http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2009/nov/07/skiing-beginners-course-morzine-france
A journalist reports on her new found love of skiing and why Morzine's a great place to learn!
"By the fourth day I understood why people become addicted to ski holidays. I loved going so fast you almost feel like you could take off; the crisp bright sunshine and clean air. I loved how ski clothes, while universally unflattering, make you feel as if you're still wrapped up in your duvet. I loved how you can suddenly turn a corner away from the crowd and find yourself totally alone, in muffled, snowy silence."
Saturday, 7 November 2009
Glorious sunshine, endless views & no stitches this time!
What a glorious week of weather we had for the October half term. Clear blue skies with a clarity that only comes when the temperature starts to drop (so pretty chilly at night). So we thought, lets head high and check out some views.
Glacier 3000 is a great day trip from our Morzine Alpine Apartment. It sounds far at 110km but the drive itself is truly stunning, where you can take in Lac Leman and a loop through Morgins and Chatel in Switzerland back to Morzine. We set off after brekkie and followed the Vallee Verde down to Thonon. The Green Valley usually but in Autumn, all shades of reds and orange.
We followed the lake east, to a town called Aigle in Switzerland (don't forget to take your passports) which took about an hour or so to reach. A fantastic little town with a pretty chateau, it's own tram system, stunning vineyards laying the lower slopes and steep and craggy mountains above. After a lazy lunch in the Aigle sunshine, it's up and up, to Diablerets, home to Glacier 3000, a glacier open for late spring and summer skiing as well as having a highly rated ski in cafe bar in the winter (Refuge l'Espace ) and a restaurant designed by top Swiss architect Mario Botta.
The 2 part cable car leaves every 20 mins and costs 58 SFr for an adult and 29 SFr for a child.
It's a mighty climb up to the top, Col du Pillon, and certainly gave the Aiguille de Midi in Chamonix, a run for it's money in terms of endless views and awesome glaciers. We exited at the top to reach the highest bobsleigh (come alpine rollercoaster) in the world! 6 SFr a go so we booked 10 rides. We took it in turns to take the kids down then let them have a go on their own. They both declared it's one of the best things they've ever done. I have to say, it was awesome fun and we laughed alot.
There's a few runs open, and as a pedestrian you can hop the chair lift down to the hiking and cross country skiing tracks. We walked over the glacier (sticking to the well marked path - crevasses are hidden and it's highly dangerous to leave the path) to Quille du Diable to see magnificent views of Mont Blanc, Matterhorn and Jungfrau. You certainly start to feel envigorated stomping in the snow at such altitude!
We headed back on the last lift at 4.15pm and drove back down to Aigle, where you have a choice to return the route you came, or follow the mountain roads up to Morgins and then across to Morzine from Chatel in the Abondance Valley. Probably one of the most scenic trips we've ever taken round the Alps.
Glacier 3000 is a great day trip from our Morzine Alpine Apartment. It sounds far at 110km but the drive itself is truly stunning, where you can take in Lac Leman and a loop through Morgins and Chatel in Switzerland back to Morzine. We set off after brekkie and followed the Vallee Verde down to Thonon. The Green Valley usually but in Autumn, all shades of reds and orange.
We followed the lake east, to a town called Aigle in Switzerland (don't forget to take your passports) which took about an hour or so to reach. A fantastic little town with a pretty chateau, it's own tram system, stunning vineyards laying the lower slopes and steep and craggy mountains above. After a lazy lunch in the Aigle sunshine, it's up and up, to Diablerets, home to Glacier 3000, a glacier open for late spring and summer skiing as well as having a highly rated ski in cafe bar in the winter (Refuge l'Espace ) and a restaurant designed by top Swiss architect Mario Botta.
The 2 part cable car leaves every 20 mins and costs 58 SFr for an adult and 29 SFr for a child.
It's a mighty climb up to the top, Col du Pillon, and certainly gave the Aiguille de Midi in Chamonix, a run for it's money in terms of endless views and awesome glaciers. We exited at the top to reach the highest bobsleigh (come alpine rollercoaster) in the world! 6 SFr a go so we booked 10 rides. We took it in turns to take the kids down then let them have a go on their own. They both declared it's one of the best things they've ever done. I have to say, it was awesome fun and we laughed alot.
There's a few runs open, and as a pedestrian you can hop the chair lift down to the hiking and cross country skiing tracks. We walked over the glacier (sticking to the well marked path - crevasses are hidden and it's highly dangerous to leave the path) to Quille du Diable to see magnificent views of Mont Blanc, Matterhorn and Jungfrau. You certainly start to feel envigorated stomping in the snow at such altitude!
We headed back on the last lift at 4.15pm and drove back down to Aigle, where you have a choice to return the route you came, or follow the mountain roads up to Morgins and then across to Morzine from Chatel in the Abondance Valley. Probably one of the most scenic trips we've ever taken round the Alps.
Sunday, 25 October 2009
Autumn Strolls around Lac Montriond
What I love about Morzine in October is, like May, there's pretty much no-one here. The local bars and restaurants seem to take it turns to be open, which is ok because there's always somewhere to eat out. The lack of choice is completely off set by the feeling of having the place completely to yourself - which is just glorious! I can't wait to take a wander around Montriond lake and enjoy the autumn woodlands. Maybe a day trip to a neighbouring Swiss village (preferably with their own cheese for us to try) and also Lausanne, a boat trip away across Lac Leman, for a family day out to the Olympic Museum - considered to be the one of the best museums for youngsters in the world! I'll blog again on our return, hopefully with some great photos to add.
Sunday, 4 October 2009
Photos
Check out the photo links. There are a few from early December last year when the heavy snow came early (and then didn't stop - what a great season it was!). Here's hoping we get the same this year. I've added photos from our few days around the VTT trails. These should give you a good idea about the kind of terrain it involves, which is all very easy. I've also added a few photos from the apartment as it's looking great. Lee's worked really hard to get it looking really polished and it really is a joy to stay there now.
Saturday, 3 October 2009
Mountain Biking for Everyone
This summer, Lee and I spent 5 days exploring the glorious summer mountain trails along the VTT (velo toutes terrain or all terrain biking). Now please don't be misled, the VTT is not the same as the MTB downhill trails. Yes there are crossovers, but there's a big difference in the equipment required and the steepness of the trails.
MTB downhill is where mountain bikers, dressed somewhere akin to an ice hockey player with protective gear across their chests, arms and legs and a full face motorcycle style helmet, hurl themselves down the traditional ski runs, on a bike that has the price tag of a small car. This is a true adrenaline sport and not for the feint hearted.
Over the years Morzine, and the surrounding Portes du Soleil, has become renowned as a world class location for mountain bikers with downhill, endurance and cross-country for all abilities. Superb infrastructure and awesome mounatin trail have made Morzine an MTB Mecca. It's the most popular bike destination in the Alps with the largest selection of trails, including World Cup and novice downhill runs. There' s 650 km of sign-posted tracks, 10 permanent downhill runs, 4 bike-parks, MTB trial areas and 25 ski-lifts equipped for taking mountain bikes.
On previous summer visits, we've looked on in awe at the passing MTB enthusiasts and not realised just quite how accessible some of the trails are. This year, we discovered that you shouldn't be intimidated by the gear. The VTT is more of a cross country trail taking you across stunning and accessible routes through France and Switzerland. It's quite startling how much distance you can cover in a day (but more about that later).
We set off equipped with a standard mountain bike. My bike was actually a cheap one from Halfords, nearly ten years ago. Proving you don't need spend a fortune on equipment. The full range of mountain bikes can be easily hired in Morzine. Helmets are essential and we found after the first day, so are gloves. Cycling gloves have some reinforcement to protect the fingers and stop the palms getting sore. With a picnic packed, we were good to go.
We spent 3 days completing various small circuits on the VTT trail. on the 4th day we attempted a full loop from Morzine to Chatel to Morgins and back across Champery then up through Avoriaz. As it turned out, we missed the last lift out of Morgins to reach Champery, so we had to follow the valley back down to Chatel and then eventually Abondance and take a taxi home.
But it was all great fun and I can honestly say, we loved it as much as we love skiing. You get to explore far greater distances than walking and the easy downhills are exciting rather than hair raising. This is one trip we would highly recommend and we can't wait to take the children next summer.
The apartments are looking great. We had a few little jobs to do but got to spend most of trip scooting about on our bikes and enjoying the alpine sun, which at times was quite fierce. They've finished refurbishing the outside of the building and it looks very smart and traditional. Next year, I understand they are planning to refurbish all the stairs and hallways. We're due back out in October as we want to build a secure bike area in one of our storage areas in the basement. But I think some more cycling might be in order, especially as the children are joining us while they're on half term. The best things about October are the amazing autumn colours and the flourishing waterfalls. I can't wait!
MTB downhill is where mountain bikers, dressed somewhere akin to an ice hockey player with protective gear across their chests, arms and legs and a full face motorcycle style helmet, hurl themselves down the traditional ski runs, on a bike that has the price tag of a small car. This is a true adrenaline sport and not for the feint hearted.
Over the years Morzine, and the surrounding Portes du Soleil, has become renowned as a world class location for mountain bikers with downhill, endurance and cross-country for all abilities. Superb infrastructure and awesome mounatin trail have made Morzine an MTB Mecca. It's the most popular bike destination in the Alps with the largest selection of trails, including World Cup and novice downhill runs. There' s 650 km of sign-posted tracks, 10 permanent downhill runs, 4 bike-parks, MTB trial areas and 25 ski-lifts equipped for taking mountain bikes.
On previous summer visits, we've looked on in awe at the passing MTB enthusiasts and not realised just quite how accessible some of the trails are. This year, we discovered that you shouldn't be intimidated by the gear. The VTT is more of a cross country trail taking you across stunning and accessible routes through France and Switzerland. It's quite startling how much distance you can cover in a day (but more about that later).
We set off equipped with a standard mountain bike. My bike was actually a cheap one from Halfords, nearly ten years ago. Proving you don't need spend a fortune on equipment. The full range of mountain bikes can be easily hired in Morzine. Helmets are essential and we found after the first day, so are gloves. Cycling gloves have some reinforcement to protect the fingers and stop the palms getting sore. With a picnic packed, we were good to go.
We spent 3 days completing various small circuits on the VTT trail. on the 4th day we attempted a full loop from Morzine to Chatel to Morgins and back across Champery then up through Avoriaz. As it turned out, we missed the last lift out of Morgins to reach Champery, so we had to follow the valley back down to Chatel and then eventually Abondance and take a taxi home.
But it was all great fun and I can honestly say, we loved it as much as we love skiing. You get to explore far greater distances than walking and the easy downhills are exciting rather than hair raising. This is one trip we would highly recommend and we can't wait to take the children next summer.
The apartments are looking great. We had a few little jobs to do but got to spend most of trip scooting about on our bikes and enjoying the alpine sun, which at times was quite fierce. They've finished refurbishing the outside of the building and it looks very smart and traditional. Next year, I understand they are planning to refurbish all the stairs and hallways. We're due back out in October as we want to build a secure bike area in one of our storage areas in the basement. But I think some more cycling might be in order, especially as the children are joining us while they're on half term. The best things about October are the amazing autumn colours and the flourishing waterfalls. I can't wait!
Welcome to Morzine Rocks!
My family and I have been coming to Morzine for over twenty years. We love the place and never run out of new things to see and do. This blogspot aims to share the best of our traveller's tales from in and around Morzine, and keep you updated with the latest news and events.
We have a beautifully refurbished, chalet style apartment to rent which offers comfortable self catered or catered accommodation for up to 12 people within two spacious adjoining apartments.
* Picturesque location with stunning 360 degree uninterrupted views!
* Free ski bus stop right outside & only a few steps from the boulangerie!
* Comfortably furnished, spacious & superb value from €11 pp/pw!
Morzine Alpine Apartment can be rented separately sleeping up to 6 in each two bedroomed apartment. Or rented together to cater for larger groups and families sleeping up to 12 people across both apartments.
Check out our apartment website for more information about prices, availability and booking.
http://www.morzinealpineapartment.com/
The apartments are the ideal location for your skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, road cycling, golfing, walking and family activity holiday.
At the centre of the Portes du Soleil - between Avoriaz and Les Gets, Morzine is ranked in the world's top five skiing domains with 650km of piste linking 14 resorts across France and Switzerland. Morzine offers year round adventure holidays for everyone and the very best in family activity holidays.
We have a beautifully refurbished, chalet style apartment to rent which offers comfortable self catered or catered accommodation for up to 12 people within two spacious adjoining apartments.
* Picturesque location with stunning 360 degree uninterrupted views!
* Free ski bus stop right outside & only a few steps from the boulangerie!
* Comfortably furnished, spacious & superb value from €11 pp/pw!
Morzine Alpine Apartment can be rented separately sleeping up to 6 in each two bedroomed apartment. Or rented together to cater for larger groups and families sleeping up to 12 people across both apartments.
Check out our apartment website for more information about prices, availability and booking.
http://www.morzinealpineapartment.com/
The apartments are the ideal location for your skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, road cycling, golfing, walking and family activity holiday.
At the centre of the Portes du Soleil - between Avoriaz and Les Gets, Morzine is ranked in the world's top five skiing domains with 650km of piste linking 14 resorts across France and Switzerland. Morzine offers year round adventure holidays for everyone and the very best in family activity holidays.
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