There are a bunch of places to choose from to eat at Plaine Dranse near Morzine in the Portes du Soleil but none of them are in the same league as Chez Babethe. The interior is packed with fairy lights, ornaments, fur drapes and people turning it into something of a magical alcove. Babette ushers you to your seat - and she seems to know everyone - and you sink into cushions and fur while you wait for an aperatif. It's not cheap - starters are about 16 euros - and you won't be back on the slopes any time soon. But if you're looking for a slopesie restaurant that you'll remember for years to come then Chez Babethe is it. And the thing is - she'll remember you too, which is a nice touch.

www.vieuxchalet.com/
Plaine Dranse, 74390 Chatel
+33(0)4 50 73 38 77
Google map: bit.ly/VJkJXS

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Becoming something of an institution, Mama's is the place to go on chalet staff day off when you're left pondering how to feed yourself. Pasta, noodles, great pizza, fish & chips. It's more take out than eat in although there are tables. The lads who work there are really cool, lots of banter, lively atmosphere and above all really good food - the Singapore chicken comes recommended.

www.mammas.fr/
Rue du Bourg, Morzine
+33(0)4 50 74 31 62

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Lovely coffee shop on the main drag in Morzine that serves something very rare in France - iced coffee with caramel syrup in a big glass mug. Free wi-fi, muffins, bagels and a cosy atmosphere. If you're craving a large coffee and a place to chill on a comfy sofa, this is it.
Owner Mel is super friendly and keen to make you feel at home.

152 Rue de Bourg, 74110 Morzine
+33(0)9 66 84 23 36
Google map: bit.ly/M3wKAL

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

This family owned and run ski chalet with direct ski access and fantastic creche is where we spent our best holiday ever in New Year 2009. My eldest started on skis; my little one loved the wonderful nannies at the creche.

Skiing was excellent with the portes du soleil right on your doorstep. Each evening, after the chalet served a delicious children's tea, we got the kids in bed and enjoyed the superlative cordon bleu dining and excellently chosen French wines served in the chalet.

The owners and staff were great, the atmosphere warm, friendly and helpful and the service exceptional. Delightful en-suite rooms, ideal for families. Our starlight plunge in the hot tub was one of the many highlights!

www.chillypowder.com

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

From Les Lindaret the Lac de Montriond looks like a green puddle. Once you descend down the mountain to around 1000m the alpine simplicity of a lake surrounded by sheer cliffs on two sides is irresistible. Frozen in the winter and cool in the summer it's ideal for freshening up if you are hiking or biking in the area, which if you are staying in Morzine in summertime, you are very likely to be. Once in the water visibility is low and the water has a mysterious almost milky quality to it, such that when you turn to breathe and see the cliffs and pine forest, it feels like you are in a different age when dinosaurs might have stalked about in the shallows. It does feel very other-wordly.
At around 1km long, a couple of lengths and then back on the bike downhill to Morzine for drinks at Bar Robinson makes for a diverse and fulfilling afternoon.

Lac de Montriond, near Morzine, Haute de Savoie
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lac_de_Montriond

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends