What to do in Morzine Besides Snowsports

9th February 2023

Last modified on February 14th, 2023

There are 600km of pistes to enjoy in the Portes du Soleil but if you want a break from the slopes – or are travelling with those less keen than you are on snowsports – what else is there to do?

Quite a lot and the traditional Savoyard village of Morzine is the best place to be to do it.

There are many activities that don’t require skis or snowboards.

Here are just a few of them.

Walk with Eagles

From the bottom of the Rue du Bourg at the Mairie (town hall), set off along the river that sits in the valley in Morzine.

Follow the Dranse riverbank towards Nyon on the Renard route; a beautiful walk along the flowing river lined with snow-covered trees.

When reaching the Nyon Cable Car, board a gondola and travel up the mountain to the Pointe de Nyon.

Here, at an altitude of 1,500 metres, at the Pointe de Nyon restaurant, Jacques-Olivier Travers has founded Les Aigles du Léman – a full aviary of birds of prey, from the gigantic condor to the snowy owl.

Morzine Eagles. Image c/o Morzine Tourist Office

Visitors can enjoy a unique encounter while learning about conservation.

PlanetSKI visited Les Aigles du Léman at Nyon on our trip to Morzine in January, and can highly recommend it:

How Green is Your Ski Trip?

PlanetSKI meets Yule, the snowy owl, Morzine. Image © PlanetSKI

The falconers will tell visitors about these birds of prey, letting willing participants hold them on their arm, fly and feed them and walk down a snowy track with eagles flying overhead.

Fletcher, a white-tailed eagle, is a regular on the mountains and is the figurehead for re-wilding its breed.

White-tailed eagle, Morzine. Image © PlanetSKI

Last summer, Jacques-Olivier Travers and his team released four white-tailed eagles that had been bred in captivity into the wild.

With those four still going strong, the team plan to release 10 more this year.

The eagle experience is priced from €75/£66 pp.

Alternatively, four flying shows are offered to all visitors free of charge every day.

A New Spa at Hotel Neige & Roc

Between Morzine and Avoriaz, the four-star Hotel Neige & Roc opened a new spa this winter, which is available to guests and non-guests.

The spa, in the hotel’s garden, has a well-being space, spa, sauna, beauty treatments, relaxation room and outdoor Swedish bath.

The spa offers a range of bespoke treatments and products with organic and natural ingredients.

Day prices cost from €95/£83 pp.

Guests staying at the hotel can choose from 30 rooms and use an indoor and outdoor pool, and a hot tub.

Hotel Neige & Roc Hotel, Morzine. Image c/o Morzine Tourist Office

Snowshoe to Lunch in a Glass Bubble

Morzine has many snowshoeing routes, including one that includes a lunch break at the end.

Leave the centre of Morzine and head south down Route de la Manche (by free bus or car).

Get off at the last stop, strap on snowshoes, and start walking.

Head along the flowing river before going up the marked paths.

Follow the signposts to Bulles des Mines d’Or where you can have a traditional Savoyard lunch prepared with local ingredients while sitting in a see-through bubble.

Bulles Mines d’Or, Morzine. Image c/o Morzine Tourist Office

Go Caving

Combining scientific, sporting, and environmental aspects, caving is a way to explore the mountain caves and their intricate tunnel systems that have been naturally formed by the rock over time.

A state-certified instructor from outdoor specialists Evolution2 will guide participants through rock formations in a fun and secure way.

Descend into the underground caves and explore the caverns beneath Morzine’s mountains.

A half day caving experience with Evolution2 is priced from €55/£49 pp (minimum age 7).

Caving in Morzine. Image c/o Morzine Tourist Office

Watch a Hockey Match at the Indoor Ice Rink

Cheer on the Morzine Penguins who play in division 1 and are regularly competing in championship matches throughout the winter season.

Players normally take to the ice from 8 pm, with spectators advised to arrive at the rink 45 minutes before kick-off to nab the best seats and avoid missing the action.

The matches are made up of three periods and last 20 minutes each, with intervals between each.

There is a bar at the rink, ideal for grabbing a quick drink or snack during the breaks.

This is a great evening out for the whole family or a group of friends. Tickets are priced from €12/£11 for adults and €7/£6 for children.