Winter 2026/27 in Morzine: What Is New and What Is On
As the evenings draw in and the first dusting of snow start to appear on the peaks above the village, our thoughts are already turning to the season ahead. Whether you are a regular guest or planning your first winter in Morzine, here is a round-up of what is new this year and the dates worth putting in the diary.
When the lifts open
The provisional opening dates have been announced. The Avoriaz sector is due to open on 11 December 2026 and run until 18 April 2027. This year that opening date includes the Super Morzine lift so you can access Avoriaz from Morzine without having to drive or take a bus to Prodains.) The Pléney, Nyon and Chamossière sectors, which make up the Morzine–Les Gets ski area, are due to open on 19 December 2026 and close on 4 April 2027. As always, these dates depend on snow conditions, and some areas may open earlier if the snow arrives in good time.
New for families: La Folie du Dahu
Anyone who has spent time in the Alps will have heard of the dahu, the shy mountain creature that nobody has ever quite managed to see. This winter, families can go looking for it with La Folie du Dahu, a new outdoor game played across the ski area. It works like a giant game of Cluedo. Armed with a roadbook and clues, children and adults solve puzzles together as they explore the mountain. It is a lovely way to turn a family ski day into an adventure.
Something a little different
Morzine is offering more ways to experience the mountains beyond simply skiing from lift to lift:
- Skiing with an eagle. Les Aigles du Léman spend the winter in the Nyon sector, where skiers may share a run with Fletcher, a white-tailed eagle. Falconry displays can also be watched from the terrace of the Restaurant de la Pointe de Nyon.
- Ski touring at dusk. Every Thursday as the pistes close, an ESF instructor leads a small group up the mountain on touring skis, before a descent by head torch under the stars.
- Opening the pistes with the ski patrol. Each week, a small group can join the patrollers on their early morning round in the Pléney area and make the first tracks of the day.
- Snow and avalanche safety workshops. During the winter school holidays, the ski patrol runs workshops on reading the snowpack and using an avalanche transceiver. These are well worth considering for anyone thinking about venturing off-piste.
A night in a mountain refuge
Most Alpine refuges close once the snow falls, but Morzine has three that stay open all winter: La Golèse, Bostan and the recently restored Cabane du Col de Cou. The Cabane sits on the Swiss border between Morzine and Champéry, in a former customs post, and makes a memorable goal for a snowshoe or ski-touring trip.
In the village
There is plenty happening down in the village too. The former Les Airelles hotel has reopened as Garance, with a brasserie and a Nordic spa. Le Tremplin, a Morzine institution for nearly a century, has added new suites after renovating its restaurant and terrace. For days when the weather closes in, Woody, a new indoor leisure centre a few minutes from Morzine, offers bowling, laser games and a soft play area for younger children.
We also recommend catching a home game of the Penguins, Morzine’s ice hockey team, which has been part of village life since 1963. Match nights draw a lively local crowd and give a real feel for the community.
Dates for the diary
- La Grande Odyssée (9 to 21 January 2027). The famous sled-dog race returns to the Alps, with Morzine among its listed locations.
- Rock the Pistes (14 to 20 March 2027). The much-loved music festival returns, with free concerts on stages across the Portes du Soleil slopes. All you need is a valid lift pass and your skis.
For families travelling in spring
According to the Morzine tourist office, children can ski free from 20 March as part of the spring offers. Family “Tribe” passes are also available throughout the season.
We look forward to welcoming you to Morzine this winter. If you would like any help planning your stay, our team will be happy to assist.
