Meet the Locals in Morzine

So what is it really like to live here and run such a business? During each season the days can be very long, there are literally hundreds of customers passing through the doors who might need ski passes, equipment hire, ski lessons, childcare, & transfers organising (and much more). There are snow chains to put on, catering to plan and deliver to guests, not to mention countless mornings digging your car or minibus out of snow drifts... but then the powder days and beautiful mountain scenery definitely make up for all that in droves!

Amy & Duncan from Treeline Chalets are one couple who took the plunge a handful of years ago, and now run a successful chalet business in Morzine, offering a selection of catered and self-catered accommodation. They've spared us a few minutes in this busy pre-season period to tell us a bit more about what they do...

Tell us a little bit about your business, how it started out and where you're based...

We have been living and breathing Treeline since 2009! It was born out of a shared passion for hospitality, love of good food, and enthusiasm for living in the mountains and snowboarding. We can't think of anywhere we’d rather live and work.

What makes Morzine a special place to be for someone in your profession?

Morzine was where we met and did our first season and has the perfect vibe for our ‘affordable luxury’ style of holiday. Everyone here shares the same approach to living, everyone is passionate about what they do. It’s also a real Alpine town, with lots of our friends now living here year round making the atmosphere friendly without being claustrophobic.

What are the best bits about your job?

Getting amazing feedback from happy guests, combining your passion with your day job and of course getting to snowboard regularly.

And the worst bits?

Putting snow chains on with no gloves when its minus 20!

What is in store for the future with your business, any exciting projects in the pipelines that you can share with us?

Two of the riders we sponsor, Dom Harrington and Billy Morgan are hoping to go to the Winter Olympics 2014 in Sochi - this is very exciting for everyone at Treeline and fantastic to see 2 people so deserving realising a dream. We are primarily committed to growing our business while keeping that ‘personal’ touch which we pride ourselves in.

What are you personal and professional goals for the future?

Our long-term goal is to turn Treeline into a social enterprise business, one which gives back to the Ski and Snowboard Community which we feel so passionately about. This is why we help out our sponsored riders as much as possible and work very closely with our sponsors to deliver top quality brands for our guests.

What's your favourite piste or off-piste area & top tip to go skiing?

In terms of Piste its pretty hard to beat ‘The Stash’ when you get it early after a fresh dump of snow. With off-piste in the Portes du Soleil you are so spoilt for choice and everyone has their own ‘secret’ spot. For finding the best off-piste and discover your own ‘secret’ spot while on holiday I would recommend hiring a guide for the day.

Where would you send someone who was after that something 'something special' in resort, to stay, eat or drink?

Treeline Chalets is obviously the best place to stay! We always tailor our bars and restaurants recommendations to the clients specific needs. Rest assured that there is something for every taste and budget in Morzine.

Your favourite place for lunch or dinner?

We love l'Etale in the centre of town, you can't go wrong here, it has a bit of everything, great service and great atmosphere and caters perfectly for big groups. In terms of grabbing some food when you are out and about then head to Mammas on Rue du bourg. On the mountain it’s La Grenouille de Marais on the Super Morzine for an amazing Savoyarde lunch on their sunny terrace or Changabang in Avoriaz for the Curly Fries and burgers!

Where will we find the best coffee or hot chocolate?

Dotty’s Cafe has the best coffee and cakes in town!

What has been your best ever day in Morzine?

Hard question as there have been so many, signing for our first chalet, freshies in the Stash, bringing our son Fin home from the hospital...the list goes on!

Do you remember your first trip to this resort?

Well it was our first season so not really, it’s all a bit of a powder day/après blur if we’re honest!

What's your favourite thing to do in resort when not skiing or snowboarding?

In the season we are always working :( But for guests there are plenty of things to do to amuse themselves on down days, treat yourself to a massage.. go swimming, hit up the skatepark or one of our favourites is to head for a French-style long boozy lunch.

What do you do in the summer?

Summer is the most under-rated season in the Alps - people must come and experience it! There is so much to do, mountain biking, golf, via ferrata, fantasticable, and of course we run our infamous yoga weeks! We are totally flexible in the summer and can offer you self catered , part catered, BBQ'S champagne picnics, it’s tailored to suit your needs!

Which is your favourite shop in resort?

Attack Attack snowboard shop is the must go-to for all things snowboard!!

Where are we most likely to find you for après-ski?!

Depending on the day either in the chalet eating cake and chatting to guests, digging out a van, doing shuttles or preferably in Robbos (Bar Robinson) hearing about our guests amazing day on the hill.

Thanks to Amy, Duncan (& Fin!) for their time. If you'd like to book with Treeline Chalets they've got some early bird discounts for this winter running at the moment, and you can also speak to them about booking ahead for next summer..