Your non skiing bucket list for Morzine and Les Gets

Obviously most people come here to Morzine and Les Gets in the winter to ski and board. Most people spend as much time on the slopes as possible… however, there are those rainy days, or achy leg days when you fancy a little break from the mountains. You’ll be pleased to know for these days, there are some fantastic activities to try in the area.

Here’s our non skiing bucket list to keep you going for a full week:

DAY ONE: SWIMMING

The Morzine swimming pool is fantastic. It has a floor to ceiling windows meaning you feel like you’re swimming in the shadows of the mountains. With stunning views of the surrounding slopes, you’ll feel completely relaxed after a few lengths at this brilliant facility. It’s very popular on wet weather days and has two splash pools for children as well as a 25 meter pool for serious swimmers. The pool is open most days throughout the winter and also has saunas if you’re looking for that extra bit of relaxation. Why not enjoy a coffee or hot chocolate in the cafe there afterwards as well?

If you’re looking for something a little more family orientated then you could catch the bubble up to Avoriaz and try Aquariaz. This is more of a fun swimming centre with rapids, splash pools and climbing walls for the children. Not to mention a fun slide and outdoor hot tub. Again this is extremely popular on wet weather days so expect lots of people if that’s when you pick to go!

Morzine indoor swimming pool

DAY TWO: SPA AND MASSAGE

Looking for a bit of extra relaxation? Then why not consider a massage or some other treatments? You can always use the sauna at the pool if you don’t want to spend lots of money, but if you’re looking for something a little more up market. There’s Mountain Rehab available for in chalet massages, Little Mountain Spa for beauty treatments and some of the hotels in town offer spa pamper packages even if you’re not staying with them. There’s nothing better than watching the snow fall whilst being completely pampered.

DAY THREE: LOCAL DELICACY TASTING

Continuing the theme of spoiling yourself, it would be rude to come to Morzine and NOT try some of the local specialities on offer. You can go to the local cheese shop (L’Alpage) on a Wednesday morning for a tour of their dairy and a cheese tasting session. This takes place at 9am most Wednesday mornings and you won’t be disappointed it’s a great chance to sample some of the best cheeses from the region. This fantastic shop is just down the road from the largest bakery in town, so once you’ve learnt all about cheese, why not treat yourself to a coffee and a pastry or cake from La Bonbonniere. You can then move on to the Coup de Coeur wine bar to take a tour of the local wines from the extensive wine list. This is a great way to spend a day if you’re looking to stay off your feet and learn a little about the local area.

DAY FOUR: NIGHT SLEDGING

Night sledging is a hugely fun activity for the whole family. Imagine hurtling down the Pleney slope equipped with sledge and head torch as the sun sets over the mountains of Morzine. It’s a great way to see the slopes in a different light and is a firm favourite with guests who come and do it time and time again. You book through Indiana Adventures and they’ll look after you from the beginning to the end, showing you the way from the top of the Pleney right down to the Tremplin at the bottom of the mountain where you can enjoy some apres sledging drinks. It costs around €25 euros per person.

DAY FIVE: SNOWSHOEING

If the weather is good, snowshoeing is a fantastic way to explore the mountains and get off the beaten track. There are plenty of snowshoe guides in and around Morzine and Les Gets who offer guided walks to some of the most beautiful, untouched areas in the region. You can also hire snowshoes from the ski hire shops if you want to have a go yourself. But do stick to safe areas and check before you go out walking that it’s safe to do so. If you book a guide, the traditional french companies often provide a glass or two of local wine for lunch time stop offs, which is an extra bonus!

DAY SIX: VISIT LAKE MONTRIOND

Lake Montriond is one of the most stunning places to visit in both the winter and the summer. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a gentle walk and some fresh air. In the winter, it’s covered with snow, the surrounding trees are white and you can enjoy incredible views of the surrounding mountains including the Roc d’Enfer. It really is a winter wonderland. There are a couple of great restaurants around the lake side too if you’re looking for a hot chocolate or a lunch stop off. This is a not to be missed part of your trip to Morzine. If you’re brave or fancy watching other people be brave then the ice diving also takes place here, but that’s definitely NOT for the feint hearted!