MORZINE: 7 Reasons Why This Resort is Great For Families – Guest Blog by AliKats Mountain Holidays

Superb family ski areas and snowparks

Get kids started on the nursery slopes near the town and then head up the Pleney ski lift to build confidence on gentle beginner slopes, magic carpets, child-friendly drag lifts and a mini-kids snowpark.

 Snowparks for teens

The Stash is one of a kind when it comes to Europe’s snowparks. Created in conjunction with Burton, its wooden rails, boxes, jumps and famous picnic table drop off are shaped by the natural terrain or build using wood. There’s loads of fun to be had whilst snaking your way through the pine trees, and due to the forest coverage its a great place to head when the snow’s falling. The Stash is one of 30 snowparks in the Portes du Soleil ski area, so young freestylers will never get bored!

Advanced skiing and off-piste

With its super efficient lift system, Morzine skiers have access to the whole of the Portes du Soleil ski area, with its 209 ski lifts and 430 individual pistes. From steep fast pistes to challenging moguls; exposed areas to tree-lined runs, the varied terrain has plenty to challenge even the most competent of skiers. Due to the size of the area, powder hounds can pick and choose from some excellent off-piste areas, many of which require little effort to reach.

Fast travel times

No one wants to start a holiday with a long journey with kids-in-tow. The short one hour flight to Geneva from the UK and 75 minute transfer time to resort, means families can be at their accommodation by lunchtime.

Family-friendly activities

Skiing is hard work for little ones, so its always a good idea to have a day or afternoon off the slopes in the middle of the week to enjoy a few less demanding activities. Thanks to the lack of ugly high-rise buildings, the town has kept its alpine charm and is fun to explore, with a buzzing main square, complete with a charming ice skating rink. The 25m swimming pool, paddling pool and spa area is a great place to unwind at the Parc des Dérêches swimming complex. If this isn’t enough to keep your water babies entertained, head up to Avoriaz to experience Europe’s highest waterpark, Aquariaz, with its 10-metre high water half-pipe for rubber tubes, a gently flowing river to bob around in and an aquatic play area for kids. There is also has an outdoor spa area with water heated to 34 degrees.

World-class ski tuition

Whether its ski school for your child’s first week on the snow or freestyle lessons for your teenager, Morzine has a large range of ski schools and private instructors to choose from. That said, its still a good idea to book well in advance for peak holiday times. From the huge ESF operation to smaller independent outfits, such as Alpine Learning Curves and Mint Snowboarding, its easy to find tuition that matches your specific needs.

Accommodation with buckets of charm

When it comes to family accommodation in the mountains you can’t beat a child-friendly catered chalet, it offers minimum faff and maximum charm. For cosy log fires and delicious food, AliKats Mountain Holidays run family ski holidays in stunning chalets with a private chauffeur service, so there’s no hassle getting the kids to ski school in the morning. For those with tiny tots, its links with Morzine’s wide range of kids clubs, crèches and private nannying services, make it easy to work out a childcare programme that means mum and dad can make the most of the mountain too.