Morzine

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Morzine is a commune in the Haute-Savoie département of France.

1 General
2 Ski
3 Summer sports
4 Tour de France
5 Transportation
6 External links

[edit] General

A traditional market town in the heart of the Portes du Soleil, Morzine is dominated by attractive chalets spread across a river gorge, bordered by partially wooded slopes allowing skiing in poor weather conditions.

Morzine, at 1000m, is the most northerly of the French Alpine resorts (with the exception of the areas of La Grande Terche at St. Jean D'Aulps and Mont Drouzin), and weather wise benefits from the Mont Blanc microclimate.

[edit] Ski

The immediate terrain makes the area best suited for beginners and less-seasoned skiers and snowboarders, which has led to the resort being especially popular with families. However more challenging slopes can be found at Avoriaz via the Prodains lifts which are only five minutes away on the excellent local bus service. The off-piste 'trails' are both varied and adventurous, making the village a firm favourite with snowboarders, including various European national teams and pro-riders. The nightlife of this functioning French village also keeps the boarders happy, whilst the powder builds.

The village at 1000m, with top station at 2020m, is closely linked to its neighbours Avoriaz and Les Gets in that they function as linked skiing centres during the winter season. The two resorts are included in the Portes du Soleil ski area, which includes both French and Swiss villages.

[edit] Summer sports

The resort also has a bustling summer timetable including mountain biking, golf, walking and caving amongst others. It is rumored that total number of visitors is actually greater in the summer season. The municipal swimming pool is olymipic size and caters for the bustling tourist flock, but it immaculately maintained.

[edit] Tour de France

Morzine was the finale of the first mountain stage in the 2003 Tour de France. Stage 7's yellow and checked jerseys were awarded to Richard Virenque of France's Quick Step-Davitamon team. Stage 17 of the 2006 Tour de France ended in Morzine, and the town is the starting point for Stage 18. However in 2007 Morzine was not a feature of the Tour de France agenda.