Fancy a ski trip? All you need to do is jump on a train
It doesn’t take a genius to work out that if we want to continue to enjoy all that the mountains have to offer, we’re going to have to find ways to reduce our impact on the environment. Choosing to travel by train to the slopes not only ticks that box, but means you don’t have to fret so much about the exact size and weight of your luggage. It's the perfect solution for all your ski and après gear, because not only do ski boots weigh a tonne, they also take up half of a small suitcase, leaving little room for anything but essential snacks on a budget airline.
But isn’t flying quicker, cheaper and easier?
In a word, no. Hop on the Eurostar and you’ll arrive in Paris in 2 hours 16 minutes, switch stations and you’ll be on your way to Geneva, from where you can arrange a transfer to Morzine. I’m all for romanticising your life, and something about watching the French countryside pass you by from a train window, whilst enjoying a pain au chocolat secured in Paris really did it for me.
Once you’ve arrived in Morzine, your train travel is the gift that keeps on giving. Skiers and snowboarders who opted to travel to the resort by train can save money on all sorts of things with the AlpinExpress Pass. Saving 10 per cent or more on anything from lift passes and ski hire to meals and second-hand shopping, you’ll find yourself endlessly thankful for your more sustainable choice of travel. All you need is your proof of purchase, and Montagne Verte (a not-for-profit organisation aimed at making your stay in the mountains more sustainable) will issue you with a QR code, and then you’re ready to start saving.
I'm sold, but what's the skiing like?
The Portes du Soleil adult ski pass starts at £279 pp for 6 days and provides you with access to 12 resorts spread between France and Switzerland, covering 307 runs totalling 600km. That being said, it’s very easy to focus your skiing a little closer to home throughout Morzine and Avoriaz, where you’ll find runs suitable for any skill level.
If you’re feeling braver, you can take on the infamous ‘Swiss Wall’, a run that provides stunning views, but also a 37 degree incline with a 331 metre difference of altitude from top to bottom. It’s not surprising it’s considered one of the most difficult runs in Europe. It was a no from me…this time at least!
And if I'm not interested in skiing?
With miles and miles of runs to explore, you’d be forgiven if you were to assume that’s all you could be doing with your trip. If you’re not one for the first lift out and last lift back, Morzine-Avoriaz has a plethora of other activities to keep you entertained.
Originating in Scandinavia, skijoring is somewhat similar to husky sledding but, with a horse and you and your skis are the sled. Since Morzine-Avoriaz is below the treeline, you’re taken on a route through a real winter wonderland of snowy forests. As beautiful as this was, it was also a real workout too! When the horse is gently walking along (as opposed to trotting or cantering which gives you all important momentum), the upper body workout you get is comparable to a continuous pull on a rowing erg. Not to be sniffed at!
If birds are more your thing, in the Nyon area of Morzine, you can visit Les Aigles du Leman eagle park. Here you can either watch a falconry display, or ski with eagles (weather permitting, they can’t fly when it’s a whiteout, and who can blame them). Sadly for us, it was snowing too heavily when we visited, but we were able to get up close and personal with a couple of the other birds, which is an experience in itself. The park aims to educate visitors about endangered birds of prey and how to protect them, whilst also sponsoring the reintroduction of white-tailed sea eagles to the area.
Not an animal person whatsoever? Give Avo Karting a go. Thrillseekers can hurtle (or more gently, at your own pace with the aid of the brakes) down a 3.5km track on a three-wheeled motorless kart. Since part of the track takes you across the piste, sessions start after the lifts have closed for the day. This meant for us, we were guided by the light of a head torch since it was after dark. For me at least, this only added to the fun!
It goes without saying, there’s plenty of après to be had, including La Folie Douce, where you can dance on tables to your heart’s content.
Tell me about the food...
Something would be amiss if you were to go to the mountains and not consume your bodyweight in cheese after a long day on the slopes. Obviously there’s many great places for fondue, but none quite like the Village Igloo. Located a short (but steep) walk above Avoriaz, you’re treated to an evening of fondue and wine within the igloo, which was certainly one for the books.
If you’re on the hunt for a lunch spot, Les Marmottes, situated in Lindarets (also known as The Goat Village), unsurprisingly, has an array of delicious goat’s cheese dishes on the menu. Pointe de Nyon, which is right by the falconry park, is fantastic for traditional dishes, obviously also including cheese.
Within Morzine village, you’ll find many great restaurants, including Le Local, which does what it says on the tin by specialising in locally sourced ingredients. The chocolate fondant was *chef’s kiss*.
And where did you stay?
After a long day on the mountains, there’s nothing quite like returning to a catered chalet. More Mountain’s Chalet La Godille sleeps up to 12 guests in six luxurious ensuite bedrooms, with panoramic views of the mountains. The icing on the cake was a hot tub on one of the many balconies, which made the most of those beautiful views, and was the perfect spot to unwind.
Verdict
Whether it’s avoiding flying, choosing restaurants specialising in locally sourced ingredients, buying second-hand, supporting the reintroduction of endangered species, or all of the above, there’s certainly ways to make more sustainable choices. Gone are the days that you would have to search high and low for planet friendly choices, which would inevitably cost you the earth. Schemes like the Alpinexpress Pass reward you for thinking twice about your impact, by saving you money whilst doing the things you love.
Take me there!
Return train from St Pancras International to Paris Gare du Nord, from £90 pp with Eurostar.
Return prices from Paris Gare de Lyon to Geneva from £50 pp with SNCF.
A private return transfer from Geneva airport to Morzine is priced from £97 pp with Skiidy Gonzales.
Ski pass prices for Morzine - Les Gets for a six-day adult online pass £217 pp. Ski pass prices Portes du Soleil for a six-day adult online pass £279 pp.
Ski hire with Caribou from £21 for one day, for skis, poles and boots or £107 for six days.
More Mountain Chalet La Godille - all More Mountain clients will receive two free Morzine Les Gets lift passes per booking when the train is used on the AlpinExpress card, plus plants a tree for every guest). Prices at La Godille start from £999 pp for seven-nights catered.
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