Morzine over New Year

[NewToSkiing]

We’re splashing out and have booked a week in Morzine this year over New Year. Family of 5, children age 15, 13 and 9. I haven’t skied for over 20
years, DH is same. Children have never skied.

First question: transfer from Geneva airport. I’m weighing up airport transfers vs car hire (our place has a car parking space). They’re about equal in price but do we want to be driving at night in the alps? DH is a confident driver and the car would have winter tyres but still. It might be useful for the supermarket as we are self catering. Opinions?

Our Airbnb host says alpybus is popular but their reviews are very mixed! I think we’d do a private transfer just so we’re not hanging around until midnight waiting for the last flight (arrive 8pm). Alps2aps transfer is another one I’ve looked at.

Second question: ski school. Lots of options! I’d like the children to ideally have lessons together as I’m worried the youngest might refuse to go solo. Happy with shared lessons with other children though. Would ski schools accommodate these differing ages? Youngest is fairly robust and tall for 9. Any recommendations?

So much choice! Slightly overwhelmed. I would appreciate any tips. Thank you.

Morzine commune covers a big area. If you are staying in a chalet/house out of the commune you’ll want a car to drive to the ski lift. There are buses but they don’t (or didn’t) run at the sort of frequency tourists want.

morzine is I think low enough you don’t need snow chains. (Many areas that are high up will have a sign saying snow chains compulsory and space for you to pull over and put them on).

queues for car hire at Geneva can be long.

I really recommend Alex for ski lessons. I have used him about 5 times. https://www.followmetoski.com/.

how far are you from pleny? Personally I would just get the transfer bus unless it’s a hike to the lifts.

Definitely hire a car, it's not a difficult drive and there's a big Carrefour which you'd need to drive to. It also gives you the option of driving to different lift stations or going over to Les Gets.

All depends on where in Morzine you’re staying. If you’re central and a short walk to either Pleney or Super Morzine lifts, then you’ll also be a short walk to bars, restaurants, bakeries, grocery stores for buying food etc. You can access all of Avoriaz side from Super Morzine and access Les Gets from Pleney. Also, the bus system to different lift points (like Arsent or Prodain) is very efficient (though likely to be busy at New Year).

That said, the driving is easy. Morzine isn’t very high so unlikely to be problematic with conditions.

ive been a few times and stayed central Morzine and never once felt I would’ve used a car once there. Have used Skiidy Gonzales and Morzine Airport Transfers to book private transfers.