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The French Alps ski specialist
Mountain Restaurant in Morillon
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Skiing in Morillon
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Morillon Ski Restaurant
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Morillon & Morillon 1100

Thinking of skiing in Morillon? Morillon is a charming Savoyard village built around a 16th century church in the Giffre Valley. Offering quick transfer (1 hr from Geneva) and access to 265km pistes.

Why Morillon & Morillon 1100 Ski Resorts?

  • Close proximity to Geneva airport (1 hour transfer)
  • Easy access to the Grand Massif ski area (including Flaine)
  • Morillon offers a selection of great value ski accommodation

Morillon & Morillon 1100 (Grand Massif/Flaine) Resort Information

In Morillon there are weekly torchlight descents, concerts, wine and food tasting, and a variety of activities for children - all part of an extensive winter programme of entertainment. Value-for-money restaurants make eating out a pleasure while a local ‘traiteur’ (deli) produces first class regional food to take away.

Morillon 1100 (also known as Les Esserts), is a purpose-built resort above Morillon village and is very much a pedestrianised, family-friendly resort. Morillon 1100 offers visitors a small selection of restaurants and bars, a few shops and a mini-supermarket. The ’Village des Enfants’ children’s facility is based at Les Esserts.

Verchaix is in the middle of the Haute-Savoie, on a sunny slope overlooking the Giffre Valley and Morillon Village. It has good road links to Annecy, Geneva and Chamonix. Verchaix’s attractive traditional hamlets feature a rich variety of country cottages, farms, chalets and positively exude Savoyard charm!

Morillon is only 35 miles (1 hour) from Geneva airport and a 15-minute drive from the motorway exit and TGV train terminal at Cluses.

Peak Retreats offers a range of Morillon accommodation options. All of Morillon's ski apartments have been hand-picked and are of a very high standard (3 & 4*), providing the ideal base for a Morillon ski holiday.

MORILLON SKI AREA

Morillon village has its own nursery slopes and - snow conditions permitting - you can ski back to the village.  The main skiing area starts at Morillon 1100 (Les Esserts), the modern ski centre on the mountain above the resort. It can be reached by fast gondola or by car (an eight-minute drive). The snow record from Morillon 1100 is generally good, and well above other resorts at a similar altitude. Snow cannons allow a useful top-up early and late season (from mid-April). There’s some delightful tree-line skiing at lower levels in Morillon - ideal for bad weather conditions!

Thanks to its geographical location, the Grand Massif enjoys abundant, regular snowfalls throughout the season, and the area is well known for its snow quality in spring. Of course, 80% of the slopes are north-facing, allowing the snow to lie for longer and remain in good condition.

The village’s own complex of nine lifts are directly linked to Flaine, Samoëns, and Les Carroz with some really good runs for all abilities.

The Chamonix Valley and the Portes du Soleil (Les Gets, Morzine and Avoriaz) are only a 30-minute drive away. Morillon is also an ideal starting point for cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing – and just plain walking through a really picturesque snow-scape!

Additional ski fact info, main ski info in resort facts box at top of page (22/23):

Grand Massif ski area comprises of the resorts of Flaine, Samoens, Morillon, Les Carroz d'Araches and Sixt fer a Cheval. The largest lift pass covers the whole area and piste numbers can be found in the facts box at top of this page. You can also buy smaller area passes that cover all resorts except Flaine called 'Vill4ges' and then Morillon local area.22
Black slopes: 6

Morillon local area - 9 lifts (1 gondola, 5 chairlift, 1 draglift, 1 carpets), 22 slopes:

Green slopes: 5
Blue slopes: 12
Red slopes: 5

MORILLON SKIING

MORILLON BEGINNERS

For beginners, there are a few green pistes at Morillon 1100 Les Esserts, and various blues to progress on. These all link back to the resort centre, making it a great environment to learn in. There’s also a moving carpet for beginners at Morillon 1100 and a small slope for them to practise those all-important first turns!

The long green Marvel forest run to Morillon 1100 (5km of piste) is an easy cruise with intriguing signs along the way explaining all about the local wildlife.

MORILLON INTERMEDIATES

Intermediates and boarders will enjoy the plentiful red pistes and a decent amount of black pistes and can easily move around the mountain on the modern, large lift network.

A must! Starting from the Grandes Platières, follow the 14km famous long blue Cascades piste and meet the unexpected landscapes bordering the Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval Nature Reserve. Created in 1994, it is the longest ski run in the Grand Massif. An elevation drop of 1700m separates the start of the run from its arrival in Sixt. Winding through alpine pasturelands and forests, the start has a panoramic view of the Mont Blanc peaks, then throughout the descent views emerge of the peaks around Sixt (the Fiz range, the Fer-à-Cheval cirque, the Pointe d’Anterne, the “Pas de Sales” passage and more). It is not uncommon to spot chamois or ibex from the piste as well which is a nice little bonus. To get back to Morillon, you need to take a 20-minute shuttle bus.

MORILLON EXPERTS

Don’t worry, all you hard-core skiers! Experts can find some tricky red and black runs above Morillon ski resort.

MORILLON OFF-PISTE

Extensive off-piste opportunities are an added bonus around the Morillon ski resort and surrounding resorts of the Grand Massif.

MORILLON SNOWBOARDERS

Snowboarders and twin-tip skiers have a choice of three purpose-built terrain parks (see below).

SKIING BACK TO RESORT

If you’re staying in Morillon village, you can take the Doina blue piste which winds under the Morillon gondola to the bottom. If you are staying at Morillon 1100, the runs which come down directly into the resort are the green Marvel and two blue pistes – Sairon and Charnia. 

Please note: in early or late season, ski back to resort depends on snow conditions 

Morillon Ski Hire

Pre-book your Morillon ski hire with Peak Retreats.

To download the ski extras form, see 'Helpful links' further down the page.

Please note, these Pound Sterling prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.

Special offers: *7 days for the price of 6.  Free Skis/snowboard & boots (Blue/Red) for party leaders of groups of 10 or more all taking equipment. 1 Free helmet per child aged 6 and under for every adult booking skis or snowboards & boots (must be under same booking reference and requested on form above). Other duration prices on request - Cross Country ski prices on request.

Find out more about Peak Retreats ski hire


Morillon Ski Pass

Pre-book your Samoens lift passes with Peak Retreats. Find out more about Peak Retreats ski passes

To download the ski extras form, see 'Helpful links' further down the page.

Please note, these Pound Sterling prices are for indication only. They will fluctuate based on Euro/£ exchange rate. Please call us for the latest prices.

Other lift pass on offer (to buy locally in resort in Euros):

A few tips from the tourist office to get the most out of the Morillon beginner zones:

  • Start off learning to ski in the protected zone equipped with a magic carpet and a draglift (unlimited access),
  • Move on to green slopes with Marveline leading onto Marvel: a wonderful fun run through the forest,
  • Improve your technique by taking the Esserts chairlift to access blue slopes to really discover the joys of skiing (unlimited access),
  • You can return to Morillon village on the Labérieu and Doina pistes (open depending on snow cover) and come back up on the Morillon gondola (2 return trips).

If the Morillon beginner zone seems a bit restrictive, you can opt for the Vill4ges lift pass or Grand Massif lift pass.

Beginners rates 2019/20:
4 hours - €13.30 children, €17.70 adults
Day - €14.80 children, €19.70 adults

Vill4ges ski pass (Massif, excludes Flaine) – ½ day and daily rates 2019/20:
4 consecutive hours - €29.70 children, €39.40 adults
Day - €33 children, €44 adults

Grand Massif ski pass – ½ day and daily rates 2019/20:
4 consecutive hours - €32.80 children, €43.70 adults
Day - €36.40 children, €48.50 adults

Morillon Ski School

Pre-book your Morillon ski school with Peak Retreats. Find out more about Peak Retreats ski school

Ski school for children is available to book from 3 years to 15 years, in Morillon, with Peak Retreats. 

To book your ski school, download the ski extras form from the 'Helpful links' further down the page.

Please note that lesson times are subject to change right until the last minute - you will be advised. Outside French school holidays the ski school reserves the right to cancel group lessons should numbers be insufficient. For peak periods - Christmas, New Year, February half-term and Easter - we strongly recommend that you book as early as possible and in any case at least 6 weeks prior to the required dates. Morning lessons tend to get booked up first and therefore we may only be able to offer afternoon classes within 6 weeks of departure. In some resorts English speaking instructors may not always be available, particularly at peak times.

We cannot always guarantee that prices will be cheaper than in resort. When ski packs prices are calculated, the currency is bought at the exchange rates that apply at the time. You can be assured that once you have booked your extras, if the pound depreciates, you will not be charged more for your ski packs, enabling you to budget for your holiday in advance.

Morillon private lessons 19/20 (not pre-bookable, book direct):

Individual tuitions can only be purchased directly from the ski school. Peak Retreats cannot pre-book these for you.

€43 per hour for 1-2 people and €82 for 2 hours.
€57 per hour for 3-4 people and €110 for 2 hours.

Please note that prices are only an indication and are subject to change.

Ski school contact numbers for private lessons:

ESF MORILLON
Les Esserts
74440 MORILLON

Phone: +33 4 50 90 11 52 or +33 4 50 90 15 09
info@esf-morillon.com

Office in Morillon 1100 open from 9.00 until 17.00, every day.


Morillon Child Care: Village des Enfants

Conveniently located at Morillion 1100 Les Esserts near to the main gondola and welcomes little ones from 18 months in their creche. If you are coming from Morillon Village you will need to come by car or cable car. There is no bus. With child specialists and local carers, you can trust you are leaving your children in safe hands.

Half day morning 9.00 - 12.30
Half day morning + meal 9.00-13.30
Half day afternoon 13.30-16.20/19.15
Half day afternoon + meal 12.30-16.20/17.15
Full day + meal 9.00-16.20/17.15

Example prices based on daycare without ski 2019/20:

5 Half days: 150 €
5 Half days + meals: 248 €
5 Full days + meals: 317 €
6 Half days: 172.5 €
6 Half days + meals: 282 €
6 Full days + meals: 336.5€

A la carte:
1 Half day: 34.5 €
1 Half day + meal: 54.5 €
1 Full day + meal: 70.5 €

For a small surcharge they are able to provide meals.  

Contact ESF Morillon, details above.

For a list of babysitters consult the tourist office.

Top winter activities to experience in Morillon!

Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable.

Snowsport activities:

Nordic skiing
The Nordic activities space of the Haut Giffre Valley is divided into three distinct areas.
Depending on the snow, you can do Nordic skiing on the valley slopes from Morillon or on the slopes of Fer à Cheval or Joux Plane. In each sector, there are tracks for all levels, both for the classic and skating style.
Haut-Giffre Valley:
This domain begins to Morillon, along Giffre, and walks you, with one made uneven quite smoothly, near villages, in the forest, in the plain and around the lakes, to end at the bottom of the Circus(Cirque) of the Horseshoe. Several parking lots of big capacity, from Morillon, allow to park vehicles near cross-country ski runs.
Le Cirque du fer a Cheval:
It features a loop of 10 km in a beautiful landscape, from Molliet to the famous Cirque du Fer à Cheval; intermediate circuits concoct following your desire (between Molliet and Brairet of Pelly at Horseshoe). A Nordic park, a toboggan run are groomed landscaped in front of the Iron Horse restaurant.
Col de Joux Plane, facing Mont Blanc 1700m:
This site is located at altitude Col de Joux Plane at 1,700 meters altitude and 15km from Morillon. It guarantees snow all winter, offers an ideal exposure and an exceptional view overlooking the Mont Blanc.
You will find near the chalet host a Nordic Park, a toboggan run kitchen, tables picnic …
This site is not open in the event of total snow slopes of the valley (between Samoens, Morillon and Cirque du Fer à Cheval).

Sledging pistes in Morillon
The resort has created and ensures the safety of two sledging pistes: one in the village and the other at Morillon 1100 "les Esserts", for the pleasure of the kids... and the grown-ups!

Snowshoeing
The Grand Massif is a paradise for snowshoeing. From 700 to 3100m above sea level, there is something for everyone: walking alongside the river Giffre, a half-day trek to explore the animal life (animal tracks, etc.).The winter landscapes are breathtaking! This “low volume” activity lets you soak up the quiet sounds of nature.

Dog sledging
Experience the joys of a ride in a dog sledge driven by a musher. Pulled along by the dogs, you'll discover the snow-covered scenery of the Upper Giffre Valley. Available once a week only. Advanced booking strongly recommended.
Meet the dogs from northern climes and admire their determination and hard work. The dogs will take you through the snow-bound scenery of the Upper Giffre Valley. Two persons per sledge (plus one or two children, depending on age). This trail ride lasts for 20 to 30 minutes and, depending on snow conditions, takes place in Samoëns or Sixt Fer à Cheval (you must have a car).

Pony ride sledge
Pleasant short pony trek along the Giffre, each afternoon.

Ski Joering
At Lac Bleu, Morillon Village.

Yooner at Morillon 1100
Come and learn to Yooner, discover this new way of slipping. Very fun and easy, the yooner, also called mono-sledge is accessible to all! Necessary conditions: full ski wear, Massif ski pass, helmet, more than 12 years.

Ice climbing
Fairytale scenery and superb frozen waterfalls await beginners and experts alike in the Giffre Valley and surrounding areas. An entirely different winter sports ideal for anyone who enjoys rock climbing or wants to experience a whole new kind of winter sports adventure!
The frozen waterfalls in and around Sixt are amongst the most reputed sites for ice climbing in France. Perfect for adventure-seekers and rock climbers who've tried it all, an introduction to ice climbing will help you get to grips with the specialised climbing techniques used on icy surfaces. Accessible to all ages and levels of ability. Instruction and equipment provided by a ZigZag high mountain guide.

Snowmobiles at night
Enjoy driving a snowmobile on the Grand Massif pistes and forest with a guide.
One hour drive with a briefing. Tracks amongst pistes and forests, stop at the top of Les Carroz to enjoy a great viewpoint on the Grand Massif ski resorts and valleys. We suggest "Caribou" for one driver and one passenger, the "Prestige" for one driver only longer and more difficult or the "Passenger" one passenger behind the guide.

Other activities:

Introduction to paragliding
An original way to discover the Giffre valley in summer or winter. Rodolphe will take you flying over the valley in a tandem paraglider.

Winter canyoning
Winter canyon with an educational trail to the source of the glaciers to explain the water resources of the planet, the protection of this specific environment and the water cycle

Guided heritage tour of Morillon
Guided heritage tour of Morillon. All year round.

Please note: All the above information is for information only. For the most up-to-date information please visit the resort tourist office website. All activities will be in local currency (€ Euros) and are bookable and payable locally in resort.

Morillon Tourist Office (OT Morillon) 

Tel +33 4 50 90 15 76
www.ot-morillon.fr 
December to April Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 12.30pm and from 14h to 18h30 and Sundays from 09h to 12h and from 14h30 to 18h30.            

 

 

Morillon/Grand Massif Resort News & Events 2022/23

News:

  • Sairon chairlift gets a makeover - The Sairon chairlift is getting a new and improved replacment for the 22/23 season, with a faster journey time at 9 minutes and increased seating from 4 seats to 6. Construction has had environmentalism in mind, with parts and materials being reused or recycled, as well as resource use being reduced. The new lift will be available in Morillon 1100 for the next season, on Saturday 17th December 2022.

Events:

  • Morillon Market - All year round - Come and discover the flavours of the region.

  • Marvel Sledge Descent - 31st January 2023 - 15th March 2023 - Exceptional descent on the slope after the closure. The Marvel slope is reserved just for you. Helmet mandatory, no sledge provided.
  • Le Yoopa - 5th March 2023 - Come and discover or rediscover the Yooner, the Paret and the Snooc, the sleds that provide new gliding sensations for young and old. Registration throughout the day, challenge in the early afternoon.
  • Play Grand Massif Smash Cup - 8th February 2023 - Morillon hosts the Play Grand Massif Smash Cup, the 1st edition of an esport event open to all, on the game Super Smash Bros Ultimate.

More information can be found on the tourist office website: www.ot-morillon.co.uk

Morillon Après-ski, Bars & Restaurants

Morillon has around 10 bars/restaurants.

Le Bon Coin
Bar and concerts.

Le Bois du Seigneur
Menu savoyard
Mon-Sat

Le Yéti
Snacks and pizzas

La Carline
Restaurant savoyard 

La Cashta

La Covagne
L’Etoile des Neiges

Le Morillon
Spécialités savoyardes

Restaurant Le Potet
Savoyard, pizzas

La Terrasse de Verchaix
Restaurant panoramique Spécialités savoyardes

Le Tourne Pierre
Savoyard

 

Morillon Amenities

Morillon is served by a range of amenities including:

  • Morillon village – hairdressers, tabac, 6 bars/restaurants, pharmacy, sport shops, ATM cash point.
  • Morillon 1100 – Sherpa minimarket, 4 bars/restaurants, sport shops
    (no cash point in Morillon 1100).

Getting to Morillon, France

By Road: Driving distance from Calais to Morillon 537 miles (approx 7hrs30)

From Calais, take A26 Motorway towards Reims and Troyes, then Dijon, Mâcon then ‘Autoroute Blanche’ Motorway (A40 Mâcon – Cluses) Exit Cluses Scionzier. Follow signs to Samoens. After the Chatillon pass, follow signs to Morillon. It takes approximately 15 minutes from the motorway exit to Morillon.

By Rail: Cluses 20km

There are shuttle buses from the station in Cluses to Morillon. These buses run only as far as Morillon village and do not go up to Morillon 1100. If you arrive during the opening hours of the cable car, you can use it to complete your journey.
One-way ticket Cluses-Morillon about €7.

Information on timetables 04 50 34 40 09.

From Cluses to Morillon private transfers – from £58 per person return based on 4 people sharing. Pre-bookable via Peak Retreats.

Airports:

Geneva to Morillon is 59km (1 hour)

Shuttle bus (about c€64 per pers return children 4-12 half-price)
www.gva.ch/en

Chambery is 110km from Morillon (1 ½ hours)
www.chambery-airport.com

Grenoble is 196km from Morillon (2 hours)
www.grenoble-airport.com

Lyon Saint-Exupéry is 197 km from Morillon (2 hours)
www.lyonairport.com 

Public shuttle bus transfers from the airport:

Geneva Airport - Morillon Village via Annemasse. 

Getting around Morillon Village and Morillon 1100

Shuttles run between Samoens and Morillon but no shuttles run between Morillon Village and Morillon 1100. To get from Morillon Village to Morillon 1100 you must take the cable car only during the day or by car.

Morillon Airport Transfer

For pre-bookable private transfer rates with Peak Retreats, view here


Morillon Opening Dates

The Grand Massif ski area (Samoens, Morillon, Flaine, Les Carroz, Sixt a fer Cheval) is open: 17/12/22 - 16/4/23

Morillon Snow Report (Flaine) – 2015-2018 (3 season average)

Ski Morillon: Morillon and more generally the Grand Massif (Flaine) has always benefited from a superb snow record thanks to the microclimate resulting from the proximity of Mont Blanc. Snow cover on at least parts of the ski area is pretty much guaranteed from mid-December until late April. Here is the snow record data for Samoens, which is right next to Morillon. The first row shows the week for which the measurement applies eg. February 3 is the 3rd week in February. Top slopes shows the average snow cover in cm at the top of the ski area. Bottom Slopes shows the average snow cover in cm at the bottom of the ski area (this is generally where the nursery pistes are located). About 10 cm is generally enough to ski but it very much depends on what’s below ie. grass or more rocky surface.

3 year ski season average for Morillon:

Month Nov Dec Dec Dec Dec Jan Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb Feb Feb Mar Mar Mar Mar Apr Apr Apr
Week 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3
Upper Slopes (cm) 14 73 62 100 101 151 174 221 225 240 268 270 264 291 326 310 300 296 377 431
Lower Slopes (cm) 5 24 28 32 28 24 24 46 33 32 40 26 21 47 43 32 19 15 12 14

Current snow conditions may be available to view on the Morillon webcam, available from the Tourist Office website.

5 year ski season average for Flaine:

Month Nov Dec Dec Dec Dec Jan Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb Feb Feb Mar Mar Mar Mar Apr Apr Apr
Week 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3
Upper Slopes (cm) 28 41 63 89 112 145 172 228 245 275 288 282 285 317 331 309 311 306 280 240
Lower Slopes (cm) 17 27 23 29 36 41 39 65 69 86 106 102 92 105 114 100 80 63 49 38

 

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Also, don’t forget you can give us a call on 023 9283 9310 or email reservations@peakretreats.co.uk if you couldn’t find what you needed.
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