A little corner of paradise in the middle of the Grand Massif
Morillon takes you directly to the Grand Massif ski area, between 700 and 2,500 meters above sea level. Le Grand Massif shares its 143 runs - including 22 green, 60 blue, 48 red and 13 black - with other nearby resorts. You'll find skiers from Sixt-fer à cheval, Samoëns, Flaine and Les Carroz. Thanks to its predominantly northerly exposure, the ski area enjoys ideal snow conditions, even when the other ski areas don't get any snow. On the Morillon side, you'll find the beginners' area with its green run from the top of the Télé ski lift, perfect for families and newcomers alike! And don't forget to try out the Marvel piste, a green run winding through a beautiful fir forest. In the rest of the Grand Massif, the Cascades slope is a treat for intermediate skiers and snowboarders, while the Combe de Gers welcomes the most expert skiers. For your acrobatics, take to the Marvel Safari and Ze Kids Park with your children, or the Funy Park for your red-level fun zone. Last but not least, Morillon is also the perfect place for Nordic ski enthusiasts, thanks to its many cross-country ski and snowshoe trails and itineraries.
Presentation of the different cities :
1. Morillon :
Nestled in the mountains at 1100 m altitude on the Esserts plateau, Morillon is a ski resort in Haute-Savoie, linked to the village of the same name at 700 m altitude. What a pleasure to admire the Mont-Blanc massif from the resort and from the slopes! Just a stone's throw from Samoëns and between Geneva and Chamonix, Morillon is a resort that has blended harmoniously into the landscape, and is ideal for families. When it comes to shopping, everything is within easy reach without having to go down to the village, from grocery stores to sports stores and ski equipment rentals, as well as pharmacies, souvenir stores and numerous bars and restaurants. Don't forget to stop by the tourist office on your arrival, where you'll find a program of events for your stay, as well as a map of the resort and the slopes.
2. Samöens
Samoëns is a charming little village in the Giffre valley, at 710 m altitude. It has a year-round population of around 2,300. The inhabitants are called Septimontains or Samoisiens. Its proximity to the ski slopes in winter and hiking trails in summer make it a popular tourist destination (up to 10,000 holidaymakers during the tourist season). In Samoëns, the "Base de loisirs des deux lacs aux Dames" is located just outside the village, near the campsite. You'll be walking in very pleasant waterside surroundings. There's plenty of vegetation. There's a path around the lake and plenty of benches for contemplation. A wooden footbridge spans the small waterfall that links two lakes.
3. Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
Nestled deep in the Giffre valley, just 10 minutes by car from Samoëns, lies the superb village of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. So beautiful, in fact, that it is one of 155 villages throughout France to be a member of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France" - a well-deserved title.
Located at the entrance to Haute-Savoie's most important nature reserve, 80% of Sixt's territory is a protected national park. Some of the region's most spectacular panoramas can be admired here, including the famous Queen of the Alps, the Cascade du Rouget. Sixt is also home to France's 2nd largest natural cirque, the Cirque du Fer à Cheval, a national heritage site. For more information, click on the link.
Activities :
- Lac Bleu leisure park: Nestled in a green setting, Lac Bleu is an ideal place for families and nature lovers to relax. With its calm waters and sandy beaches, it offers a peaceful setting for swimming and outdoor activities. The address is: Les Essertin, 74440 Morillon. It's open every day from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Base de loisirs du lac aux Dames: Here's a video and map showing the site and its various activities. It's open every day from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. Activities such as tennis, pétanque, pony rides, etc. are available.
- Grand Massif Express cable car: This modern cable car links Morillon to the Grand Massif ski area, offering skiers and snowboarders easy access to kilometers of varied slopes.Address: 505 Route de Samoens, 74440 Morillon.
FOR THE MORILLON STATION:Morillon gondola opens daily from Saturday June 29th to Sunday September 1st, 9am to 6pm.
- Skiing and snowboarding: Morillon is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts, with well-groomed slopes and snow-covered landscapes as far as the eye can see. Skiers of all levels will be delighted by the Grand Massif ski area, which offers a wide variety of runs for all levels.
You can book directly onthe website to save time and avoid waiting in line.
- Hiking: In summer, Morillon's hiking trails offer visitors the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the French Alps. From leisurely strolls along the lakes to more ambitious climbs to the surrounding peaks, there's something for every taste and level of hiker.
- Mountain biking: With its many marked trails and downhill runs, Morillon is also an ideal playground for mountain bikers. Visitors can rent bikes and set off on an adventure through the surrounding forests and mountains.
-The Canoraft lets you discover the river on your own, accompanied by a guide who will guide your boat as a duo. Minimum age: 7 years.A Canoraft is a cross between a whitewater raft, a kayak and a Canadian canoe. This unique craft offers white-water thrills for beginners and more experienced paddlers alike. Canorafts are perfect for exploring the rapids in small groups, so you can control your own descent of the river while our expert guides watch over you to ensure your safety.
-> LA SPORTIVE in the middle of the GORGES DES TINES for a sensational descent of around 7 km and 2h30 of pleasure.
-> La FAMILIALE on a shorter route suitable for young and old alike (5km and 2h of activity).
Catering :
- La Puzze is located at 409 route de Samoëns, 74440 Morillon. It is open Monday to Saturday from 10.30am to 1.45pm and from 6pm to 9pm. It offers local French and Italian cuisine, and vegetarian dishes. To guarantee a place, please call 04 50 90 12 06.
- Le Yeti is located at 513 Rte de Samoëns, 74440 Morillon. It's open from 9am to 2pm on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday it's open from 9:00 to 14:00 and from 19:00 to 21:00. Closed on Sunday and Monday. To guarantee a place, please call 06 71 40 62 93.
- L'Igloo is located in Les Esserts, 74440 Morillon. Open daily from 9am to 10pm. It offers French and European cuisine, as well as vegetarian and vegan options. To guarantee a place, please call 04 50 90 14 31.
- Mezzanine: 37 Chemin des Bornes, 74340 Samoëns. Open every evening from 7:00 pm to 8:45 pm and Friday and Saturday lunchtimes from 12:00 pm to 1:15 pm. It offers local cuisine using seasonal produce. To guarantee a place, please call 0450 53 65 22.
- Auberge de la Feuille d'Erable: 74740 Sixt-Fer-a-Cheval France. Open daily from 11:00 to 21:30. To guarantee a place, please call 04 50 34 44 47 to make a reservation.
Equipment rental :
-Neige et montagne sports store: For ski and snowboard equipment, as well as mountain clothing and accessories, this store offers a wide choice of quality products. Address: 505 route de Samoëns, 74440 Morillon. Here's their direct line 04 50 34 40 90, if you'd like to enquire about a product or make a reservation.
-Rol'Sports is a sports store offering winter and summer rentals. Here's their website to book directly. Their contact telephone number is 04 50 90 17 95. It is located at 537 route de Samoëns, 74440 Morillon.
Practical information:
- Morillon Tourist Office: Place de l'Église, 74440 Morillon. Tel: +33 4 50 90 15 76. Open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 5:30pm.
Morillon is open non-stop from Saturday June 29 to Sunday September 1 for the summer season. Here's a link to information on upcoming events throughout the resort and surrounding area.
- The nearest train station is Cluse. You'll easily find shuttle buses on the Y94 line, which take 30 minutes. Here are the bus timetables.
