Reach For The Alps Morzine: A convenient ski trip gem

ACTIVE, fun and social, skiing is an ideal family or friend holiday, but hassle free it is not. 

Lug the kids’ gear around; cater to different tastes; work out which part of the slopes to trek towards - the admin, in fact, is far from ideal. 

Yet one company in Morzine has a fair claim to cutting the faff and maintaining the fun. 

Based in the pretty French resort near Geneva, Reach 4 The Alps can take care of everything — ski hire, passes and lifts to and from the slopes or airport — while throwing in a little luxury too. 

From hot tubs to post-skiing cake, the reasonably-priced package offer is the ultimate safe bet for an all-in skiing trip.

With cosy, mid-range alpine accommodation, the only thing warmer than the chalets are the chalet hosts. As you would expect, they vary hugely and tend to change each year, but all seem friendly and capable cooks. Mine - young seasonnaires Callum and Phoebe - are a delight, and Callum is a serious chef, with food being a central part of Reach’s offer. 

Dinner is always a three-course affair with wine and then a cheeseboard. That follows a daily selection of pre-dinner canapes and cake, which is freshly baked and served with tea and coffee every day. No one is going hungry here. 

Amongst the treats Callum serves up are a hearty courgette and brie soup; a mouthwatering lamb dish with dauphinoise potatoes, green vegetables and an orange sauce; and a perfectly cooked chocolate volcano with ice cream and a berry coulis. They happily cater for different dietary needs and can adjust timings, portion sizes and meals for children.

Breakfast is also a filling offering: the classic staples are always on offer, plus French pastries and a generous selection of fruit, while the hosts rustle up a different cooked option each morning. It would be improved, though, with better quality coffee and juice. 

Lunch — should you need it between the early and late eatathons — is yours to find on the slopes.

One of Callum's main meals - a duck dish

But well-informed Reach staff are more than happy to recommend a venue or field other questions. For ski and board hire, they recommend three different outlets (my skis from Francois Baud were particularly good) with various discount and delivery options available.

Staff are also accommodating to requests for a raclette night, or less cheese-centric requirements. Cheerful and welcoming, they go the extra mile to make you feel at home. 

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There can be a wait for lifts depending on who else is in your chalet, but in general it is well arranged and easy, like most of the services provided or recommended. 

Set a 10 minute drive from the slopes (a minibus comes to your door at a time of your choosing), Brown Bear Lodge is set to be one of seven catered chalets that independently-owned Reach will run this coming season (as well as six self-catered). 

A hot tub at one of the chalets. Picture: Reach 4 The Alps

Though each place varies slightly, most feature modern, en-suite rooms with comfortable beds and a characterful living space, where you can interact with any other guests (chalets sleep four - 15).

Brown Bear has a log fire, attractive wooden exterior and a spacious downstairs area featuring table tennis and ski boot warmers. 

Brown Bear's dining area. Picture: Reach 4 The Alps

As part of the extensive Portes du Soleil ski area, Morzine has easy access to Avoriaz, Les Gets and various other resorts, including slopes over the en-piste Swiss border. It is quite low, meaning the snow is not always guaranteed in the afternoons. But the amount of terrain on offer is huge, and stretches across ability ranges and the seasons, with hiking, mountain biking, white water sports, tree top walking swimming and more on offer in summer. 

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The town itself is a sprawling and enticing place which comes to life when the locals are in the mood, particularly at one of its party bars or en-piste music festivals. Watching the local ice hockey team is a less rowdy but equally entertaining evening out. 

From ski-mad families to boozey young friend groups, those with a taste for convenience should consider this an active, fun, social and — crucially — hassle free option. 

FACTFILE:

Chalets: Reach expect to run seven catered chalets and six self catered chalets next winter. Brown Bear, which sleeps 15, has availability from €500 per person for a week. 

Visit reach4thealps.com/winter-catered-chalets/

Lift passes: You can pre-order Portes Du Soleil lift passes with Reach. In 2018/19, a seven day pass cost €302 for an adult. For more information, enquire via reach4thealps.com/booking-enquiry-form/

Transfers: Reach promise a maximum waiting time of 45 minutes for transfers to and from Geneva Airport. Per seat prices reduce as the number of passengers in the group increases. A return transfer for four costs €80 per person. Private transfers are also available. 

Visit reach4thealps.com/airport-transfers/

Ski hire: Francois Baud Freeride offer a great choice of high quality ski rental equipment at competitive prices. Reach guests receive a 20 per cent discount and there is overnight heated storage if you don’t want to take equipment back to your chalet. Visit fbfreeride.com/index.php/fr/

Getting there: British Airways fly from various London airports to Geneva. One way flights in January 2020 currently start at just over £30. Visit ba.com

Is it also possible to travel by train via Paris.