Morillon Easter holidays?

A snowHead

HI all,

Not taken children abroad on hols for 6 years, never taken them skiing (7 and 10 years old) but seriously considering Morillon for Easter holidays - 22nd March for a week. Husband and I haven't skiied for 20 years ourselves so are beginner-intermediate-very rusty and quite unfit!

1) Is there a likelihood of snow on green/beginners slopes in Morillon in the 3rd week of March?
2) is getting a daily beginners ski pass sufficient?
3) how would people recommend doing equipment hire? (Ie prebook as part of holiday package or hire once arrived)
4) are we crazy?

Looking forward to your thoughts and any other tips! Please don't hold back...

Thanks

K

A snowHead

Morillon has lovely runs for beginners or less confident intermediates and some excellent mountain cafes. However accommodation in 1100 is quite basic so we used to stay at Les chalets de Jouvence in Les Carroz instead and ski morillon from there.

The other thing is that it is hard to know at this stage what the snow depth will be like there late March. So far this season snow has been good high up but it has rained more than usual at lower altitudes and also been on the mild side for snowmaking.

So I’d be inclined to book somewhere a bit higher like La rosiere or Montgenevre for that week. Or maybe Val Cenis if you want a budget option.

How are you thinking of getting there? Peak retreats are good for self drive and their prices include the channel tunnel flexiplus. They also offer ferry inclusive holidays at a cheaper cost.

Check the cost of the family lift pass in all the above.

I’m out of date on the cost of equipment hire as we have our own skis etc. when we used to hire we booked it in advance through the tour op. It is also worth booking lessons in advance

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@Kmc, thats a low demand week and ideal place to stay from your skill perspective.

As already indicated, hard to tell exactly what snow conditions are going to be like at that time. Can say we've (family of four same as you) often visited there 2nd ~3rd week of March and always good, with North facing slopes and snow making they usually have no problem keeping it groomed down to 1100 village.

Morillon 1100 is our pick of GM area staying if you are budget conscious, with walk out onto the snow convenience, good place to eat and generally relaxed without having to plan for going anywhere else if you don't want too. Absolutely ideal in fit for your demands.

Couple of ski shops in 1100 for hire of equipment, both ok and wouldn't necessarily bother pre booking for that week on this occasion, perhaps if you all get hooked into it then future visits would attract more planning in that regard. Don't think it'll be a deal breaker on cost though.

Could start with lift pass for that sector (excludes Flaine) if you want reasonable scope to move around and maybe needed for ski school if used.

There's good beginners facilities right in village and more or less dedicated chair for just Morillon skiing too.

Nice mix for family to mooch around learning with ideal lunch provision to meet and circle around playing with skills.

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

Flaine would be a better choice, if you can afford it. But Morillon should be OK for beginners at the end of March. There will be enough skiing for your level at that time.

You'll need to Register first of course.

Thanks for all of this brilliant advice, very reassuring and we will think on it some more before taking the plunge!

Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...

With kids that age absolutely minimise distance between where you stay and the lift and ski school if you can. So in Grand Massif the best ski-in/out is Flaine or Morillon

Morillon 1100 has easy access down to the valley you want a day off skiing. We have skied one morning and swam in lake in afternoon.

Plenty around to that is more snow sure, more apres, better restaurants, better off piste etc etc but for exactly what you described there are not many easier, cheaper or better than Morillon.

But then I am biased as I have a place there.
This will be our 10th Easter on the trot with the kids there and we have skied every one of them although I’d be lying if I didn’t say I am a wee bit nervous about having snow at 1100 for this one.
Confused

After all it is free

Just to add every time we have been to the grand massif it has been later in the season eg first week of April and it has been ok in Morillon but it is one thing to take a risk oneself and another to recommend a place to someone who hasn’t skied for years so my post above was erring on the side of caution, based on the fact that temps have been above average for the last few weeks.

@dozofoz, Les chalets de jouvence in Les Carroz is also ski to and from the door.

*Ski* the Net with snowHeads

Must admit I've never been there late season but I'd be a little nervous about booking somewhere that low much in advance.

snowHeads are a friendly bunch.

Erm. Ok great, useful for OP to know.
My post was sharing my experience, it wasn’t intended to say other’s suggestions were poo-poo so not sure why the defensive response aimed at me?

snow reports

@snowymum and @dozofoz. Your advice is spot on, thanks. Budget is also a major consideration and looked at Peak Retreats - and saw a good option in Samoens potentially (will call tomorrow!) but that would involve driving... although clear advantages to that too! Would you advise staying in Morillon village or stick to 1100?

@dozofoz, In saying that Flaine and Morillon were the best ski in ski out options near a ski school I felt you were overlooking Les Carroz which also has a lovely ski school close to a slopeside residence but apologies if that wasn’t your intention.

@Kmc, samoens is a lovely traditional village which is easy to drive to with good value high end accommodation but depending on your accommodation you might need to walk a short distance to the gondola or take a ski bus. The samoens ski area starts at 1600m and is north facing.

You would be better off in Morillon 1100 than Morillon village.

You know it makes sense.

We stayed in Morillon 1100 in Feb half term last year. Temps were warm and there'd been a lack of snow. However the 2 runs home (Sairon and Marvel) were gorgeous and a treat last run home (although Marvel was struggling snow wise at the start). We skied down to Morillon on a couple of occasions but you could see most people were walking/having to take a bus to the first lift. In Morillon 1100 it's a short walk.

Les Carroz was our favourite area and not far to reach.

We're going at Easter but high. Having had a very 'spring like' break in Morillon 1100 in Feb, I'd be quite twitchy later. But then who knows what will happen weather wise.

Unless you're prepared to book high right now, I'd wait until nearer the time on a destination, esp anywhere at 1100. Not the sort of thing I'd do as I like being prepared.

Can't work put if you're looking for a package or DIY? If DIY, I'd be booking a channel crossing and any stop overs but looking at snow conditions early/mid March.

Help!!

Morillon Easter holidays?

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