New From Morzine & Avoriaz For Winter 25 - 26
As the summer temperatures begin to cool in France and the first snowflakes begin to fall, all attention turns to the Alps. This winter the renowned resorts of Morzine and Avoriaz, part of the snowy Portes du Soleil, one of the largest ski areas in the world, are ready to offer an exceptional ski season filled with adventure, relaxation and unforgettable moments set against the stunning backdrop of Mont Blanc. Popular with British visitors and just an hour’s drive from Geneva airport, these neighbouring resorts combine convenience with world-class skiing and authentic Alpine charm.
Morzine offers a true insight into mountain living, blending history, gastronomy and endless skiing. As the centrepiece of the Portes du Soleil, it is surrounded by forests, snowy peaks and breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva. Morzine’s Alpine charm lies in its traditional Haute-Savoie village culture which offers so much more than its pristine pistes.
Just a stone’s throw away, Avoriaz stands apart as the only fully pedestrian and skiable resort in Europe. Since its founding in 1966, it has been celebrated for its eco-conscious approach and commitment to preserving the natural beauty of its surroundings. Its south-facing residences offer total immersion in an alpine experience, where adrenaline seekers can race down its slopes and lovers of mountain culture can wander through the vibrant village.
So, what’s new in these neighbouring resorts this winter? Read on to find out more
NEW: Hike to the Col de Cou hut on the French - Swiss Border
Launched just in time for the winter season this year, this former customs post is now a guarded refuge along the border between France and Switzerland. Only a short 7km hike from Morzine with 500m of elevation, this 40-bed refuge along the popular and scenic ‘Grand Randonné five’ hiking trail, is no open all year round. Visitors can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Dents du Midi leading to the Portes du Soleil. Built sustainably, the refuge is completely self-sufficient, except for the wood that will be used to heat this cozy refuge tucked away in the Alps this Winter
Guests can also reach the Col de Cou Cabin from Avoriaz by skiing down an off-piste slope, followed by a short climb on touring skis. This experience allows you to enjoy a preserved natural setting, far from the ski lifts, and offers the possibility of descending on the Morzine or Swiss side. This opening enriches the region’s alpine offering, combining ski touring and off-piste skiing in a wild and accessible environment.
Golèse refuge opens for winter for the first time
Accessible on foot, snowshoes or cross-country skis, visitors can now spend a winter night at the Golèse refuge nestled between the Manche and Giffre valleys. The popular and safe route through snowy forests with views of Alpine peaks will lead hikers to a welcoming atmosphere, and a choice of a dorm or private room. This refuge offers a winter gateway to the surrounding area of vast, unspoilt nature
NEW: Experience the newly renovated Le Nouveau Tremplin in Morzine
After a two-year renovation, the iconic Le Tremplin is making its grand return. In December 2025, a vast two-floor restaurant will welcome guests just in time for the ski season. Visitors can choose from a menu inspired by the finest Alpine seasonal produce on the spacious terrace overlooking the slopes or relax in its cozy duplex lounge bar. From 3:30pm each day, Le Nouveau Tremplin will come alive with live concerts and Alpine DJ sets for the perfect après-ski afternoon. In 2026, Le Nouveau Tremplin will unveil 12 luxurious suites, with two – five bedrooms, a kitchen and a spacious lounge. The newly-renovated restaurant and suites will bring fine dining, Alpine hospitality, and comfort all year around to Morzine.
NEW: Enjoy Alpine cuisine and cocktails at Comptoir des Halles this season in Morzine
Morzine’s new unmissable restaurant in the heart of its village has opened its doors just in time for this year’s ski season. Run by the same team as the infamous Le Crépu restaurant, a village favourite for over 25 years, Comptoir des Halles (formerly the Haka) brings a new energy to Morzine with its vibrant street-food style menu. Perfect for any time of day, guests can savour its delicious food while soaking in the midday sun or taking in the Alpine sunsets from its large terrace just a few steps away from Le Crépu.
NEW: Les Hauts-Forts 2 Listed as a historic monument in Avoriaz
A first for Avoriaz, as its avant-garde architecture is now officially recognised and protected. The building, born from the vision of Jacques Labro (1935-2024), father of Avoriaz’s organic architecture, becomes the first work in the resort to join the prestigious inventory of historic monuments. This listing, decreed on February 18 2025, by prefectural order (Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region), crowns two years of review by the Ministry of Culture. It is a fitting recognition for an iconic building, a testament to the bold architectural spirit that defines Avoriaz’s unique identity.
NEW: Nami Park the Japanese Soul of Arare Snowpark in Avoriaz
Arare Snowpark, a legendary spot in Avoriaz since 1993, gets a new lease of life this season as Nami Park. “Nami” meaning wave in Japanese, perfectly captures the spirit of the new shaping: fluid lines inspired by surfing, recreating authentic waves of snow. Designed for experienced riders, Nami Park offers two table lines (L and XL), two lines of rails and boxes (M and L), a small half-pipe, and numerous features to push your limits. Beyond the shaping, the ambiance evolves with Japanese-inspired decorations, creating a total immersion between mountain and Rising Sun. An iconic spot that retains its freestyle DNA while writing a new chapter in its story.
NEW: Safety reaches new heights this winter in Avoriaz
For the first time, Avoriaz is using drones to enhance safety and knowledge of the resort. SERMA has invested in tow drones (including one with a thermal camera) and trained four professional drone pilots. Starting this winter, they will be used for searches for people in distress, inspection of ski lifts, topographic surveys and aerial photography.
NEW: A Major Innovation: 100% Renewable Grooming
Until now, snow grooming accounted for 64.6% of the ski area’s carbon emissions (2023/24 season). Starting in winter 2024/25, Avoriaz took a decisive step, all 17 snow groomers now run on HVO, a 100% renewable fuel made from hydrotreated used vegetable oils. As a result groomers now emit 195 tonnes of CO2 equivalent, compared to 894 tonnes with conventional diesel and 0.54kg CO2 eq/litre compared to 3.17kg with standard off-road diesel. This major progress positions Avoriaz as a benchmark in energy transition.
This winter, Morzine and Avoriaz invite visitors to experience the best of both worlds, with traditional alpine culture and charming village life and exhilarating slopes, all with just one ski pass. A six-day Portes du Soleil ski pass costs from €345 / £301 pp for adults and €259 / £226 for children.
