Trip to Morzine-Avoriaz Portes du Soleil with Chilly Powder

It’s September - meaning it’s nearly time to pack up those boots, socks and thermals for the rapidly approaching ski season. If your checklist includes a getaway filled with delicious food, unforgettable skiing and activities just a short flight away then look no further than the French Alps - but more specifically, Morzine (also known as Morzine-Avoriaz) in the Portes Du Soleil. I travelled to the resort with chalet operators Chilly Powder.

Translated to ‘The Gates of the Sun’, the Portes Du Soleil is a ski lovers dream - spanning 400 miles with 300 different trails across 13 resorts including Morzine and Avoriaz connected by a cable car from Les Prodains. Incidentally, this was the location of our home for the week - the warm and welcoming chalet Au Coin De Feu. 

Au Coin De Feu, operated by Chilly Powder. (Image: CHILLY POWDER) The expansive chalet, that sleeps 46, is one of nine catered chalets operated by Chilly Powder where a dip in the hot tub, a rich and unforgettable five course meal every evening, an expansive breakfast buffet and even massages are all taken care of. You are just seconds from the slopes, surrounded by snowy mountains that feel close enough to touch.

Mealtimes at Au Coin De Feu. (Image: CHILLY POWDER)Just one of the delicious meals we at at the chalet. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) Our room, which overlooked the slopes and cable car, was named the English Room - and themed to mimic home with illustrations of colourful teacups on the wooden walls. It was both inviting and comfortable - a welcome slice of solitude and quiet after a long days skiing and chatting with fellow guests over dinner. Each generous and rich meal was served up by a team of masterful chefs and attentive staff who didn’t hesitate to learn your name, likes and dislikes and made sure to make small talk with you every morning.

To put it in one word, the food was just heavenly. At no point do you feel hungry or unsatisfied as you warm up beside the fire and chat to your fellow guests.

As you would expect, however, most of our time during the day was spent outside the chalet up in the absolutely breathtaking Avoriaz, at 1,800m, and the surrounding area, which contains a wide variety of slopes of all difficulties. As an intermediate skier myself who prefers to stick to easier blues and greens, I was spoilt for choice by the seemingly endless chairlifts and routes for me to explore. But, in terms of kit before I could even hit the slopes, that was all too easy to come by too.

Slopes in Avoriaz 1800. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)
Skiing in Avoriaz 1800. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Myself and Chloe skiing in Avoriaz. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) Just an hour after our arrival at the chalet the team from Doorstep Skis came and fitted our boots, skis and poles. Forget that awkward walk from the ski shop to the chalet trying not to drop your skis, boots and get back without falling over, you simply sort out a time and they come to you - and at the end of the week they collect the kit back. But, what if you haven’t ever skied before? That’s not a problem either - it’s never too late to learn.

This was the case for my cousin and companion for the week Chloe Ellison, who was completely new to the experience. But that would not last too long. A small cabin right by après bar La Folie Deux is home to the Avoriaz Alpine Ski School - which took Chloe, 21, on a number of morning group sessions where she was able to find her ski legs. Her instructor Laurent Calvet was attentive, patient and kind and took her from barely being able to stand up on skis to confidently navigating the slopes.

The Portes Du Soleil. (Image: CHILLY POWDER) The slopes in Morzine. (Image: Sylvain Cochard _ Tous droits reserves) I even took advantage of the school and headed out on a private lesson with Laurent one morning - my technique and confidence was massively boosted. Even if you’re an experienced skier, the amount you can learn in an hour from the experienced instructors is invaluable.

So when you aren't cruising blues and greens, what else is there to do? Part of our holiday included an activity - and after being given a list of options I threw caution to the wind and picked Avokarting.

The best way to describe it is real life Mario Kart, in the dark, down the slopes. There are no brakes on the kart, and you instead have to use the handles to turn and slow yourself down. I clearly missed the memo on this when I practically flew off the cart into a sign.

Avokarting on the slopes. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) The review from Au Coin De Feu. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) Luckily my helmet meant I came out mostly unscathed bar a colourful bruise on my leg that took weeks to fade. It definitely was adrenaline filled and one of the funniest memories but I have to say, Avokarting is not for the faint hearted.

On the lighter side of things, a free 20-minute bus ride directly from the chalet to the closest town of Morzine is a great way to blow off some steam and take advantage of a wide array of shops and bars. Our visit to town was on a Wednesday evening as is common for all ski holidays - as that is the evening the chalet chefs have off.

But, even before we arrived in France, Chilly Powder asked us where we wanted to eat, booked the table and organised a taxi for us. It made the evening effortless. After looking at some reviews online, we picked L’Improviste on Route de la Manche which promised fresh pizza cooked in wood fire ovens and pasta. As expected, our choice of spaghetti bolognese was delicious - packed with vegetables and topped with grated cheese. After that, we took a ramble down a very quiet Morzine and stumbled upon Bar Le Crepu - perfect if you’re looking for a quiet late night cocktail. 

Food at L'Improviste. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) Overall, our trip with Chilly Powder can be described in one word - effortless. From stepping off the plane to sitting down on the chair lifts up to the mountains, our break was seamless and perfect. It’s no wonder that people are choosing to get away to the alps for the most luxurious of excursions - and I’d go back in a heartbeat.

Travel facts:

Chilly Powder operates all year round, so it’s perfect whether you’re looking to hit the ski slopes or hop on your mountain bike. There are extensive winter holiday packages on offer for individuals, groups and families with winter prices starting from €995 per person per week based on two adults sharing a double or twin bedroom or €2,760 per week for two adults and two children sharing a standard family room. Prices based on a half board basis with wine included in evening meals.

Childcare facilities are also available with prices starting at €350 per week and ski school for €320 per week. The chalet also offers self-catered and B&B options in both summer and winter, and is available for weddings and events.

To learn more or to making a booking, contact Chilly Powder on info@chillypowder.com or 020 7289 6958 or visit www.chillypowder.com