Make the most of early season skiing

Enjoy an early season ski break this year

Imprint: By Ian Huyton, Updated 26 June 2026

Here's some more great reasons to make that early ski season trip.

Traditionally the winter ski season begins the last weekend of November or the first weekend in December, and for those of you lucky enough to be there you can count yourselves among the first skiers of the winter.

The start of December can be a great time to ski, the temperatures are usually cold and the snow can be fantastic. The potential downsides are that the snow cover might be poor on the lower slopes and only the main lifts tend to be open.

A lot of your decisions will depend on snow conditions and lift opening. It's important to keep an eye on the forecast, but whether it's sunshine or snow if the temperatures are cold enough, for sure the resorts will have their best snowmaking efforts in operation on the lower slopes.

Whatever the weather, you'll find enough snow to give your legs a good warm up.

Budget Hotels in Morzine

For those opening their doors to guests in early December, you may well be offered a lovely discount for being this year's guinea pigs as they try out their new chalet staff. Hotels and apartment rental companies can also be a little bit more flexible on duration of stay at this time of year.

Les Cotes Hotel & Residence

Location
Morzine

Located in a peaceful corner of the village centre, just 500 metres from the Super-Morzine bubble lift linking to Avoriaz and the Portes du Soleil ski areas, the Marullaz family warmly welcomes you to their spacious, fully equipped and delightful Savoyard chalet hotel.
Alpen'Sports Hotel

Location
Les Gets

This three-star hotel is located in the centre of Les Gets, offering easy access to the tourist office, shops, and restaurants.
Igloo Hotel

Location
Morzine

This friendly, family-run hotel is in the heart of Morzine, with the Pleney and Super Morzine ski lifts almost on the doorstep. Perfect for anyone keen to make the most of the mountain, from first lifts to last tracks.
Hotel Coutettaz

Location
Morzine

Hotel Coutettaz is an historic Morzine manor house reimagined as a luxury boutique hotel. It’s where adventures begin; where tastebuds are tingled; where memories are made; where nature meets luxury; where knots are tied; and where friendships are forged. It’s where everything falls into place.
Les Fleurs Hotel

Location
Morzine

This friendly, family-run hotel has 24 bright and comfortable bedrooms and an outdoor swimming pool with solarium terrace.
Hideout Hostel

Location
Morzine

Centrally located, just 50 metres from the restaurants, shops and bars, Hideout is perfect for those who want to be in the heart of the action.

Ski Hire in Morzine

At this time of year the ski hire shops have just gotten all their new skis and snowboards ready for this winter's customers. This a great opportunity to take some time to chat to the experts, they will unusually have some time, and try something new. And if you don't like it, take it back and swap for something else.

Evasion Sports

Location
Les Gets

This ski rental shop is ideally located in the centre of resort close to the Mont Cherry lift.
Lac & Montagne Sports

Welcome to the "Lac et Montagne Sport" ski rental shop. Muriel, Hubert and all the staff wish you an enjoyable visit and will be very happy to welcome you to their ski shop this winter. The store is located right at the bottom of the Ardent lift, giving you direct access up to Avoriaz and the surrounding area.
Le Bourg

Location
Morzine

This Intersport shop is situated in the heart of Morzine. They provide quality equipment from the best brands and have a wide range of choice available. Whether you are renting equipment for a holiday or buying your own kit, their staff will be happy to help you make a great choice.
Mathias Sports

Location
Morzine

No need to carry your ski equipment around with you! Simply pick it up from the ski shop in resort. You can collect your equipment from at least 5pm the day before your 1st skiing day.
Michaud Sports Ranfolly

Location
Les Gets

Want to rent skis or snowboards in Les Gets? Just visit the Skiset Michaud Sports 2 store!
La Clinik

Location
Morzine

Easily accessible, this ski hire shop is located next to the ski slopes and the Pleney cable car. Just a few metres from the Morzine Avoriaz ski club and Le Tremplin hotel restaurant, it is ideally located in the centre of the resort and served by Morzine's biggest bus stop.

Ski Schools in Morzine

Not all tour operators are up and running in resort until just before Christmas, so the resorts tend to be quieter, which means it'll just be you, some locals and day trippers. With this in mind the lift pass companies often do special rates for those coming to ski before Christmas, and you can get a private ski lesson booked in to make sure your skills on the slopes are in top condition before the season really gets going.

Group ski lessons

Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British ski schools in France and is renowned for its fantastic instructors and excellent customer service.
Group ski lessons

This ski school offers group ski lessons for both children and adults, catering to all ability levels. Their group lessons provide a great and affordable way to improve your skiing in a safe, social and supportive environment.
Private ski lessons

Enjoy private ski lessons in Morzine with expert instructors. Personalised coaching helps beginners and advanced skiers alike improve their skills, explore the slopes, and make the most of their time in the French Alps. Flexible schedules and small groups ensure focused, fun, and safe lessons for everyone.
Private ski lessons

Whether you’re hitting the slopes for the first time or looking to perfect your technique, this ski school offers tailored lessons for all levels.
Private ski lessons

Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British-run ski schools in France. Their team is known for going the extra mile, offering excellent customer service and delivering outstanding lessons and guiding.
Private ski lessons

This ski school connects snow sports enthusiasts of all abilities with expert ski and snowboard instructors across Europe’s top resorts. With thousands of top-rated, verified instructors to choose from, their private lessons offer a flexible and personalised learning experience.

Nightlife in Morzine

Early season temperatures tend to be colder, and the forecast is for snow. So, pop into a cosy mountain restaurant or bar and order a well-deserved mulled wine to warm up, or make your way down to one of the bars and hotels at the foot of the slopes.

At this time of year, resort staff outnumber holidaymakers in the bars. It's opening party season and there is something going on almost every night. News usually travels by word of mouth, so pop into a bar for après ski, get friendly with the staff and find out where the party is later on. With fewer people about than in peak season, you will find some busy bars, some quiet ones and some that are still closed.

See our Nightlife Guide

The Hideout Bar

Location
Morzine

Hideout Bar, located within the popular Hideout Hostel in Morzine, is renowned for the vibrant and flavour-packed food served at its in-house restaurant. Rather than focusing on traditional alpine cuisine, which can be found across the resort, Hideout takes a refreshing detour with fresh and exciting Asian street food.
La Folie Douce Bar

Location
Avoriaz

La Folie Douce in Avoriaz is the ultimate destination for combining great food, music, and fun in a spectacular alpine setting. Every afternoon, this legendary après-ski venue brings together locals and visitors alike for open-access clubbing, spectacular shows, and unforgettable moments with family or friends.
La Chaudanne Wine Bar & Restaurant

Location
Morzine

La Chaudanne Wine Bar & Restaurant in Morzine is a haven for food and wine lovers, offering a warm, chalet-inspired atmosphere and a taste of Savoyard hospitality.
Bec Jaune Brewery

Location
Morzine

Bec Jaune Brewery in Morzine is a must-visit for lovers of craft beer and fresh, inventive food. This lively microbrewery and restaurant offers a unique experience, combining the art of beer-making with a seasonal menu that changes throughout the year. Whether you’re a vegetarian, a meat-lover, or simply curious, there’s something to delight every palate.
O'Chalet Bar & Restaurant

Location
Morzine

Ô Chalet is a lively, laid-back spot in the centre of Morzine, known for serving tasty burgers, bagels, kebabs and crêpes at reasonable prices. With its broad, crowd-pleasing menu and buzzing, informal atmosphere, it’s perfect for a quick bite between activities, a relaxed après-ski snack or an easygoing meal with friends or family. Open all year round, it remains a firm favourite among both locals and visitors looking for great value and flavour.
Bar Robinson

Location
Morzine

Established in 1926, Bar Robinson - or “Robbos” as it’s fondly known by locals - is one of Morzine’s oldest and most iconic bars. Located at the bottom of Rue du Bourg, right in the commercial heart of town, this family-run establishment has been welcoming guests for three generations. Its long history and warm, unpretentious atmosphere have made it a true Morzine institution.

Things to do in Morzine

In addition to skiing and opening parties, there's always plenty to do away from the slopes, such as ice skating, husky sledding or some early present shopping at the Christmas market.

See our Activity Guide

Buzz Performance at The Hive

Location
Morzine

The Hive is a well equipped modern and spacious gym for solo or group training.
Alta Lumina enchanted night walk

Location
Les Gets

In the heart of the French Alps, in the village of Les Gets, experience a night walk in an enchanted forest like no other. Set off along the path of a travelling music-maker and his hot-air balloon, and follow his incredible journey beyond the mountains.
Mountain Rehab gym

Location
Morzine

This gym is fully equipped with all the equipment you need for a great workout. Located at L'Aiglon de Morzine Residence, just five minutes from the centre of resort, it is also open to the public.
Pointe de Nyon hiking and trails

Location
Morzine

The Pointe de Nyon area is dedicated to hiking trails and discovering the fauna that lives in the mountains.
Aquariaz

Location
Avoriaz

Aquariaz is an aquatic paradise set in the heart of Avoriaz offering a huge water park made up of a gentle flowing indoor river, a slidewinder (an aquatic halfpipe), a toddlers paddling pool and water playhouse, a large pool with natural climbing walls.
Summer luge

Location
Morzine

The Morzine summer luge winds it's way down the left hand side of the Pleney. Take the La Crusaz chairlift up with your sledge and make your way down the track.