rental for six days, six morning ski lessons, a six day Les Gets-Morzine ski pass, an afternoon entertainment programme, an evening experience at Alta Lumina including dinner, ice skating, spa entry and preferential rates on accommodation in Les Gets.

discover more: lesgets.com/1erskifestival

Eyes on the Sky in Avoriaz

Drones will be used in the skies above the Avoriaz ski area for the first time this winter; two drones - one including a thermal camera - will be deployed by four highly skilled drone pilots to enhance safety and security across the ski lift network and the pistes. They’ll be used to aid searches for skiers or snowboarders in difficulty, to make mechanical inspections of the ski lift infrastructure and to make topographical surveys and assessments of snow conditions. Fingers crossed they’ll take a few nice pictures for us too!

The New Prodains Bus Stop

It’s a bus stop, but not as you know it. We love the unique architectural style of Avoriaz so it comes as no surprise to discover that the new, enlarged and upgraded bus stop at the Prodains 3S telecabine is no ordinary bus stop. The geometry is unmistakably Avoriaz and it’s been designed by Atelier d’Architecture d’Avoriaz, the Avoriaz-based custodians of the resort’s avant garde style. The new bus stop replaces the small wooden hut previously on this site and ensures you’ll be protected from the elements while you wait for your bus to Morzine. Coincidentally, the Atelier d’Architecture d’Avoriaz are also responsible for the beautiful new bridge in the village of Taninges, you’ll see it as you drive into the mountains this winter.

La Distillerie du Pére François

Morzine’s Baud family have been in the business of producing eaux-de-vie, liqueurs, gin and other spirits in Morzine since 1908 and their new distillery in the centre of the village aims to share their traditions with us all. Arnaud and Aurore Baud welcome you to share their ancestral know-how and taste their products for the first time this winter, they’ve also curated a lovely selection of other local products by local artisans and they make the perfect holiday souvenirs.

La Distillerie du Pére Franćois is a beautiful space to be used for exhibitions, demonstrations, themed events and more. You’ll find the distillery at 268 Route de la Plagne in Morzine.

Protecting the Black Grouse

The village of Les Gets has launched a project to preserve its local black grouse population. During the winter season the survival of the birds comes under threat because of the intense cold temperatures and scarce food resources. The black grouse is particularly sensitive to disturbances and during the winter season they don’t have sufficient energy to return to their nest if they’re disturbed by a passing off-piste skier or snowshoer. You’ll now discover nearly marked black grouse zones on both Mont Chéry and in the Ranfoilly sector of the Les Gets ski area, including information panels to raise awareness. The cables of theExpress Ranfoilly chairlift and all four chairlifts on Mont Chéry not have bird markers to prevent fatal bird collisions.

Chalet Kaya

A New Avoriaz Reservoir

sophisticated BOUTIQUE experience

Welcome to Hotel Coutettaz

Les Gets - A Destination of Excellence

Welcome to Ardent

Currently under construction within the forest of the Séraussaix farm in Avoriaz, this brand new reservoir has a capacity of 92,500m3 of water and its objective is to secure the skiable links between Morzine and Avoriaz in the years to come. The pistes at the top of the Super Morzine are at the mercy of a warming climate, yet they’re an essential connection between Morzine and Avoriaz. Water from the new reservoir will be used to power snow cannons on the Proclou beginners area, in the centre of Avoriaz and on the pistes that link to the Super Morzine telecabine. Aware of the environmental impact of such a project, the Avoriaz lift operating company Avoriaz Domaine de Montagne has worked to give the new reservoir a more natural appearance, using stones extracted from the site for walls, using only plant-based biofuel in construction machinery and carefully planning the revegetation process. Pedestrian pathways, cross country ski trails and a playground will eventually be added to the site.

Les Gets became the second destination in the whole of France to be awarded the prestigious Destination d’Excellence award during the summer of 2025. The award recognises exceptionally high standards across the entire tourism industry in a particular destination or location, from accommodation to restaurants, activities and entertainment, tourism information and transportation plus standards of ecoresponsibility. Bravo Les Gets!

With 11 stunning rooms, our historic Morzine hotel balances French flair with understated English hospitality. It’s a haven for skiers, foodies and lovers of the great outdoors. Adventure is on your doorstep. If you can bear to leave. Discover more at coutettaz.com

Chapter for The Farmhouse Hotel

Built in 1771, La Coutettaz was the original name for the building that became Morzine’s Farmhouse Hotel; it’s been owned by Brit Dorrien Ricardo for the last 25 years. “The name ‘The Farmhouse’ reflected our client base in the early 1990s, which was predominantly British skiers,” Dorrien explains. In recent times the boutique hotel, which currently includes 11 unique bedrooms and is an incredibly popular wedding venue throughout the year, has become increasingly popular with tourists from around the world. This winter The Farmhouse Hotel rebrands as Hotel Coutettaz, a name which reflects the authenticity and character of the impressive manor house, which continues to feature original slate floors, dark wooden beams and quirky features. The hotel will also extend to include an additional three bedrooms, making its total capacity 32 guests.

Discover more: coutettaz.com

Elevated Chalet Holidays from Elevation Alps

Elevation Alps offer a large collection of contemporary self-catered holiday properties across Morzine, but this winter they launch their collection of elevated ‘Signature’ properties. Chalets and penthouses within the ‘Signature’ range include exceptional holiday homes with enhanced interior design, state of the art kitchens and other first class facilities. Properties within the ‘Signature’ range can also add a hosted holiday experience, including breakfast, daily cleaning, towel changes, champagne receptions and a personal concierge for an extra special winter break. “We understand that holidays are the most precious time of the year and we don’t want you to waste a single minute,” explains Kathryn Leake of Elevation Alps.

Take a look at the Elevation Alps property list and discover their hosted experiences: elevationalps.com

Avoriaz Domaine de Montagne, operator of the ski lifts and pistes in Avoriaz, has redeveloped and extended their welcome centre at the base of the Ardent Telecabine ahead of this winter season. The objective is to provide improved facilities and services to mountain lovers during both the winter and summer season and the lift pass office itself now includes a covered section and easier access to the telecabines. Significant investment has also been made in a reservoir beneath the Ardent home run piste with an additional hydroelectric turbine to improve water management. You’ll also notice that the car park has been landscaped, with additional trees planted to improve its appearance. Ardent is one of the easiest ways to access the wider Portes du Soleil network during both winter and summer, with a free car park and a regular free bus service.

New Lift in Linga

The famous Linga gondola lift, which came into service in 1986, is enjoying a welldeserved retirement this winter. In its place you’ll discover a brand new six-person detachable chairlift which will whisk skiers and snowboarders from Linga at a speed of 5.5 metres per second, to the summit at 1713 metres. This new lift has the capacity to transport 3000 people per hour, an upgrade from the previous 2,230 skier per hours. You might also notice that the number of viewchanging pylons required on this lift link has been reduced from 21 on the old line, to just 13 on the new, and they’re at a lower height, considerably reducing the visual impact. At the top of the Linga Express chairlift you’ll also find a handy picnic room integrated into the arrival station and stunning views over the Châtel valley.

Les Quatre Saisons du Lac de Montriond

Photographer Jacquie Cutler has spent two decades capturing the changing seasons of Lac de Montriond. This winter, in collaboration with the Mairie de Montriond and the Vallee d’Aulps Office de Tourisme, you’ll find nine of her images arranged around the shores of the lake to form a walking photography exhibition. Selected to encourage you to stop, take a moment, and reflect on the view, Jacquie’s photography is both beautiful and memorable. It’s also available to view on our website - finesse-art.com. Head to page 56 of this magazine to discover more.

A New 4* Hotel for Morzine

Hôtel Les Airelles stands proud, overlooking the village square in Morzine. It’s one of the most charming and authentic buildings but after several decades as a family-owned and operated hotel, it finally closed its doors to guests in 2023. Recently acquired by the MontBlanc Collection hospitality group however, plans are now underway to convert Les Airelles into a 65-room, 4* plus establishment with a brasserie and restaurant, a pool and spa and - perhaps most excitingly - plans to open almost all year round. We will, of course, keep you posted on developments as this exciting project comes to life.

Avoriaz Torch-Lit Descent

The team at Easy2Ride in Avoriaz will host their much-coveted torch-lit descents on Thursday evenings during the school holidays this winter season, giving your little ones the opportunity to experience an entirely different apres-ski activity. Accessible to all children aged five and above, whether you’re skiing with Easy2Ride or not, the descent begins behind La Folie Douce in Avoriaz at 5.30pm (6.30pm during the mid-winter holidays), travels through the pistes of the village and ends outside the Easy2Ride office on Place des Dromonts. You’ll need to register your children at the office in advance, inclusion is €5 per child with profits donated to the ARSLA association.

Discover more: avoriaz@easy2ride.fr

A Massage A Month Subscription

Nicole at Mobile Mountain Massage has launched a brand new massage subscription service for locals living in Morzine and the surrounding valley. Select either a six or 12 month subscription and enjoy a monthly 60 minute message to help keep you relaxed throughout the year. Six month packages reduce the price of Nicole’s massages by 35%, while the 12 month subscription offers a 40% total discount on the standard massage rate. Nicole even sends monthly reminders so you’ve no excuse!

discover more: bonjour@mobilemountainmassage.com

The World Ski Awards

Chalet-Hotel Blythe is the ultra-luxurious, five star holiday property in Les Gets, operated by Summit Special and complete with Shep&Kyles interiors. The chalet was nominated for a prestigious World Ski Award in 2025, and although they were pipped to the post by a chalet in Zermatt, the team were delighted to be recognised. The World Ski Awards are known as the Oscars of the ski world and they recognise ski resorts, hotels, chalets and ski-related services that provide outstanding experiences to visitors. Congratulations to the teams at Summit Special and Shep&Kyles for the nomination!

A New Day Spa for Morzine

New to Morzine this winter, Joanne launches the Morzine Day Spa experience in a cosy, private room within the Hive gym. Joanne is an experienced therapist, having owned and operated her own spa in the UK before moving to Morzine in 2025. On the treatment menu you’ll find relaxing and rejuvenating massages, facials, hot stone treatments and Thai wellness stretching. Joanne also offers pregnancy treatments and her full treatment range is available in the comfort of her own room, complete with fluffy robe and slippers, or at your own accommodation. Discover Joanne and her treatment menu on the website.

discover more: morzinedayspa.com

The Rooftops of Morzine

A new project has been launched by the Mairie de Morzine-Avoriaz to highlight - quite literally - the rooftops of Morzine during the winter season. Local property owners and local businesses are encouraged to light up their buildings with garlands and decorations to create a magical atmosphere across the valley. We can expect to see shop windows, balconies, facades and rooflines adorned with lights this winter, creating an extra special glow during the twilight hours. There’s also an emphasis on using LED lighting, which consumes less energy.

Morzine Gin is a thing!

Gin lovers, take note - Morzine has its own gin and you must enjoy a tipple during your holiday this winter. Created by La Fée des Monts distillery, this pastel gin is both floral and feminine; it’s infused by Pastel des Teinturiers, giving it a subtle blue colouring. ‘La Fée des Monts’ translates to ‘fairy of the mountains’ and the gin made using herbs cultivated at the Jardins de l’Abbaye in St Jean d’Aulps, or gathered from the alpine pastures around the Zore pistes. Also in the Fée des Monts range you’ll discover tea and infusions and genepi.

discover

Whilst Les Gets sets about upgrading some of its key ski lifts in preparation for this winter and beyond, it’s also celebrating the 90th birthday of its oldest ski lift - La Boule de Gomme. Constructed in 1936 and inaugurated in 1937 to carry skiers from the snow front in the centre of the village, 66m further up the slopes of the Chavannes, this drag lift gives access to the homes and restaurant perched just above Les Gets and although it doesn’t link to any other ski lifts in the network, to does have it’s own motto - “Qui souvent la Boule Gomme montera, champion de ski deviendra” - "Whoever rides the Eraser Ball often will become a ski champion.” Make sure you take a ride on it this winter.

Happy 90th Birthday to La Boule de Gomme

5 GOOD REASONS TO COME SKIING IN AVORIAZ IN THE SPRING WHO SAID SKIING WAS ONLY FOR WINTER?

OPTIMAL CONDITIONS

In spring, Avoriaz, perched at 1800 meters, offers reliable snow and perfect skiing conditions

In the morning, the slopes are immaculate, making for smooth and enjoyable skiing. Later, the snow softens into a more “slushy” texture, ideal for having fun, improving your skills, or trying new tricks. And, icing on the cake, some years Mother Nature even treats us to late snowfalls worthy of the month of January

ENDLESS DAYS

And since skiing is only the beginning, your days flow from sunny terraces to spas, walks, offslope activities, and après-ski drinks at the summit

In short, multiple moods in a single day, that’s the true charm of spring in Avoriaz

SKI & SUN

SOFT SNOW, GREAT PRICES, SUNNY DAYS, A FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE, AND QUIET SLOPES HEAD TO AVORIAZ THIS SPRING!

DISCOVER ALL THE SPRING ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS AT WWW.AVORIAZ.COM

A FESTIVE AND FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE

Avoriaz comes alive thanks to its many events and lively après-ski scene

Don’t miss the Fine Cup! A soapbox race on snow.

SOFT PRICES

Lift passes, accommodation, activities everything becomes more affordable once peak season is over. Spring is the perfect time to enjoy the resort without blowing your budget.

FEWER PEOPLE TO ENJOY THE SLOPES

Spring also means quieter slopes! Less waiting at the lifts, smoother runs, and a more relaxed atmosphere

www reallygreatsite com

“I get paid to talk, watch the sport I love and drink beer”

Tim warwood

INTERVIEW

by michael Henderson

Tim Warwood is a former professional snowboarder turned TV presenter, commentator and live event host. You’ll recognise this face and potentially his “extra loud voice” (his words, not mine) from BBC Ski Sunday, Red Bull TV and Channel 4, to name just a few. Tim is incredibly good at this job; he seamlessly bridges the gap between the world of professional snowboarding and those who might be tempted to pick up a snowboard for the first time, and he’s been doing this for over 20 years. He’s also the reigning British Snowboard Parallel Slalom Champion, mainly because the event was disbanded the year after he won it. His enthusiasm for the sport is unrivalled, so of course we’ll see him on our TV screens during the MilanoCortina Winter Olympics in 2026. But who remembers Tim’s commentary during the women’s snowboard slopestyle final at the Sochi 2024 Winter Games? We’ll get to that.

“I wanted to be a fighter pilot,” explains Tim when I ask him if combining snowboarding with broadcasting was always on this bucket list. “My uncle was in the RAF and I thought it looked cool. When the Commodore Amiga came out, it came with a free game called FA-18 Interceptor and I couldn’t afford any other games” Tim continues. “I was flying this airplane simulator, I could fly under the Golden Gate Bridge, so I wanted to be a fighter pilot. I realised quite quickly that I wasn’t clever enough.”

We often talk about how the construction of indoor snow domes transformed the snowsports landscape in the UK, providing consistent training infrastructure for aspiring athletes, making snowsports more inclusive and making said athletes more competitive on the international stage. “They built the Tamworth SnowDome near to my house,” Tim explains. “I’d already been on the school ski trip, I feel a bit sheepish saying that to be honest. It wasn’t like it is now. My daughter’s school ski trip is £3,000 so obviously she’s not going. But luckily my mum and dad were able to send me on the school ski trip to Italy and I fell in love with skiing.”

Tamworth SnowDome was the first full-sized, real snow indoor skiing venue in the UK when it opening in 1994. They distributed ‘ski for £5’ vouchers across the community so a

15 year old Tim and his mate, fresh back from the slopes of Italy, skied in the UK for the first time. “I was giving my skis back at the end of the session,” Tim remembers, “I looked over and saw a snowboard for the first time. I was like, what is that? Like a skateboard with clips.” With a school work experience session pending, Tim boldly asked if he could join the team at the snowdome. They’d only been open for three weeks but they said yes. “At the end of that first day of work experience I had a snowboard lesson. Jackie Taylor, she worked there and she organised it for me. I fell in love with snowboarding at that moment and I’ve never looked back. I spent every spare minute I had at the snow dome after that”

Tamworth turned into a real scene and Tim was at the heart of the UK freestyle bubble. He got a job there, hung out with pro riders, entered competitions and found his people. “I wasn’t an outcast at school, but I was definitely a bit weird,” he remembers. “I wasn’t massively into football like the other lads, but with snowboarding I got to go to other parts of the country and meet other kids who were exactly like me; they’d laugh at the same things, wear the same clothes… it was quite powerful, intoxicating and additive.”

From the age of 16, Tim did back to back winter seasons in Winter Park, Colorado. “It was the first time I’d ever been>>

on an airplane and you could get in and out of America quite easily back then, they were quite happy to see visitors,” Tim remembers. “I met this Liverpudlian lad called Nick, he’d just started Rocky Mountain Snowboard Tours so I worked in his chalets, but I was mainly riding powder every day. When I came back I found out that I’d been enlisted to the Team GB Junior Snowboard Team. I worked all summer, saved all of my wages so I could go to the World Championships in Japan.” British Championships in Meribel, seasons in Whistler, Vail and Breckenridge, four seasons in Morzine; for Tim, the early ‘00s were about getting in as many powder days as possible.

“It’s such a shame that young kids won’t get these opportunities to travel and work abroad like we did. It’s quite depressing, isn't it? All of my friends did winter season, most of them met their wives during their winter seasons. They now live all over the world. The characters that we’d stumble across, the knowledge that we’d gather, those opportunities are all gone now because the world is closing, with visas and stuff.”

“Once I decided I was a terrible pro snowboarder, we used to make a lot of snowboard movies,” Tim continues. The early 2000’s were the golden era for UK snowboarding; it wasn’t just a sport, it was a creative movement. Snowboard films were independent, raw and attitude-driven. They helped to launch the careers of young riders and to showcase a new space in youth culture. “At an event someone said to me ‘I love the sound of your voice, here’s a microphone’ so I just chatted shit for three hours, took the piss out of a few people and at the end, that same bloke gave me £30. I was like… what, I get paid to talk, go to contests with my mates, watch the sport I love and drink beer, all at the same time?”

Football had John Motson, cricket had Henry Blofeld and F1 had Murray Walker. I wonder if Tim was inspired by these commentary greats? “An 18-year-old, slightly drunk Tim at Rossendale dry ski slope had a different style of commentary, it probably would’t make it onto the BBC these days, let’s say. Sometimes there were quite literally four people in the crowd, one of them being the sound man, another the guy that runs the rope tow. This is where I honed my craft and cut my teeth as an action sports commentator. Through repetition and it’s definitely been a journey.”

We’re here to talk about the Olympics and Tim’s role in the commentary booth for the BBC this winter. It’s October when we speak, we’re seeing the first flakes of the season fall on the peaks across the French Alps. “It’s all kicking off and the competitions are starting to get locked in, which means the commentary requests are starting to come in too. The Olympics is the big one, obviously”.

It’s twenty years since a central European country hosted the pinnacle of winter sports

“ONCE I DECIDED I WAS A TERRIBLE PRO SNOWBOARDER, WE USED TO MAKE A LOT OF SNOWBOARD MOVIES,”

competition; as it happens, those Games were also hosted by Italy in 2006. In 2026 Team GB will field approximately 50 athletes in MilanoCortina. Meanwhile, the French Olympic team will compete with no fewer than 86 athletes. “Commentating on the Olympics is the highlight of my life,” Tim explains. “I should be careful saying that, because I’ve got three kids!”

“Is the Olympic format the pinnacle of snowboarding? Freestyle snowboarding yes, but snowboarding overall, no,” Tim explains.

“My commentary co-host Ed Leigh and I were getting into this just last night as it happens,” he continues. “Being really old, as I am, I see the Olympics as just one facet of snowboarding.

When I was a lad, we’d ride rails, half pipes, jumps and things to be a complete snowboarder. It’s all we knew. Snowboarding has moved into the backcountry, technical snowboarders are now at such a level, we can’t reach those heights in the Olympic format. Look at some of the guys that ride Natural Selection - it’s an insane competition and it’s so different to say, park and pipe. But there’s still space for everyone in snowboarding, that I do believe. I’d say the Olympics has probably eclipsed the X Games for freestylers these days because you’ve a fairer entry system. Take the Chinese Olympic big air champion Su Yiming for example. He won, but he wasn’t invited to the X Games because he wasn’t cool enough.”

The BBC broadcast over 300 hours of freeto-air coverage including both live events and highlight shows during the 2022 Winter Games in Beijing. In 2022 however, Eurosport had the primary UK broadcast rights for the event, with the BBC sub-licensing coverage from them. In Milano-Cortina in 2026, the BBC have once again secured the broadcast rights so coverage is expected to be both extensive and accessible. With the games being held in a European timezone for the first time in 20 years, it’s anticipated that viewer numbers will break all previous records; that’s a lot of people for Tim to talk to. “I still remember the moment I went live on the BBC for the first time,” Tim recalls.

“We were in Sochi for the 2014 Winter Games. I’d already done a few pre-recorded jobs in the commentary booth earlier in the week, but this was a Sunday morning, I remember it clear as day.”

If you’re a follower of UK snowboarding, you might remember where you where when Jenny Jones won her bronze medal in Sochi. Jones made history by becoming the first British athlete to win a medal in a snow event. Competing in the debut women’s snowboard slopestyle event at the age of 33, she secured the bronze medal with what’s always described as a flawless performance, even to this day. The medal became a significant milestone for Team GB, inspiring young athletes and bringing new funding into the emerging slopestyle discipline.

“So, it’s Sunday morning, I’m in the commentary booth with Ed, chat chat chat and, all of a sudden, in my ear, someone back MediaCity >>

in Salford tells us to take a break. We were in the middle of someone’s run and Ed - who’s done all of this before - crosses his hand up, like don’t say another word. Then I hear the legend that is Clare Balding. She’s saying ‘Welcome to BBC 2, it’s a fantastic morning here in Sochi, we’ve got the bobsleigh coming up later on, but now we’re going live to the Rosakuta Extreme Park with Tim Warwood and Ed Lee in the commentary booth as snowboarder Jenny Jones aims to make it to the podium. Over to you gents.’ I just remember thinking oh my god. Ed’s like ‘it’s fantastic to be here, weather conditions are perfect, what can we expect from today’s competition Tim?’ I couldn’t even get my words out. As I started talking, my phone started going, everyone I knew was like ‘you’re live on the BBC!’ That was a really big moment for me. When people talk about a mainstream audience, this is what they mean. We were hitting an audience that had never seen this style of commentary before. Unfortunately 306 people were really offended by it.”

“On this occasion, the excitement got the better of them,” said the BBC in an official apology shortly after the broadcast. In the final stages of the women’s snowboard slopestyle event, Jenny Jones was sitting in third place. Tim and Ed were joined in the commentary box by fellow Team GB snowboarder Aimee Fuller; the commentary had been lively, engaging, raw and real. So significant were Jenny’s chances of winning a medal, the team knew they were likely broadcasting to an audience that had never watched competitive snowboarding or action sports before. Austria’s Anna Gasser fell during her run in the final, securing Jones’ third place finish. Tim, Ed and Aimee cheered in this moment, blurring the lines between professional commentary and the enormous emotions they felt for one of their closest friends.

“I do cringe now when I listen back to that commentary,” Tim explains. “Absolutely, my professionalism went out of the window. The floodgates opened, we could definitely have been a bit more composed! But was it the worst thing in the world? You see your friend dropping in, in the twilight of her career, someone who literally pushed the bar on women’s snowboarding, someone who was instrumental in getting women’s snowboarding and slopestyle to those actual Olympic Games. Jenny was instrumental in making sure that the women were hitting the same sized jumps as the men. Watching her ride out of her skin to get a thoroughly deserved medal. I still feel emotional about it now, I still get goosebumps. It was amazing, wasn’t it? But it was the perfect storm. In Sochi we had milky skies, icy runs, big jumps, the cream of the women’s snowboarding crop all lined up. In the UK the weather was terrible, it was a Sunday morning, everyone’s at home watching the telly with a cup of tea. So many people watched that broadcast! I wish I could change it slightly, but I certainly don’t regret it.”

Tim’s uncomfortable with the idea that he’s played any part in the various successes of British snowboarders over the last 20 years, but in Milano-Cortina he’ll find himself, once again, commentating on the performance of another

“WITH SNOWBOARDING I GOT TO GO TO OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY AND MEET OTHER KIDS WHO WERE EXACTLY LIKE ME; THEY’D LAUGH AT THE SAME THINGS, WEAR THE SAME CLOTHES…”

female snowboarder that he knows very well indeed. “I used to ride with Vicky and Nige on Tuesday nights at the SnowDome,” he tells me. Regular readers of Morzine Source Magazine will already know Vicky Brookes, mum of history-making, snowboard slopestyle World Champion, 16 year old Mia Brookes. Vicky’s written for us many times, documenting Mia’s life as a professional snowboarder since she was just 12 years old. Mia competes in all three snowboard disciplines in Milano-Cortina - slopestyle, big air and half pipe. “Mia’s a snowboarder’s snowboarder. Going back to what we were saying about snowboarders being freestylers, backcountry riders, whatever, Mia snowboards how everyone wants to be able to snowboard. You watch her and you feel like she’s doing it for snowboarding. Not for the medals, not for the UK, she’s winning medals for snowboarders. She’s hard to commentate on because she always goes bigger or higher than you’re expecting, sometimes I have to watch the footage back to believe what I’ve seen.”

Regardless of whether you know your quad cork 2160s from your switch backside triple cork 1620s (this is Tim’s job, just to clarify), it’s impossible not to be impressed by the athleticism of professional snowboarders at the moment. When you think the bar can’t be raised - when you think there’s no chance of adding another rotation from that jump - along comes a 16 year old to prove you wrong. “The level of rider progression these days seems ridiculous,” Tim agrees. “There’s professionalism in the sport now. In my day as a pro, we didn’t even have coaches. A few of us were training in Saas-Fee and we clubbed together to hire this Swedish kid called Daniel. And absolutely, we were in the pub most nights. The 900 (two and a half rotations) was a big deal, then came the 1080 (three rotations), then the 1260 (three and a half rotations). They’re doing double that these days. Have you seen the back-to-back triples in the pipe now? I mean, you need the core strength of a silverback gorilla to get these tricks round, then you need to recover so you can go through the pipe 20 times a day to perfect your run. Equipment has improved, boards are lighter. Can you imagine trying to whip around a switch backside 1260 on one of the first-ever Burton Customs? You’d still be spinning now!”

Tim did four seasons in Morzine back in the day, he fondly remembers the views, the side hits on Star Wars and the warm welcome from Russ at The Cavern. “I do wish I’d stayed in the Alps, that’s my biggest regret,” he admits. “I wish I’d never left Morzine.” “Ski holidays now, with the kids, I mean, it’s a faff, right? They ruined it really. Get up the hill with the poles and the helmets, it’s a massive faff.” When Tim’s not commentating (very seriously!) on the BBC or presenting (less seriously) a crazy sport or event for Red Bull, he’s working on The Après Podcast with friends Jenny Jones and Ollie Peart. “We’re just three aging parents who love to get rad,” Tim explains.

COVER STORY

by guillaume of

When approaching the artwork for the cover of the magazine that you’re holding in your hands right now, we wanted to reference the mountains, of course, but not with the cliché of skiing or snowboarding that we see everywhere. We wanted to show the mountains differently, from our own perspective. Hiking and snowshoeing aren't necessarily the sports that we focus on the most in the mountains, but they're also an important part of the mountains, in a calmer, more contemplative way. That was our inspiration.

is an art collective born in Lyon in the early 2000s, at a time when street art was beginning to be recognised as an artistic movement in its own right.

We were driven by the desire to bring colour to the city, to share positive energy in public spaces, without any framework or the confines of a traditional art gallery. Our initial mission was simple; to make art accessible to all, to surprise passersby, to provoke a smile, an emotion. What started out as a game between friends has become a true visual language.

Your personal optician and eyewear boutique in the centre of Morzine

Glasses, sunglasses, children’s eyewear, sports glasses, eye tests, accessories and more

You may be wondering about the name. Why are we called "Birdy Kids"? At the time, we drew a lot of birds for children. They were simple, playful shapes, full of colour. And we liked this somewhat universal blend of the two words.

When we first started, Lyon wasn't really open to street art. Free spaces were rare, permits non-existent and attitudes were rather closed. So, instead of waiting for someone to open the door, we preferred to take >>

the lead, by organising our own exhibitions, multiplying projects, proving that this art form deserved a real place. We also started putting on group exhibitions, inviting artists from all over the world to show what our culture really looked like. Little by little, things changed and the people of Lyon responded. The institutions followed and the Lyon scene took on incredible dimensions. Today, street art is part of the city's cultural landscape in Lyon. We're proud to have been among those who helped pave the way.

Our work is primarily about colour, movement, and energy. What we're looking for above all is for the audience to feel something positive and immediate when they see our large, colourful birds. Perhaps a desire to smile, to breathe, to escape for a few seconds. We like to think that our work does good, even for those who know nothing about street art.

We’re often asked which street artists inspired us or influenced our creativity over the years. We grew up with graffiti, but also with hip-hop culture, fashion, cartoons, video games and everything that shaped the visual culture of the 1990s and 2000s. We've always been very sensitive to the manga aesthetic and Japanese graphical culture, that blending of precision, excess and colour that immediately catches the eye.

In recent years we’ve participated in exhibitions in both Lyon, of course, and also in Paris. Yes, exhibitions are fantastic, really. It's a powerful moment; you meet people, and you see your pieces take on another dimension. But unfortunately, the further you go, the more difficult it becomes to put an exhibition together. You need a budget, sponsors and logistics. And it takes a lot of time. Exhibitions are super exciting, but also very time-consuming. I say that, but at the moment we’re finalising the plan for our first exhibition in San Francisco in March 2026.

We love collaborating, we’ve worked closely with the Olympique Lyonnais football team and on special projects for other brands. Honestly, I'd love to collaborate with an established clothing brand, with real style and expertise. Something where we could work on unique pieces, with embroidery, beautiful cuts and quality materials—denim, velvet, thick cotton, those kinds of textures. I'd like to blend our visual universe with that of a brand that loves details and finishes, and create a slightly artistic capsule collection, halfway between fashion and art.

Follow Birdy Kids: Instagram @birdykids Facebook /TheBirdyKids

Where did the time go?

by russell price

‘One more season before heading back to the UK for a normal life,’ is how I sold the idea of a winter season in Morzine to my family and friends in 1996. I’d finished my Geography degree at Newcastle University, taken a gap year in Flaine and worked summer seasons in St Tropez. I came to Morzine for one last winter before the real world came calling. That was 26 years ago.

When I arrived in Morzine at the start of the 1996 winter season I had to combine a number of part time jobs to make ends meet. As you might image, there weren’t many English speakers around here in those days and my French was somewhat limited. I worked part time at Star Ski as well as in a clothes shop (it’s now the kitchen of the Coup de Coeur,) and I managed to blag a job as a DJ at what was the Bowling Bar and is now the Coyote. That was fun, as I’d never mixed two songs together in my life.

People often ask me what Morzine was like back then - it was incredibly different! The rue du Bourg was a two-way street and often totally jammed on Saturdays as two coaches packed with arriving and departing holiday makers couldn’t pass each other. The famous Shaggers Bar had just closed, so we all gathered at the Jolly Good Bar (which became the Sherpa and is now Le Local) or at the Dixie Bar. The Crepu that you all know and love today was very small, but it was rammed full every night with Dutch skiers, all partying very hard. Can you believe that Morzine had three nightclubs back then? The highlight of each winter season was the Wacky Races - a fancy dress event for Seasonaires and we’d race across the ski area, drinking shots at each check point and finishing at a secret location for a massive BBQ. The whole thing included a treasure hunt and one year someone added a dog to the list of things we needed to find. The police turned up at the BBQ as someone had stolen a poodle and the owners really weren’t very impressed.

I mentioned that there were three nightclubs back then, one of them was called The Wallington. It was owned by Papy, who is also known as Tony from the Tibetan’s dad. He also managed the Bowling Bar, where I was working as a (much improved!) DJ at the time. I remember having a couple of cheeky drinks before work with my friends Phil and Jamie; a couple turned into a few more and the next thing I remember, I

was being called to the office. Obviously I feared the worst! But I wasn’t in trouble with the boss. Instead Papy told me about his plans to divide The Wallington, keeping the upper floor for his own buddha style tea bar and coffee shop. He offered me the downstairs section of the nightclub; I woke up the next day and wondered if it was all a dream! Luckily, things were much more affordable back then and I was able to hunt down the money and create an idea for a bar. The Cavern Bar was born, I was 26 years old at the time and I never once thought I’d still be here 25 years later.

I opened the Cavern Bar on a shoestring budget and the concept was very simple. Colin, a great friend of mine who sadly passed away last year, spent the whole of the autumn transforming the space; he worked for free and without him there would be no bar. I’d describe the early years as ‘hit and miss’. Late afternoons and early evening apres-ski sessions were empty but we became very much a late night, seasonaire bar. From 11pm each night it was madness! As the years progressed and more seasonaires and tourists came to town, the bar really picked up and we gained quite a reputation as one of the best party bars in the Alps. You might spot Tom Chaplin from the band Keane on one night, actor Ed Westwick on another. Jo Wicks and Dermot O’Leary had lots of fun, as did numerous soap stars and football players that I’d never heard of. They were all drinking in my bar. One night I turned around and DJs Chicane and Danny Howard were on the decks. I was determined to nail the apres-ski hours however. I love live music and we made a big push to bring in really great live acts in the late afternoons. Jukebox Joel has been playing with us for more than 15 years now.

After running the Cavern in the same way for 20 years, I had a choice to make; should I sell up? Or should I change our focus? Live music seemed

a stage in the corner, I wanted us to become one of the best live music venues in the Alps. We invested in a larger stage, upgraded the sound system and speakers, added professional stage lighting. We wanted to put on a memorable show for our customers, but we also wanted the bands to feel special too. A live music venue is only as good as its bands after all! The Cavern Bar Live became our new focus and I’m really pleased that I didn’t sell the bar.

Apres-ski is always evolving. When you’re hidden under ground, as we are, it’s not always easy to get people down the stairs. Jukebox Joel has a massive following, so that helps. We also have a huge crowd of returning customers, with the same groups coming to see us year after year. It’s really nice catching up with everyone each winter, that’s the thing I love most about my job.

Once again this winter we’re booking experienced bands; they’re touring the Alps and they get to play in some incredible venues. Of course we can’t compete with the venues that have a 3000 people capacity in other ski resorts, but our professional stage set up and the live light show provides an amazing atmosphere and makes everyone want to come back night after night. We’re really lucky to work with these incredible musicians.

I think its testament to the amazing businesses and people of Morzine that we have so many regulars returning to ski in this village year after year. And now we have larger apres-ski venues popping up; these bring extra excitement to the area and I really feel that people are coming to Morzine for the apres-ski and quality music, not just the skiing these days. As more investment comes into the town, the whole resort grows, as does its reputation. I regularly meet skiers who’ve abandoned their regular holiday in the Three Valleys or elsewhere to experience the unique village atmosphere on offer in Morzine.

I honestly feel really positive about the Morzine of the future. Snow levels can’t be guaranteed, but Morzine has so much more to offer than snow. Apres-ski and live music entertainment are now just as important as snow for many visitors. Our restaurant scene here is also incredible these days. For sure, there are worse places to go on holiday! But Morzine needs to stay ahead of rival resorts, we must improve connections between Morzine and Avoriaz in my view.

We’ll be hosting a few special ’25th birthday’ events this winter season and of course, you’re all invited. I’ve invited a couple of bands from years gone by to return to The Cavern and Joel will be with us 5pm - 8pm. A warm up band will take to the stage each evening between 9pm and 10.30pm followed by our main act from 10.30pm until 1.30am. That’s a lot of live music to keep everyone dancing.

I’ll sign off with a massive thank you to all of our amazing customers, staff and musicians for the last 25 years. Where did the time go?

EMA

By Amie Henderson

You’ll be forgiven for thinking that you’ve read this article before; in a previous issue of Morzine Source Magazine perhaps, or on our website. Truth be told, I feel like I’ve written this article several times since 2009.

Here’s a potted history of the Express Morzine-Avoriaz (EMA) project, and an update for those following the story.

2007

Local planning reforms inspired a plan at the Mairie de Morzine-Avoriaz to improve the connection between Morzine and Avoriaz via les Prodains to ‘reflect the grandeur of our commune’.

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2008

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Nearby Annecy was selected as the official candidate city by the French National Olympic Committee in their bid to host the 2018 Winter Games. Being quite a small city compared to its global rivals (including Munich and the eventual winner PyeongChang), it was decided that events would spread across the Haute-Savoie, in resorts within a 50km radius - or within a one hour journeyof Annecy. Morzine-Avoriaz was hotly tipped to host some of the alpine skiing events - would we see the best racers in the world on the Jean Vuarnet World Cup run?

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2009

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To increase the attractiveness and accessibility of Morzine-Avoriaz in the midst of all this Olympic planning and campaigning, plans to improve connections between the two resorts remained on the table.

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2011

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The International Olympic Committee announced PyeongChang as the host city for the 2018 Winter Games.

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2012

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The Olympics weren’t coming to Morzine- Avoriaz - or indeed France - but plans to build a new connection between the two resorts continued.

In a presentation titled ‘One town, two resorts, one future’ we finally saw the proposed route of the connection - Morzine to Les Prodains by way of a telecabine-style ski lift above the Vallée des Ardoisiéres, combined with a replacement for the old Téléphérique des Prodains. For scheduling reasons (i.e. the old lift was on its last legs), the connection between Prodains and Avoriaz would be prioritised but both stages of the journey would eventually use the same technology “to ensure perfect coordination”.

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2013

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The brand new Prodains 3S cable car opened in April, efficiently moving skiers and snowboarders up and down the valley from Prodains to Avoriaz in a journey time of just four minutes. It seemed as if the second phase of the plan - a continuation of the line down to Morzine - was just around the corner.

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2015

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Gerard Berger was the mayor of Morzine-Avoriaz at the time and we asked him for an update on the project. He told me “Our biggest challenge is to reconcile the two stations of Morzine and Avoriaz, allowing both to grow as international tourist destinations. Instillation of our link project between the centre of Morzine and Les Prodains will hopefully begin at the end of 2015 and then plans will fall into place gradually. We hope to see this great project succeed before 2020”.

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2017

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We can only imagine that officials at the Mairie de Morzine-Avoriaz were faced with a significant amount of bureaucracy in the planning and preparation of this ski lift extension. An opposition group - the Association pour de Developpement Harmonieux de Morzine-Avoriaz (ADHMA) was

established, comprised of local residents, business owners and ex-council members. They agreed that an improved link between the two villages was necessary, but argued that stretching a large cable car from the top of the Rue du Bourg to Prodains was not the ideal solution. It was also in this year that we heard the first projected cost of the project - €147million, although the exact budget was never confirmed.

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2018

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Public consultation meetings were held and an updated document demonstrating the final plan for what came to be known as EMA was published by the Mairie de Morzine-Avoriaz. It showed us the different options and routes studied as part of the plan, while also estimating that the resorts of Morzine and Avoriaz would be just 15 minutes apart in the future, should EMA go ahead. It was also in this year that we first saw plans for ‘the tunnel’ - an underground pedestrian moving walkway between the EMA departure station at the top of Morzine’s Rue du Bourg and the existing Pleney telecabine. This link had the capacity to move 1500 skiers per hour and a total journey time of just under eight minutes. It was anticipated that this solution would reduce the number of shuttle busses travelling along the Vallée des Ardoisiéres by 30% and the number of vehicles by 40% whilst improving circulation in the village.

↓ 2019

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A public investigation is launched to establish whether the project can be successful for MorzineAvoriaz

↓ 2020

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In the face of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the registered voters of Morzine-Avoriaz turn out to

cast their vote in the municipal elections, just hours before the first national lock-down begins. Fabien Trombert was elected to become the Mayor of Morzine-Avoriaz, replacing Gerard Berger, who’d been mayor for over nine years. Trombert ran in opposition to the EMA plan yet found himself with bigger fish to fry when he officially took over on 18th May. EMA was consequently shelved.

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For context, I stopped talking about and reporting on EMA at this point - the subject became both divisive and contentious with incredibly strong opinions on both sides.

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2024

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We skip forward a few years as there was A LOT of politics going on. A by-election brought Morzine-Avoriaz a new mayor - Jean-François Berger (no relation that I’m aware of to the previous Mayor Berger) and he defined his four priorities for the rest of his term; sustainable mobility and public space planning, the creation of permanent and accessible housing for the local population, participatory governance that involves local citizens and to redesign a ‘modernised but rational’ link between Morzine and Avoriaz to come into service before 2031.

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2025

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EMA *lite is back. In August local residents were invited to a presentation at Morzine’s Palais du Sport and three scenarios were introduced. The first was a simplified version of EMA following the same route but without the tunnel. The second was to investigate a new liaison project, potentially using the Super Morzine route and beyond, and the third was to stop all studies on the creation of a new connection and instead make improvements to the existing Super Morzine telecabine. After a public vote (open to EU citizens registered to vote in MorzineAvoriaz), scenario 1 received 53.2% of the votes and turnout was 56% of registered voters.

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Now we’re all up to speed on the history of EMA, let’s take a look at the current project once again

At TSI our philosophy is a simple one. We want to help you learn, develop, transform and enjoy, so that you can get the most out of your time spent on skis.

We’re a British run ski school, with a team of fully quali ed British and bilingual instructors. We deliver high quality, bespoke ski lessons, catering for your individual needs and goals, whatever your level.

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Reviving EMA - What we know

The Mairie de Morzine-Avoriaz explain that EMA *lite (and by this I mean the simplified version without the tunnel) will increase transport capacity between Morzine and Avoriaz by 66%. They also state that the overall EMA project is the most-studied option to date and could be completed in approximately six years at no cost to the village as a private partner would finance the construction and operation of the ski lift.

Departure and Arrival

The departure station would be accessible from top of Morzine’s rue du Bourg; from street level you’d take an elevator or escalator down to the carpark beneath. A new bus terminal would be constructed at the base of the departure station. The arrival station in Prodains would be approximately 20 metres from the 3S departure station - you’d disembark one telecabine and board another to reach Avoriaz.

Parking

There’ll be no new car parking capacity to accompany this project. “Our goal is not to attract more day skiers,” explains the Mairie de Morzine-Avoriaz. “But to ensure that each accommodation has sufficient parking for tourists.”

Aesthetics

A significant portion of the push-back on this project over the years has been its valley-altering looks. The current plan includes four pylons, spaced by 100m, none of which will be in the centre of the village but will ascend towards and across the Ardoiseres cliffs.

Capacity

The Super Morzine currently carries 2000 skiers per hour in peak season. EMA has a capacity of 2400 skiers per hour. In total, Morzine could deliver 4400 skiers per hour to Avoriaz with the two lifts combined, plus more using a simplified shuttle bus service arriving directly at les Prodains. There’s concern about where these skiers will go, as there are already bottlenecks within the Avoriaz lift network at peak times.

A Changing Climate

Studies by ClimSnow and Météo France show a sharp reduction in snow cover at low altitudes by 2050 and clearly this should be a concern for Morzine, both now and in the decades to come. We already know that the Pleney is adapting and investing to become a leisure area, rather than simply a ski area in pursuit of four seasons tourism. The Mairie de Morzine-Avoriaz seek sustainable access to high-altitude Avoriaz, “initiating the transition to a tourism sector less dependent on skiing”.

Queues

You’ve likely seen the videos on Instagram, and to be fair, the Super Morzine can be congested at certain times of the day during peak season, as is the case in most other ski resorts. Morzine’s shuttle bus service can also be saturated at times. “Expectations are for a seamless, low-carbon mobility solution, both summer and winter” state the Mairie de Morzine-Avoriaz.

Connecting the People

Although they’re officially one commune, Morzine and Avoriaz are often seen as two very different resorts. “Consolidating territorial coherence” is another objective of EMA, forming closer social and economic links between the two villages.

Shared Benefits

The Mairie de Morzine-Avoriaz are keen to stress that the benefits of EMA aren’t just for Morzine; the new lift link could encourage shared services, reduce the use of and therefore the emissions generated by vehicles on the route d’Avoriaz and guarantee safe access to Avoriaz when then roads are impassable. Extended timetables and year-round opening are proposed.

Of course, all of this planning, consultation and voting takes place in the context of the forthcoming municipal election; this takes place in March 2026 and EMA will - most likely, once again - become the deciding topic. As we digest all of the details in relation to this project, it’s easy to forget that working mountain villages such as Morzine face many other challenges.

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Arcane Prime Mips

Seeking max protection for your noggin this winter? The unisex Arcane Prime Mips is a new hybrid helmet from Salomon that hits the snowball out of the park in terms of its safety creds. Salomon has integrated their patented EPS4D liner (maximises energy absorption and protects from oblique and vertical shocks) with all-round EPP (expanded polypropylene) and Mips tech (reduces rotational forces on the brain) to make one helluva protective unit for your head. The BOA system ensures a comfy, dialed-in fit, and there is adjustable venting for when you need it. It's available in a range of colours too.

Patagonia Powslayer jacket & pant rrp €800.00 // €650.00 patagonia.com

Patagonia’s top-performing big mountain gear was originally built 10 years ago, but dropped out of the line a few years back. Now with the new ePE (PFAS-free) GTX Pro on the table, Patagonia are back in the mix, with an expert big mountain shell worthy of mountain professionals –available for men and women. The jacket is a simple, practical and clean shell, with a chunky zip, good pockets, decent underarm vents and a protective adjustable hood with a handy side-stretch for pulling over your helmet. The pants feel durable, with great knee movement and a freeride cut that’s still ergonomic in the skin track. They also have a comfy, adjustable waistband that keeps the hip bulk to a minimum, ideal with a pack. Fabrics are 100% recycled. Top marks, Patagonia.

Launcher Reactiv

New last season, this is one of the best goggles we reckon Julbo have ever released. The lens can be popped forward (easy even with gloves on), so there’s an air gap all around, to manage heat build-up and prevent fogging. Nifty! A gentle push pops it back closed, with magnets, acting like a regular goggle. The Reactiv photochromatic lens offers excellent clarity and goes from cat. S0 to S4. Impressively, the goggle is made from recycled and bio-based materials: a flexible corn-based frame, recycled rigid frame, and the chunky strap is made from recycled fishing nets (yes, really). If you want one goggle to cover all eventualities, the Launcher –available in a range of colours – could be just what you’re looking for.

Nicola Iseard Fall Line Skiing magazine Publisher and Editor

FROM BREAKFAST to dinner non-stop 8AM 10PM

BOOKING / MENU

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Salomon QST 100 skis

RRP €600.00

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The name may be the same, but the unisex QSTs are all-new for this season, in widths ranging from 92 through to 106. Winning Fall Line Skiing magazine's 2026 Freeride Ski of the Year award, the 100 hits the sweet spot for its all-mountain shredability – this has to be one of the most versatile skis ever made. The spectrum of speeds and turn shapes you can enjoy with the QST 100 is off the scale. Want to rail fast carves on a hardpacked piste? No problem – it has excellent edge grip, power and dampness (thanks to the Cork Damplifier, where they inlay a cork and TPU border at the tip and tail to dampen vibrations). Want to flit through the trees at Lindarets, or hit some afternoon slush bumps on Fornet? All good – it has awesome energy and pop. Spied some powder over at Chatel's Happy Valley? The slight tip and tail rockers means its outrageously maneuverable in deeper snow. A true one-ski quiver-killer.

Dalbello Veloce Space ski boots

RRP €650.00

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For those of you who missed it – BOA has made its way into the ski boot market, and this year you'll even see dual BOA (two dials) on some models. This is the first season Dalbello has offered BOA on their boots, and they’ve added both single and dual BOA to models in their new Veloce Space line. We can't wait to get our feet into the dual BOA boots – available in 105, 120 and 130 flex models - with one cable for the clog and a second wrapping the cuff. It offers effortless adjustment and even pressure distribution (no niggly pressure spots), while the bi-injected shell enhances performance and responsiveness for skiers of all levels. They look sweet too!

coming soon

a brand new experience on the Arare in Avoriaz

Take a moment this winter, as you ascend the Lac-Intrets or Stade chairlifts in Avoriaz, to study the progress of this much-needed venue on the slopes of the Arare. Once home to a casual snack bar and more recently the (literal) launch pad for freestyle snowboard comps, nJOY is being developed by a team dedicated to the heritage and progression of the resort. Thomas Arneodo leads the project and here he answers our questions.

Thomas, what do we know about the original restaurant on this site, and when did it close?

The previous restaurant on this site was called Le Petit Pin. It was a traditional piste-side venue, but in recent years it had been somewhat abandoned. Its infrastructure was aging and no longer met today’s standards - it even lacked a proper connection to the main sewage system.

Rebuilding from the ground up was essential, both structurally and environmentally. This new project gives us the chance to reimagine the place completely, with solid foundations and a spirit that truly reflects Avoriaz today.

nJOY is our new restaurant and it will stay true to the resort’s DNA - retro lines, wooden shingles, oculus windows - while bringing a modern and joyful twist. The goal is to create something unique and timeless, deeply rooted in Avoriaz’s heritage and unmistakable style.

There are very few restaurants or refreshment stops on this side of Avoriaz currently - do you think this is a problem?

The Arare sector is one of the busiest areas in Avoriaz. It’s usually the first to open and the last to close each season, with direct connections to Switzerland, Lindarets and the Prodains valley. It’s also a zone for competitions, training and freestyle skiing, with the Nami Park just nearby. Despite all that activity, the food and drink offering on this side of the resort has remained

very limited. That felt like a missed opportunityboth for skiers, and for the mountain itself.

We see this as a chance to add something meaningful to the area; a place where people can pause, connect and enjoy the view. The panoramic setting over Avoriaz is absolutely stunning - it deserves to be part of the experience. We also hope to contribute to the local rhythm with occasional events and collaborations with the competition scene or freestyle community.

What are the plans for the venue? Who is it for, what will be the style and what are the menu inspirations?

The style is vintage-chic meets modern mountain, inspired by Avoriaz’s unique architectural identity. It’s a place that’s serious about quality, but never takes itself too seriously.

We’re designing three different experiences under one roof. There’ll be a snack bar, open all day for skiers who just want to grab something quick and tasty before getting back on the slopes. We’re also creating a restaurant, open at lunchtime and occasionally for evening events, serving warm, generous food with alpine inspiration and local products. And of course, there’ll be a lively and relaxed après-ski area with music, cocktails, and an amazing view.

In the kitchen, we’ll focus on generous, highquality mountain cuisine, made with care and seasonal ingredients. Dishes that feel comforting, local and worth slowing down for - whether you’re

in for a full lunch or just a snack between runs. When will the venue open?

The construction started in spring 2025 and will continue as soon as the ski season ends in May 2026. Visitors to Avoriaz this winter will see the project evolving as they ski past - it’s already a bit of a curiosity! We are planning to open for the winter season of December 2026.

How will the venue be different to others in Avoriaz?

What will set this place apart is its deep connection to Avoriaz itself - not just in name or location, but in spirit. It will be one of the very few new venues to truly embrace Avoriaz’s architectural heritage, with the use of wood shingles, oculus-style windows and a design inspired by the station’s iconic 70s aesthetic. This "retro-chic" identity isn’t just a stylistic choiceit’s a tribute to what makes Avoriaz so special and beloved by those who return year after year.

Another part of the project we’re really excited about is the wine cellar. We’re putting a lot of thought and care into it - not just to have a long list, but to build a real collection. There will be hundreds of bottles, ranging from regional discoveries to iconic grands crus, all chosen with care and curiosity. The project we started in our current wine cellar at “Le R” in the place des Dromonts in the centre of Avoriaz will be fully accomplished with this new project.

It’s not about prestige - it’s about pleasure.

The joy of opening a good bottle after a day on the slopes, of discovering something unexpected, or of sharing a favourite wine around the table.

Will you host après-ski?

Yes, definitely - but in our own way. The après-ski at nJOY will be lively but not loud. Think sunny terraces, house-disco remixes, signature cocktails, and spontaneous good vibes. We’re aiming for a “chill & cheerful” après-ski rather than a crowded party scene. Something that feels good at the end of a perfect ski day.

Avoriaz is now incredibly popular with families. How will you cater for them at the new restaurant?

This is something very close to our hearts. The family spirit is deeply rooted in this project. My brother and I learned to ski and snowboard on Arare — it was our playground as kids and many of our best memories were made there. Like so many others, we discovered skiing through our parents. That shared joy across generations is part of what makes the mountain so special.

This isn’t just a personal story. It’s a shared adventure, brought to life with partners who are also parents, and who share the same love for Avoriaz and the desire to pass that passion on. From the beginning, we all agreed: nJOY should be a place where families feel truly at home.

We know how important it is to feel welcome and at ease when skiing with children. That’s why we’re designing a space that’s warm, accessible, and full of positive energy - a place where all generations can relax and connect.

So yes, nJOY will be family-friendly by design with a comforting menu featuring kids’ favourites and generous dishes to share. We’ll host a quick and simple service for busy lunch hours in an open, stress-free space where everyone can move around.

We’re building a place where memories are made - for parents, grandparents, and the next little riders discovering the joy of the mountain.

Do you see Avoriaz evolving in a positive way at the moment?

Absolutely - and that’s one of the reasons we believe in this project. Avoriaz has always dared to be different, and it’s still true today. The resort is evolving, but without losing its soul. It remains fully pedestrian, proudly preserves its architectural identity, and continues to cultivate a spirit of creativity and boldness. We’re proud to be part of that.

We also appreciate how the resort embraces sustainability on many levels - from earning the Flocon Vert label to encouraging thoughtful environmental practices throughout the season - it’s about moving in the right direction, and that aligns with the values behind nJOY.

Are there plans to open the new venue outside of the winter season?

We’re definitely considering it. The potential for summer activities in Avoriaz is growing each year - with biking, hiking and families enjoying the cool mountain air. The design of nJOY includes flexible spaces and panoramic terraces that would be perfect for summer lunches or sunset apéros.

And beyond the guest experience, extending the opening period also makes sense from a local and environmental perspective - contributing to a more balanced, sustainable rhythm for the mountain. Nothing is fixed yet, but we’re keeping the door open and really look forward to seeing this part of Avoriaz alive during summer season.

Can you share any fun design elements or quirky features with us?

We don’t want to give everything away just yet... but let’s just say there will be a few surprises. Expect retro design details, a curated vinyl-inspired playlist, and even some interactive elements for kids and grown-ups alike.

A NEW PATH forward ›››

By Jacques Jefferies

After fifteen years dedicated to my career as a professional biathlete, after countless hours on the range and kilometres on skis, after representing France at international competitions and standing on podiums with the French flag on my suit, this summer I walked away from the French national team. Not because I'd fallen out of love with the sport. Not because I wasn't good enough. But because the system that was supposed to nurture athletes like me had become unsustainable.

The decision didn't come suddenly. It was the result of years of shifting objectives from the leadership staff, unclear selection criteria and watching the mental health of talented athletesincluding my own - deteriorate under the weight of a process that felt increasingly arbitrary. When I finally made the call, I was simultaneously heartbroken and relieved. Heartbroken because I was leaving behind everything I'd worked for since I was a child. Relieved because I knew that staying would have meant sacrificing not just my wellbeing, but potentially my future in the sport I love.

This is the story of why I left, and how I found a new path forward ›››

Growing up in this beautiful valley, alpine and nordic skiing aren’t just sports; they’re engraved into all of our daily lives. These mountains were and still are my playground, skiing was as natural as walking and the combination of endurance and precision that biathlon demands felt like it was designed for kids like me. For a young biathlete growing up in France, there's only one dream that matters: representing the French nation at the highest level. Representing your country at World Cups, World Championships and ultimately, the Olympics.

France is a biathlon powerhouse. We dominate the sport. Martin Fourcade is a living legend, the most decorated winter Olympian ever. He’s a national hero. The depth of talent in French biathlon is staggering. Making the national team isn't just about being good; it's about being extraordinary.

That was the dream I chased. Not just to be a biathlete, but to be a French biathlete. To stand alongside the best in the world, to carry that weight of expectation, to be part of a legacy that stretches back decades. In France, biathlon matters. Success in biathlon means something culturally, nationally.

From the moment I started competing, that's what I was working towards. The French team. The French system. The French pathway to excellence. Everything else was just preparation for that ultimate goal. That's what made the decision to leave so incomprehensible to so many people, and to myself. You don't walk away from the French biathlon team. It's the pinnacle. It's everything.

There’s something about biathlon that’s just special. When you watch a race on television, you feel something that’s hard to experience with any other sport. It’s a sport where anything can happen at any time. The shooting is both predictable and unpredictable, a single missed shot can send the leader from first to twentieth in the space of thirty seconds. That’s what makes it so exciting; the fact that everyone, no matter their name or ranking, has a chance.

I think that’s what first drew me in, the feeling that anything was possible. In our valley in Morzine, everyone grows up alpine skiing. It’s almost part of your DNA. I did too; I spent years in the local club in Saint-Jean-d’Aulps. But after a while, I wanted something different, something that demanded more endurance and focus. >>

I wasn’t into pure high speed, even if we go fast in biathlon, it’s nothing like downhill skiing and I was looking for a sport that felt more complete.

What I found in biathlon was also a much friendlier atmosphere. I don’t mean that as a criticism of alpine skiing; it’s a wonderful sport, but it can get really intense and, at times, quite toxic. Biathlon felt more human. You’re racing against others, but you’re also racing against yourself, your own limits, your ability to control your breathing and emotions. I much preferred that balance, that’s why I chose it, and I’ve never looked back since.

When I first started with the local club in Les Gets, training was straightforward. The sessions were with my friends, fitting it around school, mainly on Wednesday afternoons or on the weekend. The collège in Saint-Jean-d'Aulps has a great sports class that allowed us to train throughout the winter, and at that level, it was manageable.

But as my level improved and I progressed through the ranks, everything intensified. Now, being a professional biathlete is a full-time commitment. Every day, twice a day, every single day of the year. You'll see me out on my roller skis around Morzine and Les Gets, on my bike, at the local swimming pool, or training at the Hive Gym. It's constant.

I’m 23 years old now and I’m often asked whether I feel like I sacrificed parts of childhood for the sport of biathlon. The short answer is yes. When your friends want to go out, go to parties, or just do normal teenage things, you often have to say no because you’re training or racing the next morning. That’s just part of the basic commitment.

At the same time, I actually believe it’s incredibly important to keep a social life outside of sport. It’s essential for the long-term sustainability of an athletic career. If I’d completely cut myself off from my friends and only focused on biathlon, I’d probably be miserable now, and I might not even still be doing the sport. I know some friends who cut lots of things off, who only had friends in the skiing world, and it can get very mentally draining, only talking about skiing and biathlon the whole time. I believe I balanced my childhood the right way. I'm lucky to live in a village where pretty much everyone my age back then was in some kind of club, doing some kind of sport. Not all of us have achieved elite levels, but we all have incredible lives now. I don't regret any of the sacrifices I made back then. The balance was right.

The challenge is that biathlon isn't just one discipline: it's two. Most professional sports focus on one thing, but I'm training for both skiing and shooting, which doubles the time commitment. And here's where it gets complicated; I live quite a long way from a shooting range. That means spending weeks away from home throughout the season, travelling to facilities we simply don't have around here. The logistics alone add enormous constraints, and costs, to my training.

The first time I received a call-up to race for the French national team was such an incredibly proud moment. I’d trained so hard for this, and to finally be able to represent my country was an amazing feeling. I was lucky that my first international races were at the Junior World Championships, a major event, and even though I didn't achieve the results I wanted back then, when I look back on it now, I was one of four athletes in France racing at that level. It's just so amazing.

A couple of years later came another moment I’ll always remember - the first time I got to sing the French national anthem on a podium. I finished the race holding the flag and there’s a picture of me crossing the finish line with it in my hand that I’ll remember for the rest of my life. It’s an amazing image, because when you cross that line with the flag, you know you’re carrying your team to victory. Nothing can beat that feeling.

As you might imagine, being a professional, elite sportsperson comes with quite a financial commitment. I have always been sponsored by Les Gets and it's hard to express how special this support has been. I've been representing Les Gets and receiving financial support from

them for the last eight years now. They are one of the only ski resorts in France to help young athletes progress through the ranks, and they have put their trust and full support in me from the beginning. Whatever happens with my career and whatever happens in the years to come, I will always represent Les Gets and I will always be proud to showcase what an amazing ski resort we have. The support from the past mayor, Mr Henri Antonioz, who sadly passed away last year, the current municipal council, and the support from the tourist office and SoleGETS is immeasurable. I can't thank them enough.

What they're doing in Les Gets goes far beyond just sponsoring one athlete. They're investing in sport at every level, from young athletes right up to hosting World Championship events. When you see the amazing events that Les Gets put on, you realise they're not just promoting sport, they're building a genuine sporting culture in the community. I don't think many other places in the world do this with the same commitment and vision. Les Gets believed in me when I was just starting out, and that support has been fundamental to everything I've achieved. And what has been truly humbling is that this support hasn't wavered. Their belief in me as a local

athlete from our valley goes beyond the flag I wear. I am incredibly proud to continue representing Les Gets on the next part of my journey and I can't thank them enough for that loyalty.

I used the word ‘arbitrary’ earlier in this article to describe the process of athlete selection on the French national team. The process is actually incredibly complicated, but put simply, there's one big boss and - in the same way a football manager chooses who plays on match day - he chooses who races. Of course, there are coaches and staff who give their opinions, but in the end, everything comes down to that one person.

Every single year, the objectives are completely different and not coherent at all. As a young athlete, this makes preparing for a season incredibly complicated. You work all year towards a clear target, you meet that target, and then you’re told it’s not enough. When that happens, it’s devastating. You feel like everything you’ve worked for just collapses in a second. It's one of the hardest parts of elite sports. Don't get me wrong, selections are an essential part of elite sports, but they also need to be done in a more ethical way, so that athletes have an understanding of what's expected from them to perform.

I’ve experienced that feeling many times; not being selected for international races, staying home while watching teammates travel and compete. Then you have to show up the next weekend at national races and somehow perform as if nothing happened. It’s one of the hardest things to do as an athlete. Even now, with changes afoot, I’m not choosing the easy path, far from it. But I hope that in this new chapter, I’ll find a structure where communication and trust go both ways. That’s all any athlete really wants.

In spring 2024 I was told over the phone - quite harshly, I felt - that I would no longer be part of the French national training squad and I had to find a new team to train with. They explained that I hadn’t met the objectives that had been set for me; but earlier that same season, I’d also been told I wouldn’t be allowed to race at the competition level I needed to reach those objectives. It was an impossible situation, and it made everything that followed increasingly complicated.

Still, I decided to stay with the French for another year, joining a local private team and giving it everything I had. That season turned out to be one of my best ever. I achieved my career-best result, a top six on the IBU Cup, which is the second level of the World Cup circuit. I was proud of that performance; it proved I could compete with some of the best athletes in the world.

But even that wasn’t enough. The Federation decided to move forward with other athletes and, when you look at the statistics and results, it was hard to understand why. That was the moment when everything became clear. I realised that no matter how much I improved or how hard I worked, I wasn’t going to get a fair opportunity within that system. It was painful, France had been my home in sport since the beginning, but the cup was full. Eventually, I made the incredibly difficult decision to leave the French national team.

I was born in France to British parents, raised with this double identity. At 13 years old, as soon as I could make the decision myself, I requested French nationality. I remember that day at the tribunal in Bonneville so clearly. When the magistrate asked, "Monsieur, why do you want to become French?" my answer was simple: "I want to represent France at the highest sporting level possible. I want to win Olympic medals as a French athlete.” They weren’t just words. That was my dream. My identity.

For years I was proud to race for France. Crossing finish lines with the French flag in my hand, singing La Marseillaise on podiums, wearing the blue, white and red that I'd fought so hard to earn the right to wear, those moments defined who I was as an athlete. So walking away wasn't just leaving a team. It was walking away from the identity I'd chosen for myself, from the dream I'd pursued since childhood, from everything I thought I would be.

I’d been in contact with the trainers and staff at the British Biathlon Union for many years. They know who I am, I know who they are. They approached me at the end of last winter and asked if I'd be interested in joining them, to >>

move from the French team to Team GB. They put forward their performance plan and their objectives for this year, but also a more long term strategy and I knew this would be an amazing opportunity for me.

It wasn’t an easy decision to make. Changing nations is a huge step, both emotionally and administratively. You have to get approval from your home Federation, in my case, the French Ski Federation, and from the International Biathlon Union. If the International Biathlon Union had refused my request to change nations, I would have stopped racing altogether. That's how difficult this decision was. It wasn't a tactical move or an easy choice, it was survival. It was choosing to continue doing the sport I love, even if it meant letting go of the flag I'd dreamed of carrying. It takes time, patience and a lot of paperwork. But once everything was approved and the final confirmation came through, it was such a relief.

“I believe it’s incredibly important to keep a social life outside of sport.”

But here's what I've come to understand; changing nations doesn't erase who I am or where I came from. I'm still the athlete formed by the French system, still grateful for everything France gave me, still shaped by those years representing the French team. That will never change. What has changed is that I now have the chance to write a new chapter. To represent Great Britain with the same pride and determination I once brought to France. To start over with purpose, with a Federation that believes in me, with a clear path forward.

When I announced it publicly at the beginning of September 2025, the response was incredible. My family, my friends, even my old teammates were so supportive. It felt like a new beginning. I’m still training with the same local team I was part of last year, which gives me a sense of continuity, but with a completely new perspective. It feels right now. It feels like I'm finally able to be the athlete I know I can be.

This winter is Milano Cortina 2026. The Winter Olympic Games. Just thinking about it makes my brain go crazy because it's the pinnacle of sport. The Olympics. It's the dream that most young athletes want to achieve when they're starting out. The road to qualifying, though, is incredibly complicated. You don’t just “go” to the Olympics, you have to earn your place. For me, that means scoring enough IBU points to be among the twelve best athletes from nations outside the top twenty nations in the world. And in a sport as global and competitive as biathlon, that’s no small challenge. There are dozens of athletes chasing those same wildcard places, and every race counts.

Depending on when you're reading this, the timeline is different. If you're reading this before the 18th of January, then I'm currently racing at the International World Cup level, looking to score qualification points for these Olympic Games. If you're reading this during the second part of the winter, then either you've watched me race at the Winter Olympic Games, which would honestly be absolutely amazing, or I'm still competing on the World Cup circuits.

But here's what I know: even if I don't achieve this goal of going to the Olympic Games, I'm proud of what I've put forward and the work I've done throughout the summer to reach this goal. Whatever happens during this winter, I have something to be proud of. The pressure is immense, but I'm finally able to focus on the sport itself rather than fighting the system.

This winter, I’m mainly looking forward to racing, to being able to focus completely on the sport itself. For the first time in years, I won’t have that constant pressure of someone watching every single result and deciding whether I deserve to stay on the team or not. That freedom is huge. It might sound simple, but it’s something I’ve been missing for a long time. When an athlete can’t concentrate fully on their races because they’re worrying about selections or politics, something isn’t right. And that’s what happened to me over the last few seasons; it took a toll, mentally and emotionally. So, the idea of showing up, racing, and knowing that the only thing that matters is doing my best on the day, that’s what I’m most excited about.

Beyond that, I’m just looking forward to competing again, doing what I love most. I still find it hard to believe that I’ll be racing at the highest level wearing British colours. It’s a huge honour, and I can’t wait for that first start in December. By the time you read this, I’ll probably already have raced: so look me up, and cheer me on. I’ll be out there giving everything I have.

It’s certainly been a tumultuous few years for me but more than anything, I've realised that performance means nothing without balance. In biathlon, everything comes down to control, your breath, your focus, your ability to stay calm when your heart is racing. But outside of competition, that same control can start to slip when you're under constant pressure, when selections and uncertainty take over your thoughts. I've lived through that cycle and I've seen friends struggle with it too. Mental health in elite sport isn't a weakness; it's one of the strongest indicators of long-term success. But for too long, it's been pushed aside; replaced by the idea that athletes should just "handle it." The truth is, even the most resilient athletes need support, transparency and trust to thrive.

My experience within the French system; the shifting goalposts, the arbitrary decisions, the feeling of being disposable. It doesn't just affect your results. It affects who you are as a person. I watched talented athletes lose confidence, question their worth, some even walked away from the sport entirely. Not because they weren't good enough, but because the system broke them down mentally, before they ever got the chance to show what they could do. That's something I'll keep fighting for, not just for myself, but for the next generation of biathletes. Because no athlete should have to choose between their performance and their wellbeing. Sport should bring out the best in us, not break us and I want to be part of that change. If my story can help start that conversation about fairness, balance and mental health, then it's worth sharing. Athletes deserve better. They deserve clarity, they deserve consistency and they deserve to be treated as whole people, not just statistics on a results sheet.

I’d really appreciate your support this winter. The easiest way to follow my progress is to look me up on social media; Instagram, TikTok, or even Strava. My name’s the same pretty much everywhere, so I’m easy to find. You can also watch biathlon live all winter on Eurosport or TNT Sports as every single World Cup race is broadcast. And if you happen to be on holiday in our beautiful ski resort in France, switch over to La Chaîne L’Équipe (channel 21), you’ll get to enjoy the races for free and maybe even pick up a bit of French along the way!

For a closer look at my journey, you can subscribe to my newsletter at jacquesjeff.substack.com that’s where I share updates, reflections, and behind-the-scenes stories from life on the circuit. But for live updates, definitely check out my socials. Give me a follow, send a message, every bit of support means the world. It genuinely keeps me going through the long winters.

NEW OLYMPIC EVENTS

Just over two billion people tuned in to watch the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, according to the International Olympic Committee. In total, 713 billion minutes of the event were consumed across the globe; that’s an increase of 18% on the Pyeongchang Games in 2018. And when asked by the IOC whether they’d like to watch more Winter Olympics coverage in 2026, the majority of respondents responded positively. Perhaps that’s why we’ll see no fewer than seven new events introduced at the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics between Friday 6th and Sunday 22nd February 2026.

Ski Mountaineering

Olympic history: Skimo featured on the programme for the Lausanne 2020 Winter Youth Games and will be part of the Winter Olympics for the first time in 2026.

Country to beat: Italy. Italian athletes have won several major competitions over the last 10 years. This is their sport in their back garden.

Luge: Women’s Doubles

Olympic history: Showcased at previous Winter Youth Olympic Games, the doubles format has previously only included male athletes.

Country to beat: Germany. Traditionally German athletes dominate the medals table in all luge events and their success is best explained by national investment in four international standard luge tracks.

How it works: Lying on their backs, two female athletes use a sled weighing no more than 20kg to descend an icy track feet first. They must coordinate their body movements to steer the sled, maintain aerodynamic positioning and navigate corners at speeds of up to 130km per hour. In Milano-Cortina each team will make two runs of a course, the fastest combined total wins the gold medal.

Why was it added? The women’s single luge event has been a staple of the Winter Games programme since 1964; in the same year the doubles event was introduced and while women were technically eligible to compete in doubles, they didn’t. In Milano-Cortina we’ll see gender equity in luge doubles for the first time, marking a significant step forward for female representation in the sport.

There’ll be 116 medal events in Milano-Cortina in 2026, up from 109 at Beijing 2022. Let’s get to know these seven new events.

How it works: Often called ‘skimo’, this event combines both an uphill and downhill ski to test endurance, climbing ability and downhill technique. There are three medal events in Milano-Cortina - men’s sprint, women’s sprint and the mixed-gender relay. As the name suggests, the sprint format is an intense event, lasting only around three or four minutes. Athletes ascend on skis using skins and transition to bootpacking for a short, steep section at the top of the course, before removing the skins from their skis to descend the piste through gates to the finish line. There’ll be qualifications and knockout heats and the mixed-gender relay includes teams of one male and one female athlete. The fastest total time wins!

Why was it added? Skimo has become hugely popular in recent years and the IOC are keen to attract a younger, more adventureorientated audience.

Women’s Large Hill Ski Jumping

Olympic history:

Men have been taking part in this event since the very first Winter Games in Chamonix in 1924 and the women’s normal hill ski jump was introduced at the Sochi Games in 2014. Milano-Cortina is the first time women have competed on the large hill in an Olympics competition.

Country to beat: Norway. The country is a winter powerhouse when it comes to producing ski jumpers.

How it works:

Athletes launch themselves off a steep ramp (the hill) with the aim of travelling as far as possible while maintaining the perfect form and stability in the air. While the ‘normal’ hill size is between 85m and 109m, the ‘large ‘hill is around 140m, producing longer flight distances, higher speeds and more airtime. This will be a thrilling watch! All athletes will jump once to qualify for the finals. The final round involves two jumps per athletes and scoring is based on a combination of distance, style and a wind /gate compensation.

Why was it added?

Giving female athletes the chance to compete on large hill is part of the IOC’s drive towards gender quality in all winter sports. At the same time, male athletes will compete for the first time in the men’s super team event, which isn’t yet available to female athletes.

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Men’s Super Team Ski Jumping

Olympic history: The Super Team format debuted on the World Cup stage in 2023 and at Milano-Cortina 2026 it replaces the traditional men’s team event. Previously each nation could field four jumpers per team, but now a ‘Super Team’ is comprised of just two jumpers.

Country to beat: Germany. The country dominates the team events, winning all of the super team competitions held for both men and women during the 2024/25 ski jumping season.

How it works: This new format sees male ski jumpers compete over three rounds rather than two, as per the traditional event. Each of the two athletes jumps once in the first round and the top 12 teams advance to round two. They jump again in round two, with the top eight teams going through to the final. Here, each athlete jumps just once to determine the winning team. Scoring is similar to regular ski jumping, with points awarded for distance, style and adjustments for wind and gate changes. With just two jumpers rather than four, each athlete’s performance matters more and there’s less margin for error.

Why was it added? The objective here is to make the team event more dynamic and fast-paced to watch. With just two talented ski jumpers required per team, it’s also hoped that the Super Team format makes the event more accessible for countries that can’t field a full team of four athletes.

Mens & Womens Dual Moguls

Olympic history: Mogul skiing sits within the Winter Games’ ‘Freestyle’ category, which made its Olympic debut in Calgary in 1988. Moguls were added to the Freestyle list in Albertville in 1992 and for the first time in 2026 we’ll see both mens and women’s dual moguls events - where two athletes compete against each other on the same track - in 2026.

Country to beat: Canada. When it comes to mogul skiing across the board, Canada traditionally fields a strong team at the Winter Games, closely followed by their French rivals.

How it works: As you’ll surely know, moguls are bumps formed on a ski slope. Athletes ski down a steep, bumpy course while performing rapid turns and aerial tricks. During the dual moguls competition, two athletes will race side by side, at the same time, on parallel courses. Head to head racing makes the competition easy to follow - the winner of each race advances to the next round. 50% of the judging is based on the quality of turns, 25% on the aerial tricks performed and 25% on speed. The format is a single-elimination knockout, which makes progression to the final thrilling to watch!

Why was it added? Mogul skiing is an exceptional watch, the head-to-head nature of these dual events will be exciting to watch at home. The best mogul skiers have an exceptionally high level of technical skill and the ability to perform under pressure. This new event also provides more medal opportunities in freestyle winter sports events.

Team Combined Alpine Skiing

Olympic history: This brand new mash up event combines both downhill and slalom skiing and it replaces the individual Team Parallel and individual combined races seen at previous Winter Games. The format made its debut at the 2025 World Alpine Ski Championships.

Country to beat: Nations with strong athletes in both disciplines will have the best chances in this event, but with so many variables in terms of athlete selection, the strongest nation is impossible to predict.

How it works: Each participating nation can field up to four teams, with two athletes per team of the same gender. There’ll be two runs; one team member competes in the downhill (or Super G) event, which is speed focused, and the other in the slalom which focusses on tight, technical turns. Each team member races just once and results are calculated by adding together the run times of both team members. Medals are awarded to the teams with the lowest aggregate time.

Why was it added? Ski racers are trained to focus on their own individual performance, this event introduces team dynamics and exciting competitions, especially if nations pair their top athletes in teams together.

Mixed Team Skeleton Relay

Olympic history: Mixed skeleton events have appeared on the World Championship schedule since 2023 and they’re one of the newest additions to the winter sports scene. For the first time in Olympic history, male and female athletes combine in Milano-Cortina.

Country to beat: Great Britain. To date, Team GB is the most successful National Olympic Committee country at this event and at World Championship level, collecting four medals in total. In a country that has no ice track for athletes to train on, this level of success is in part attributed to technological advances in the aerodynamic skin suits, complete with special drag-resistant ridges worn by athletes. As an aside, they share their design with their British Cycling peers.

How it works: Athletes slide head first on a small sled down an ice track, the aim is to complete the course as quickly as possible. In the mixed team relay, one male and one female athlete combine to make a team, they each complete a run down the track. Only athletes who’ve entered and qualified for the individual mens or women’s skeleton events are eligible to take part. In Milano-Cortina, six nations will nominate two teams, a further eight nations will field one team. The combined time of both runs in a single round determines the team’s score and the fastest total time wins the medals.

Why was it added? It’s incredibly unique to have both male and female athletes compete on the same team at a Winter Games event. There’ll be lots of strategising, as both athletes’ performances directly affect the result.

Les Quatre Saisons

du Lac de Montriond

In collaboration with the Mairie de Montriond and the Vallee d’Aulps Office de Tourisme, I’m delighted to present Les Quatre Saisons du Lac de Montriond, an open-air photography exhibition and walking tour of our beautiful lake, charting the ever-changing beauty of the seasons. From winter’s icy stillness to summer’s vibrant energy, each of the nine images included in this photo trail reflects a unique mood and is accompanied by words that invite you to pause, breathe, reflect and feel the beauty that surrounds us at Lac de Montriond.

You’ll find the exhibition along the lakeside trail so that you can experience the photographs in the very setting that inspired them. I’ve selected photos from my larger, ongoing collection of images and they’re available as prints in various sizes and finishes for display on your own walls at home.

I’ve spent countless early mornings and evening golden hours on the shores of Lac de Montriond; having lived in France for nearly two decades, I feel a deep connection with this landscape. I always seek to capture not just what is seen, but the quiet peace and wonder that the lake evokes. I’m forever watching how the light, water and weather transforms it again and again. Each visit brings something new;

frost and silence in winter, mist and reflection in autumn, blossoms in spiring and a vibrant energy in summer. Lac de Montriond is, and will always be, one of my favourite places to photograph, because it never stays the same. It teaches us patience, presence and wonder.

I hope you’ll take the time to pause by the waters of Lac de Montriond this winter or next summer. If you don’t have the opportunity, then you can view the full Lac de Montriond exhibition collection on my website at finesseart.com.

Thank you

Jacquie

An outdoor photography exhibition by Jaquie Cutler of Finesse Art

Overl��king the r��ft�ps and pistes

LE TREMPLIN A NEW CHAPTER

THE RE-OPENING OF

For the last two years it’s been impossible to ignore the building site at the bottom of Morzine’s Pleney. In 2022, Hôtel Le Tremplin was bought by the Timpson family - the same Timpson family that have shops on most high streets in the UK. They’d fallen in love with Morzine, having based their family ski holidays and their mountain home in the village over the previous ten years. When the opportunity arose to buy one of Morzine’s most iconic venues, the Timpson family jumped at the chance. Hotel Le Tremplin is now owned and operated by Flocks Inns, the Timpson hospitality business, which also has venues in the North West of England and in North Wales, in addition to Hotel La Renardiere in Morzine.

As it happens, the previous owners had already planned an extensive refurbishment of Hotel Le Tremplin. Extended in several stages over several decades, the layout, structure and efficiency of the original building were in need of a significant upgrade. Keen to retain the soul and family-friendly atmosphere of Hotel Le Tremplin, the Timpson family took over the plans, enhancing them and creating a vision for a year-round venue with an exceptional apres-ski and apres-bike atmosphere, a cosy restaurant and thirteen individual holiday suites.

When you stand at the bottom of the Pleney this winter, you’ll see an expanded and upgraded Hotel Le Tremplin. This is an incredibly beautiful building, renovated in the style of the original Tremplin but with easier access to and from the slopes. You’ll quickly notice that the apres-ski terrace is larger, as is the outdoor bar. There’s a refurbished telecabine to host exceptional live bands and DJs from across the French Alps, and

a dedicated outdoor dining area; it’ll be a dream during sunny afternoons. Inside, the original bar has been extended and doubled in height to include a cosy lounge and art gallery on an upper floor. Imagine yourself sipping a vin chaud while watching skiers descend the Pleney from one of the full length windows. For the first time in the history of this iconic venue, Le Tremplin’s restaurant will open in the evening, as well as for lunch. The dining space is chic, warm and inviting while the menu features your favourite mountain dishes alongside fresh, innovative meals from executive head chef Mehdi Said. Nathalie Nicey is the new manager at Le Tremplin, backed up by an experienced team that includes Arnaud and Jonathan.

On the upper floors of Le Tremplin, the team have created twelve beautifully designed, selfcontained holiday suites, plus an individual, stand-alone chalet at the rear of the hotel; they’ll be open all year round from Summer 2026. The suites include fully-equipped

kitchens, open-plan lounge and dining areas and cosy interiors and they range in size from two bedrooms to five bedrooms. You’ll be able to book them for your self-catered mountain holidays, complete with hotel-style services.

Aside from the enormous investment that has clearly gone into the renovation of Hotel Le Tremplin, this reopening is incredibly important for the future of Morzine. For the duration of its redevelopment, Le Tremplin was the largest private construction project in the Haute Savoie, which is testament to the opportunity that still exists in Morzine. The Timpson family have also been very clear on their intention to operate the hotel throughout the four seasons of the year. This commitment aligns perfectly with the Mairie de Morzine-Avoriaz’s plan to make the village less dependent on winter sports. There are many reasons why you should visit Morzine during the spring, summer and autumn, now you’ll have a beautiful hotel in which to base yourselves.

Ouvert tous les jours au pied du Pleney Open all day at the foot of the Pleney

Pour suivre l'actualité musicale après-ski en direct, suivez-nous sur Instagram : @letremplin

For live apres-ski music updates follow us on Instagram - @letremplin

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- accessories -

Every accessory you’ll ever need to tune your skis or snowboards can be found in this premium kit from Demon, making it the ideal accompaniment to your winter holiday or the perfect gift for the mountain-lover in your life. Designed to maintain and enhance the performance of your mountain kit, the set includes a waxing iron with adjustable temperature control, a variety of Demon waxes so you can tune depending on the type of snow you’re riding and edge tuner with adjustable angles. You’ll also find P-Tex sticks for base repairs, a full compliment of brushes and tools and a heavyduty carry case to make the whole thing easily transportable. This is an investment piece, best suited to experienced skiers and snowboarders.

The Crusher ANC2 is a premium over-ear, wireless headphone with a difference - the focus here is on ‘sensory bass’, combined with active noise cancellation, multipoint Bluetooth and a longer-than-average battery life. As you’d expect from Skull Candy there’s padded memoryfoam ear pads, a super-secure head clamp and a dedicated thumb-wheel (or dial) for adjusting the ‘Crusher’ sensor-bass intensity. You’ll get 50 hours of battery time and a quick charge of just 10 minutes gives you four hours of playback.

These are a game-changer if you (like me) are prone to stopping at the side of the piste to take a photo or wipe the snots from the nose of a small child and dropping your glove in the process. As per the mittens we stuff onto the hands of our little ones for their first ski lesson, these leash loops attach to your existing ski gloves while looping around your wrist. The glove leash is compatible with a wide range of gloves, it’s low cost and fuss free.

Michael Henderson Morzine Source magazine creative director

Snow Leader Glove Leash

Demon Complete Tune Kit

Many snowsports outerwear brands come already equipped with a RECCO reflector, but at the same time, many do not. RECCO reflectors are lightweight, passive, rescue system transponders that can be used to find you, should you find yourself in an avalanche situation or lost in the mountains. Rescue professionals use a detector to locate your RECCO reflector and the more of them you wear, the more discoverable you are. This option is compact, requires no batteries or regular maintenance and attaches with ease to your helmet, providing an extra level of safety. Fans of the off-piste will know, RECCO isn’t a replacement for an avalanche transceiver, good knowledge of snow conditions and an experienced mountain guide.

We truly believe that your goggles are one of the most important parts of your winter kit and it’s possible to invest serious money in a good pair. But the moment you spot that first lens scratch can be heartbreaking. Improve your goggle’s chances of survival with a GoggleSoc, a soft, stretchable microfibre cover designed to shield your lenses from scratches, smudges and any moisture (i.e. snow) falling from the sky. Gogglesocs are constructed from recycled plastic bottles, they’re machine washable and they’re designed to fit on most goggle sizes. When you’re not using it to protect your goggles, it fits snugly into your pocket, you won’t even know its there. We also love the different colour ways and collaborations.

Morzine

Helmet Recco Reflector

Première glisse

Les Gets ↓

So keen is Les Gets to host your first ski holiday, they’ve created two individual zones and two excellent value lift passes to help you fall in love with skiing.

Mappys:

Resting half way up the Chavannes and easily accessible from the top of the telecabine, the Mappys ski area is a haven for beginner skiers of all ages. Les Gets has designed this zone beautifully; it’s a treelined area, tucked away from the wider ski area, making it safe for those first cautions turns on snow. You’ll find two magic carpets, one of which has just been extended and covered to protect you from the mountain elements. There’s also a rope tow and combined, you’ll begin your skiing or snowboarding on one of four gentle green slopes. Mappys is also easily accessible for pedestrians and is close to several restaurants and cafes for when break time comes.

Altitude: 1482m

Access: 1 telecabine from the centre of the village Size: 2 magic carpets, 1 rope tow, 4 slopes in total coverage: Excellent, additional snow canons recently added

Price: €19 per person per day including one return journey on the Chavannes telecabine and unlimited use of the other lifts. Free for under fives.

P’tite Glisse:

Consider this to be your Les Gets progression pass. You’ve mastered your first turns and you’re ready to explore a little more of the mountain. The P’tite Glisse zone also includes the Chavannes telecabine and from the top you can venture further afield on 12 different ski lifts giving access to 13 slopes. These include the beginners Mappys area, plus the Indians and Grand Cry zones, totalling seven green pistes, five blues and 1 red run to really push your progression.

Altitude: From resort level at 1170m to the top of the Chavannes chairlift at 1557m

Access: 1 telecabine from the centre of the village, you can also ski directly to the bottom Size: 12 ski lifts, 13 slopes coverage: Excellent and well-served by snow canons

Price: €28 per adult per day, €21.50 per child per day. Free for under fives.

Morzine ↓

Morzine is famous for its fantastic beginner facilities, which have been both extended and enhanced in recent years.

Pleney:

The Pleney beginner area is easily accessible from the centre of the village and the recent addition of the Nabor magic carpet makes those early days on skis even easier. This is a gentle and secure place to learn, with wonderful views in all directions to inspire you. The beginner slope is wide and tree-lined, while the wider learning zone also includes the famous Penguin Park, complete with fun features to aid your progression. Perfect your skills during unlimited rides on the Nabor and Belvédére chairlifts then retreat to one of the excellent surrounding restaurants and cafes for a well deserved rest.

It’s

one of your most frequently asked questions on our social media channels - which resort is best for beginner skiers and families?

As it happens, all four of our local resorts have created dedicated, well-managed and safe beginner zones with excellent value lift passes to suit.

Altitude: 1550m

Access: 1 telecabine from the top of the village

Size: Four lifts giving access to a variety of different pistes across the beginner zone coverage: Excellent, and well maintained by snow canons

Price: €25.50 per person per day including one return journey on the Pleney telecabine and unlimited use of the other lifts. Free for under fives.

Nyon:

This is a wonderful alternative to Pleney, accessible via the free bus service from the centre of Morzine to the bottom of the Nyon telepherique. At the top you’ll discover a beautiful plateau, complete with a covered magic carpet just next to the restaurant and stunning views across the valley. The Nyon beginner pass includes a return trip on the Nyon telepherique and unlimited access to the Aiglon magic carpet, the Raverettes chairlift and the two Poireaux drag lifts, giving you plenty of scope to progress with your skiing.

Altitude: 1500m

Access: Take a free bus from the village to Nyon, 1 telecabine to the plateau

Size: Four lifts giving access to a variety of slopes on the front face of Nyon coverage: Very good and served by snow canons

Price: €23.50 per person per day including one return journey on the Nyon telepherique and unlimited use of the other lifts. Free for under fives.

Avoriaz ↓

It’s the gateway to the Portes du Soleil, known for its high altitude and reliable snow depths throughout the winter season. But did you know that Avoriaz is also home to three excellent beginner zones, all of which are accessible via one dedicated beginners ski pass? They’re Plateau, Super Morzine and Lindarets.

Plateau:

Perfect for those of you staying in Avoriaz, this zone is great for complete beginners. It’s just a short walk from the centre of the village and is home to many of the ski schools. There’s an ESF-run snow garden for little ones and a collection of nice, slow drag lifts to help you advance your skills. The Plateau zone links to the Super Morzine beginner zone via the blue Proclou piste. You can also use the Prodains 3S telecabine to access the Plateau beginner zone.

Super Morzine:

Progress on skis or a snowboard comes from travelling further afield and the Super Morzine is fantastic for this. All of the lifts in this sector are included in the Avoriaz beginner pass, but don’t forget to explore the Lil’Stash during your journey. The Avoriaz beginner pass also includes access to the Super Morzine telecabine, so it’s a great option if you’re staying in Morzine.

Lindarets:

Also home to various ski school meeting points, Lindarets includes a dedicated beginner slope and drag lift, plus the fantastic Léchere chairlift and run. This is a green slope, it’s often quiet and for many, it’s their first experience skiing in the mountains. The Lindarets beginner zone is accessible via the Ardent Telecabine, which is also included in the beginner pass.

Altitude: Plateau - 1800m, Super Morzine - 1756m, Lindarets - 1476m

Access: Prodains 3S, Super Morzine and Lindarets telecabines are all included in the beginner pass Size: 12 ski lifts are included in addition to the access telecabines

Coverage: Best on Plateau and Lindarets throughout the season, Super Morzine has excellent snow canon coverage also

Price: Five hour beginner pass is €29 per person, 1 day is €34 and 2 days €60. One pass covers all three areas. Free for under fives.

Roc d’Enfer ↓

This is a unique, stand-alone ski resort with 51km of trails served by 16 different ski lifts, but it’s also part of the Portes du Soleil region too. There’s a fantastic beginner ski area at the Roc d’Enfer, promising calm, secure slopes throughout the season. There’s also a commitment to keeping costs low for beginner skiers, encouraging you to take your first turns in the shadow of the magnificent Roc d’Enfer mountain. Select your beginner ski area depending on your base.

Bellevaux - La Chévrerie:

This is an evolving beginner ski area with both green and blue slopes to encourage progression and a collection of four of drag lifts. It’s very family-orientated in Bellevaux - La Chévrerie with an authentic Savoyarde village atmosphere.

Grande Terche:

Elsewhere in the Roc d’Enfer ski area, and perhaps most convenient if you’re staying in Saint Jean d’Aulps, Montriond or Morzine you’ll discover a second beginner zone at the top of the Grande Terche telecabine. Use the ‘débutant’ lift pass and the Torchon chairlift to access the progression zones in La Chévrerie village.

Altitude: La Chévrerie - 1100m, Grande Terche - 1505m

Access: Use the free bus service form St Jean d'Aulps to access the Grande Terche.

Size: The ‘Village’ pass includes four drag lifts, the ‘Debutant’ pass includes four drag lifts and the Torchon chairlift, plus a return trip in the telecabine.

coverage: Good snow canon coverage and usually plentiful with natural snow during mid-season.

Price: The ‘Village’ pass is €16.50 per person per day, the ‘Debutant’ pass is €22.50 per person per day.

“THE COMMUTE DOESN’T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS”

Behind the scenes with Legend Snowboarding

By Valerio Antoniello

Valerio Antoniello has been living in the Vallee d’Aulps for over 10 years, but he’s dedicated over two decades to teaching, learning and sharing his passion for snowboarding with people from all over the world. Last winter he decided it was time to start his own venture and Legend Snowboarding was born.

“My friend Stefano and I run Legend Snowboarding, and we teach across Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz. We’re both from Turin and we first learnt to snowboard near to our home towns in the Italian Alps.

I started skiing at three years old and discovered snowboarding ten years later. Snowboarding was a rebel sport back then and everyone thought I was crazy for wanting to be a snowboard instructor. But it was my dream and I’ve never looked back. After finishing my degree at Turin University I realised that a corporate career wasn’t for me and that I needed to follow my dream of living in the mountains and snowboarding every day. Despite being told by pretty much everyone I know that I should get a ‘real’ job, I headed to the Italian resort of Sestriere for my first winter season. Here I trained to become a snowboard instructor and after four seasons I passed the selection to access the teaching course. I got my diploma with the Italian Federation of Winter Sports (FISI) in 2016. That same year that I moved to Morzine and I’ve been here teaching snowboarding ever since!

Stefano and I actually met in the Italian resort of Sestriere more than 10 years ago when we were both training to be instructors. Since then we’ve been great friends, house mates, he was even my best man at my wedding! Stefano has taught snowboarding all over Italy before joining me in Morzine two seasons ago.

Running a business dedicated to the sport we love is awesome. We decided to create Legend Snowboarding because, for us, snowboarding is unique in the sense that there are no set rules. One rider can be equally as good as another, but their style of riding can be completely different. It’s about unlocking that potential and being inspired by the environment around you. That’s what makes snowboarding so fun and playful. We wanted to share this creativity with others. To see kids and adults alike learning to snowboard with such excitement and enthusiasm makes us realise how much joy there is in this sport.

Sure, there are many amazing winter resorts across Europe, but we chose the Portes du Soleil because of the variety of terrain on offer. This makes it a great place to learn to snowboard. The sheer size of the ski area here means that there are great opportunities for beginners and advanced riders. There’s easy access between the different areas and there are plenty of green and blue slopes to progress on so you can start exploring straight away.

We’re often asked whether there’s a minimum age for snowboard lessons, especially since so many children learn to ski first. We’ve discovered that there are more and more young riders coming to us to learn snowboarding; in fact there are so many that we have our own local kids club now! Snowboarding is definitely becoming more popular amongst kids and there’s so much new equipment out there that they’ll often enjoy snowboarding more than skiing! At Legend Snowboarding we teach children from three years old, as this is when they can really find their balance, discover sliding on the snow andmost importantly - have fun! We provide one-on-one lessons for little ones so they can gain confidence first before shredding with their friends. I don’t think it’s necessary to learn to ski before snowboarding as they both involve very different skills. I think the most important thing at the beginning of the journey is to get used to the mountain environment; being guided by a professional instructor makes their first experience much more enjoyable.

At the same time, we love it when adults come to us to snowboard for the first time. If you’re reading this and you’re thinking about making the switch from two planks to one, it’s never too late! Just do it! There’s a common fear of falling over when learning to snowboard, especially as an adult. With the right instruction and support you can safely build up your skills to become an independent and confident snowboarder at any age. The key is to take it easy and respect your own pace.

We all have our favourite parts of the Portes du Soleil but personally I love teaching in Avoriaz. It’s the home of snowboarding in France! It offers a great range of slopes, from Proclou for beginners to Arare and Linderets for intermediate and advanced riders. You can also approach and improve your freestyle skills in one of the three different snow parks. On a powder day Avoriaz is the place to be!

Running your own business in the mountains is a dream come true, but on a day off, you’ll find me with my splitboard, exploring different parts of the Portes du Soleil. At the end of a day teaching, one of my favourite routes home is via the Vallee de la Manche with friends. The commute doesn’t get any better than that.

The other thing we love is receiving feedback from our clients; it’s very rewarding to know that they had a great time with us, building their confidence, learning the techniques or exploring hidden areas of the resort. We always aim to provide the best experience for our clients and each lesson is tailored to their expectations. Everyone is different and we always adapt our teaching to their needs and pace. A lot of people tell us we are patient, fun and easy-going, which I think reflects our philosophy for snowboarding.

We’re always very excited as each winter season approaches and we’re always planning new things. We’re looking forward to riding with all our clients from last year, and meeting lots more on the slopes. We can’t wait to shred again with our local kids club and welcome new mini Legends.

I’d say what makes us different is that we are a small team - it’s just Stefano and I. We get to know our clients and offer a personalised approach, which focuses on your snowboarding goals.

A sophisticated BOUTIQUE experience

Welcome to Hotel Coutettaz

With 11 stunning rooms, our historic Morzine hotel balances French flair with understated English hospitality. It’s a haven for skiers, foodies and lovers of the great outdoors. Adventure is on your doorstep. If you can bear to leave. Discover more at coutettaz.com

Siddhartha UllahUPDATE

“I’m hoping to be adapting as the venues change and adding new tricks to showcase my technicality and creativity.”

Siddhartha Ullah is no stranger to the pages of Morzine Source Magazine and our regular readers will remember his inspiring interview, aged just 17 years old, in our Winter 25 magazine. Sidd is a Team GB half-pipe athlete and when we last spoke, he was balancing his time on snow with studies at Stamford University in California. Since it's is an Olympic winter, we asked Sidd for a quick catch-up!

How are your preparations for this winter season going Sidd?

I’m really excited about this upcoming season. I’ve had some great training camps, both on snow and on the airbag, so I’m excited to see it all come together in competitions this winter. Of course, with it being an Olympic year everyone has been levelling up and I’m looking forward to getting into it. For me, a successful winter would be me putting down my new run in the Olympic qualifying events and going on to quality for Milano-Cortina.

It’s tricky to understand the qualification process… is it like that for you also?

To qualify I need to meet both FIS an Team GB criteria. The FIS criteria is to be in the adjusted top 24 athletes at the close of the Olympic qualifying period, which started in 2024 and ends in January 2026. It includes competing in 10 different events in five different resorts. Team GB has some additional criteria, which is achieving two top 40% results during the 10 qualifying events. So that means you can objectively qualify for the Olympics, but will only be selected to represent Team GB if you meet their standards.

How do you plan to level up for this winter?

I’m hoping to evolve my run through the halfpipe throughout the competitions, adding in new tricks. The competition season ahead of the Olympics is back to back, with travel every week from China to the US to Canada, back to the US and then finally to Switzerland, all within six weeks. So there isn’t much time to train once the competitions start. But I’m hoping to be adapting as the venues change and adding new tricks to showcase my technicality and creativity.

Where does your inspiration for new tricks come from?

Emphasising my style and creativity in my riding this season through spinning on unique and unconventional axises in the halfpipe is something I’ve been working on for a while and it feels ready to come together. My inspiration comes from everything around me, but also within me. I’m really motivated by the idea of doing things that are new, or haven’t been seen very often. I’m inspired by other snowboarders, but also by skateboarding and even new tricks in video games! Some of the snowboarders that have influenced me are Taylor Gold, Raibu Katayama and Kazuhiro Kokubu. Each of them had their own style and rode in a way that was especially unique.

If you qualify for Milano-Cortina, will your mum be there to watch you?

Haha, yes, of course. She goes everywhere but there have been a lot of friends and family who've also supported me from afar over the years and I know might now want to share this experience - my Nani and Nana (grandparents) are in the UK, which isn't a long journey, so hopefully they can come. But if not, I'm sure they’ll be watching along with my other grandparents, who are in the US. And some of my friends from childhood and college, some of my aunties, uncles and cousins might join, but I'm really just focusing on the process of qualifying and not thinking that far ahead.

What are your predictions for halfpipe medals at the Olympics?

This year there are a lot of really good snowboarders in contention for the podium, so I think it's going to be a lot closer than in the past. But I'd say the Japanese snowboard team, both men's and women's, is definitely one to watch out for.

What’s the best thing about being a professional snowboarder?

Getting to snowboard all day! I do also love traveling, you kind of have to. Being on the road 10 months of the year can be a bit of grind, but I really enjoy getting to see so many parts of world and experiencing so many different cultures. Going to the Olympics would of course be the culmination of years of hard work and the actualisation of a childhood dream. I’d have the chance to make history as the both the first African American and also South Asian / Bangladeshi snowboarder in the Games, which makes it all the more special. Off the snow, my goals this season are to have opportunities to pursue my hobbies - making music and design. I've taken a break from my University studies since last June to focus on snowboarding but hope to have an opportunity to return to my studies at Stanford this coming April.

who asked for this?

FASHION fast & skiing

“What the hell does Zara know about skiing?” asked a viral TikTok video in December 2024. Zara produce over 450 million garments per year, making the company the very definition of fast fashion (fast fashion: “inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers in response to the latest trends” in case we need clarification). It’s beginning to sound like I’m here to bash fast fashion, but I’m not. Zara is often my go-to for everyday clothing, especially for the kids; it’s affordable, cool, arrives quickly… but to wear on Chamoissiere? I’m not sure.

The TikTok video was in response to the opening of the first Zara Ski concept store in the Swiss resort of Verbier. Designed to mimic the inside of an igloo, the store came complete with floating plastic icebergs for merchandising and free hot chocolate. Zara actually launched their first ski collection in 2022, at a time when many high street and fast fashion brands were beginning to focus on the sports clothing and athleisure market. The launch of this concept store told us that Zara means business when it comes to entering the ski market.

Influencers flooded social media to tell us that their Zara ski clothing “looks designer” but at a fraction of the cost. Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Pradato name just a few - all produce capsule ski collections each year with a very similar aesthetic, but at a vastly higher price point. And sure, those fur-lined hoods, cinched waists, tight ski pants, cropped puffer jackets and one-piece suits look cute if that’s your style, but do you they actually keep you warm and dry in the mountains?

I’m slightly conflicted here, because anything that reduces the cost of a ski holiday gets a big thumbs up from me, especially where children are concerned. Maybe you’ve been tempted by skiing for a little while and this Zara Ski collection makes it accessible and appealing; you know the brand, you see the clothes while you’re in store, shopping for a new Christmas jumper, they’re much cheaper than most other brands. You might argue that Zara are breaking down the cost to entry with their ski collection, making it more accessible to a diverse range of skiers. And I’m here for all of that.

Zara describe their ski range as “waterproof, warm and safe - designed to enjoy the snow even in the harshest conditions.” The accompanying ad campaign includes a random collection of ropes, snow shovels and poles, suggesting this clothing can be used in the high mountains. Except no one’s wearing ski or snowboarding boots, so I’m not sure how they got there. This is where fast fashion’s addiction to cutting corners comes in and this is where I have concerns.

Mid-way between Morzine and Avoriaz

300m from the Prodains Express lift station

At the foot of the Prodains cliffs, surrounded by fir trees

Ski to the door

Flexible bedrooms

Restaurant serving delicious, traditional French food PLUS

Airport transfers

Equipment rental

Waterproofing on ski clothing is important; it stops rain or snow soaking through the fabric and Zara lists its outerwear as having a waterproof rating of between 15,000mm and 20,000mm, which is admirable. Heritage mountain brands such as Patagonia achieve similar waterproofing specifications using a GORE-TEX™ membrane, which is the widelyaccepted industry standard. Zara don’t use GORE-TEX™, but still, 15k - 20k waterproofing is good. However, staying warm in the mountains doesn’t begin and end with waterproofing; breathability is just as important. For the uninitiated, skiing makes you sweat and if that sweat can’t escape >>

Prices from €105 to €155 per person per night, half board

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from your body, it’ll get cold; you’ll get cold. The absence of a GORE-TEX™ membrane means that Zara’s ski range has a very low breathability rating; it hasn’t been designed to let your body wick away moisture or breathe while you’re slaying the slopes. In simplified terms, fabric breathability is measured by an RET score; the lower the score, the more breathable and efficient a fabric is. Heritage brands such as Patagonia or Arc’teryx will have very low RET scores, regularly around the 6 RET mark. The lowest RET score in the Zara Ski range was 13, but the average was 20 RET, making them not particularly pleasant to wear during exercise.

In 2022 my friend Louise and I launched a campaign to make skiing and snowboarding safer. It’s called the Piste X Code and we wanted to reduce the number of avoidable collisions on the slopes. Any item of mountain equipment that pedals the word ‘safe’ gets our attention. All Zara Ski jackets are “equipped with RECCO technology to help rescue professionals find you in case of an accident, avalanche, or getting lost in difficult-to-reach areas” confirms their marketing spiel. I’m having trouble imagining anyone exploring the Avoriaz freeride zone or the Vallee de la Mancheoff-piste in a cropped Zara ski jacket, but you never know. RECCO is an advanced rescue technology system used by official rescue teams; you wear the reflector, rescue teams use a detector to find you in hard to reach locations, or after an avalanche. RECCO makes you more searchable, but it’s never a replacement for mountain safety equipment, avalanche safety courses or mountain guides. Please don’t let the presence of a RECCO reflector in your ski jacket give you a false sense of security.

The Zara Ski range also includes a helmet and

a pair of goggles, both of which are essential items of safety kit in the mountains. At the time of writing, these items aren’t available to buy via Zara, so I can’t compare their safety properties with, say POC, Dragon or one of the other bestin-class helmet and goggle manufacturers. But I will share this with you… for a ski helmet and goggle combination to effectively keep you safe in the mountains, they must be comfortablechoosing the correct size is essential. Buy your helmet from a shop, have it fitted correctly and accept that you’ll likely pay more than the Zara alternative. No price difference is worth the compromise here.

Why is all of this important? Sure, I’m keen to avoid a cycle of consumerism in the ski industry and the jackets and trousers you buy should last you several seasons. Watching Zara, H&M, ASOS and Shein launch ski outerwear collections just feels weird. However, if you’ve invested in your first ski holiday - and let’s be honest, that’s quite an investment - and Zara have successfully marketed their ski wear to you, There's a chance you'll find yourself cold and grumpy at the top of a mountain. What you’re wearing to ski can literally make or break your holiday and maybe you’ll decide never to ski again. It doesn’t have to be like this and I have other options for you.

Buy Second Hand

On Morzine’s Rue du Bourg you’ll find the Montagne Verte second hand shop and a collection of excellent, clean and fully functional outerwear. Seriously, there are some amazing treasures in this shop, from base layers to full kids ski outfits and beyond. They’ve been washed and repaired and they’re ready to wear at a fraction of the cost. In Les Gets, the Riding2win shop includes a collection of pre-loved ski wear with profits from all sales supporting the work of the Ellie Soutter Foundation.

Rent

Crevasse Clothing supply full outerwear sets for both adults and kids on a rental basis, including equipment from quality brands. They’ll help you determine exactly what you need for your holiday, family sets are available and all kit is posted to you in advance of your trip. You simply return them (for free) after your holiday. As a guide, an adult male full rental set costs just £95 per week and children’s sets are just £79. Head to crevasseclothing.com.

Shop The Sales

Many quality outerwear brands and retail sites mark down their remaining winter season stock in February or March each year, offering big discounts, particularly on kids clothing. Picture Organic Clothing is one of our favourite brands for kids kit. 69% of the polyester used to make their technical apparel comes from recycled plastic bottles, so you’re off to a good start. If you’re starting from scratch and you need to buy a full outerwear set, sites such as blue-tomato. com and sportspursuit.com include a large range, whilst your local Ellis Brigham or Snow & Rock provide expertise and mountain knowledge.

TK Maxx

September each year usually sees UK high street brand TK Maxx launch their ski event, with mid-range brands from across the outerwear market available with a 60% discount. The advantage here is that you can go to your local store to check quality and sizing before you buy, plus available items are typically left over stocks from last season; when you buy them, they avoid the landfill site.

Go Bold

Maybe you have the financial resources to invest €1,000 (or more) in the latest Patagonia jacket and bib pants. Patagonia offer an ironclad guarantee on all of their products; if something doesn’t perform to your satisfaction, you can return it for a repair, replacement or refund. Their Worn Wear scheme allows you to trade in eligible Patagonia gear for credits on new kit. There’s even an all-singing, alldancing official Patagonia web shop for second hand clothing. Head to wornwear.patagonia.com.

If You Must Zara

There’s a genuine argument for having two winter coats on a ski holiday; one quality jacket to use each day in the mountains and another for your evening escapades and apres-ski. In my opinion, the Zara Ski range was designed specifically for the latter, and for your Instagram feed.

your opinion

we reached out to you, our readers and this is what you had to say.

The perfect accompaniment to the Barkley bib pants and also with 10k waterproofing and breathability, this jacket features the Volcom Grow-Tech system so you can extend the sleeves to make it last one more season. The hood is helmetcompatible with an elastic gaiter inside, there’s a suede chin guard for comfort around the neck line and the fit is roomy, which kids love.

Kid-appropriate scale goggles should not be underestimated and Dragon do this brilliantly. They feel like grown up goggles but they also deliver excellent protection that’s made specifically for smaller faces. They are lightweight and compact, and also helmet compatible. The lenses are colour optimised using Dragon’s Lumalens tech, which helps to enhance contrast and depth perception while also blocking 100% of UV rays.. The anti-fog coating helps prevent steam-up and there’s a dual-layer foam with a micro-fleece lining to make them soft against skin. At the end of the day, it’s the cool Lil Kaiju design that’ll win you over.

This is top-tier safety protection for little heads. The POCito range isn’t simply an adults helmet, downsized for children; it’s a compete set of safety features for smaller skiers. The MIPS function helps to reduce rotational forces, should an impact occur. Aramid reinforcements inside the helmet strengthen its structure and improve resistance while the bright, fluorescent colours make your children more visible on the slopes. POCito helmets are also comfy, they’re not too heavy and they have fullyadjustable ventilation too.

amie Henderson morzine source magazine editor

POCito Fornix MIPS Ski Helmet rrp €180.00 poc.com

Lil D - Lil Kaiju rrp €52.00 europe.dragonalliance.com

Balancing performance, durability and comfort is key when selecting outerwear for kids. These Volcom bib pants are made from a two later V Science shell, offering waterproofing and breathability at 10k, which is more than enough for a day on the slopes. The insulation is great without being overly bulky, the adjustable elastic suspenders make it easy to layer up on colder days and the Zip Tech® jacket-to-pants interface keeps out the snow.

This clever piece of kit allows alpine ski boots and bindings to be temporarily adapted for ski touring - now you can take your kids on those adventures with you! The touring adapted is specifically designed for children between the ages of six and 12 years, offering an adjustable fit so it grows with your child’s feet. It’s reasonably light at around 840g per pair and also includes a handy climbing aid to assist with steeper up-hills. You’ll need to remove the adapter from the binding for decent, you’ll also need an accompanying pair of skins (see below), but this kit is a fantastic way to introduce small people to the joys of the back country.

We love this dexterity and target game as it blends elements of pétanque, darts and molkky, but instead of carrying heavy balls or sharp arrows around with you, the ‘darts’ are made from a soft, flexible silicone that cling to smooth surfaces using suction. Tossit works anywhere - plat it on a wall, a floor, a table… the possibilities are endless.

A continuation of the kids touring line from Contour, these skins are 95mm wide and 125cm long, making them perfect for skis measuring up to 140cm. They stick using Contour’s “hybrid’ adhesive technology, which is much more user-friendly than older glue skins. They also combine simplified, user-friendly attachments with a tip loop and easy handling.

Designed specifically for groms who are progressing on the slopes, kids love the very soft flex on these boots, which is both comfortable and conducive to a full day on the slopes. The BOA fastening system, combined with a power strap gives a quick, easy and accurate fit and comes in especially handing when wearing ski gloves! The liners are designed specifically for kids feet and they’re also made to grow with them too - Deeluxe recommend choosing one size larger than your child’s current foot size to last them multiple seasons without compromising fit or performance.

deeluxe Rough Diamond rrp €159,95 deeluxe.com

TOSSIT Game rrp €30,99 tossit.game

“Don’t

be afraid of being yourself ”

INTERVIEW THE

GerkenMakaylaSchofield

by michael Henderson

What are the chances that one British family from Chelmsford in Essex could produce three exceptionally talented professional mogul skiers? Thomas, Leonie and Makayla Gerken Schofield moved to Châtel in 2003, with Makayla making her moguls debut in 2017. In 2022 she made history, becoming the first-ever British skier to make it into an Olympic moguls final, securing the highest ever position for any British athlete, male or female. With no fewer than five World Championships under her belt, and several top 10 finishes, Makayla secured her first podium in 2023, with a third place finish. But it’s not been a smooth ride for Makayla - this is mogul skiing after all.

Where are you at the moment Makayla?

“I’m in Sweden currently, at a training camp for 10 days and then back home to Morzine. I grew up in Châtel, I moved there with my family when I was six years old. We used to go on family ski holidays every winter then my parents had this idea to rent a chalet for the season on AirB&B. That turned into us buying a house in Châtel and they’re still living in it - we never really went back to the UK! I joined the local ski club when I was 10 or 11 years old - I actually failed the ski test when I first tried out. My technique wasn’t good enough!”

Châtel Ski Club sets some pretty high standards, that’s for sure. Look at Ben Cavet, Oscar Mandin, and your own siblings Leonie and Tom!

“That’s right, I think it’s because we have the whole of the Portes du Soleil to ski in, with such diverse terrain to progress on. The Ski Club made us try all the freestyle disciplines, so we’d go to the park, we’d do free ride, we’d do moguls because you have to try everything, then figure out what you enjoy. I’ve always been scared of the park, but when I tell people I ski moguls, they’re the opposite - they hate them! But yes, I grew up skiing with Ben, Oscar, my older brother and sister, it was pretty insane and inspiring.”

Do you remember your first time skiing moguls?

“I was maybe 11 years old and I’d take part in little competitions around the area, then around France. At that age you’d have a line of bumps then one little jump at the end, I remember doing the classic star jump, it’s quite funny now to watch that on old videos. As I got older there’d be two jumps on the course and as girls, we were mainly doing a 360 on the first jump and then a backflip at the bottom of the course because female skiers weren’t allowed to do two flips. When the rules changed, it helped us progress and now we’re able to do two backflips but one must have a grab in it.”

What are the chances that one family would produce three professional mogul skiers though?

“I actually cried the first day I had to go to ski club. I was a very shy kid, my French was good but I wasn’t particularly comfortable speaking French and I hated the unknown. Being around a lot of people made me really anxious. My brother Tom and my sister Leonie would come back from ski club super excited about their day. I’m so pleased I joined them as we got to travel around the world to competitions, it’s like a little family holiday! Except it’s not a holiday, obviously. My parents spent a lot of money funding our training camps and our travel. I also got some performancebased grants from the UK National Lottery, which was useful! Châtel as a village have also sponsored me, which I’m very grateful for. >>

My sister has had so many injuries but the fact that she always came back from them was so inspiring for me. If I want something, I can fight for it. Leonie is retired now, it was the right decision for her. She’d get to the top of a course and she’d be scared. You can’t be scared. But she still misses competing. And my brother was the first British male moguls athlete to get on a podium, so I wondered if I could be the first female. I really miss my siblings when I’m travelling and competing now. We’d always hug each other at the top of a run, but they’re no longer there. It took me some time to adapt.”

You mentioned injuries; mogul skiing really takes its toll on your body.

“My brother Tom has struggled a lot with concussions. As a family, it’s been really hard to see him go up and down, both mentally and physically. He’s having that conversation with himself now, wondering whether he should come back to competitions or not. He’s like 50-50 at the moment and I said to him, you can’t be 50-50 and come back, you’ve got to be fully committed if you want it. We all know the risks of mogul skiing, especially with the aerial sections. Weirdly, I think that’s what we enjoy the most - that adrenaline rush. But the main question I get asked is ‘are your knees ok?’ We’re absorbing the bumps with our knees and all of those impacts are going into our backs. It’s a thing, it’s called ‘moguls back’, the muscles spasm, the equivalent of tennis elbow I guess.”

I read that the global TV audience for mogul skiing competitions is increasingly significantly at the moment. Why might that be?

“Obviously alpine skiing is thrilling - it’s super technical and you have to get down the course as quickly as possible - the fastest skier wins. But with moguls, there’s much more going on. You have the aerials, they’re pretty spectacular to watch, the moguls themselves, which can be huge, it’s hard to tell on TV. You have the technical side, and the speed. We’re being judged on a mix of all these things. Plus, I like to put my own style on the course. Coming up at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina there’ll be two moguls events, which is really exciting. The individual moguls events are the regular courses that we all know and love, then there’s the dual moguls, which is brand new for these Games. Two skiers will compete head to head on the same course. I got my first ever World Cup podium in the duals format, so yes, I’m excited! Though we don’t know if I’ve qualified for the Games until further down the line.”

Did you ever have to make decision on whether to compete for Team GB or the French national team?

“My brother, sister and I all grew up skiing with the French team, until we were about 17 or 18 years old. I got my French nationality when I was 18 years old, but it took a long time. Too long for the French national team. Then Team GB created a moguls team and they contacted my dad to see if we wanted to literally become the team. They’d seen our results in the Europa Cup competitions, we were getting podiums regularly, so we met with them in London. It was just the three of us at the beginning, but they offered to take us to World Cups under the Team GB flag and hopefully we’d inspire other athletes to

“I didn’t feel like I was skiing for myself anymore. I didn’t enjoy it, so what’s the point?”

join us. I don’t think we’d have had those opportunities with the French team.”

We talked about the physicality of mogul skiing and relentless impact on your body, but how does the commitment to training affect you mentally?

“Team GB let us pick our own coach, we spoke to all of our old coaches and they recommended one to us - he was known as the best technical moguls coach in France. He was excellent, but the programme drained the fun out of skiing for me. I didn’t feel like I was skiing for myself anymore. I didn’t enjoy it, so what’s the point at the end of the day? Now we share a Canadian coach with a South African athlete, which is common practise for small teams like ours. Mogul skiing is an individual sport but it’s nice to travel as a team on the circuit, push each other and we’ve become like a little family. I really didn’t feel like I belonged on my first World Cup tour, I had imposter syndrome. Now I try to help the younger athletes, I remind them that they’ve worked hard, they belong here, and to enjoy it.

You mentioned earlier that you were particularly shy when you were younger and uncertain of your place on the team. What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?

“Don’t be afraid of being yourself. Stick to what you believe in and love yourself fully. Sometimes you’ll feel like a burden to people, especially family when you’re trying to reach your goals and you need their support. When things don’t go your way, it can feel hard, but keep going.”

You went to the Beijing Games - AKA the COVID Olympics - in 2022. What do you remember about the experience?

“The Olympics are cool because they’re a mix of all these disciplines and athletes. But Beijing was very very odd. I was excited about being in the Olympic Village, there’s this whole hype about being in the athletes dining room, meeting new people. But we weren’t allowed to mix with anyone. We were in little cabins and we could only be in the country for 48 hours. So we didn’t go to awards ceremonies, watch any of our friends compete, it was sad. Pressurewise, I think I dealt with it pretty well, I kept telling myself it’s just like a World Cup event, competing against the same people, the best 30 mogul skiers in the world. I tried not to be phased by it all. My parents have already bought tickets for the 2026 games, it’ll be an entirely different experience - that’s if I qualify of course!”

>>

We’re on the verge of the new winter season. How’s it looking for you?

“Last winter was my first coming back after a knee injury and it was pretty tough, I was still getting loads of pain. I’ve been doing a lot of rehab and gym work to get physically stronger and mentally confident with my body. Training is going well and I feel my confidence has grown back so I’m excited to see how the season rolls out but I’m trying not to put any expectations on myself. Apart from having fun and enjoying it!”

Mogul athletes tend to retire at quite a young age, as we’ve discussed. Have you begun to think about

life after moguls?

“It pops into my head, I mean we’re all human at the end of the day and we do have to think about the future from time to time. I’ve got my BASI Level 2 ski instructor qualification, funnily enough I failed the Level 3 exam on the technical part. So I could be a ski instructor in the future, I also enjoy doing tattoos.”

If you could give one piece of advice to regular pistes skiers approaching a field of moguls, what would it be?

“People tend to freeze in fear when they see moguls. Take a minute to breathe, make sure you’re relaxed. Keep your feet as tight as possible, because it’s easier to get short turns in. You’re tying to stop on the mogul and you’ll feel much more in control.”

Follow Makayla's Journey: Instagram @kayla_gsch

80 the makayla gerken schofield

Henderson Morzine Source magazine creative director

A strong pick for performance-focused riders as these boots blend comfort, responsiveness and advanced build quality. They use the innovative Single Frame Shell technology, which is made from lightweight, durable Pebax; it’s waterproof and maintains the reactive flex throughout the boot’s lifespan. The Forma Pro liner is made from 100% memory foam and it moulds to your feet right out of the box while the dual zone BOA fixation allows you to separate tightening on the upper cuff and the lower forefoot for a fine-tuned fit.

This is the Swiss Army knife of boards, crafted by riders, for riders. Gnu themselves proudly call this the best board they’ve ever made. It features an asymmetrical twin shape, which means the heel and toe side are tuned different to match how your body actually turns. Smoother carves, better control and a more natural feeling during manoeuvres result. There’s magne-traction to give you excellent grip, 3D Asym Chip powder platforms to channel energy into your edges and a balanced flex that’s not too soft, but not too stuff either.

Michael

As we’ve all come to expect from every other element of the POC range, these brand new base layers put performance first. Crafted to be worn under any kit, the merino fabric stretches in four directions, giving outstanding freedom of movement. The mock-neck of the top keeps your neck warm but without feeling bulky and there are minimal seams to reduce chafing. At the same time, the 3/4 length of the bottoms means they don’t interfere with your snowboard boots and socks.

The rock-solid, SUV of snowboard bindings, these are built to charge hard all day long. The baseplate is made from S7 Duraflex CB, a carbon-injected nylon that’s stiff and super responsive. The Vaporlite HD 2.0 bushings absorb the chatter from your board without deadening the feel, while the highback of the bindings is rigid when you need it. They also use Grade 8.8 steel hardware, so there’s none of that cheap stuff here and we love the non-stick footbed covers that stop snow building up under your boots.

POC Merino Baselayers

RRP Top €120 // Bottoms €100 poc.com

A strong choice for your backcountry adventures, this shell jacket nails the waterproofing, breathability, flexibility and weight requirements for a day in the mountains. The large, underarm vents with mesh will come in handy during your climbs, while the tall collar offers great coverage if the wind comes in. This jacket has plenty of pockets, an essential powder skirt and its as light as a feather.

With 20k waterproof / breathability to match the Manifest Tour jacket, these bib pants are designed for serious touring or splitboarding outings in variable conditions. The threelayer stretched recycled Nyon fabric is strong and technical, it’s fully seam-sealed to prevent drafts and the articulated knees improve comfort and movement. The inner vents are useful and we’re a fan of Forward Outdoor Co’s commitment to end-of-life recycling for all of their products. They’ll collect, repair or recycle their kit once its worn out.

Take good care of these gloves and they’ll last you many winter seasons. Made from a mix of suede and grain pigskin, they stay flexible even when wet and their heavyweight Heatkeep® thermal insulation in a cosy, five-finger design keeps your hands toasty as you charge around the mountain. The stretch-fit knitted cuff can be worn inside or outside of the glove depending on conditions. Each pair of Kinco gloves comes with an application of Nikwax Waterproofing for Leather™ so you can maintain your gloves at home. We also think they’re excellent value for money too.

Forward Outdoor Co. Mainfest Tour Jacket & BIB

RRP €590.95 // €536.95 forwardoutdoor.co

Kinco 901T Mittens

€46.00

Forward Outdoor Co. Mainfest Tour BIB

€536.95

L’HISTOIRE CONTINUE AU

20 RUE DU BOURG, MORZINE

In 2025 we sadly said goodbye to Pascal. his nephew ensures that the spirit of the Dixie Bar lives on!

En 2025, nous avons eu le regret de dire adieu à Pascal. Son neveu veille à ce que l'esprit du Dixie Bar perdure !

THE DIXIE MICKS ARE BACK!

Les Dixie Micks sont de retour

18 - 22 Jan 2026 9 - 10 mar 2026

LIVE MUSIC EVERY WEEK musique live chaque semaine

OPEN EVERY DAY FROM 4PM Ouvert tous les jours à partir de 16h

THREE DIFFERENT BARS, THREE DIFFERENT ATMOSPHERES

Trois bars, trois ambiances différentes

LIVE FOOTBALL, RUGBY AND SPORT

Diffusion de matchs de football et de rugby en direct

NEW ROOM FOR SOCIAL DARTS BY DARTSEE Nouvelle salle dédié aux jeux de fléchettes ludique

INTERNATIONAL AND LOCAL BEERS

Bières internationales et locales

BEHIND THE SCENES AT

Maybe you, like me, have been to many music festivals in your lifetime. Maybe you, like me, have taken a moment to consider the incredible logistics involved in planning a pop-up party for thousands of people. It’s for this reason that the incredibly slick, perfectly-planned logistics at Snowboxx in Avoriaz never fail to impress me every single winter. Snowboxx do all these things, and more, on snow, at altitude and in sub-zero temperatures.

Nat Taylor is the Event Director at Snowboxx and she’s here to answer our questions.

Nat, when do you begin planning the next Snowboxx? As soon as the previous one ends, or before?

We’ll start on the 2027 event a couple of months before the 2026 event, and many of our strategies, plans, and agreements span multiple years - sometimes two or three years in advance! Around 15 of us work all year round pulling Snowboxx together. This number grows to around 350-400 people during the show, once we’re in resort.

How long does the set-up and break down of the festival take?

Throwing a festival on snow comes with a fair few challenges, so it takes a bit longer than a normal greenfield site. It’s usually around 10-12 days to get everything into Avoriaz and set up. We have around 20 articulated

interview by amie henderson

trucks’ worth of equipment arriving in the resort, which are then unloaded and moved to various locations using snowcats, telehandlers, skidoos and anything else we can use to cross the snow. This adds a huge amount of time and effort to get the show ready in time for guest arrivals.

How do you collect feedback from each festival to improve the next?

All Snowboxx guests receive a post-event survey, and that feedback, along with input from our team, is used to ensure we’re delivering a better event and experience each year. We’ve made some exciting changes to the Snowboxx branding for this year, and the main stage is getting a glow-up, so watch this space! We always aim to evolve the festival, and that’s a huge part of keeping things exciting for guests who attend every year.

How do you plan the music line-up?

Fatboy Slim’s set back in 2018 was one of the best moments we can remember at our main arena, and one of the very few times our day passes sold out in advance. We’re expecting a full house again this year. He’s one of those artists that everyone loves and he always delivers. We can’t wait to have the legend himself back at Snowboxx!

We develop our lineup ideas through market research which, in our world, often means heading to events, having a few beers and looking for artists who create the kind of audience connection we’re after. We gather suggestions

from customers through socials and surveys, and our team adds their own picks as well. We also keep an eye on who’s generating hype, who’s touring, and who’s currently on our playlists. And of course, we have some key artists who’ve been part of the festival since the early days and are now part of the Snowboxx family, and we invite them back each year.

How important are the various in-resort partners to the success of the festival each winter?

The Avoriaz Tourism team are an essential part of the show and have always been integral to the festival’s success. We also work incredibly closely with SERMA, who often assist in making our crazy ideas a reality. There are a number of incredible partners in Avoriaz who make Snowboxx possible, including AF Groupe, ESF, Pierre & Vacances, Ski Set, Avoriaz Holidays, Altiparcs, ALDA, La Folie Douce, as well as the town services, authorities >>

and local mayor, who have all shown great support. And we can’t forget the Cannelle bakery, Le R Deli and Piz’Burg, who keep our team fuelled while on site. All the partners are an essential cog in making Snowboxx possible, and we couldn’t do it without them!

Can you tell us about any amusing (in hindsight maybe) last minute dramas from the festival?

Snow levels keep us constantly on our toes. On hot days, the sun warms one side of the fence so much that it leans farther to the right than our guests after après. When temperatures drop, we keep heaters and hairdryers at the ready for DJs whose fingers get too cold to play. One year, we had to blast heaters onto the beer kegs to stop them from serving beer slushies - who would’ve thought we’d need to heat up beer!

It’s also quite difficult to transfer water over snow for the skim pool, so the lovely Pompier team help us fill it using their fire truck and hose.

Fatboy Slim usually DJs barefoot, so when he arrived in 2018 without any snow shoes or snowfriendly trainers, he had to lend a pair of one of our teammates’ shoes to get around the resort and to DJ in! When we hosted Loyle Carner a

few years ago, he was eager to hit the slopes but didn’t have any gear. I lent him my salopettes, and that was the last time I ever saw them. Loyle, if you’re reading this, I’d love them back.

What makes Snowboxx unique as a winter music festival?

Packing a ski trip and a music festival into a week-long adventure in the Alps is an unforgettable experience. You can spend the day on the slopes, ski straight into one of the pop-up slope-side parties that change location throughout the week, challenge your mates to the skim pool, and dive into the wildest après, before catching a Fatboy Slim concert in a massive open-air arena. Then you decide whether to continue clubbing downtown until the early hours or walk back to your apartment to catch the first lift in the morning — and repeat for seven days straight!

Snowboxx is truly one of a kind. It’s not often you can jump on a horse and cart to get to the main stage of a music festival, or slide down a ski slope on an inflatable unicorn into a DJ set. Snowboxx is full of surprises and entertainment throughout the week. If you love music and the mountains, there’s no better place to be!

What makes Avoriaz the perfect location for Snowboxx?

Snow reliability was definitely a deciding factor when we moved Snowboxx to Avoriaz. The expansive ski area and ski-in, ski-out nature of the resort keep guests returning year after year. The fully pedestrianised village gives Avoriaz a truly distinctive charm, and being able to walk to all the stages makes for a much more enjoyable experience.

The resort is also great for all ski levels, with lots of options for beginners as well as plenty of backcountry and incredible park areas for the more adventurous. Plus, there’s a great selection of restaurants, bars, and some of the best après

in the Alps (We might be biased, but we’ve tested a fair few!). Avoriaz feels like a self-contained world, and with so much on your doorstep during that week, it truly becomes a winter paradise!

How does the team celebrate at the end of another successful Snowboxx?

We start our time on site in Avoriaz with a bowling competition at Le Roc, seeing old faces and getting to know new ones. We finish off the week with our annual ski Sunday! We don’t get much time on the slopes during the event so once all of our guests are back home and tucked up in bed nursing their hangovers, we head out for some well deserved mountain time. After a week of excitement, our legs usually give up before we’re ready to head back. Then there’s always a small team party somewhere in Avoriaz, which often ends up with some of the team DJing and a lot of sing-alongs! We always treat ourselves to some cocktails and a lovely meal at Cabane before leaving resort, which we highly recommend!

Snowboxx takes place in Avoriaz between 14th and 21st March 2026 and by the time you’re reading this magazine, week-long festival packages have probably sold out. If you happen to be in our valley during Snowboxx however, you’ll be able to buy day passes and wristbands for various events during the course of the week, including the main stage. Head to the Morzine Source Magazine Facebook page for stockist details. In the meantime, head to snowboxx.com to pre-register for 2027!

sustainable

Five ways to have a winter holiday

By Maddy Gordon-FInlayson

Montagne Verte Haut Chablais (Haut Chablais is the region with Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz plus surrounding villages) is a local environment non profit working with residents, businesses, tourists and local authorities on practical, innovative, and locally-focused solutions for a sustainable future. We all have a part to play in lowering the impact of holidays on our much loved mountains and here are five easy changes to make on a ski trip here.

We hear a lot about ski shaming, and it’s easy to feel bad about your choice to do a winter holiday.

It can be hard to stay motivated when faced with such a huge issue, but what matters is making the effort, however little it may seem! The actual skiing only accounts for around 3% of the emissions of your holiday, whilst transport is over 50%, equipment is 16%, and food & accommodation 12%, so a few changes on these can make a difference.

The ski areas are continually improving and lowering the emissions from their operations and many of the other businesses here are doing the same. Together we can make a sustainable winter holiday a reality.

There are lots more ideas on the Montagne Verte website, as well as information on all of our projects. If you are in Morzine this winter then pop by the second hand store on rue du Bourg (next to the cinema and Intersport) to find out more about our work, and maybe pick up a preloved bargain.

For your winter holiday, it can be tempting to fly. But, did you know that train travel is significantly more eco-friendly than flying, with up to 96.5% fewer CO2 emissions per passenger-kilometre? At Montagne Verte, we make travelling by train easy and affordable. Our AlpinExpress scheme offers you even more perks! We partner with restaurants, accommodation, and summer activities in the Haute Savoie to offer you discounts if you travel here by train. To find out more, check out our website, and get your AlpinExpress pass today! To make travelling by train a breeze, you can also consult our easy to use online information guides.

Use second hand ski gear

If you are going on a ski holiday this winter, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint, and save money, by using second hand ski gear instead of buying new. If you are coming to Morzine, Les Gets or Avoriaz, Montagne Verte has it’s very own stock of high quality outdoor wear and ski gear, perfect for your winter break. Come and pay us a visit at 162 Rue du Bourg, 74110 Morzine.

Eat responsibly

Eating responsibly, in a manner which has minimal impact on the environment, means eating locally and seasonally during your holiday (and at home too!). Food that is out of season is forced to grow when it’s not necessarily a natural time of year for it to. This also uses more energy and resources, as out of season food must be shipped across the world. To see which foods are in season in France, you can use this helpful guide.

Save energy and water

In the colder months, it can be tempting to turn the heating up and leave it there until the spring months. However, this produces excess energy which in turn produces a large carbon footprint. Instead of excessively heating you holiday home or rental apartment, remember to bring lots of warm clothes and blankets to wrap up instead!

Gift experiences rather than products

The winter months are often a time for gift giving. But this Christmas season, try gifting experiences rather than products - which are often packed full of plastics which are not biodegradable.

Travel by trainn

45 Degrees North

45 Degrees North is a family run business offering affordable catered and self catered holidays in our centrally located chalets. We are a family run company priding ourselves on a warm, welcoming and relaxed environment for your holiday where it feels like a home away from home. Whether you are here for one of our cycling holidays or just to explore the area in summer or winter, we are here to take care of you.

45degreesnorth.co.uk

+33 (0)7 69 44 52 69 hello@45degreesnorth.co.uk

Chalet Roc

Detached, modern chalet in central Morzine with 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, outdoor (under cover) hot tub, super fast Wifi, UK Freesat TV, modern log burning fireplace and parking for two cars. Only a short (400m) walk from the restaurants and bars in town, and both cable cars. Mention Morzine Source for a discount!

chaletroc.com

reservations@chaletroc.com

+44 (0) 7887 551921

Petit Reve

A romantic hideaway with views over Lac Montriond, this private, stand-alone chalet offers a secluded garden sauna, perfect after a day of skiing, hiking or lakeside lounging. Designed exclusively for two adults and ideally located for lakeside weddings and offers easy access to the Portes du Soleil. Open year-round.

lepetitrevemontriond.com

+33 (0)7 71 86 47 45

lepetitrevemontriond@outlook.com

Panther Snow Co

We have two luxury self-catered properties available for rent winter and summer in the Portes du Soleil. These consist of one luxury chalet in the charming hamlet of Essert Romand, Chalet Aix (sleeps 8) and one high-end new apartment in Morzine town itself, Marmottiere (sleeps 8+2). Please see our website or call Richard for further details.

panthersnow.co.uk

+44 (0)7836 611 076 panthersnowco@gmail.com

Simply Morzine

Chic chalets. Awesome apartments. Fabulous food. The original Morzine specialists, offering high-quality winter and summer alpine holidays since 1995. Sought-after central / on piste catered chalets, plus stunning selfcatered properties in the best locations in town. Highly regarded amongst the local Morzine community for having stood the test of time with quality and integrity. Unique summer family activity holidays, designed for all ages and interests.

simply-morzine.co.uk

+44 (0)1664 568902

info@simpy-morzine.co.uk

Skiology

Catered & self-catered stays for groups of 4–24 in Morzine, Prodains (Avoriaz) and Montriond. Central locations less than 100m from the lifts and town as well as a catered château in the heart of the village!  Loved for our gourmet menus, service with care & environmental ethos.

skiology.co.uk

+44 (0)207 183 0688 stay@skiology.co.uk

Pure Morzine

Chalet Marialys

Escape to Chalet Marialys, a luxury self-catered chalet near Morzine. With four ensuite bedrooms sleeping up to ten guests, it offers alpine style, a hot tub, sauna and stunning mountain views. A complimentary driver service and optional private catering ensure every detail of your stay is effortlessly taken care of.

chaletmarialys.fr

+33 (0) 6 31 77 71 36

info@chaletmarialys.fr

A local French business, providing self-catered accommodation in Morzine, we have an extensive portfolio of chalets and apartments, ranging in sizes, styles and budgets. From a classic 2-bedroom apartment next to the lifts, or a luxurious 8-bedroom chalet with hot tub and sauna, we pride ourselves on our flexibility and amazing locations. It’s not just the accommodation that we care about; our onpoint customer service comes as standard in the lead up to and for the duration of your stay, helping you create your perfect mountain getaway.

www.puremorzine.com

Chalet Morzine

This chalet offers the perfect blend of ski-in, ski-out convenience and peaceful seclusion, just 250m from the Pléney lift and a short stroll to town. This recently renovated, much-loved chalet features 7 spacious bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, two lounges, a pro-level kitchen, and space for up to 15 adults and 2 infants. Enjoy a private garden, hot tub, mountain views, and expert local support from the owners, Lindsey and Thierry. Whether you're a large family or corporate group, this is your ultimate base for skiing, hiking, or simply relaxing in the heart of the Alps.

chaletmorzine.com

+33 (0) 6 71 92 33 77 info@chaletmorzine.com

Le Mirador

Commanding panoramic views over Morzine, Le Mirador is an exceptional five-star chalet offering refined alpine living. Designed with natural light and understated elegance, it accommodates up to 15 guests across four and a half levels. Distinguished features include a grand open-plan living area, exquisite fireplaces, a private cinema, and an inviting outdoor hot tub.

miradormorzine.com

miradormorzine@gmail.com

Ride & Breakfast

Ideally located in Montriond centre, our chalet is well-equipped with a large accommodation capacity with its 6 en-suites bedrooms (sleeps up to 18) and its large and living areas. The perfect place for mountain holidays with your friends, families or colleagues. Enjoy the breathtaking view in the outdoor jacuzzi and large very well equipped living areas. A dedicated place to live and share your love for outdoor activities.

rideandbreakfast.com

+33 (0)6 07 45 35 18 / +33 (0)6 11 04 28 58 contact@rideandbreakfast.com

Elevation Alps

Our large range of luxury self catered Morzine chalets and apartments are within walking distance of the village and lifts. We have chalets with hot tubs, saunas and cinema rooms ranging in size from 4 guests to 14 guests. Elevate your holiday by adding private chefs, meal deliveries, lift passes, airport transfers, grocery and wine deliveries and more. You can book a ski weekend, short break or a longer stay.

elevationalps.com

+33 (0) 6 50 26 70 95

info@elevationalps.com

Alptitude

An extensive portfolio of self-catering chalets and apartments sleeping 5-13 guests. A great choice of central village locations, plus a selection of more peaceful locations away from the hustle and bustle. From comfortable to more luxurious and all at superb value. We provide a unique and personal service which is second to none from enquiry to departure. All Alptitude clients also benefit from discounted lift passes, airport transfers and ski hire. alptitude.com

+44 (0) 7891 021 292 info@alptitude.com

The Lodgist Agency

We offer catered and self catered chalet holidays across 20 exceptional properties in Montriond and Morzine, which accommodate groups from 2 to 18 people. Head to our website to see the full range of property options thelodgist.fr

+33 (0)6 07 45 35 18 contact@thelodgist.fr

Olivier and Olga welcome you to their chalet located in the heart of the village, at the gateway to the Pleney Les Gets ski area and the Avoriaz ski lifts. Our chalet can accommodate up to 10 people in its five bedrooms with private bathrooms. We prepare a gourmet breakfast, provide daily cleaning of the common areas, and offer a private chef for dinner. New features: Renovated 60 m² spa area: jacuzzi, sauna, massages, comfortable sofa, and sensory shower! croc-blanc-chalet.com

+33 (0)6 31 45 30 21

olivier@croc-blanc-chalet.com

Croc Blanc Guest Chalet

Au Pied d’Hauto

A beautifully renovated semi-detached farmhouse in the tranquil hamlet of Le Lavanchy, between Montriond village and Lac de Montriond. Le Refuge

Au Pied d’Hauto is a comfortable blend of old and new, with traditional Savoyard workmanship sitting alongside Nordic-inspired interiors & decoration. The apartment consists of a generous 110m2 spread over two floors, with three double en-suite bedrooms.

aupieddhauto.com

+33 (0)6 43 66 76 03

contact@aupieddhauto.com

Hotel Le Tremplin

Reopening in Summer 26: Thirteen individual holiday suites, fully equipped with all you need for a relaxing stay in the mountains throughout the year. Conveniently located at the bottom of Morzine’s Pleney and ranging in size from two-bed to five-bed, each beautifully furnished suite includes a kitchen, an open plan living and dining space plus balconies from which you can enjoy the mountain views.

hotel-tremplin.com

+33 (0) 4 50 79 12 31

info@hotel-tremplin.com

Morgan Jupe

We aim to provide a flawless experience from your initial enquiry to the end of your stay. Our portfolio is made up of a small selection of self-catered properties ranging in size from 2-5 bedrooms, all furnished to a high standard and well-equipped with everything you need. Our superb locations put you within walking distance of the lifts and give you immediate access to the local buses. Sales Director Jess will provide support throughout the booking process, ensuring a hassle free experience from start to finish. Standard and flexible booking options available.

morganjupe.co.uk

+44 (0) 7739 692908

jess@morganjupe.co.uk

Alpine Resorts Les Gets

Our four exclusive holiday residences in Les Gets include Kangto, Kinabalu, K2 and Annapurna. Stay in the centre of the village and enjoy luxurious, hotelstyle services such as high-end restaurants, in-house spas and swimming pools, ski rental shops and our expert concierge service. Our apartments range in size from two-bed to five-bed penthouses, all feature contemporary furnishings and cosy interiors.

alpine-resorts.fr

+33 (0) 4 26 91 27 96

booking@alpine-resorts.fr

Alto

A magnificent new chalet spanning 310m2 located at the heart of Morzine. Alto’s stunning interiors blend authentic materials such as old wood, concrete and steel with warm colours. Rooms are bright and spacious while custom-made furniture gives comfort and elegance. Sleeping up to 14 in 6 bedrooms with 7 bathrooms, there’s parking, a sauna, cinema room, games room EV charging.

barnes-portesdusoleil.com

+33 (0) 4 50 74 14 51

portesdusoleil@barnes-international.com

Apartment Okami

Stylish 2-bedroom apartment in the heart of Morzine - just a 2-minute stroll to the ski lift and all the village amenities. With under-floor heating, a fully equipped kitchen, balcony, private EV-charging garage, and a welcoming breakfast hamper on arrival, Apartment Okami is your perfect mountain retreat.

okami-morzine.com

+33 (0) 6 67 24 31 48 alexfitz28@icloud.com

The Fat Fox Lodge

Welcome to Montriond’s cosiest hotel. This winter come and enjoy our delicious and nutritious breakfast and dinners, take your baguette sandwiches for the mountain, stretch with daily yoga and relax in the wood-fired sauna. Or join us in the summer for bed and breakfast. Mountain nourishment!

fatfoxlodge.com

+33 (0)7 53 79 88 23

info@fatfoxlodge.com

Hideout Morzine

A stylish, fun and affordable place to stay. Social stays in the heart of Morzine with great vibes for all mountain enthusiasts! With a choice of twin, triple or dorm rooms, we can cater for any group of guests and budget. When you’re not sleeping or having the time of your life in the mountains, make some friends and unwind in our fantastic Asian restaurant.

stayhideout.com

+33 (0) 7 68 63 48 21

info@stayhideout.com

Chalet La Rive by Bolobo

Chalet La Rive by Bolobo is a five-bedroom luxury riverside chalet in central Morzine, renowned for its beautifully curated interiors and rare sense of calm. With generous and elegant living spaces, spa-style bathrooms and a level of comfort that feels genuinely indulgent, it offers a relaxed alpine experience. Bolobo tailors each stay with personalised services, ensuring a holiday that feels seamless, intimate and unforgettable.

bolobo.co.uk

+44 7523 912 118

hello@bolobo.co.uk

Hôtel & Spa Le Dahu

The iconic four-star Le Dahu hotel in Morzine offers a warm, authentic and family-friendly atmosphere. Rooms with views, a spa, a heated pool, and local cuisine create a relaxing stay. Blending nature, comfort, and sustainable practices, Le Dahu promises a charming and tranquil alpine escape.

dahu.com

+33 (0) 4 50 75 92 92 info@dahu.com

HOFNAR - Chalet Hubert

Right in the heart of the village and just moments from the Super Morzine lift. Perfect for solo travellers with the option of twin or solo occupancy en-suite rooms. Just 12 guests and (unlike our other chalet) no upper age limit, perfect.

Chalet Duvel Les Gets

Perched on the heights of Les Gets, this exceptional chalet combines contemporary furnishing and an elegant layout for an unforgettable stay in the heart of the Alps. With 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, Chalet Duval sleeps up to 12 guests in total, they’ll enjoy the outdoor hot tub overlooking the snow-capped peaks, in addition to the sauna. The chalet is just moments from the shuttle bus stop, it’s the perfect cosy base for your next ski holiday. myhomeinthealps.com

+33 (0) 9 54 76 22 30 info@mhita.com

hofnar.com

+44 (0) 7930 681 285 hello@hofnar.com

Award winning chalet company in Morzine with a range of catered and selfcatered properties. We love to provide a personalised holiday experience so you can truly kick back and relax from the moment you arrive in summer or winter. From luxurious 6 bedroom catered chalets to great value 2 bedroom self-catered apartments, our friendly team full of local knowledge are here to help from the moment you enquire.

treelinechalets.com

+44 (0) 1483 220 505

info@treelinechalets.com

Hôtel Christiania

Located on the slopes in the very centre of Les Gets with comfortable accommodation in 20 ensuite rooms. The King Family have owned and operated the hotel for over 22 years and ensure a warm and friendly service within their restaurant bar and bistro where an exciting choice of menus change on a daily basis. A quite unique atmosphere.

hotelchristiania.com

+33 (0) 4 50 75 82 44 info@hotelchristiania.com

Mountain Xtra

Chalet Kaya is a one-of-a-kind modern property offering unparalleled panoramic views across the Morzine and Montriond valleys. This luxurious chalet with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and its very own private cinema, sunny south facing terrace and hot tub. The perfect base for family ski & summer holidays or groups of friends seeking a stylish retreat.

mountainxtra.com

+44 (0)1483 608396 info@mountainxtra.com

Treeline Chalets

Avoriaz Holidays and Avoriaz Premium offer all you need to plan a perfect holiday in the Portes du Soleil’s highest ski resort. All properties are ski-in, ski-out, bed linen is included (breakfast and catering delivery and dedicated concierge service included with Avoriaz Premium), and we arrange discounts on ski passes and equipment rental on your behalf. Here's a selection of our properties:

Aspen

This splendid, triplex apartment has been designed with luxurious winter holidays in mind. It comfortably accommodates 10 guests in 5 bedrooms and over three floors you’ll discover generous spaces, contemporary interiors and premium facilities. Located in the centre of the village, just steps from the slopes, you’ll also enjoy access to an exclusive 400m2 wellness area with heated swimming pool, spa and hammam.

A unique and spacious loft-style property with beautiful interiors and that authentic Avoriaz feel, Amenda sleeps up to 12 guests in 6 rooms. It’s located in the Amara district, offering easy access to the whole resort while also offering direct access to the slopes. You’ll love the contemporary design and high ceilings, the large windows, the stunning views and the private wellness area.

A luxury chalet at the heart of Avoriaz, Alaya is the perfect base for large groups as it accommodates up to 16 guests in a variety of suites and individual bedrooms. With multiple living spaces, high quality furnishings and a generous layout, this chalet also includes a rooftop terrace; it’s the perfect spot for relaxing after a day on the slopes. There’s also a sauna and fitness area, a fireplace and a fully-equipped kitchen.

Offering an authentic, peaceful location at the heart of Avoriaz, Mahonia comfortably accommodates 12 guests in 5 rooms and offers a private sauna, hammam, outdoor hot tub and fitness room too. Interiors blend modern comforts with alpine charm, the open-plan kitchen has been designed for selfcatered holidays and you’ll love the views from the various balconies and terraces.

Newly renovated in a contemporary, luxurious style, this duplex apartment welcomes up to 10 guests in 3 bedrooms plus additional bunk room and you’ll discover elegance and style throughout. From the large windows you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the peaks and the valley, there’s also ski-in, ski-out access and a beautiful, open-plan living space that’s perfect for cosy evenings with friends.

Mahonia

Amenda Loft

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Alaya

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“It’s not over until I’ve crossed the finish line ”

Charlotte Bankes

by michael Henderson

In 2021 Charlotte Bankes became Britain’s first snowboard World Champion when she won the snowboard cross competition at the FIS Freestyle Ski and Snowboard World Championships, making her the first British woman to claim a world title in a winter sport for 85 years.

Now

aged 30, and having battled some pretty horrendous injuries during her 15-year career, Charlotte is still at the very top of her game as we head towards the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Where are you at the moment Charlotte? And where do you call home?

“I’m at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre for rehab this week, but for me, home is in the Southern Alps. I was born in Hemel Hempstead and my parents bought a place out in Puy-Saint-Vincent before I was born. It was just for holidays to begin with and we were going all of the time. Then, in 1999, when I was four years old, we decided to move to France to see how it goes. My dad was still commuting back to the UK for work, and my eldest bother was nine. I think they thought that’s probably the oldest he should be in terms of integrating and learning the language and what not.”

What do you remember about your first time on snow?

“I’d started learning to ski when I was about two years old, but when we moved to the Alps I joined the local ski club. It’s the easiest way to integrate and we’d moved there to enjoy the mountains and be outdoors, so it was obvious. When I was seven I joined the snowboard club and they were into snowboard cross more than anything else. The club were organising Europa Cups so it was a really simple way for me to discover the discipline. It was a natural progression for me. It was quite a dynamic period for snowboard cross, a lot of us were really into it and travelling to local races, it was really good! >>

Do you think having older siblings competing in the same sport helped you?

“For sure it made it easier! Even as a kid I always wanted to keep up with them and that made me really competitive. I pushed myself so that I wasn’t left behind! Will and I would often travel to competitions together, it was a lot of fun.”

When did you join the French national team?

“In 2010, when I was just 15 years old, I started competing at a national level and then I got selected for the French youth team. I progressed through the ranks and stayed with them for eight years, competing at both the Sochi and Pyeonchang Winter Olympics under the French flag. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. During my first international season I had a major injury. I broke my pelvis and I really struggled to fully recover from that. For a couple of seasons I struggled to train properly and to compete. I was always in pain. I made it to the World Cup but there was no consistency in my performance and it was really frustrating. We had to adapt a lot and in a big team environment, that wasn’t easy at all.”

“Even as a kid I always wanted to keep up with them and that made me really competitive. I pushed myself so that I wasn’t left behind!”

You eventually moved to Team GB. Was that a difficult decision?

“I was experiencing changes in the coaching structure with the French team and the system wasn’t quite working for me. They were centralising a lot of our training, I was still in a lot of pain with my hip and I wasn’t enjoying myself at all. I asked myself, is it worth it? My

brother Tom had already joined the British ski and snowboard team, so I approached themcould I give this a second shot? Team GB were super welcoming and focused on getting me fit first, so I could perform and actually have fun on my snowboard. Which we all know, leads to a better performance! If you’re mentally in the right place, everything is going to get better. I knew this was a second chance for me, a new start and it's been really great.

What are the differences between the two national teams?

“With these big winter sports nations, like France, skiing is actually much more important than snowboarding. I think we were probably five or six girls in our French World Cup team, with maybe five or six guys too. With Team GB it feels like were all equals, we’re all important to the overall team. It’s like a family, we’re really well supported and the athlete always comes first.

You mentioned that you’re at rehab this weekhow’s your pre-season training going?

“I had to have a second surgery on my shoulder in August, which wasn’t ideal timing. I felt like I was starting from zero in terms of my rehab. But the surgery was probably the best decision I could have made to be sure to be fit by the time the Olympics come round in 2026. That was my goal. The bone is healing slower than everyone hoped but I know I’ll feel strong when I go back onto the snow. Everything else is feeling great, I’m working on my leg strength too.”

What are your hopes and expectations for this winter season?

“I probably won’t be ready for the first World Cup of the season, unfortunately. I might be able to race it, but I won’t be at 100% fitness at that point. The goal is to be 100% race-ready by mid-January and use the World Cup events that follow to really build things up for the Olympic Games. Our Olympic selection period ends on 18th January so I need to get solid performances in before then, but all of our performances from last winter count towards that as well. I racked up a lot of points so I’m actually in a really good position."

You’ve won the Crystal Globe twice, you’ve been World Snowboard Cross champion. Do you have some unfinished business with the Olympics?

“Yeah, for sure. The last Olympics were really disappointing. They were the COVID ones and we couldn’t see anyone for a start! The MilanoCortina games are my main goal of the season, they’re what I’m entirely focused on. And that they’re back in Europe as well! I’ve never competed an an Olympics in Europe, they’ll be a great opportunity for everyone to actually watch the coverage live, in the same time zone and hopefully they’ll get behind the whole >>

“...trust the process, being ready for that day and giving it everything.”

thing. For us athletes, being in Europe, we’re already acclimatised, it’s easier on our bodies, our sleep, that kind of thing. We’re also more used to the snow conditions in Europe, I’m really looking forward to it!”

Do the Olympics come with a higher level of pressure?

“They’re what we’re always working towards. For the last four years, certainly and I try to just embrace that. I try to approach an Olympic completion by thinking ‘it’s just another snowboard cross course give it everything I’ve got and not think too much about the outcome. I trust the process, being ready for that day and giving it everything. Competing head to head is what makes snowboard cross so special. It’s really simple for the spectators to understand and for us, it’s super exciting. As snowboarders, we need to be good all-rounders, so our training is really diverse and I think you can see this on the track. We’re having fun and we really want to be there. The adrenaline of racing 4x4 and the unexpected thrills and spills are what keep me hooked. I use my instincts to find the gaps on the course.

How does the mixed snowboard cross team event work?

“So, we’re in a mixed gender team, I usually race with Huw Nightingale and we became World Champions in 2023. The guys go on the course first and there’s a time split, so when the women take the next turn the gates open

at different times, This is really good for me, because I like chasing people down, using the slipstream, I love the tactics. I’m often not the strongest competitor in terms of starts, but I’m really good at finding my way within the pack, with the other riders around me. This is also a great event because - not only does it give us a second chance to win a medal - it also shows that women can compete on the same course as men at an Olympic level. Huw is riding really well at the moment, so we’re really hopeful.”

For the uninitiated, how does your snowboard cross equipment differ from regular snowboard gear?

“All of our boards are actually handmade to a specific set of individual requirements. The main difference is that they’re a lot stiffer, but also the base is completely flat so it goes a lot faster. We always wear back protectors and obviously helmets and goggles too. I’ve got some impact shorts too, but really, we don’t wear much more protection.

You’ve been competing professionally for 15 years. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned?

“The race is not over until I’ve crossed the finish line. I could be really far behind, but I know the riders out front are fighting it out between them. They’ll usually come together, lose speed, fall, crash. I can be more dangerous in competition from the back, because I’ve got all of the space, I can take the fast lines. So I just

keep on fighting until the very end, whatever’s happening around me. I keep pushing. It’s a good lesson for life too, keep looking forwards.”

You’re 30 years old now, have you started to consider a life after professional snowboarding?

“Actually, I’m just concentrating on the now and enjoying it. We’ll see how long this lasts! I’m fortunate that GB Snow Sports and the National Lottery fund a lot of our training, our coaches, and competitions, and almost all of our travel. There’s a little bit of sponsorship too, plus prize money from the races, so I’ve never had to have a side job or anything else to pay for this lifestyle. Let’s hope I can perform this winter to keep it up!”

for All Seasons A Cabane

The Col de Cou is one of our most historic local landmarks. Perched at an altitude of 1920m above sea level and straddling the French Swiss border, the mountain pass has been home to a hospice, a chapel and a customs post over the years, before becoming a refuge for weary hikers traversing the famous GR5 trail from the French Alps to the Mediterranean sea. With views towards the Dents du Midi in one direction and the Dents Blanche in the other, it’s easy to see why this spot became popular over centuries of alpine exploration.

Three years ago, the communes of Morzine, Samoëns and Champéry joined forces to create an ambitious plan. The original refuge post on the Col de Cou was crumbling, having been patched up over many decades. It was no longer fit for purpose, yet hikers and skiers continued to flock to the Col throughout the year. The skills of contemporary Swiss architect François Nantermod were enlisted to design an entirely new Cabane for the Col de Cou. Following a two-year construction, it’s now open for you to visit all year round.

The guardians of the Cabane are Béatrice and Keith, they’ll provide a warm welcome, whatever the weather while they take care of the 40-bed bunk house and the 50-seater restaurant, which is also open at lunchtime for passing hikers and serving quality, local dishes. Advance bookings for overnight stays are required and Béatrice and Keith maintain a very active Facebook page so you can stay up to date on developments on the Col.

You can access the Cabane du Col de Cou this winter by taking the free E bus line from Morzine to l’Eriginé. You’ll then hike, snowshoe or ski tour to Lac Mines d’Or and onwards to the Col. It’s signposted, the elevation gain is around 720m and the views are always worth it.

MY JOURNEY WITH

From a single idea in 2006 to a thriving snowboard community, Tammy Esten reflects on two decades of teaching, passion, and building MINT Snowboarding .

Back in 2006, snowboarding in France was still seen as a spin-off of skiing - there wasn’t a single dedicated snowboard school, and hardly any professional snowboard instructors in the country.

I was one of only a few instructors with the top-level BASI (British Association of Snowsports Instructors) snowboard qualification, chasing winters between Switzerland and New Zealand. I loved it, but I could see the huge potential. I realised that there was a huge opportunity to revolutionise snowboard instruction in France.

When the French government first granted licenses for foreign snowboard instructors to teach in France, I was one of a very few to initially qualify. That moment felt like the start of something big. I didn’t think twice before moving to Morzine to start a school where snowboarding wasn’t second best but stood proudly on its own. That’s how MINT Snowboarding was born.

In the early days, I had no idea how we’d be received. Not everyone welcomed us with open arms - it was a big shift in a ski-dominated snowsports industry. But I made sure we did everything properly:

“I didn’t think twice before moving to Morzine to start a school where snowboarding wasn’t second best but stood proudly on its own.”

registering as a French business, becoming an official school and joining the tourist office. I knew we were legitimate and believed in what we were building. While there were challenges, the overall response

was incredibly encouraging, and I’ll always be grateful for the support we received from the local community and riders who believed in what I was trying to do.

The name took time to get right. After weeks of brainstorming and leafing through a dictionary, I landed on MINT. It just fit - fresh, high quality, and a bit of understated British slang for “awesome”. It captured exactly what I wanted the brand to stand for.

We started running snowboard camps the following year and things began to grow. What began as a small school slowly grew into a team of dedicated instructors who shared my love for teaching and for snowboarding itself. We expanded our camps to suit every kind of rider - freestyle, women’s, technical, beginners - and later into backcountry adventures and splitboard trips to places like Japan, Norway and even Kosovo. Looking

“...fresh, high quality, and a bit of understated British slang for “awesome”. It captured exactly what I wanted the brand to stand for.”

“These days, I find my peace in the backcountrysplitboarding and exploring beyond the lifts.”

by The Reason Snowboard Magazine - in recognition for all the years of dedication to snowboarding. When I look back at everything we’ve achieved as a team, I feel incredibly proud.

The passion that started MINT still drives everything we do today - the excitement of every new rider, every turn, every fresh snowfall. And honestly? After 20 years, it still feels like we’re just getting started.

a different kind of

après ski

Historians chart the phenomenon of apres-ski back to ancient times in Scandinavia, but more likely, the après-ski that you know and love was born in Chamonix during the first Winter Olympics in 1924.

Competitors would gather for wine and lounge music after their days competing on the slopes. Doesn’t that sound civilised?

One of the most impressive and memorable ways to spend your apres-ski hours, Alta Lumina in Les Gets plunges you into an imaginary world or storytelling, light and music. As darkness falls in the forest above the village, families gather to walk the Alta Lumina trail, discovering the adventures of a travelling music maker who takes flight in a hot air balloon. The story is told through holograms, video projection and original sound effects, creating a magical experience for all ages. Alta Lumina is particularly special during the winter season as the snowfall adds to the experience. Each visit lasts around an hour, the site is easy to a access witf a nearby car park or using the free bus service.

You’ll need to book your spaces in advance at: altalumina.com

It matters not whether you understand the rules of ice hockey, because a night watching our local Penguins team at the impressive Skoda Arena is thrilling from start to finish. Hockey Club Morzine-Avoriaz play in D1 of the French national league and the team includes a long list of superb, home grown talent in addition to star players from Sweden, the USA, Ukraine and the Czech Republic. During the winter season the team host exhibition matches each Wednesday evening for you to enjoy, they also play their competitive league and cup matches every other Saturday evening, usually to a packed out crowd. A night at the hockey is an unmissable winter holiday experience and a fantastic atmosphere is guaranteed.

Check the fixtures list and reserve your tickets online at: hockey-morzine.com

But apres-ski is evolving. Whilst opportunities to dance on tables in your ski boots are plentiful across Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz, there’s also a long list of wholesome, family-friendly activities to bridge the gap between your final run of the day and dinner.

Here are some of our favourites .

This is the perfect evening entertainment for those of you who still have plenty of energy after a day on the slopes, and it’s not for the faint hearted. As the ski lifts of Avoriaz close for the evening and darkness draws in, you’ll climb aboard a three-wheeled kart equipped with hydraulic breaks. It’s designed to have a very low centre of gravity, giving it excellent handling on snow. After a short briefing at the top of the Prodains telecabine, a 3.2km descent with a 600m elevation drop awaits. You’ll zoom down the closed pistes to Prodains in your group with guaranteed thrills along the way. The minimum age for AvoKart is 18 during the winter season and descents take place between 5pm and 7pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Don’t forget to wrap up warm!

Book online at: skipass-avoriaz.com

Alta Lumina - An enchanted night walk ↑

Hockey Club Morzine-Avoriaz - An unmissable night out ↑

AvoKart - Thrills and spills guaranteed ↑

Luge 4 Saisons - The ultimate adrenaline rush ↑

As the name suggests, this giant rollercoaster through the forest in Les Gets is open all year round, but it offers a particularly thrilling experience during the winter season. Until 7pm each day you can ride the toboggan, which departs from the Perrières sector of the village. Secured into the sledge - either as a pair or alone - a hoist pulls you to the top of a 1,100 metre track with a vertical drop of 104 metres and an average descent gradient of 14.5% at speeds of up to 40km/h. The good news is, you’re in charge of the breaks and it’s easy to control your speed if you’d prefer a more leisurely journey through the forest. Children must be aged three or over, children aged over eight can descend alone. There’s a fantastic snack bar at the Perrières too!

For more information head to: lesgets.com/en/4-seaons-sled

Walk into the

WildernessThe mountains from a different angle ↑

Early evening is a wonderful time to head into the mountains but it’s important to take an experienced and qualified mountain expert with you. The team at Easy2Ride in Morzine includes a collection of experienced snowshoe and ski-touring guides and they’re available to book for private adventures, off the beaten track, as the sun sets. Spot wildlife trails, see the mountains from a different perspective and enjoy a quiet moment as the stars begin to twinkle. Conclude your adventure with a warm drink and a stunning view before the exhilarating descent back to Morzine.

For more information head to: morzineski.fr

Aquariaz is an all-singing, all-dancing water park at 1800m and it offers one of the most entertaining ways to spend your apres-ski hours. It’s open each day between 1.30pm and 7.30pm and inside you’ll discover water-based play zones for children of all ages, including a lazy river lined with tropical trees, a water splash pad, a climbing wall, an outdoor jacuzzi with breathtaking views of the peaks and the star of the show - the sidewinder - a water half pipe that’s sure to have you screaming. Located in the centre of Avoriaz, Aquariaz is easy to access and there’s a handy gadget on their website so you can anticipate how busy it’s likely to be at any given time

For more details head to: avoriaz.com

Aquariaz - Warm up in the tropics ↑

A Day in the life of the avoriaz

helicopter rescue

Hello, my name’s Alexis Marcellin and I’m a helicopter winch operator working within the Mont Blanc Hélicoptères team at the Avoriaz ski rescue base each winter. Our team is charged with performing rescue missions across the ski area.

At the Mont Blanc Hélicoptères Avoriaz rescue base we’re equipped with two helicopters and we carry out rescue missions across the Portes du Soleil ski area, covering both French and Swiss slopes. We also operate in the Grand Massif and various other ski areas across the Chablais and Vallée Verte regions, spanning 22 resorts in total.

Within the team we have helicopter pilots, winch operators, doctors and a dispatcher. As the winch operator, I’m responsible for safety all around and inside the helicopter, in addition to ensuring the safety of all the people boarding and disembarking. But as my job title suggests, I’m also trained to operate the winch during rescue missions too.

We suggest traditional and refined cuisine with a varied menu and mountain touches. It’s the perfect setting for a pre-dinner cocktail.

Nous vous suggérons une cuisine traditionnelle et raffinée avec une carte variée aux touches montagnardes.C'est le cadre parfait pour un cocktail avant le dîner.

Since I was young I’ve always been drawn to helicopters. For five years I’ve been working at the Avoriaz base and most of my training has taken place in-house, with my Mont Blanc Hélicoptères >>

A contemporary yet authentic restaurant in the heart of Morzine village OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND

Un restaurant contemporain et authentique au coeur du village de Morzine OUVERT À L'ANNÉE

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colleagues. I’ve earned several qualifications along the way, it’s a very rewarding job.

If you’ve skied in Avoriaz before, you’ve probably seen our base. It’s on the Proclou sector, you can see it from the Proclou chairlift and it’s the same location as the golf course in the summer months. Our team at the base consists of our base manager, who is also a flight assistant and dispatcher, four pilots, three further flight assistants, eight doctors and a second dispatcher who is also our secretary. As a team, we start each day by making thorough checks of the helicopters, ensuring that all equipment is in good working order before we take them out of their hangers. Long before the ski area opens for the day, we get into our gear and we’re ready to go. We’re ready for the first alert. I can tell you that no two days are the same in my job, but typically, the rescue missions begin in the mid-morning and we’ll continue until the slopes close at the end of the day.

Rescue missions come to us via two different channels. Unfortunately there’s no big red phone, like in Batman! Our dispatcher does have three individual phones though, to process and prioritise calls. Primarily we’re contacted by a resort’s ski patrol team to request helicopter assistance. The second type of call comes to us from state services and more specifically, from the emergency call centres that you might access if you called

A mountain rescue operation always begins with the arrival of the first ski patroller at the location of the person needing rescue. It’s their role to assess the situation and to determine whether or not our helicopter services are necessary. The patroller will then contact their own ski patrol team, who then calls our dispatcher and directs us to the

Our job is to bring our doctor to a location as close as possible to the skier or snowboarder in need of rescue, either by landing the helicopter or using a winch. The doctor will then asses the victim's condition and provide the necessary medical care before requesting that we evacuate them to a local medical clinic or directly to a hospital. It's difficult to tell you how many rescues we perform in an average day, because there is no average day, but we carry out approximately 850 rescues per winter, which can represent up to 20 interventions per day on the busiest days.

Occasionally we’re also called upon to respond to avalanches, deploying search dogs and equipment, and we participate in surface searches. We also carry out the Avalanche Triggering Intervention Plan (PIDA) missions across the Avoriaz ski area.

Team work is incredibly important for our mountain rescue services. We work primarily

with the ski patrol, including the control center and the ski patrollers in each resort, but also with the medical centres. During each day we’ll also collaborate with each the surrounding medical practices and with the hospitals in Haute-Savoie and Geneva.

You might imagine that the number of rescue missions we perform increases in bad weather. During heavy snowfall perhaps, or strong winds. In fact, the number of interventions is often highest on sunny days, especially during peak periods such as the school holidays. This is also typical on the day after a fresh snowfall. We also discover that certain types of injuries on the slopes are more likely in a certain set of snow conditions, while afternoon and evenings see us performing more rescues.

a must-see restaurant for more than 50 years, is a typical brasserie where the originality and the atmosphere will not fail to amaze you.

L’ETALE, restaurant incontournable depuis plus de 50 ans est une brasserie typique où l’originalité ainsi que l’ambiance ne manqueront pas de vous étonner.

Our day at the Avoriaz rescue base ends only once the ski area is 100% closed and the other rescue services have finished their day. This is a very rewarding job as we’re constantly helping people in need and often getting them out of a tight spot. At the same time, flying in our mountains is, for me, one of the most beautiful things in the world.

One thing does frustrate me a little though. From my point of view, people are often unaware of the risks and dangers they place themselves in in the mountains. Skiers and snowboarders are going faster and faster, sometimes with a low level of skill, which puts them in danger. This is especially the case when off piste and there are cliffs and other dangers. Even on the pistes, these high speeds are endangering others and collisions happen often. Skiers and snowboarders don’t often asses the risks.

My time in helicopters doesn’t end when the snow melts however. When Avoriaz closes for the season and there are no more rescues to perform, I move to the Megève base. Here I join a team performing helicopter aerial work, such as building new ski lifts, suppling mountain huts and taking part in sightseeing flights. We also provide helicopter rescue services for private sporting events, such as trail running races or cycling events.

I love the variety of this job and I look forward to returning to Avoriaz each winter. You can follow our work on the official instagram page of Mont Blanc Hélicoptères at @montblanchelicopteres or my own page @alexis_marcell1. Stay safe this winter!

You can taste Savoyard specialties but also pizzas, meats, fish and flavours from around the world... we offer a gourmet menu with Savoyard touches with homemade dishes and desserts.

Vous pourrez déguster des spécialités savoyardes mais aussi pizzas, viandes, poissons et des saveurs du monde… nous vous proposons une carte gourmande aux touches savoyardes avec plats et desserts faits maison.

L'ETALE,

“I don’t consider myself to be a crazy guy”

Jérôme Caroli

by michael Henderson

Jérôme Caroli spends his winters carving big turns on skis in the Swiss Alps and he used to spend his summers travelling the world as a professional downhill mountain biker. Introduced to both bikes and skis at the age of two, he has competed at MTB World Cup races, the incredible Red Bull Hardline and in 2025 he unveiled his film project - Get High. érôme wondered if the alpine terrain he enjoyed on his skis was accessible on two wheels. Get High is a thrilling and fun watch with a backdrop of 4000m peaks and narrow ridge lines where failing isn’t an option. It shows what’s possible when the snow melts.

Jérôme, you’ve been described as an ‘all-terrain UFO’, but how would you describe yourself?

“I would say that, until two years ago, I was mostly competing on the mountain biking side of things, so in World Cups, at Red Bull Hardline, stuff like that. Skiing was a way for me to disconnect from the summer competitions and to spend time with my friends in the mountains. I grew up in Verbier, where skiing is part of the community. When you grow up in the mountains, skiing is life. But mountain biking was my career. The purity of it, in terms of racing, was always on my bike so my life went in this direction. Two years ago I realised I needed to take a bit of a step back from just racing bikes and I was thinking, you know… both of these disciplines (mountain biking and skiing) are really compatible, maybe I can try to do both at a high level. And that’s where this project started. It’s quite risky and stressful to take a different direction, being 100% in on two very demanding sports.”

When did your love for the high mountains begin?

“So, I grew up in the mountains, I was in the local bike club, the local ski club. Mountain biking was mostly cross-country stuff and we were alpine skiing during the winter. Gradually, over the years, I swapped the cross-country trails for the bike park, swapped my bike for a downhill one and moved away from the pistes to join the free skiing community. >>

rue du Loup 24500 EYMET

I used to ski with friends who were older than me and they helped me discover these incredible areas that I hadn’t seen before. That’s the thing about mountain friends, without them this knowledge would never be shared!”

Do the skills you need to ski at a very high level transfer to bikes? And visa-versa?

“Racing mountain bikes, for me, has been the best school of life in so many aspects. The two sports are totally different, but similar in so many ways. The community, the atmosphere, usually people ski in the winter and ride bikes in the summer so we see the same faces throughout the year. My winter alpine skills on skis helped me improve my alpine vision and skills on my bike.”

How do you prepare for your video projects?

“I stepped back from racing bikes to concentrate on media content, but of course at this level, you continue training, I’m still an athlete and I need to be fit for when we shoot. This is simply the next part of my career. Our video projects are normally around three minutes long but there’s so much work goes into the planning.

© Dom Daher

There’s a lot of time spent scoping the mountain to see which kind of line is possible, often these locations aren’t easy to find and they need to look inspiring on the video too. Often we spot a location, identify the window for filming, watch the evolution of the snow and we think we’ve got the perfect moment. Then we get there and it’s not as good as we’d imagined. Other times, everything works perfectly and the feeling is so good! Accessibility is also a big consideration because we must move as a whole team, the cameraman, the photographer and other people.”

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What is your capacity for risk and danger?

“I don’t consider myself to be a crazy guy and I always have this fear with me. With skiing, there’s a lot of reflection; I’ll easily say no if I don’t want to go, or if I’m not feeling the conditions. From the outside it can be very impressive, what we do and we want to approach these challenges with as little risk as possible. There needs to be a level of respect for the mountain and the environment that we’re in. After a team reflection, we make the final decision all together. When I was racing bikes, the mental side of performance was a difficult aspect for me. >>

I used to try and train myself mentally, as well as physically, for competitions and it helped me so much with my performance. Sometimes I’d have a bad racing period, when you’re doing everything right but you’re not performing, it’s brutal. There’s no miracle solution but we keep training and enjoying these sports and eventually this helps with the mental side of things.”

It’s an Olympic year, what are your thoughts on the Olympics?

“It’s great to show different kinds of sports to the community. There is the Olympics, there is World Cups and other high level competitions. There are so many different ways to show a sport in terms of competition, and this is what is beautiful in sport. To see all different kind of athletes perform to the highest level and do their best and to achieve their goals.”

“I find the olympics and other high level competiton inspiring. In the winter I like to watch alpine ski racing. I don’t compete in these sports but I like to follow them and the athletes inspire me for my own projects. The athletes are all different, and this is so cool to see, because we are not robots, and we are not all the same. It’s good to see how other athletes express themselves.”

Are you working on any projects at the moment?

“For a long time I’d had a film project in mind to combine both of the sports that I love, to try and show the similitude of them. One year I was

Thomas Crauwels

© Thomas Crauwels

Follow Jérôme's Journey:

helping to shape the Red Bull Rampage line and we went to a spot just to ride it, in Utah, there’s a big freeride line and it’s the first time I felt this link with skiing. The idea grew from there and two years ago, I decided to work on it as a project to show the vision I have on camera; riding this high alpine terrain in both sports with my friends. Just as I decided to take this direction, I had a bad injury; a double open fracture of my leg, which also damaged a nerve. That was the beginning of this project and now it’s coming to an end. I spent a lot of time in the gym, a lot of time in rehab to rebuild my physique before we started shooting, to keep this project alive. So my new film Combine premieres in Verbier in December and I’m excited to finally bring it to life.”

“Combine is a project with both biking and skiing. There is also a bit of paragliding. I don’t consider mysel to be a pro paraglider, but there’s now this really small wing, it’s light and compact and we can use it during the winter season to access different parts of the mountain. It’s a really good tool, we use the gondolas and the ski lifts to get to the highest points of a ski area, then we take off from there, using the wing. We’ll get to some cooler faces, the access is much easier than ever before, then we just fly back to the car.”

“I’m really thankful to my sponsors as they believed in my dream. It’s cool that they followed my vision. El Tony, a freshly brewed Mate brand, Forward, the clothing brand, Verbier, and IWC a Swiss watch brand. They put their trust in me and that is really cool. I think I'm so thankful for that.”

Mountain Base was established in 2004 and for the last 10 years, we have been privileged to be part of the Knight Frank Global Network.

However, all good things must come to an end and it is time for a change...

TURN THE PAGE TO DISCOVER OUR NEWS

MORZINE - CHAMONIX - LES HOUCHES

Being B Corp™

From Patagonia to The Body Shop, you’ve likely seen the B Corp™ branding pop up in many places since its launch in 2006 and expansion into Europe in 2013. There are now over 10,000 certified B Corporation Certified companies across more than 160 industries and 102 countries. Yet curiously, you probably haven’t come across a B Corp™ certified business during your winter holiday. Until now.

Earlier this year, AliKats Mountain Holidays became one of the firstif not the first - mountain holiday company to achieve the highly acclaimed B Corp™ certification. As AliKats Founder Al Judge explains here, it was definitely not a tick-box exercise.

For the uninitiated, what does it mean to be a Certified B Corp™ organisation?

Being a B Corp™ means we’ve been independently verified by B Lab™, a non-profit organisation that measures a company’s social and environmental impact. It’s not just about sustainability - it’s about how you run your whole business: how you treat your team, support your community, care for the planet, and stay accountable. Companies that are Certified B Corp™ meet high standards in all these areas, showing that business really can be a force for good™.

What inspired you to seek certification?

We were really inspired by other purpose-led brands like Patagonia, who were early pioneers of the B Corp™ movement. Seeing how they used business as a force for good™ encouraged us to do the same - to align what we do in the mountains with the global movement - for a fairer, more sustainable economy. Joining the B Corp™ community felt like a natural next step in our journey towards greater accountability and impact.

What was the process and how long did it take?

It was definitely not a tick-box exercise! The process took almost a year and involved answering around 300 detailed questions, submitting loads of supporting documents and taking part in verification interviews. B Lab™ assessed everything from employee benefits and charitable giving to how we source our food and manage our environmental impact. I know of other excellent businesses who applied but didn't quite pass the threshold so we were chuffed to surpass the certification threshold by 13 points in the end!

Did the process itself give you ideas and inspirations for improvements within your business along the way?

Absolutely. Going through the B Corp™ process helped us formalise things we’d been doing instinctively and identify areas we could strengthen - especially around governance and team wellbeing. One of the most significant changes we made was legally changing our business structure to become a “Société à Mission”, which embeds our social and environmental purpose into our company’s constitution. We’ve also introduced a new volunteering policy, giving our team the opportunity to dedicate time each year to support local projects and causes. These are the kinds of initiatives that keep the B Corp™ ethos alive long after certification day.

We couldn’t find any other chalet companies with B Corp™  certification. Would you encourage others to seek it?

Definitely! Whether you’re a chalet company, a tech start-up, or a bakery, B Corp™ is about doing business with intention. It’s a brilliant way to align your operations with your values and be part of something bigger. The certification process is demanding - and rightly so - but it’s also incredibly rewarding. We’d love to see more travel and hospitality businesses joining the movement, and we’re more than happy to offer free

advice to any local businesses who are considering applying, to help guide them through the process.

Do you think your regular guests – and those in the future – will understand and appreciate the certification?

We think so, yes. Many of our guests are already conscious of their choices and want to know their holidays support something positive. The B Corp™ logo helps make that visible - it’s a simple way to say: you’re supporting a company that puts ethics, transparency and sustainability at the heart of what it does. We also hope it sparks curiosity and helps people make more values-led choices in other parts of their lives too.

Do you think the mountain tourism industry should do more to measure its impact?

Without question. The mountains are incredibly beautiful but also highly sensitive to climate change and tourism has a big role to play in protecting them. Measuring impact is the first step towards managing it - from carbon emissions to waste and community wellbeing. We all have a responsibility to ensure that the way we welcome people to the mountains helps preserve them for generations to come.

Do you have to revisit your certification in the future?

Yes - every three years we’re re-assessed, and the standards get tougher each time. That’s one of the things we love about B Corp™: it’s not a finish line, it’s an ongoing commitment. It keeps us on our toes and ensures we’re always looking for ways to do better.

How can tourists help protect the mountains for the future?

Tourists play a huge role in shaping the future of mountain destinations. The best thing you can do is to choose to spend your holiday money with companies that have a clear environmental policy - B Corp™ certification is a great way to know you’re supporting a business that genuinely walks the talk. You can also look for companies that contribute to local sustainability initiatives, such as those involved in Montagne Verte’s Sustainable Mountain Futures Fund. Every choice - from who you book with to how you travel - helps protect the mountains for the next generation.

Any final thoughts?

We have set ourselves the Big Hairy Audacious Goal of donating or investing €1 million in protecting the planet by 2035. We actually exceeded our first-year target of €49,000 by €3,000, and we plan to grow that contribution by around 13% year on year in order to achieve it. The certification gave us structure, but it’s the ongoing work - the daily decisions - that make the real difference.

BECOMES

We are thrilled to announce our new alliance with Douglas Elliman, the leading US luxury real estate brokerage.

We are proud to combine our local expertise with Elliman’s International strength to bring a new era of luxury real estate to the French Alps, becoming their first partner in this wonderful part of the world.

elliman.fr

NECTAR CAFÉ MORZINE

Start your day or recharge

With great co ee, irresistible cakes, high-protein yoghurt bowls, vibrant smoothies, hearty soups, nourishing wraps, and other healthy breakfast and lunch options.

Our mission is simple

To fuel your adventures with food that’s both nutritious and delicious. Each dish is crafted from locally sourced, organic ingredients and served with care, energy, and a love of the mountains.

FRESH HEALTHY DELICIOUS ORGANIC

Winter hours : 9.30am - 3.30pm

property

Chalet Skyline

Chalet Skyline offers both style and flexibility, with quality finishes and fantastic entertainment spaces. Its elevated position provides fabulous views and sunshine, while the partly-renovated mazot offers potential for added value. It is in a quiet position but an easy walk into the village centre. Positioned to capture fantastic views of the village and mountains, it is bathed in sunshine all day long.

MORE INFO: Mountain Base Immobilier +33 (0) 4 80 96 50 03 | sales@mountain-base.com mountain-base.com/chaletskyline

Elegant Morzine Chalet

Located just 2km from the centre of Morzine, this chalet enjoys a peaceful setting while remaining easily accessible thanks to the free shuttle service. It’s just 750m from the Nyon telecabine and inside you’ll discover 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The modern, fully-equipped kitchen opens onto a bright dining and living area, both have direct access to a terrace and garden. Fully renovated, the property benefits from new windows, doors and a roof, there’s a spacious double garage, storage and parking to complete this charming mountain retreat throughout the year.

MORE INFO:

Léa Mugnier - Barnes Portes du Soleil +33 (0) 4 50 74 14 51 | portesdusoleil@barnes-international.com barnes-portesdusoleil.com

Le Ruisseau

A rare opportunity to own a spacious, beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom apartment in L’Élé, Montriond. Just minutes from Morzine and the Super Morzine lifts, it offers 78m² living space plus 65m² storage, a private mazot, balcony and parking for 4 vehicles. Modern, sunlit and versatile, this property is ideal as a home or proven rental investment.

MORE INFO:

Lucy Pilcher - Agence My Home in the Alps +33 (0) 6 95 73 17 79 | lucy@mhita.com myhomeinthealps.com

From turnkey studio apartments with a soughtafter, ski-in, ski-out location in the Portes du Soleil’s highest ski resort to expansive, all-singing, alldancing chalets that are perfect for year-round living. From sophisticated apartments with fantastic rental potential to traditional Savoyarde farmhouses in need of some TLC. You’re sure you find your dream home in Morzine, Les Gets, Avoriaz or the wider Vallee d’Aulps this season. Here are some of our favourites.

1,550,000€

2,300,000€ 650,000€

365,000€ from 870,000€

Apartment Les Pivottes 2

Les Pivottes 2 is a superb pied-à-terre that will also appeal to potential renters – a lovely renovation featuring a fully-fitted kitchen, bright living space with balcony, 2 double bedrooms, modern bathroom, garage and access to shared garden, and all this within a stone’s throw of the village and right on the ski bus route.

Marie-Anne Denicolo - Alpine-Property.com +33 (0) 6 08 15 46 54 | marieanne@alpine-property.com

Discover the new Kangto development in Les Gets and enjoy an ideal location, just steps from the lively village centre to fully enjoy its shops and entertainment, and 150 meters from the Mont Chéry ski lifts. Inspired by intimate mountain chalets, discover this superb building comprising 8 exceptional lodges, ranging from 2 bedrooms + cabin to 5 bedrooms..

MORE INFO: Samantha Gates - Alpine Lodges +33 (0) 6 80 07 19 61 | s.gates@alpine-lodges.fr alpine-lodges.fr/fr/programmes/kangto

The Design Studio: 8 Route d’Avoriaz, 74110, Morzine lisa@rsinteriordesigns.com +33(0) 6 32 31 81 94 www.rsinteriordesigns.com

Kangto

Les Gets Perrières Apartment

A beautifully presented 2-bedroom apartment in a 2014 chalet-style residence, ideally located opposite the Perrières ski lift and slopes. Situated on the 2nd floor (with lift), this 50m² apartment offers a bright open-plan living area with modern kitchen, leading onto a generous 22m² wraparound balcony with panoramic mountain views and sunny south-east exposure.

MORE INFO:

Milly Mannering - France Property Angels

+33 (0) 6 71 14 77 52 | milly@francepropertyangels.com francepropertyangels.com

Loft Amenda

This exceptional Avoriaz loft perfectly embodies an authentic blend of mountain charm with contemporary, unique design. With impressive proportions and high-end amenities, inside you’ll discover 6 bedrooms, an exclusive wellness area, a high-end kitchen and incredible views throughout. This property is a true Avoriaz gem, on the pistes and in the centre of the village.

MORE INFO:

L’Immobiliere des Hauts Forts

+33 (0) 4 50 74 21 63 avoriaz.immo/achat

Apartment Hirondelle

Stunning, prime, central, 3 bedroom ensuite apartment in the heart of the Morzine centre. Located on Route de la Plagne this is a superb location. The Super Morzine cable car is just a 2 minute walk away. This is a prime location with bars, restaurants and shops on your doorstep. The residence was a recent luxury new build and is a fabulous residence of just 3 apartments. Given the location it will provide a great rental return. The apartment is bright and spacious with views of the surrounding mountains.

MORE INFO: Paul Watts - Morzine Immobilier

+33 (0) 6 25 59 13 27 | paul@morzine-immo.com morzine-immo.com

Chalet Lievre Blanc

Chalet Lièvre Blanc combines an elevated position, all-day sunshine, and beautiful views with strong existing rental performance. It’s an ideal turnkey investment for buyers seeking a property with proven income potential and excellent year-round appeal. The chalet enjoys natural light throughout the day and panoramic views across the village and surrounding peaks.

MORE INFO: Mountain Base Immobilier

+33 (0) 4 80 96 50 03 | sales@mountain-base.com mountain-base.com/lievre-blanc

410,000€ 930,000€ 2,650,000€ 995,000€

Elegant Châtel Chalet

Located close to the centre of the village in a prime location, discover this superb chalet offering 205m2 of living space, blending modern comfort with authentic Alpine charm. With 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, a semi-open plan kitchen, dining and lounge area, a fireplace, TV lounge, glass-fronted wine cellar and ample storage, this chalet is sold fully furnished and equipped, ready to move into.

MORE INFO:

Julian Claret - Barnes Portes du Soleil

+33 (0) 4 50 74 14 51 | portesdusoleil@barnes-international.com barnes-portesdusoleil.com

Set on a sought-after road in St Jean d’Aulps, this charming 6-bedroom semi-detached chalet combines tranquility with convenience. Close to shops, restaurants and bars, it’s perfect as a spacious family home or rental investment. Enjoy 2 private parking spaces, a sunny garden, large terrace, 6 bedrooms and vast living space with exposed beams.

MORE INFO:

Lucy Pilcher - Agence My Home in the Alps +33 (0) 6 95 73 17 79 | lucy@mhita.com myhomeinthealps.com

Ferme de l’Abbaye

Apartment Les Torrents

This bright apartment with stunning views is situated in a handy yet peaceful spot with easy access to the village centres of both Montriond and Morzine and the slopes. A super 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom renovated property with a lovely spacious living area, lots of balcony space, a large cave area, and covered parking.

MORE INFO:

Marie-Anne Denicolo - Alpine-Property.com

+33 (0) 6 08 15 46 54 | marieanne@alpine-property.com alpine-property.com

Annapurna B303

Located on the third floor of the exclusive Annapurna residence in the centre of Les Gets, this stunning penthouse apartment spans 185m2, has 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and a cosy, open-plan living area with wood burning stove, contemporary kitchen and a balcony. For sale with accompanying cellar and allocated underground parking, just moments from the ski lifts.

MORE INFO: Samantha Gates - Alpine Lodges

+33 (0) 6 80 07 19 61 | s.gates@alpine-lodges.fr alpine-lodges.fr/fr/selection-biens/revente/b303

Les Gets Studio apartment

Completely renovated studio apartment in one of the most soughtafter locations in Les Gets, directly opposite the Chavannes lift and in the heart of the resort. Situated on the 1st floor of a residence with lift and caretaker, this cleverly designed apartment features a bright living space with fully equipped modern kitchen (full-size oven, induction hob, dishwasher, fridge-freezer), a stylish bathroom with space for washer/dryer, and a sunny balcony overlooking the slopes.

MORE INFO:

Milly Mannering - France Property Angels

+33 (0) 6 71 14 77 52 | milly@francepropertyangels.com francepropertyangels.com

Prestigious Avoriaz Chalet

This magnificent property includes 338m2 of living space and is located on the pistes in the centre of the village. Including 8 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms and unparalleled spacial design with contemporary interiors, the chalet is divided into different wings. There’s a stunning living space with central fireplace, sauna, cinema room, fitness room and rooftop terrace too,

MORE INFO:

L’Immobiliere des Hauts Forts

+33 (0) 4 50 74 21 63 avoriaz.immo/achat 449,500€

Chalet 4 Seasons

Nestled in the heart of the stunning Vallée de la Manche, this exceptional 5-bedroom detached chalet offers the perfect blend of tranquility, luxury, and alpine charm. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery and fields this is a true retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

1,650,000€ 195,000€

MORE INFO: Paul Watts - Morzine Immobilier +33 (0) 6 25 59 13 27 | paul@morzine-immo.com morzine-immo.com

Tilia Studio

Located in the heart of the Falaise quarter in Avoriaz, just steps from the ski slopes, shops and restaurants, this 4th floor studio apartment benefits from an abundance of natural light and stunning views from the unobstructed balcony. There’s an entrance hall with storage, a double bedroom, bathroom with WC and living room equipped with a kitchenette, dining area and lounge with balcony access. The residence benefits from private ski storage and is current leased with Pierre & Vacances, guaranteeing a regular rental income. The lease can be terminated from 2027. MORE INFO: L’Immobiliere des Hauts Forts +33 (0) 4 50 74 21 63 avoriaz.immo/achat

Ferme Le Gys

A charming, refined Savoyarde farmhouse with 6 bedrooms, a separate 2-bed apartment, a beautiful garden and a traditional mazot, this property has been thoughtfully renovated over the last 20 years, creating a spacious home with character and authenticity. The 6 bedrooms are spread over 2 floors and on the upper level there’s a striking, double-height living room with exposed beams and a bar. This living space opens onto a covered balcony with lovely views over the garden and surrounding mountain.

MORE INFO: Mountain Base Immobilier

+33 (0) 4 80 96 50 03 | sales@mountain-base.com mountain-base.com/ferme-le-gysm

Apartment Le Pleney

Located on the 4th and top floor of this highly sought-after residence, this apartment is just steps from the centre of Morzine, the Pleney telecabine and the Pleney Piste B ski run. It’s a duplex apartment with an open-plan living space on the first floor, with a comfortable lounge and a fireplace. There’s access to a terrace and a wrap-around balcony from this level, as well as 2 bedrooms. A spacious mezzanine level can be used as a separate TV area, there’s a third bedroom and an additional bathroom on this level also. Sold furnished and including everything you could need for a holiday home in Morzine.

MORE INFO: Marie-Anne Denicolo - Alpine-Property.com

+33 (0) 6 08 15 46 54 | marieanne@alpine-property.com alpine-property.com

Montriond Plateau Apartment

Perfectly positioned in a peaceful, south-facing setting in Montriond, this apartment offers the ideal blend of tranquility and convenience. Including 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, this first floor apartment is generously proportioned. There’s a private entrance, lots of storage, a spacious living area, separate kitchen and a south-facing balcony with lovely views. The property is just moments from the free shuttle bus stop, it also enjoys 2 parking spaces.

MORE INFO: Lucy Pilcher - Agence My Home in the Alps +33 (0) 6 95 73 17 79 | lucy@mhita.com myhomeinthealps.com

L’Avorea

A rare gem on the Avoriaz property market, this exceptional and expansive home has the capacity to accommodate up to 20 people, giving it excellent rental potential as an investment property. With 7 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, a ski-in, ski-out central Avoriaz location and stunning, contemporary interiors, the new owner will enjoy multiple balconies, a magnificent terrace with views over the village, a private spa and a beautiful open plan living space.

MORE INFO: More Info:

L’Immobiliere des Hauts Forts

+33 (0) 4 50 74 21 63 | avoriaz.immo/achat

795,000€ 375,000€€ 850,000€ 3,175,000€

trending

- interiors -

Here at shep&kyles design, we are having an incredibly busy yet tremendously fulfilling Autumn completing projects in time to hand them over to our clients before Christmas. For this issue of my tending interiors guide, I am showcasing six products that we have specified for these chalets.

These cocktail tables are a new find for us this year and are a strong contender as our new favourite product! They are available in different sizes and as they are bespoke items, are completely customisable. We love the marble and metal top options, but these Venetian glass versions are simply stunning and available in a range of jewel-like colours to complement any interiors scheme.

This iconic light fitting is a shep&kyles client favourite choice. Available in different sizes, we like to specify a cluster of them together to create a striking centrepiece. Although the spheres are decorative whether lit or not, the fittings are spectacular when illuminated – the integrated LED light sources creating a captivating display reminiscent of a starry night.

Timothy Oulton are one of our favourite suppliers and this chair is absolutely perfect for a ski chalet. The oak frame is teamed with fluffy upholstery available in white, natural (beige) or black long haired New Zealand sheepskin. The chair is extremely comfortable yet has a relatively modest footprint. We love to place a pair of these in front of picture windows so that clients can enjoy the mountain views whilst snuggling in comfort!

kyles garrett interior architect shepandkyles.com

Timothy Oulton Cabana Chair timothyoulton.com

Moooi Raimond Light moooi.com

Tom Faulkner Lily Side Table tomfaulkner.co.uk

This Haute-Savoie based company work closely with the best artisans and perfumers in Grasse (the perfume capital of the world) to create this exquisite collection of scented candles and diffusers. There are incredible fragrance combinations for all preferences and all are beautifully designed and packaged with the utmost attention to detail (Bois de Cèdre Elemi is the current shep&kyles design favourite!). Saint Altra Cura. Embrace the dark.

All of our projects now feature leisure facilities in addition to living spaces and gyms are increasingly a must-have element for a luxury ski lodge. We try to design these spaces in harmony with the rest of the property and look for more aesthetic solutions for these rooms. As a result, we have worked with NOHRD for the last few years, finding their projects innovative, high quality and sustainable with beautiful craftsmanship.

This sofa beautifully blends Scandinavian style with organic design. The curvy kidney bean shape is completely on-trend and the range of available fabrics ensures that you can find a colour and weave that complements any interior scheme. Furninova are a small eco-conscious brand with European fabrication and a great design aesthetic.

Furninova Aria Kidney Bean Sofa olsonbaker.com

THE WINTER 2026

REPORT property market

by gareth jefferies marketing director at alpine-property.com

The overall global picture hasn’t shifted dramatically since my summer report. The war in Ukraine continues, but its impact on our daily lives and property markets has lessened compared to previous years. The situation in Gaza has stabilised somewhat (for now) and even Trump isn’t creating quite as much uncertainty as before. A genuine positive is that inflation in France has steadied, although the same can’t be said for the UK, where higher living costs and a weakening pound are still affecting British buyers in the alpine property market. Mortgage rates in France are now below 4%, which is somewhat less than what is available in the UK, also lending restrictions have been relaxed a little which is helping.

Starting with Morzine, where property transaction volumes are high enough to give us reliable data. According to the Notaires and current market indicators, asking prices for average apartments have risen around 28% over the past year, and 12% since the start of the summer. That growth hasn’t been smooth or linear. At the end of last winter, it actually looked as though prices were softening, but the market stabilised during the summer and has strengthened markedly through the autumn. Actual selling prices tend to lag behind asking prices, and while buyers are still negotiating, they are also making confident, realistic offers. Our advice to sellers right now is to take below asking price offers seriously - experience shows that properties left on the market too long are starting to stick.

The chalet market in Morzine tells a slightly different story. For mid-range chalets around the €1 million mark, asking prices have risen by

“People now value the four-season lifestyle more than ever”

about 8% over the past year, but the Notaires’ figures show a fall in selling prices, reportedly as much as 20%. That feels exaggerated, but it’s clear that this segment is less buoyant. Our advice to sellers remains the same; price

carefully, listen closely to your agent, and be prepared to negotiate.

At the higher end - properties above €1 million - demand has definitely weakened. This may be linked to global investment patterns. Typically, when stock markets struggle, investors turn to property. But right now, with the markets hitting record highs, money is flowing into AI-related equities rather than real estate. It’s a reminder that even Alpine property isn’t completely immune to wider economic trends.

Heading down the Vallée d’Aulps, the picture is still positive. In St Jean d’Aulps, demand for chalets under €1 million remains strong, with the “sweet spot” around €700,000. The available data is thinner than in Morzine, but it indicates a 16% increase over the last three months and around 30% over the past year. Apartments show a similar trend, though the statistics are harder to pin down. Anecdotally,

demand is highest for year-round, practical homes - properties with storage space, garages or caves (lockers) large enough for bikes. Once you move off the main ski-bus routes, these features become essential. Apartments without such amenities can struggle, and this marks a clear shift in buyer expectations. People now value the four-season lifestyle more than ever. Buyers want to spend extended periods here, and fulltime residents need functional space. It’s a healthy sign that the area’s appeal increasingly extends beyond the ski season.

“local

Adaptation and Sustainability

That shift towards year-round living ties into a wider issue that’s recently been highlighted by the Cour des Comptes (France’s administrative audit authority). Their reports suggest that local administrations remain too dependent on winter tourism and need to invest more in non-ski activities. This is not news, but it is becoming more urgent. Morzine’s finances are cushioned by substantial dividends from SERMA, the company operating Avoriaz’s ski lifts. This provides a valuable safety net

and could well be masking more systemic issues in Morzine.

By contrast, St Jean d’Aulps lacks that financial buffer. Its ski area, Le Roc d’Enfer, is supported directly by the commune, and its long-term sustainability looks fragile. That’s unfortunate, because it remains one of the region’s best-value ski areas, offering fantastic and usually quiet skiing at less than half the cost of Avoriaz. The best way we can help is to keep skiing there. In practice, most homeowners in La Grande Terche already split their time between Roc d’Enfer and trips to Ardent, Morzine or Mont Chery, so even if the ski area’s future becomes uncertain, local property demand seems unaffected. Perhaps that’s why SERMA has shown little interest in stepping in - after all, if the Roc d’Enfer were to close, its skiers would simply head to Avoriaz instead.

Looking ahead to winter 2025/26, the property market across Morzine, Les Gets and the Vallée d’Aulps remains fundamentally strong. Apartments in the mid-range are performing particularly well, while chalets in Morzine - especially above the €1 million mark - require more careful pricing. Buyer sentiment remains positive, underpinned by a continuing desire for mountain lifestyles, improved infrastructure, and a growing appreciation of these areas beyond winter sports alone. Even with global uncertainties and shifting financial trends, the enduring appeal of the Alps - fresh air, community, and year-round beautycontinues to support property values.

If you’re considering selling, now is still an excellent time to take advantage of renewed buyer activity. And if you’re buying, there’s a wider choice of properties than we’ve seen in a while - particularly for those ready to move quickly when the right opportunity comes up.

More Info:

up to date on the latest property market developments and other interesting issues relating to property in our valley at blog.alpine-property.com

A New Agent at France Property Angels

“Hello, I’m Milly Mannering and I’m delighted to be the new local agent for France Property Angels, representing the Morzine and Les Gets valley. Having lived in the area for over 20 years, I’ve developed a deep knowledge and love for this beautiful Alpine region. I’m passionate about helping people find their dream property, whether it’s a permanent family home, a holiday escape, or a smart investment in the mountains. From the initial search right through to the final signing, I’m here to make the entire process smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free, ensuring you find the perfect place to call home.”

France Property Angels have a large selection of properties at a range of different price points on their website - francepropertyangels.com. You can contact Millie on milly@francepropertyangels.com or call +33 (0) 6 71 14 77 52.

Air Source Systems Simplified

Local electrical and plumbing experts Rose Energies now instal the latest NIBE air-source systems from the market-leading Scandinavian brand refining home comfort. Air-source systems are incredibly popular in the mountains as the cost of powering traditional heating and hot water systems soars during the winter season. The NIBE range provided and installed by Rose Energies is easily installed on both renovation and new-build projects, allowing you to conveniently adjust the heat according to your habits and the weather forecast. The most contemporary systems from NIBE provide powerful heating and cooling with no outdoor unit required. They’re quiet, compact and built for alpine efficiency.

For more details head to roseelec.eu

A New Base for Barnes in Morzine

Barnes International Realty - Portes du Soleil have expanded from their office in Les Gets into the centre of Morzine this winter. Located at 175 rue du Bourg, the Barnes Portes du Soleil team have a collection of high-end properties and new development opportunities for sale and to rent across the Vallee d’Aulps and the wider mountain area. Whether you’re considering buying or selling, you can call into the office to meet the team during your winter holiday.

For more details email portesdusoleil@barnes-international.com

We are thrilled to announce our new alliance with Douglas Elliman, the leading US luxury real estate brokerage.

We are proud to combine our local expertise with Elliman’s International strength to bring a new era of luxury real estate to the French Alps, becoming their first partner in this wonderful part of the world.

elliman.fr

After more than 10 years of working with Knight Frank as their International partner, Mountain Base have decided that it’s time for a change and have announced that their agencies are joining Douglas Elliman France.

Established in 1911, Elliman is one of the most prominent real estate agencies in the United States with an extensive network that is now expanding globally. France and Monaco was the first international partnership, launching in November on the Riviera, Côte d’Azur, South-West France and Bordeaux. The French Alps launched shortly after, spearheaded by Mountain Base who will have a pivotal role across the Alps.

Andy Symington, director says “Joining Douglas Elliman means partnering with a prestigious brand known for excellence and quality, opening up new opportunities in international markets.  This truly feels like a genuine upgrade in the vision of a brand, one that wants to thrive, innovate and invest in the future of luxury real estate.  By combining our expertise in the local market with Elliman’s global reach, we can guide our clients to the most beautiful properties, throughout France and abroad. This partnership marks the beginning of a new chapter, built on shared values: rigour, expertise and service excellence.”

For more details head to mountain-base.com

The Perfect Chalet Oven

There’s an Everhot oven to fit all styles and sizes of kitchen and now this prestigious British brand is available to buy in France via Fabrica, an Eymetbased, family-run supplier and boutique. The Everhot traditional electric cooking range consists of 12 different products in seven different sizes and 20 different colours. They’re hand-crafted using traditional methods in Gloucestershire before being transported directly to your alpine property project. Fabrica are also suppliers of Farrow & Ball paints, Neptune solid wood kitchens and Oslo hard wax oil.

Discover more at fabrica-boutique-eymet.fr

New Adventures for Mountain Base across the French Alps

BECOMES

The team at Berchen have just completed this stunning new kitchen. Director Helen Lavendar talks us through it.

“For this stunning barn conversion, the client came to us with a clear brief: a modern, functional kitchen that respected the character of the building without leaning into anything too rustic. Working closely with interior designers Shep&Kyles, we shaped the direction from their sketches, the client’s notes, and a collection of shared Pinterest references.

The material palette formed the backbone of the design. We used a bespoke ALPI Slate veneer for the main run, paired with Homapal Brushed Bronzetone SRM accents to bring in contrast and a clean metallic edge. The raised island in Denton Kelya anchors the space - its subtle, light striations link the surrounding textures together in a way that feels natural and understated. A double-sided glass drinks cabinet became the main feature, offering both display and practical storage without adding visual weight.

One detail we were particularly happy with is the custom postbox feature. It’s simple, distinctive, and gives the kitchen its own identity without shouting for attention.

The result is a high-quality, modern kitchen that sits comfortably within the restored barn: honest materials, clean lines, and a few sharp design moves that elevate the space. It’s refined but grounded - exactly the balance the client, and the team at Shep and Kyles, were aiming for.

For more inspiration head to birchen.co

Zip’n’Link Bed Specialist / Specialiste en Literie

Hotel-Quality Bed & Linen Supplier / Fournisseur de Linge Qualité Hotelière

Bespoke Sofas & Sofa Bed / Canapé & Canapé Convertible

Showroom by appointment only 654 Route de la Plagne 74110, Morzine France

Dream Kitchens by Berchen

It’s in its DNA

by amie henderson

There’s no denying it, Avoriaz has a unique and highly memorable architectural style.

From its first conception in 1965, the objective was always to design buildings that blend into the surrounding cliffs, echoing their forms, rather than opposing them. Look up, you’ll see that the facades tilt and curve like rock faces. Rooflines follow the slope of the terrain and volumes twist and taper in irregular and cultural ways. This style is sometimes described as expressionist because it’s both dramatic and irregular, but it’s also futurism, in the sense that almost all surfaces are covered by wooden shingles or ‘tavaillons’, giving a warm, earthy appearance.

© Loïc Bouchet-Avoriaz1800

Sixty years later, the architectural DNA of Avoriaz is as strong as ever. New buildings are a rarity in the car-free resort, but when they do occur, or when renovations take place, they’re bound to the same architectural and design principles as the original buildings.

Simon Cloutier is the director of the Atelier d’Architecture d’Avoriaz (AAA), an architectural studio that plays a central role in both protecting - and designing - the architectural legacy of the Portes du Soleil’s highest resort.

“The AAA was founded in Avoriaz in 1966 by Jacques Labro, Jean-Jacques Orzoni and JeanMarc Roques,” Simon explains. Their vision was instrumental in the creation of Avoriaz as a ski resort and the objective of the atelier was to preserve a consistency of style; an antithesis to the often uniform, utilitarian style of many purpose built ski resorts. In Avoriaz, the architecture is not just functional - it’s a core part of the resort’s identity and appeal. It’s part of its cultural heritage.

The idea of creating a car-free winter resort was also revolutionary during the 1960s. This was an era when car ownership became normal in most households, and the idea of arriving in the mountains by car, then storing it away for the rest of your holiday, was groundbreaking. “It wasn’t so much the architecture of Avoriaz that generated the resort’s success,” believes Simon. “But rather it’s urban planning.” There’s been pedestrian only circulation during the winter season since Avoriaz first opened its doors, everyone enjoys ski-in, ski-out access and each building is integrated into the slopes. By prohibiting cars, Avoriaz has minimised ecological disturbance, maintained cleaner air and preserved the alpine landscape.

I wonder which building, in Simon’s opinion, best represents the architectural DNA of Avoriaz? “The Hôtel des Dromonts,” he believes. “It was also the first building erected in Avoriaz in 1966,” he continues. In

course there are challenges facing mountain architecture and mountain communities. “We must show that these areas, the mountains, are not just mere playgrounds for skiers. They can be inhabited all year round, and by inhabiting, I mean discovering and loving them in every season.”

There wasn’t much awareness of the concept of global warming in the 1960s. Certainly a small number of scientists had already identified rising global temperatures, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that climate science began to influence architecture and planning. I wonder, is it a coincidence that Jacques Labro, Jean-Jacques Orzoni and Jean-Marc Roques applied so many sustainability designs to their architecture when designing the first buildings in Avoriaz? “Yes,” Simon believes. “From the very beginning, the construction details focused in finding technical solutions that favoured exterior insulation, detached balconies, construction without thermal bridges and insulated timber-frame walls.” You might also notice that all buildings in Avoriaz are oriented to maximise sunlight, harnessing warmth and light during daylight hours.

recent years the resort has received official recognition as a cultural heritage zone and in February 2025, the Hauts-Forts 2 building was listed as an official Historic Monument by the French Ministry of Culture. “It’s important that we preserve Avoriaz without turning it into a museum,” believes Simon. “Avoriaz must remain a vibrant mountain town.”

The most recent work of the Atelier d’Architecture d’Avoriaz includes the Salle Hors Sac (the building including the picnic room and Le Quarante Sept snack bar in Lindarets), the L’Express restaurant just next to the Tour chairlift and also the stunning new footbridge across the river in Tangines, a village just below Les Gets. “Transforming an idea into a built reality is the most rewarding aspect of my work,” explains Simon. But of

Avoriaz isn’t growing - there’ll be no major expansion, no sprawl of new accommodation in the decades to come. Pierre & Vacances are renovating their existing Hermine residence (it’ll soon be renamed Capella) into 143 upgraded apartments with better insulation and energy efficiency. The resort is already part of the Flocon Vert program in recognition of its work on reducing the carbon footprint and innovations in its operations. 17 snow groomers run on 100% HVO renewable fuel. Big efforts are being made to preserve, maintain and perfect rather than expand and enlarge the village. “We are constantly working on the future development of the resort, particularly on very long-term projects, such as in 10 or 20 years time,” Simon explains when I ask him for an overview of his current developments. “But in the near future, we are working on the new stables in Avoriaz, and this will be completed in the spring of 2026.”

It’s reassuring to know that there’s original architectural core of Avoriaz - the DNA which has made it so popular - is in safe hands with the Atelier d’Architecture d’Avoriaz. You can follow more of their work on their Facebook page.

THROUGH THE KEYHOLE AT

MORZINE CHALET

La Rive

What came first? The plan or the property?

Eleven years ago, I did a ski season here in Morzine, working as a chalet girl - which is where I met my business partner Amelia. We both fell in love with Morzine but returned to the UK to start our careers, Amelia in construction management and me in property finance and development. Over the following years, we often talked about one day doing a project together, but in London it always felt like a far-off dream. I decided the time had come to do another season and called Amelia to see if she fancied coming along for the ride (which, of course, she did). After a failed rental search, we started fantasising about buying somewhere together instead.

During one of my daydreams I saw this property on the market, no more than 15 feet away from - and directly opposite - the chalet I used to work in, nearly a decade prior. I distinctly remembered this property (and the cute dog who used to live there), I remembered thinking back then how much it needed a “facelift” and what I would do to it if I had the chance, and so it was at that point that I decided we had to pursue it. It was already under offer but I called the agent every week for four months, hopeful the buyers had pulled out. My persistence paid off, we bought the chalet nine months after we first saw it.

What condition was the property in when you first viewed it?

It had all the charm of a shoddily converted student house in a UK university town, but the location is where the magic happens! We are sat right along the River Dranse, at the base of Pointe de Ressachaux; as soon as we saw that and could imagine having our morning coffee there, we were sold. >>

Once you had the property secured, what was the renovation process?

We’d both taken a year-long sabbatical from work and planned to just live in it for the first year, which was when we met Sam (my now boyfriend), who conveniently happened to also be an architect. We spent long days and nights discussing, designing and re-designing every inch of the house, how we wanted our guests to spend their time here and more importantly, how we wanted them to feel here. It wasn’t until nine months later that we submitted our planning application.

The planning process was fairly smooth and works started in summer 2024. We broke the construction up into individual packages. We knew our careers to date would put us in good stead to manage the project and we were keen to work directly with local contractors.

Neither Amelia, Sam nor I were able to speak much French (we’re all now having weekly lessons), which obviously caused us some challenges over the build. However, they say a picture speaks a thousand words, and with our skills in-house, we (by that I mean Sam!) were able to generate 3D computer images of each room, exactly as we wanted them to look. I have to say, if you were to compare them to the final property now, you’d be hard pushed to spot the difference!

Does the property have any quirks or features that became a challenge?

Oh boy, does it! The river that we fell in love with on the first viewing was the cause of many a discussion. We are in the ‘red zone’ which not only just sounds bad, it’s also very, very restrictive. Luckily we found out about it before we purchased (thank you to Marie-Anne Denicolo of Alpine Property, our agent, who was just incredible) as we were able to get to the bottom of the regulations and properly mitigate the risks. Essentially, we were not allowed to extend the building or add or alter any of the windows. This doesn’t sound too prohibitive but when the windows were dotted all over the place without rhyme or reason, trying to create a nice rhythm on the façade was incredibly tricky.

When planning the layout, did you design with holiday guests in mind?

As we were designing the chalet, we were also building up in our minds the concept of Bolobo, our future luxury hospitality and lifestyle brand. This meant constantly thinking about who was going to be staying with us and how they would use the space. Bolobo is a feeling, we wanted a place that, in equal measure, brings fun, excitement and awe, but also a relaxed sense of home - a reflection of the people we create for: the inquisitive and the playful.>>

Our layout was focused on three key principles:

Space optimisation – the chalet has been referred to as a “Tardis” on more than one occasion!

Maximising the living space-to-guest ratio - creating enough shared spaces where friends and families can truly connect, whether that’s over dinner –with or without a private chef, a movie night, or a full-blown dance party. We haven’t put TVs in the bedrooms to encourage everyone to spend time together, which only works if the living spaces are generous enough to allow it.

Drama – leaning heavily into the concept of compression and release, where you create a sense of emotion through spatial contrast. We take guests on a journey, moving them from smaller intimate, almost cocooned spaces, into areas that suddenly open up or that are filled with light or a great view. The moments of expansion create the wow factor, a feeling of surprise and by contrast amplify the cosiness of the intimate areas. We even managed a triple height glimpse from the front door at ground level through the suspended, glazed fireplace, up to the exposed roof beams in the upstairs living room.

In the end, holidays should feel a little bit magical and if our guests leave feeling both wowed and wonderfully at home, we will know we have done our job!

How would you describe the internal style and finishes?

Scandinavian design meets traditional chalet, maybe with a touch of Ibizan villa! Calming, indulgent and inviting. We have been extremely considered with every item that we have brought into the chalet, and along the way have met some incredible makers and brands creating products. Some we love so much that we’ve collaborated with and hope to one day open up a shop to help resell their goods so that our guests can take a bit of Bolobo home with them!

Which local trade went above and beyond to help you?

Honestly, all of our trades were great. Didier Alloin, our electrician, was a one-man machine, working tirelessly to get everything done. Roman’O, who handled the plumbing, met our energy-performance requests brilliantly, reducing our annual bills drastically compared to before the renovation - I can’t recommend air source heat pumps enough!

Raphael Dubois, our main contractor, never told us no, even when he thought we were mad. Vision Tech’s keen eye for detail brought out every nuance we’d designed on the façade, and Liam McElvenny produced the best microcement finish we could have asked for.

Alpine Kitchens were wonderful. We had entirely designed our kitchen before we had a kitchen supplier, which meant that although we knew >>

From heat pumps and electrical installations to EV chargers, plumbing, and energy performance (DPE) expertise

Rose Energies keeps your home running cleanly and efficiently.

Rose Energies now installs the latest NIBE air-source systems - from the market-leading Scandinavian brand redefining home comfort.

Powerful heating and cooling with no outdoor unit requiredquiet, compact, and built for Alpine efficiency.

exactly what we wanted, we were also hard pushed to find it. Luckily they have an incredibly cool CNC machine, which is able to cut bespoke shapes. This meant we were able to create the look we were after, through effectively burning subtle vertical lines down the front of the cupboards, and get the exact shapes we wanted. They also worked with me to produce my Instagram-inspired hidden worktop cupboard, which I think you’ll agree was a necessary addition!

If you were to renovate this property again, what would you change?

I think everything we have done has been so carefully thought through, changed and amended, time and time again as we have had to respond to challenges throughout. And in a somewhat romantic way, it is now a part of the buildings story, and I think it’s even better for it!

What are your plans for the future?

We had such a great time delivering our first project that we have set up a property development and hospitality company called Bolobo (a play on the ape species Bonobos, who are known for building amazing nests for their communities). We very much plan on developing, designing and delivering more properties, starting in Morzine but with an eye to the future on new resorts (and not just ski resorts). We hope to bring our signature high quality design ethos to multiple projects and places across Europe and help people buy outstanding homes through the properties we will sell and create amazing holidays in the ones we keep to add to the portfolio.

Chalet La Rive is the first of many and we are extremely excited to be opening our doors for our first winter season. We will be working with the local community here to curate bespoke holidays for our guests, whether that is by pulling in talented local chefs, or other experiences Morzine has to offer. We are looking forward to getting to know our clientele and seeing where the adventure takes us next!

If you could share one piece of advice with anyone thinking of undertaking their own chalet renovation project, what would it be?

Our one piece of practical advice (and this goes mainly for those who are seeking a very high finish, total space optimisation and a precise design) is to make sure you have fully coordinated detailed designs right from the beginning – including structure, plumbing, electrics and architectural plans. This will save you thousands of headaches down the line, and stop you from being put in a position where you have to make a rash decision to avoid any programme delay or cost increase. Luckily for us we had an in-house architect, so it was easier to respond to unexpected things, but this is not the case for most people! Above all, have fun and enjoy the process!

Discover Chalet La Rive - bolobo.co.uk

souvenirs -

The Morzine Source Magazine 2026 Calendar price €15.00 shop.morzinesourcemagazine.com

Our annual calendar makes the perfect souvenir of your time in Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz. We’ve worked with 12 local photographers to chart the passing seasons, each image beautifully captures the spirit of our villages and valleys throughout the year. Printed on quality photography paper with a handy hanging hole, calendars are available to purchase from Little One Boutique in the centre of Morzine (for cash), or via the Morzine Source Magazine shop for international delivery.

Fée des Monts Génépi rrp €38.00 fee-des-monts.fr

Distilled entirely from local and natural products, most of which are harvested at the Jardins de l’Abbaye in St Jean d’Aulps, this traditional Génépi has been produced since the middle ages and is famous for its digestive properties. It’s also famous for giving a boost of energy and helps fight a fever and coughs. With an alcohol content of 45% however, we suggest you go steady!

Roc d’Enfer Buff rrp €15.00 rocdenfer.com

As you’ve hopefully already discovered in this magazine, the Roc d’Enfer is one of the best kept secrets in the Portes du Soleil. Head there to ski this season, fall in love with the quiet pistes, the incredible views and the incredibly happy team who run the resort. Before you leave, grab one of their super-soft and beautifully designed buffs to show your support!

amie henderson morzine source magazine editor

Spot Cafe Coffee Cup

Respect your coffee, protect the environment and take home a souvenir from your favourite spot on the mountain. This reusable coffee cup is made in part from sugarcane, it’s BPA free and it’s 100% recyclable. The spill-proof lid and double-wall insulation help to keep your drinks warm inside and you’ve two colour choices - black and green, both of which feature the Spot Cafe logo. Collect yours from the boutique at the top of the 3S telecabines in Avoriaz.

Designed to be worn in all seasons, this Portes du Soleil cap is made from strong, lightweight and flexible materials, which means it’s comfy to wear all day long. The terracotta colour is cool, there’s ventilation holes too and you can even buy it long after your holiday has finished via the official Portes du Soleil merch boutique! Google Portes du Soleil Boutique Officielle.

Why would you not want a pair of Shreddie socks? Available to purchase from the boutique at the top of the 3S telecabine in Avoriaz, these riding socks come in four different sizes and they’re adorned with your favourite characters from the Avoriaz stash. The height of the socks makes them idea to wear beneath your snowboard boots, the fabric is soft and wicking and they look pretty cool too.

Le Tremplin T-shirt

The best holiday souvenirs are the ones that take you back to your happy place. With this in mind, the team at Le Tremplin have designed these cute t-shirts and hoodies with London-based artist @ maisiesmunch. Also in the Tremplin merch range you’ll discover cool beanie hats, postcards and tote bags, they’re all available to buy from a dedicated Tremplin shop inside the venue.

Stash Riding Socks

Five Panel PDS cap

THE PEACEFUL RESORT

By Amie Henderson

I’ll admit to being a little bit ashamed of myself for not shining a light on the Roc d’Enfer ski area in previous issues of this magazine. Jérémy Trolliet, head of communications, marketing and commercial activity at the Roc d’Enfer sat alongside Lucie Tanguy, head of social media, press and communications at the Vallee d’Aulps Office de Tourisme, in an office at the base of the Grande Terche telecabine this autumn. They gave me a detailed and passionate presentation of the ski area; this meeting was timely.

During the previous 18 months there’d been quiet mumbles that the ski area might close for good. And sometimes, that speculation is all that’s needed to finish off a ski area. Would you book your ski holiday in a resort if there was a tiny chance it might not open? The 32 pistes of the Roc d’Enfer vary in altitude between 1000m and 1800m, putting them at the mercy of a poor snow winter. Although officially part of the 12-resort Portes du Soleil ski area, the Roc d’Enfer isn’t connected to any other ski area; it therefore doesn’t benefit from skiers passing through its turnstiles as they journey around the different resorts, or the revenue that this generates from the sales of your lift passes. And then there’s the issue of competition; the larger local resorts have bigger marketing budgets, events budgets and development budgets to entice you. At the Roc d’Enfer, they have very little of either.

The speculation of closure wasn’t just a rumour however. Despite having a record-breaking 2024/25 season, during which the Roc d’Enfer welcomed more skiers than during any previous winter that anyone could remember, the company operating the ski area was placed under financial safeguarding in February 2025, with debts totalling €3,177,000. The ski area straddles both St Jean d’Aulps and the commune of Bellevaux, there’d been some financial wrangling between the two villages when it came to agreeing a sustainable financial plan for the Roc d’Enfer. It’s from here that the rumours began.

On 28th October 2025, Roc d’Enfer management took the unprecedented step of issuing a public statement, addressing the speculation head on. “Let’s set the record straight,” they said. “The Roc d’Enfer has absolutely no plans to remain closed this winter,” they continued, “we’ll see you on 20th December,” they concluded.

Winter at the Roc d’Enfer isn’t finished and if the passion, dedication and openness of the teams at the Roc d’Enfer aren’t enough to motivate you to ski in this wonderful corner of the Portes du Soleil, then I have some other ideas to inspire you.

1 - Parking is free, and usually plentiful

If you’ve brought a vehicle on holiday with you, the Roc d’Enfer is an easy drive. You’ll park directly at the bottom of the base station, it’s incredibly convenient.

2 - You’ve already paid for it

Access to the Roc d’Enfer is included in your existing Portes du Soleil lift pass, it’s not an extra. The ski area receives money from the lift pass revenue pot each time you pass through one of their ski lifts.

3 - You’ll ski more

There are rarely ever queues at the Roc d’Enfer so you’ll spend more time on the pistes. Also, the Roc d’Enfer circuit is incredibly satisfying!

4 - It feels safe

For beginners, for families, for everyone - with fewer skiers on the slopes, you can spend more time enjoying the views.

5 - Great restaurants

Both L’Escale Blanche on the St Jean d’Aulps side and Cafe de la Chéverie in Bellevaux offer a delicious menu and excellent value for money.

You can also show your support for the Roc d'Enfer this winter by following the ski area on Instagram and Facebook:

IG: @rocdenfer_officiel

FB: /RocdEnferPageOfficielle

YOU’RE SKIING AT ROC D’ENFER JUST BREATHE,

SHORT QUEUES - FEELING OF SAFETY - FREE CAR PARK HERE, SKIING IS STILL A PLEASURE ! included in the Portes du Soleil skipass

MONTY SAYS...

The Piste X Code aims to make us all more considerate on the mountain, avoiding accidents and keeping each other safe. This is a community initiative for Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz supported by local businesses.

SKI AND SNOWBOARD WITHIN YOUR ABILITY

Control your speed, avoid other mountain users.

CONSIDER YOUR CHOICE OF PATH

The downhill skier or snowboarder always has the right of way. It’s your responsibility to avoid them. Leave space while passing.

THINK ABOUT WHERE YOU'LL STOP

Always at the side of the piste, never in the middle! And never beneath the brow of a hill.

BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS

Look up and down the slope before you set off or re-join the piste.

SET A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR CHILDREN

Teach children about piste safety and the importance of the Piste X Code.

RESPECT PISTE SIGNS AND MARKINGS

If a piste is closed, it’s closed for your safety. Watch for signs advising you to slow down.

YOUR ROLE IF THERE’S AN ACCIDENT

You are duty bound to assist. Cross your skis upright in the snow above the incident and call 112.

WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO?

Be sensible with your alcohol consumption, don’t listen to music on the pistes and never use ski apps that challenge your speed.

Dear Skiers and Snowboarders,

We’re Amie and Louise and in February 2022 we launched the PISTE X CODE, a bilingual campaign to remind everyone of their safety responsibilities on the slopes. We’d both been deeply shocked by the tragic death of a little girl skiing in a neighbouring ski resort in January 2022. As parents ourselves, we’d both noticed a significant increase in the number of out-of-control skiers and snowboarders on our local slopes. The mountains are incredibly beautiful and they’re amazingly good fun for families; we all deserve to be able to enjoy them in a safe way.

Motivated by the support of our local community, we gave ourselves a deadline of just two weeks to produce the entire campaign. With the wonderful help of local videographer George Treble and a raft of ski schools, we filmed a safety video on the pistes of the Super Morzine. BBC Ski Sunday presenter Ed Leigh introduced it for us, while we also cobbled together a website and social media channels to support the campaign. We launched everything on the eve of the February school holidays and we were overwhelmed by the feedback we received.

The winter sports industry needs this campaign but we’re not here to scare you with accident statistics, horror stories and tales of near-misses. That will never be our focus. Instead, we’re implementing positive change around the subject of piste safety, reminding those who learned to ski many years ago about their responsibilities on the slopes and those who are new to the mountains about the etiquette that makes them a safe place to have fun.

Since we launched, our PISTE X CODE campaign has featured in various international ski magazines, in national newspapers, on blogs and websites across the globe. We enlisted the support of POC Sports; it’s their mission to protect the lives and reduce the consequences of accidents for athletes and anyone inspired to be one, so this was an ideal first partnership for our campaign. We were also invited to meet with the various different French government organisations charged with monitoring, managing and improving piste safety across the country and we were pleased to contribute towards their own #PreventionHiver campaign.

This winter we'll focus on sharing our campaign with new partners. With the support of several local ski schools, we created the Monty pin badge in recognition of the piste safety knowledge passed down from instructors to children. Thirteen local ski schools now award Monty to their junior skiers and snowboarders, we hope it inspires them to take piste safety seriously and develop their knowledge as they become more confident on the slopes.

Of course piste safety isn’t just a problem on our local slopes in Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz, so we were delighted when residents of other resorts across the Alps started to get in touch. During Winter 2026 we’ll launch the PISTE X CODE in Meribel and Courchevel, we’ll begin to create awareness in Tignes and we’ll be represented at events in various other alpine resorts too. Creating a network of motivated PISTE X CODE ambassadors in resorts across Europe is now our focus, so if you’d like to help us amplify our piste safety message in your home resort, we’d love to hear from you.

But perhaps our biggest project to date is launching an animated video aimed specifically at children. The objective is to deliver our piste safety message in an eye-catching, memorable way and we enlisted the help of a professional, award-winning animation company to help us make this happen. If you’d like to make a small donation, tap this QR code and we’ll be eternally grateful for your support!

Please look out for each other on the slopes this winter and please help to spread the PISTE X CODE message whenever you can!

Amie & Louise

trending

- travel -

Michael Henderson

Source magazine creative director

This classic, dependable Carhartt beanie is perfect for travel and for the price, it’s excellent value. The 100% acrylic rib knit is comfortable all day, it’s machine washable and super durable and there’s a huge range of colours for you to choose from.

A smart, versatile mid-layer that’s perfect for travel days. It delivers a solid mix of warmth, breathability and stretch and its made from Salomon’s AdvancedSkin warm technology to keep you cosy in cold or windy conditions without being too heavy. Ventilation panels help with airflow, there are handy pockets and the hood is soft and well-fitted.

Former Morzine Source Magazine cover artist RP Roberts collaborates with our favourite belt brand, adding his custom designs to a belt that does it all. Arcade belts combine performance, stretch, durability and a sleek, low-profile design and because they’re metal free, they’re also airport friendly. Arcade Belts are machine washable, the three-piece buckle is easy to use and the micro-adjustable buckle dials in your exact fit.

Morzine

Lightwarm Hoodie

carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie

Fubuki Nozawa Slippers

RRP €119.00 fubukiboots.com

We really enjoy a hybrid shoe and these new slippers by Fubuki are not quite a house slipper, not quite a snow boot but they’re still incredibly useful. Perfect for then you need something weather-resistant to slip on your feet, the 100% EVA outer shell makes them completely waterproof and the cleated rubber sole gives good grip on snow. Inside there’s a soft, cosy lining and the whole shoe is lightweight and easy to wear.

Twelve South Power Bug

The PowerBug is a compact wall charger and it’s a beautifully minimal way to wirelessly charge your iPhone while keeping it visible and in use; it’s also very handy in a travel situation. Snap your MagSafe or Qi1-compatible phone into place effortlessly, theres also a built-in USB-C port to charge a second device without a load of clutter. The PowerBug holds your iPhone upright and in view while charging so you can use it to make video calls too.

Tiny but brave and ready to tag along on your hikes, bike rides, pool days and anything else you might have planned on holiday, the Ounce won’t win a loud-party contest but it’s perfect for me and my music moments. It’s also waterproof, easy to carry and attaches easily to your bag. There’s 16 hours of playtime on a single charge, Bluetooth connectivity and USB-C charging.

Another travel hybrid to help you save on kit, this DB backpack is an excellent all-around travel companion that also works on the daily commute. It balances capacity, protection and simplicity and we love the hook-up system and full-opening compartment, which makes everything very easy to find while you’re on the move. Mesh pockets help to keep things organised, the placement of the laptop compartment helps with balance when the bag is fully loaded and the ergonomic fit with back padding makes it super comfortable to carry, wherever your adventures take you.

Skullcandy Ounce Speaker

DB Hugger Backpack 30L

well be

IN MORZINE

By Carrie Greer of Little Wild

It’s the late end of autumn, the quiet breath that comes with nature before she slips into winter. Once again, here in our magic mountain town, almost the exact opposite of nature’s flow is happening.

This morning I walked the dog by the river and the sunlight and the mist through the trees was incredible to see. Now I’m sat here with my view of Pleney and I just noticed that the snow cannons have been switched on. Nature is slowing down all around us, while the local population is gearing up for winter action. We wonder why we often feel displaced, anxious and stressed.

Years ago (and not really all that long ago, actually) we lived by the seasons, by the moons, planning our lives by the turn of nature's wheel and the key points of life were the harvest, the hunt and gather and life was much simpler. We didn’t really look outside of our own communities, we were rooted, balanced and steady. Now, in our modern times, we are so much more technologically connected to the world. The concerns of the world have become

our own. We watch and, despite the visual connection, we can feel futile, disconnected.

Work takes over. The rush takes over. The commute, the traffic, the busyness. The need to prove ourselves ‘successful’. The need to have more, to make a display of wealth, of a smooth face, of the latest dangly thing on our designer bag. We are, little by little, losing who we really are and what we are connected to in the midst of all these other things thrown at us during every moment of every day. We get to a point where we don’t even recognise if a feeling or an emotion is truly ours, or it's just something we ‘should’ feel, because that’s how the world works now.

I moved to the mountains because I loved to snowboard, but also because I was slowly crumbling under the pace of life in the city.

It’s been a hard transition to let that urge to be constantly busy go, but because of the work I do, it’s been a key priority. I often write about how life here looks idyllic, but that it also has its challenges. Whilst these may not be the same as we’d find in a UK city life, they can still have an extreme effect on our nervous systems and how our bodies function.

The disparity of seasonal life, of sitting in the rush and the stress, when right in front of us - impossible to ignore - nature is asking us to slow, to breathe deeper, to pay attention to our increased heart rates, our adrenaline levels, our panic. It’s tough.

And those of you who holiday here; who come to the mountains exactly for that adrenaline rush, even though you’re probably already maxed out and your Whoop Band or Oura Ring

are showing you your sleep patterns and stress levels, but those levels have just become a normal function for you, even while your body is crying out for something different. What I’m saying, in connection with those falling leaves, in connection with the soft mist, in connection with the deep quiet of an early morning snowfall, is that you don’t have to live the whole of your life like that.

That you can find a pause without feeling lazy, without guilt.

That you can come here and do the fastest descent of Chamossiere in your life, but also take a gentle snowshoe through the forest and a guided meditation class. That there are two beautiful, magical sides to this mountain town and they both have value, especially towards your body’s regulation and therefore your general life function.

This summer I chatted to friends so passionately about ‘Morzine as a wellness destination’ and that we came up with a new concept for how we want you to view our town. It’a not just an epic place for mountain sports, but also as the perfect place to retreat to. To come back to the calm and quiet as the wheel of nature turns. To slow down and find rest. To let your mind quieten, to listen to how you really feel and to be able to find ways to better cope with the rush of life.

To find that pause and rest within it, no matter how fast the world turns around you. To be able to move through your emotions, knowing that everything changes, as nature changes, and that spikes of panic and adrenaline and the tightness of anxiety in your chest are not things you have to have in your life.

So come here for skiing, snowboarding, biking, hiking, but remember that all year round we are here looking for peace, calm and the beautiful connection to nature. That here is also a place for rest, little by little and that in any month or any time of the year, Morzine always has a show of nature’s bliss for you to settle into and slow down. It’s a continuing reminder that we are a year round mountain town, grounded in nature, guided by our hearts and always inspired by these beautiful mountains around us.

You’ll find a year round collective of independent practitioners offering a whole range of wellness activities based at Morzine’s very own yoga studio @yogamorzinestudio

Nicole @strength_and_serenity Lighthearted, accessible yoga classes for all in English and French. Vinyasa, Yin, Pre-natal and Rituals.

Ursula @ursula.yoga.snow A focus on intelligent, functional movement, core strength and fascia elasticity through mindful yoga with a trauma informed approach.

Georgie @studiopilatesmorzine Classical Pilates with flow and precision creating a full body workout from your centre powerhouse, for complete body strength and wellbeing.

Sylvie @elemental-life A distinctive approach to movement that integrates the flow of yoga, the precision of Pilates, the sensitivity of somatics and the depth of trauma informed therapeutic classes.

Jensen @yogawithjensen Hatha yoga classes with a lighthearted approach, encouraging curiosity, ease, strength and balance from a mountain sports lover.

Leslie @inner.shift.psychology Ashtanga and mindfulness, blending movement, psychology and present moment awareness to cultivate mind-body connection.

Carrie @littlewildspace @bewell.morzine Energy practices brought from the treatment room to group sessions with a focus on meditation, moon rituals and reiki circles.

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winter

events

OUR PICK OF RESORT EVENTS TO HELP YOU TO ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY

Rock On Snow

12th - 14th December 2025

Avoriaz starts the winter season in style each year, hosting the fantastic Rock On Snow festival. Located in the centre of the village, next to the Chapelle snow park, this event combines ski and snowboard kit demonstrations and testing sessions with a lively atmosphere. More than 80 different winter sports brands will be in attendance, as will several pro riders. You can try the latest skis and snowboards for free during the three-day event, there’ll also be live music, DJ sets and reduced price lift passes too.

Discover more: rockonsnow.com

21st Dec 2025 - 2nd Jan 2026

This is a beautifully-crafted winter wonderland in the pedestrianised centre of Morzine and it makes the perfect apres-ski activity with small children. The village streets glow with twinkling lights and there’s a joyful atmosphere each afternoon. Expect an impressive program for children, including live street music, parades, festive workshops, face-paining and more. As you might expect, Père Noël himself arrives on Christmas Eve and there’ll be a fabulous firework display to enhance the festivities. Collect the programme from the Office de Tourisme for timings.

Discover more: morzine-avoriaz.com

14th December 2025

Not for the faint of heart, this annual event sees both amateur and pro trail runners from across Europe gather in Morzine at the start of the winter season. This event includes two different distances - a 10km trail race across the pistes and around the ski area, in addition to a 21km half-marathon trail race. This isn’t your typical Spartan Race with tricky obstacles however; the harsh mountain conditions are challenge enough!

Discover more: spartantrail.com

Père Noël Lives in Les Gets

20th - 26th December 2025

Did you know that, when he’s not preparing Christmas gifts and feeding his reindeer, Père Noël lives in the forests above Les Gets? Each winter he opens the doors to his enchanted home, taking visitors on a magical journey, complete with elves to make sure everything runs on time! Discover how they wrap their gifts, take a peek at the naughty and nice lists and explore his home. You’ll need to reserve your spaces in advance, either at lesgets.com or at the Les Gets Office de Tourisme

Discover more: lesgets.com

20th - 26th December 2025

Avoriaz pushes the boat out during the Christmas holidays, making it a very popular destination for families. The entirely-pedestrianised village is decorated with festive lights and there’ll be an incredible show on Christmas Eve. Enter the enchanted world of Santa through storytelling, lights, video and sound and follow his journey through the candy forest, the toy workshop and the mysteries of the North Pole. On Christmas Day there’s a wonderful parade through the resort at 6pm.

Discover more: avoriaz.com

21st December 2025

As part of Morzine’s cultural season, this performance at the Palais du Sport is a theatrical and ecological extravaganza for the whole family, where tolerance, respect and humour meet. What if the earth were flat? It’s from here that we uncover the Yucky Beast and our heroine Princess Marjolaine for an adventure that will turn the world upside down. We discover that sometimes the monsters are only in our minds during this performance that the whole family will enjoy.

Reserve your tickets in advance: mairie-morzine-avoriaz.com

Spartan Winter Trail

Morzine’s Enchanted Village

Bête Beurk (Yucky Beast) Morzine en Scene

Noël à Avoriaz A Winter Wonderland

31st December 2025

Les Gets does not do things by halves on New Years Eve and this will be an event to remember for all ages. The festivities begin with a champagne and hot chocolate party at the bottom of the slopes from 4.30pm. Live music begins at 4.45pm with a family-friendly concert that’s sure to keep you warm. At 5.45pm Les Gets’ Mayor addresses the crowd, followed by a spectacular torchlit decent by the Les Gets ESF and a wonderful fireworks display at 6pm. The party continues either a DJ set until 8pm. Don’t miss this!

Discover more: lesgets.com

New Year in Avoriaz

31st December 2025

Avoriaz hosts a huge, free end-of-year party, which concludes at 2am and sees different live music stages positioned around the village for you to enjoy. There’ll be fireworks, bars, activities and the Prodains cable car stays open until 0.30am so you can enjoy the celebrations before returning to Morzine.

Discover more: avoriaz.com

New Year in Morzine

31st December 2025

Gather in the centre of the village for a spectacular event from 6.30pm. Expect fire performers, juggling, street entertainers and more as we count down the final moments of 2025. There’ll be live music from 9pm, a DJ from 11pm and the obligatory fireworks display at midnight.

Discover more: morzine-avoriaz.com

La Grande Odyssée

10th & 11th January 2026

One of the greatest dog sled races in the world, Avoriaz has the honour of hosting the preview and grand departure of the 2026 event. Inspired by the famous Tour de France sled dogs and their mushers race a 400km course, spanning 12,000m of total elevation gain. More than fifty of the world’s best teams take part, with 500 dogs competing. They’ll contend with demanding alpine terrain and winter conditions in Avoriaz and it’s fascinating to watch. Entry is free, discover precise race times and locations at avoriaz.com.

Discover more: avoriaz.com

17th January 2026

Back for a second year, the Winter Edition of the Trail des Gets expands to include two adults courses, and races for children and young people too. This is a wonderful way to explore the beauty of Les Gets on foot, with a nighttime start and a route that crosses the ski slopes. This year you decide - during the race - whether to complete the 10km or the 20km challengethe choice is yours based on your energy (and maybe the temperature!). For more information and event registration head to lesgets.com.

Discover more: lesgets.com

LES GETS COMEDIE

* purement inoubliable

29 JANV. 04 FÉV. 2026

29th January to 4th February 2026

Réservez vos places sur www.lesgetscomedie.com

This unique stand up comedy festival is a firm favourite in Les Gets, with the resort welcoming top talent from across the UK and France. British comedian Marie Adam leads the British team once again this winter, with Jake Lambert, Zoe Lyons and Lou Sanders also on the bill. The English-speaking comedy night takes place on Friday 30th January. Tickets for these events always sell out, so it’s a great idea to secure yours in advance

purchase tickets: lesgets.com

7th February 2026

This is a relatively new world championship event and as the name suggests, it’s a mountain bike competition held on snow. Riders add studs to the wheels of their regular mountain bikes to grip the snow and there are two main race formats; Super-G, consisting of one timed run down a slope, and Dual Slalom where two riders race head-to-head on parallel slalom courses. The event returns to Châtel in 2026 and it’s thrilling to watch!

Discover more: uci.org

New Year in Les Gets

Trail des Gets by Rossignol

Les Gets Comédie

UCI Snow Bike World Championships

An unmissable experience, especially if you’re on holiday in Les Gets as a family. As night falls on the foot of the slopes in the centre of the village, the ESF and the resort services team join forces for a unique show, bringing the sports of skiing and snowboarding to life through light, movement and music. Gather at either 6pm or 7pm each Monday during the February school holidays to watch this spatular demonstration of skiing through the ages, followed by a wonderful firework display.

Discover more: lesgets.com

11th March 2026

This huge one day festival takes place in the Perriéres sector of Les Gets and the objective is to raise funds for the Ellie Soutter Foundation. From 2pm until midnight you’ll find a packed schedule of live bands and DJs, all of whom have donated their time to support the charity. Even the famous Dixie Micks are on the line up in 2026! There’ll also be a big stage, bar and food available, a raffle and other entertainment for children. Tickets are €5 and you can pay on the day.

14th - 21st March 2026

As you’ve hopefully discovered elsewhere in this magazine, Snowboxx is a unique music event that also embraces fun times on snow. The week-long festival attracts thousands of music lovers and the line-up is always outstanding. Elsewhere at Snowboxx you can enjoy bottomless brunches, snowball fights, slope-side raves, secret parties and more. The 2026 edition of Snowboxx will be the 12th event, which is testament to how much everyone loves this festival!

Discover more: snowboxx.com

15th - 21st March 2026

All you need to access this free, Portes du Soleilwide music festival is your ski pass. Daytime concerts take place across the area and the lineup includes international acts. They’ll take to the piste-side stages in the afternoons, there’s always a bar and the atmosphere is fun. To discover who’s playing where in 2026, head to the website.

Discover more: rockthepistes.com

Volcom Spot to Spot

28th & 29th March 2026

For the 6th time this inclusive event takes place in the centre of Avoriaz, the streets and features of the resort become part of the course. The Volcom Spot to Spot is open to all snowboarders, offering an exciting mix of challenges and categories for men, women and children aged 15 and under. Both amateur and pro snowboarders love the atmosphere of this event, there are stacks of prizes on offer, a free BBQ and an epic party with live music to conclude the day.

Discover more: avoriaz.com

28th & 29th March 2026

Some of the best freeride skiers in the world arrive in Avoriaz to complete in this qualifier round; they’re all hoping to bag their place at the prestigious Freeride World Tour. Also during this weekend, the Junior 2** category gives aspiring free riders the chance to tackle the technical offpiste courses, specifically designed to showcase their potential to the Freeride World Tour judges. This is a great event to spectate also!

Discover more: avoriaz.com

Foundation Folie

Snowboxx Music Festival

Freeride World Tour Qualifier

Rock the Pistes

Red Ski Show

Mondays during the February school holidays

Course des Champions

5th April 2026

The children of our valley celebrate the end of their winter season at this huge race organised by the Morzine Office de Tourisme. Each year over 600 children aged between eight and 16 years old take part; it’s inclusive so children who aren’t part of an official ski club can take part and the track is usually located on the Téte aux Boeufs piste in Avoriaz in the morning. There’s a parade through the streets of Morzine and a prize-giving ceremony in the village centre in the afternoon. Registration is via the Morzine Office de Tourisme in advance of the race.

TBC in April 2026

Whether you’re taking part or simply spectating, this soapbox event on the pistes of Avoriaz is brilliantly entertaining. Raising funds for charity in memory of Martin Perrier is the overall objective, but the atmosphere perfectly encapsulates the end of season vibes in Avoriaz. Teams of three skiers build their own sliding contraption (think boat, wheelbarrow, stretcher…) and as long as it can descend, it can join the race. The course is a small border cross route and there’s a big party on the pistes to conclude the day.

La Fine Cup

© morzine-avoriaz

THE MORZINE SOURCE MAGAZINE

Restaurant & Bar Guide

WINTER 2026

Le Local - Morzine

A friendly restaurant where all are welcome. Outside there’s a covered terrace and inside a lively bar & restaurant that’s perfect for family meals and gatherings. There’s a ‘local pub’ atmosphere and this is the perfect spot for those staying along the Route de la Plagne in Morzine. The menu includes lighter bites, Asian flavours and classic dishes. Le Local is a stand out favourite of ours, the kids menu is also excellent.

Reserve your table

+33 (0) 4 50 72 74 65 lelocalmorzine.com

L’Etale - Morzine

One of Morzine’s most-visited restaurants, L’Etale has an enormous menu that’s certain to suit all tastes; think pizzas, pasta dishes, noodles, steaks and Savoyarde classics including fondue and raclette. You’ll find the restaurant just metres from the bottom of Morzine’s Pleney telecabine and food is served, all day, non-stop, between 11am and midnight.

Book your table in advance

+33 (0) 4 50 79 09 29 etale-morzine.com

We love this brasserie in the centre of Morzine, centred around savoury and sweet crepes, sharing platters and lighter bites. On the menu you’ll discover your favourite crepes and galettes alongside some contemporary alternatives and more substantial dishes are also available. There’s a delicious list of tapas and sharing plates, wines, beers and a tasty range of gins too. Pif Paf is a very cool venue run by Guillaume and Estelle who offer a very warm welcome.

Reserve your table

+33

Au P’tit Casse Croute - Morzine

One of our favourite ways to save money on the mountain, gather up a picnic on your way to the lifts in the morning. At Au P’tit Casse Croute you can choose a sandwich or piadina (folded Italian flatbread) stuffed with delicious, fresh ingredients, plus salads, sweet treats, tea coffee and more. This is a great place for a street-side morning coffee too!

Reserve your picnic in advance

+33 (0) 4 50 75 94 24

This is a chic new restaurant next door to (and run by) Le Crepu. The menu is sophisticated and reminiscent of a classic French brasserie with fresh flavours and an excellent kids menu. There’s an exciting board of chef’s suggestions and a great wine list to accompany. The interiors are very cool and there’s a street-side terrace from which you can soak up Morzine’s wonderful atmosphere on sunny afternoons. Open all day, every day but book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Reserve your table in advance

+33 (0) 4 15 54 18 05 halles-morzine.com

Head to Action Sports Bar for the exceptional location, facing the pistes of Pleney with skiers descending into the back garden. Stay for the warm welcome and excellent lunchtime menu served between midday and 3pm and featuring local salads, burgers and grilled meat dishes. Action Sports is also the perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon apres-ski. We love the apero sharing board which includes local cheeses and cooked meats; it’s the perfect way to end the day!

Find Action Sports 543 Avenue de Joux Plane

Action Sports - Morzine

Les Halles by Le Crepu

Pif Paf - Morzine

Le Lounge Roc & Le Strike - Avoriaz

Two separate venues in one beautiful Avoriaz location. Lounge Roc is a chic, luxurious cocktail and wine bar with an adjoining restaurant and it makes the perfect location for a late night out. The fun continues next door at Strike Roc, Avoriaz’s famous bowling alley which also includes arcade games, a pool able, abbey-foot and more. Le Roc is not to be missed!

discover more roc-avoriaz.com bowling-avoriaz.com

IBEX The Wood Yard - Montriond

The Wood Yard is the restaurant and tap room and adjoining the Ibex Brewery in Montriond. Inside you’ll discover ten lines of beer including your IBEX favourites and guest beers too, alongside an exciting, unique menu that features street food and a changing specials menu. This winter we can expect live music, brewery tours and more. The Wood Yard is located in Montriond, walk there along the Dereches river path.

discover more at ibexbeer.com

Fat Tom’s Deli - Le Biot

Located in the village of Le Biot and delivering across our valley, Fat Tom’s Deli & Delivery serves up fresh, delicious meals, delivered to your door or available for collection from the deli. They can be reheated at your convenience, making them perfect following a day in the mountains. Expect seasonal ingredients, regional cheeses, cooked and cured meats with loads of added flavour.

discover more at fattomsdeli.com

La

One of the most popular restaurants in Morzine, La Grange has an excellent reputation for serving up classic Savoyarde dishes and it’s our favourite place to go for a fondue. This is a cosy, traditional restaurant and over the years owners Alex and Fred have gathered a loyal following of holiday makers who return year after year. Of course that means you’ll need to book in advance by calling

One of the most popular fast food stops in Morzine serves a hearty menu all day long, from breakfast to lunch, from apero plates to dinner. But this is not fast food as you know it; the team at Au Bon Coin focus on fresh, local ingredients and everything is cooked to order. It just arrives quickly so you can proceed with your day! This is also a great stop for a quick coffee and we love the focaccia served with a list of delicious toppings and a green salad.

784

In a marvellous alternative to ham, cheese and bread, Kamado Kitchen serves up delicious pan-Asian dishes to eat inside the cosy restaurant or to take away. Think Thai Massaman, Japanese Katsu, Cambodian Aubergine and Korean Japchae, all available at the bottom of the Pleney telecabine. There’s outdoor seating too, grab a coffee and a pastry on your way into the mountains each morning.

order in advance

+33 (0)7 57 67 02 72

Enhancing Morzine’s speciality coffee scene and located on the rue du Bourg in the centre of the village, Solide serves up a long list of hot beverages, a delicious range of homemade cakes and a lunch menu that changes regularly and relies heavily on the freshest, local produce. There’s a cosy space inside for those colder days and a sunny terrace out front that’s perfect for spring time people watching.

opening hours and menu facebook.com/solide.cafe

This is a very exciting addition to the Morzine take-away scene this winter. Located in the centre of the village, the sushi at Yoki is hand made on site so it’s as fresh as it can be. The menu includes individual selections and also platters, which can be ordered in advance for collection. You’ll also discover ready-to-eat sushi boxes in the chiller cabinet, alongside all of the necessary accompaniments too.

Find Yoki Sushi

9 Rond-Point de la Crusaz

Grange - Morzine

Au Bon Coin - Morzine

Find Au Bon Coin

Avenue de Joux Plane

Kamado Kitchen - Morzine

Yoki Sushi - Morzine

Solide Cafe - Morzine

Le Colibri - Morzine

With a menu to suit all appetites and including some delicious and unique salads and fresh bowls, homemade burgers and a great kids menu, Le Colibri is a lively and informal spot in the centre of Morzine with a beautiful terrace and cosy interiors. Whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy a relaxing morning capuccino, chic apero cocktails or a base for a family dinner, Le Colibri never disappoints.

Book your table in advance lecolibri-morzine.com

Dahu Hotel & Restautant - Morzine

There’s always something a bit special about dining in a hotel restaurant and at Le Dahu, the lights of Morzine twinkle below you. The menu embraces fresh, local and seasonal ingredients to offer you a true taste of the mountains. There’s a cosy bar for pre- and post-dinner drinks and a beautiful terrace from which you can enjoy the stunning views across the whole valley. You absolutely must book a table in advance to dine at Le Dahu.

Book your table in advance

+33 (0) 4 50 75 92 92

- St Jean d’Aulps

The tea room at the majestic Abbaye d’Aulps in St Jean d’Aulps is a beautiful spot, in the shadow of the ancient ruin and facing the beautiful working gardens. On the menu you’ll discover a large range of herbal teas, specialist Abbaye beers, homemade terrines, sandwiches, soups, cakes and ice creams, all served in this unique, quiet spot. The tea room is open each day between midday and 6.30pm.

discover more abbayedaulps.fr

Le Crepu - Morzine

This lively bar in the centre of Morzine is perfect for pre-dinner drinks and you’ll discover a huge range of great drinks behind the bar. Le Crepu is usually packed from late afternoon until late in the evening, so there’s always a great atmosphere on the terrace and inside, especially during Apres-ski hours. It’s also just minutes from some of Morzine’s best restaurants too.

instagram @le.crepu

Bon Appetite

- Alpes-wide

For those nights when you want to simply snuggle up on the sofa and enjoy a simple, home cooked dinner, minus the actual cooking. Bon Appetite deliver delicious frozen dinners directly to your accommodation. Simply pre-order on their website and they’ll arrive the following day, ready for you to cook. Think warming cottage pies, really excellent curries and even deserts too.

Pre-order now bonappetitalpes.com

Hotel Mil8 - Avoriaz

Famous for contemporary cuisine and exceptional service, the restaurant sits within this exceptional four-star hotel at the heart of Avoriaz. As you’d expect, the vibe is tres chic and the bar is a very cool place to hang out in the early evening. Open for lunch and dinner, there’s an intimate, cosy vibe that feels very different to everywhere else in the area.

reservations & menu hotelmil8.com

Located within the Hive gym in Morzine and serving up healthy, fresh meals and smoothies, some slightly naughty cakes and a very tasty coffee, at Nectar Cafe the focus is on food as fuel. It’s location makes it handy for those post-workout recovery snacks while the cafe itself is a great place to meet friends.

find nectar café

14 Rte d'Avoriaz, Morzine

La Hutte - Morzine

La Hutte is the name of the sports shop that originally occupied this space before becoming Intersport. But it’s all change these days! Inside you’ll find a lively venue and bistro with sports bar vibes, a tasty menu and a lunchtime plat du jour that’s excellent value. La Hutte is perfect for sunny afternoons, it’s great for families and there’s a huge terrace overlooking the valley.

Follow along on nstagram @hutte.morzine

Abbaye Aulps

Alpes

Nectar Café - Morzine

Primo Pizza - Les Gets

Purveyors of good pizzas and good times at the heart of Les Gets, Primo is a very cute little restaurant in the centre of the village. They use only authentic Italian ingredients such as San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella and Gran Biscotto cooked hams and the menu is packed with delicious pizzas and salads. Open for both lunch and dinner every day except Monday, it’s best to book a table in advance to avoid disappointment!

Book your table in advance

+33 (0) 4 50 79 80 66

L’Improviste - Morzine

In many ways a pizza makes the perfect apres-ski meal and at L’Improviste in the centre of Morzine you’ll find a long list of both classic pizzas and unexpected toppings to eat in or take away. Available to order by telephone for take-away or to enjoy inside the really cosy yet contemporary restaurant for a very casual dinner. If you’re felling adventurous, try the Sicilienne, you won’t regret it!

Book your table or order a takeaway

+33 (0) 4 50 04 63 80

Le Quarante-Sept - Lindarets

This is much more than a snack bar and it’s perfectly located in the centre of the Lindarets bowl to fuel all of your mountain adventures. Open every day, call in for a coffee and a morning pastry and return for a freshly-cooked burger or a tasty sandwich. There’s also a sunny terrace at Le Quarante-Sept, or you can use the adjoining picnic room if the weather is less than perfect.

view the menu lequarantespet.com

Dixie Bar - Morzine

A true Morzine icon, the Dixie Bar has been the heart of the village for decades. It’s charismatic owner Pascal sadly passed away in 2025, but his family have taken over the reins to ensure the spirit of the Dixie Bar lives on. You’ll find a couple of subtle upgrades this winter, of course the famous Dixie Micks will return and there’ll be live sport on big screens throughout the season.

find the dixie bar 20 rue du Bourg, Morzine

Satellite Coffee - Morzine

Because sometimes, a long, sit-down lunch in a restaurant isn’t in order, Satellite Coffee on the rue du Bourg in Morzine serve up fresh, tasty dishes with a healthy twist alongside tasty cakes and incredible coffee too. There’s also those famous bacon and sausage baps to collect on your way to the lifts each morning. Available to eat in or take away, there’s a sunny terrace also.

to view the menu visit satellitecoffee.fr

L’Ancolie - La Côte d’Arbroz

Just a short walk along the snowy track from the Col de l’Encrenaz you’ll discover this traditional mountain refuge overlooking the pistes of Mont Chery and even as far as Mont Blanc. The refuge is a traditional stone building with cosy interiors and the menu is packed with regional specialities. Groups of more than 10 can book for a unique dinner experience, advance reservations are necessary. L’Ancolie is unmissable!

more info & table reservations lancolie-morzine.fr

+33 (0) 6 08 52 91 83

Cavern Bar - Morzine

Celebrating its 25th birthday this winter, Morzine’s Cavern Bar is still the home of your holiday party and you’ll find a unique, memorable atmosphere until the early hours. The Cavern is the place to go to hear incredible live music, with a selection if superb touring bands regularly taking to the stage.

Check Facebook for gig announcements TheCavernBarMorzine

Le R - Avoriaz

Ski-in, ski-out of this very stylish deli in Avoriaz, where there’s a focus on local products, high quality wines and cosy areas for you to stay and enjoy a moment as the snow falls outside. You can also pre-order meals to enjoy at home, while a visit to the wine cave is unmissable

view the menu

traiteur-avoriaz.com

85 Place des Dromonts, Avoriaz

La Petite Auberge - Essert Romand

The charming village of Essert Romand, just a couple of kilometres from Morzine, is home to La Petite Auberge, a familyrun restaurant with a menu that’s sure to include all of your Savoyarde favourites. There’s a pretty outdoor terrace and cosy decor inside, plus a warm welcome from a lovely team.

table reservations

+33 (0) 4 50 37 31 96

La Rotonde - Morzine

La Rotonde in the centre of Morzine is perfect if you’re looking for something a bit special as the menu not only includes Savoyarde favourites but also global flavours, extra-fresh salads and there’s a super wine list too. During the springtime months, the pretty garden is the perfect place for lunch.

book a table

+33 (0) 4 50 79 16 30.

La Bokka - Les Gets

A chic cocktail bar, a large, funky restaurant and late night entertainment venue combined under one well-located roof in the centre of Les Gets. The menu at La Bokka combines fresh, authentic Italian ingredients. Expect live bands and DJs to keep the party going long after dinner has finished with a very fine wine list to accompany.

reserve your table in advance

+33 (0) 4 80 16 12 60 bokka-lesgets.com

Hotel du Lac - Montriond

A rite of passage during every holiday in our valley, Hotel du Lac is the perfect setting on the shores of Lac de Montriond. Settle into the hotel’s cosy restaurant to enjoy a menu that carefully considers fresh, local and seasonal ingredients or dine on the terrace overlooking the lake.

reserve your table lacdemontriond.com

Hideout - Morzine

One of the busiest restaurants in Morzine, which makes advance booking essential, the menu at Hideout is packed with panasian dishes and takes inspiration all the way from Vietnam to Osaka. There’s also a list of weekly specials, in case you manage to make your way through the whole menu.

reservations

+33 (0) 7 49 28 27 56 eat@stayhideout.com

Refuge L’Abricotine - Avoriaz

There’s no shame in admitting that you like to consume cheese for breakfast, lunch and dinner during your ski holiday. We’d argue that it makes you ski faster. Stock up with Benjamin and his team at Refuge L’Abricotine, where specialities include tartiflette, berthoud (Abondance cheese, boiled potatoes and smoked ham) and the Gratinée de l’Abricotine featuring potatoes, lardons, cream and more Abondance cheese. L’Abricotine is located at the base of the Brochaux and Mossettes chairs above les Lindarets.

For table reservations

+33 (0) 6 28 70 05 59

O’Chalet - Morzine & Les Gets

Widely regarded as the best burger bar in Morzine, the menu is available to eat in or to take away. The selection is huge and its great for families too. Here’s a top tip for vegetarians; every burger on the menu is available as a veggie alternative! Savoury and sweet crepes are also available, as are bagels, which make a really great breakfast on the run.

find o'chalet

Route de la Combe a Zore,Morzine Rue du Centre,Les Gets

Tibetan Cafe - Morzine

This is the late night watering hole your holiday needs! Open until 2am every night and with live music or a live DJ every evening, the Tibetan is a lively bar with an enormous range of speciality gins. It’s also a great place to watch live sport with several HD TVs around the bar for your viewing pleasure. Stay up to date with gigs and sports coverage on their Facebook page

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TibetanCafeMorzine

La Cachette - Avoriaz

One of the most characterful and atmospheric restaurants in Avoriaz, La Cachette has been recently refurbished in an authentic mountain lodge style. The focus here is on the most traditional of Savoyarde dishes so expect fondue, raclette and beyond. There’s a handy online booking function on the website and dishes are available to take away too.

For table reservations +33 (0)4 80 16 12 81 lacachetteavoriaz.com

Can there be a better treat after a day in the mountains than a freshly-prepared, Nutellaloaded crepe with an accompanying hot chocolate? You’ll find this and more on the menu at this lovely cafe at the hart of Les Gets, where the menu also includes freshlyprepared bagels and wraps, delicious cakes and salads too.

view menu claudie-coffee.com

Le

A much-anticipated reopening this winter season after a two year renovation, Le Tremplin is now a stylish, contemporary but cosy restaurant with a menu that focuses on fresh, innovative dishes and local flavours. Dine on the sunny terrace or inside the restaurant. For the first time in history, Le Tremplin will now open in the evening so you can enjoy a piste-side dinner as the slow ploughs get to work on Pleney.

Book your table online hotel-tremplin.com

Restaurant Kern

Located just 10 minutes from Morzine, Kern was awarded its first Michelin Star in March 2025. Chef Jean Philippe Lemaire’s menu is inspired by the produce of the Haute Savoie region; ingredients such as aromatic herbs, lake fish and seasonal vegetables take centre stage. The lunchtime menu includes two options; a four course experience priced at €64 per person, and a six course menu priced at €90 each. In the evening Kern serves a €90, six course menu priced at €90 per person.

reserve your table restaurant-kern.fr

Tremplin - Morzine

Claudie Coffee & Co - Les Gets

The Spot Cafe, Avoriaz

Located within the newly redeveloped Prodains top station and perched on those famous cliffs of Avoriaz, The Spot is a cosy cafe, meeting point and social space with some of the best views in the area. Open between 10am and 5.30pm each day, inside you’ll discover a menu packed with fresh dishes, quick bites and warming drinks too. Available to eat in or take away, The Spot is sure to become your meeting place of choice this winter.

Folies Indiennes

A very welcome addition to the Les Gets dining scene, Folies is an authentic Indian restaurant just moments from the centre of the village and overlooking the Folies piste. The menu features all of your favourite Indian dishes in addition to some exciting and unique flavours. There’s an imaginative kids menu, the restaurant itself is full of atmosphere and the service is top class. Don’t miss Folies in Les Gets this winter.

table reservations

+33 (0) 6 65 96 91 83

A night out at an ice hockey match is an essential part of your ski holiday; but don’t forget about the bar! Overlooking the ice at the Skoda Arena in the centre of Morzine and open in advance of home games, inside you’ll find a well-stocked bar and a tasty list of pre-game snacks that are perfect for the whole family. The chicken nuggets are quite famous, actually.

For more information on opening times, follow @morzinehockey

La Crapahute

If you’re looking for an extra special dining experience, La Crapahute is located at the end of the beautiful Vallée de la Manche; it’s just a short walk up towards Lac des Mines d’Or and the views from the restaurant are absolutely worth it. Open for dinner on request, the menu includes traditional Savoyarde classics. Book to dine in one of the individual outdoor cabins for a unique experience, or inside the beautifully cosy restaurant.

book your table in advance

+33 (0) 6 04 53 19 34

This ski-in, ski-out restaurant at the Chavannes mid-station in Les Gets was extensively refurbished a couple of winters ago and has an expansive terrace with a menu featuring all your favourite mountain dishes, plus some exciting extras. This is a real foodie lunch and the restaurant can also be access easily on foot via the Chavannes cable car.

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One of our favourite mountain restaurants, Les Mouilles shares its name with the ski lift that sits right outside and it makes a great meeting point half way up Pleney. Open every day and offering stunning views across the valley, the menu features all of your favourite mountain dishes including tartiflette, omelettes, great kids dishes and more. The team is super friendly and there’s a lovely deck outside for sunny afternoons.

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Located within the Annapurna residence in Les Gets, Vina is a chic, contemporary restaurant where the menu has been carefully constructed by Michelin-trained chef Anthony Trezy. It features the finest local ingredients, the service is slick and the atmosphere refined. It’s always a good idea to book your table in advance.

book your table in advance

+33 (0) 4 50 86 31 12

Dine at the side of the pistes in the centre of Les Gets. The chic, cosy restaurant inside Hotel Christiania serves a gourmet menu with a carefully considered range of dishes to enjoy. Enjoy pre- or post-dinner drinks by the roaring fireplace as the lights of the village twinkle. Dinner at Hotel Christiania is an elevated experience and advance booking is required.

book your table in advance

+33 (0) 4 50 75 82 44

Vina Annapurna - Les Gets

The Penguins Bar

Restaurant Les Mouilles

La Croix Blanche - Les Gets

Hotel Christiania

Le Comptoir des Halles

Formerly the Haka, this friendly bar in the centre of Morzine is now part of the Crepu and Brasserie des Halles family. Serving good beer, food and music every day with continuous service from 10.30am until 11pm each evening, head here to meet with friends after a day on the slopes. For events, live music and more, follow proceedings on Instagram instagram @le.comptoirdeshalles

Restaurant Le RocherMontriond

A warm welcome awaits you in this popular Montriond restaurant, where the menu includes delicious pizzas, Savoyarde favourites and an extra special specials board. Located in the beautiful village square opposite the church, pizzas are also available to take away. Book your table to avoid disappointment!

For table reservations

+33 (0) 4 50 75 78 47

Micro Pub Fermenterie des Champs Marmo

This cosy little pub at the bottom of Morzine’s rue du Bourg is run by Chris; he’s been naturally brewing his own beers, ciders and kombucha for 20 years. Open during the late afternoon and early evening, Chris stocks all of his own creations and he’s delighted to talk you through his fermentation processes. Beers, ciders and kombucha are available to enjoy in the pub or to take away.

Situated on the La Torch slopes in Les Gets, in an incredibly sunny spot, this authentic mountain restaurant enjoys unspoilt views across the valley. On the menu you’ll discover meat, poultry and fish grilled on a wood-fired BBQ, in addition to traditional items, speciality cheese dishes and a fantastic buffet of home-made deserts. Advance booking is always recommended! Find La Païka on the Bleue des Vorosses piste

book your table in advance

+33 (0) 4 50 92 85 22

La Païka- Les Gets

summer? SEE YOU IN

As ski resorts, Morzine, Les Gets, Avoriaz and our wider Vallee d’Aulps are often celebrated for their world-class skiing, cosy Alpine hospitality and stunning vistas. Yet during the summer months those same landscapes transform to host adrenalinefuelled activities, relaxing mountain retreats and actionpacked family holidays. Here are our top 10 reasons for you to visit this summer.

The Breathtaking Alpine Scenery

In summer, the snow-capped peaks give way to lush green meadows, colourful wildflowers and sparkling mountain lakes. Hiking or simply relaxing in this scenery provides a rejuvenating escape from the real world.

Hiking and Biking Trails

The Portes du Soleil region, encompassing Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz, boasts hundreds of kilometres of marked hiking trails and mountain biking routes. Trails range from gentle family walks to challenging climbs for experienced adventurers. There really is something for everyone!

Adventure Sports and Outdoor Activities

Summer brings a wealth of adventure opportunities: paragliding, rock climbing, zip-lining and via ferrata routes allow thrill-seekers to experience the mountains in new ways.

Lakes and Water-Based Activities

Our local lakes, such as Lac de Montriond and Lac des Ecoles in Les Gets offer swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking and fishing; they’re perfect for a refreshing break from hiking or cycling and they’re always good fun with children in tow.

Family-Friendly Entertainment

Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz and the Vallee d’Aulps are exceptionally family-friendly. Mini-golf, adventure parks, bike parks, and summer lift passes make it easy for families to enjoy outdoor fun together.

Cultural Events and Local Festivals

Summer is festival season in the Alps and we love it. Visitors can enjoy traditional music, food markets, local crafts, and cultural events that showcase Alpine heritage and gastronomy.

Relaxing Alpine Villages

The picturesque villages offer charming streets, cafés, and shops; there’s a laid-back atmosphere that you rarely find in a popular holiday destination. Exploring our towns - and those further afield - gives visitors a taste of authentic Alpine life, complete with local cheeses, wines, and specialties.

Golf and Wellness Experiences

For those seeking a more relaxed pace, golf courses with mountain backdrops, spa resorts, and wellness centres provide opportunities for recreation and relaxation alike.

Lift Access for High-Altitude Views

Many ski lifts remain open in summer, granting easy access to panoramic viewpoints without the strenuous climb. From these heights, you can enjoy scenic picnics or photography sessions over the valleys below. It’s also fun to ride on a ski lift that you usually use during the winter season!

Proximity to Iconic Alpine Destinations

Located in the heart of the French Alps, our villages offer easy access to other summer destinations, including Mont Blanc, Lake Geneva and Chamonix, making them ideal bases for broader exploration.

source magazine

Our Landscape Photography Calendars

This is the sixth year that we’ve compiled some of the most beautiful landscape photography images from local photographers into a calendar - huge thanks to everyone that’s bought one so far! Thanks also to the photographers who made a contribution to this project. This year, profits from the sale of the calendars will be used to support the Piste X Code campaign, which aims to promote safe behaviour on the pistes and to reduce avoidable accidents. The calendars are priced at €15 each, they’re available to buy on our website for international delivery, or from Little One Boutique in the centre of Morzine. The 12 different images chart the seasons in our valley, making our calendar the perfect gift for the mountain lover in your life!

Buy yours here

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_The_Source_Files_

We’re continuously toying with the idea of launching spring and autumn issues of Morzine Source Magazine in support of the many local businesses trying to push forward with the idea of four seasons tourism. In the meantime, we compile a weekly email that’s packed to the brim with useful and accurate local news and developments - the things that maybe don’t make it into our magazines or onto our social media channels. We also share special offers, last minute availability, ski pass discounts and more in these emails, as well as answering your frequently asked questions. These mailers are free to join and they’re never spammy, we promise!

Subscribe here

Our Magazine Subscriptions

Quite a few of you already know this, but you don’t need to wait until you’re in resort to grab your latest copy of Morzine Source Magazine, because we deliver! Our list of postal subscribers has skyrocketed over the years and we now dispatch copies of our printed magazine every six months - in December and in June. Our magazines are still free of charge, there’s just a small €15 postage and packaging charge for two issues.

Buy yours here

shop.morzinesourcemagazine.com

Our Summer 26 Magazine

It’s always strange to begin work on a summer magazine in January, but begin we must. There are several excellent events and developments taking place during the summer months and it takes a little while to compile everything into magazine format. Morzine Source Magazine is a unique, independent publication with a huge reach, both in print, on line and via our social media channels. If you’d like to work with us in the future, we’d love to send you our updated media pack.

Email Amie amie@origami-media.com