Enjoy Peaceful Cross-Country Skiing in Morzine

Morzine is becoming more and more popular as an alternative ski resort to those in the Three Valleys. Its vibrant atmosphere, excellent facilities and wonderful ski slopes are all that is needed to attract keen skiers and snowboarders of all abilities.

If you choose to stay in an excellent catered chalet, Morzine offers you even more than the fabulous on-slope action. Book with the right company and you can guarantee that you will receive a top class service, which includes room cleaning, delicious food, local wine, a door to door ski fit service, and information about the resort.

Comfort, convenience, roaring fires and much more are par for the course if you stay in a catered chalet. Morzine has plenty to choose from, so do your research before you go and make sure you are getting exactly what you want from your holiday.

Cross-Country Skiing Action

For those coming to stay in a catered chalet, Morzine not only offers the best accommodation, it also offers superb winter sports conditions. Many experienced skiers are always on the look out for new and alternative activities when on a winter break, and in recent years the sport of cross-country skiing has increased hugely in popularity. This type of skiing is done on long routes, designated for the purpose and graded according to difficulty. As less people engage in the activity, routes are often peaceful and quiet, affording the time to really appreciate the surroundings and enjoy nature.

There are two main styles of cross-country skiing, classic and skating, with classic being the easiest for new starters. Once you've got the boots on, all you need to do is place them in the skis in the parallel grooves and push yourself off. Skating is tougher and more of an aerobic workout, as you push your feet outwards in a skating motion and use your poles to work you forward.

There are plenty of places in the resort to hire the appropriate equipment and there are also some excellent ski schools where you can learn the basics of cross-country skiing, or hire a private instructor to take you out.

Morzine boasts over 200km of stunning cross-country trails that traverse the Porte du Soleil ski area. The Manche Valley is the most challenging of the four main areas, with the Morzine-Avoriaz at Parc Naturel des Cretes de Zorre being more suited to all levels. The other two areas, Lake Montriond and le Pleney, offer something for everyone.

If you are new to the sport and are more familiar with downhill skiing, it could take some getting used to. The skis are thinner and lighter than downhill skis and have no edges, so balance can feel a little off at first. That said, the skis and boots are much more comfortable than those used for downhill, and once you have mastered the art you will get so much out of this relaxed, graceful way to travel.

If you want to really kick back and enjoy your winter break, choose to stay in a catered chalet. Morzine is a fabulous resort and its facilities to ski both on and off piste are excellent.

Liz Olkowicz is the Business Development Manager for Ski and Summer Morzine, a tour operator, based in Surrey, offering tailor-made ski holidays. If you're looking for a catered chalet, Morzine is the perfect location from which to explore the French Alps, so for a great-value Alpine holiday, call us.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.