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April in Morzine: What's on and weather
Skiing in a t-shirt and long lunches - there's a lot to love about spring in Morzine
Spring is in the air as we enjoy longer sunnier days. Don't forget your sunscreen!
The Easter holidays bring families back to the valley for a short end of season break in the mountains. The warmer spring days also brings a party vibe to the town and the sun/snow conditions obviously warrant a longer lunch break on a sunny terrace to top up the tan, and après-ski seemingly starts a little earlier.
To make the most of the longer sunny days we like get out on our touring skis and split-boards, get away from the lifts, and find that last bit of untouched snow. Whilst some locals are brave enough to bring out their bikes for a quick trip into town, in general it's still too cold and icy to risk any road biking adventures.
Read on for a look at what we like to do in resort throughout April.
Worth knowing
If you're coming to Morzine this month or later in the summer, now is the time to start thinking about booking accommodation, how to get here, and some of the many things to do whilst you're in town.
What are the weather and snow conditions like
As winter draws to a close for another year, the snow on the lower slopes is usually much heavier by midday. The temperatures rarely dip below freezing, usually falling between a low of 2ºC and a high of 12ºC, plus there's still the chance of snow as April averages two days snowfall, and therefore a powder day isn't out of the question.
What's on in Morzine in April?
Morzine market
If you fancy trying a little bit of the local cuisine whilst you’re here in Morzine, then I would make sure you pay a visit to the weekly market which runs throughout the year. There are loads of stalls selling fantastic local produce including cheese, meats, and sweet treats. There’s also plenty of choice when it comes to souvenirs and gifts, if you’re looking to take some little presents back with you. The market takes place every Wednesday morning and is in the Carrefour car park in the centre of Morzine.
The Portes du Soleil Champions ski race
A giant slalom ski race for children from ski schools and ski clubs and also holidaymakers. The children ski supervised by the champions of the Portes du Soleil who give advice, autographs, selfies and most importantly the prize giving ceremony on the podium. An unforgettable day for skiers!
Sports
There are lots of amazing sporting events happening in April that you can either enjoy as a spectator, or get involved in. Here in the mountains, sport is always pretty extreme and exciting to watch, and there are some great things to choose from this month. Why not head down to the ice rink in Morzine and watch a hockey exhibition match by the Morzine Penguins. This show of skill always makes for a good evening out. It’s loud, exciting and plenty of fun.
School holiday skiing
Easter is a popular month for families so the slopes are noticeably busier as soon as the holidays begin. Fortunately, the Portes du Soleil ski area is so vast, that even in high season you can find quiet slopes and minimal lift queues. Here are our insider's top tips for the school holidays:
- It will be almost impossible to book private lessons over this period, group lessons are the best option. Make sure to get your ski and snowboard lessons booked well in advance to avoid disappointment.
- If you're not in ski school, be an early bird. Arrive at the lifts before they open so that you get up and away before the ski school classes set out around 09:15.
- Ski over lunchtime. The slopes are calmer between 12:00 and 14:00 while the French take a leisurely lunch break.
- Pre-book your lunch and avoid the queues. Some restaurants offer a click and collect service. It's the best way to avoid the queues and make the most of your time in the mountains.
- Seek out the peripheral areas. Try to avoid the busy main ski areas closer to Morzine town and head over to the less-trodden pistes, such as the Mont-Chéry area in Les Gets.
- Get off-piste. Competent off-piste skiers can book a local mountain guide and explore the vast off-piste areas in the valley or even go touring to find complete solitude in the backcountry.
What to do
Family fun
Enjoy a fun filled Easter holiday of entertainment for children. A programme of events for children and families to enjoy, including displays of wind toys, giant wooden games to play. Adventure and interactive games.
For more ideas on what you can get up to this month whilst in resort, take a look at our Activities link below.
Bars and clubs
End of season parties
Now, we are of course super sad that the season is nearly over. But on the plus side, this does mean it’s time for some of the most amazing parties of the year. The pistes officially shut around the middle of the month and as usual, the season will be sent off in style. If you’re around to enjoy the closing parties, then get your table booked at one of the following restaurants quick smart. Chez Flo at the top of the Prodain gondola usually holds three days of parties including live DJs on each of the days and live bands on the Saturday.
Similarly at the top of the Prodain gondola, Les Trappeurs restaurant also has a big party planned. Come in your best circus fancy dress for their event. There is usually a big closing party at the Folie Douce, but they keep the details pretty close to their chest, so watch this space. Once you’ve headed down the party usually continues long into the early hours in Morzine as well, so get planning and booking your taxi home. Let’s finish this amazing season off with a bang.
With the sunshine and blue skies we get in April, there’s nothing better than sitting outside with a drink in your hand listening to some great tunes, and if the closing parties aren't you're thing, there's always going to be something else going on in the bars and clubs as they wind down for the winter.
