A New Ski Lift for Morzine!

For nearly 10 years the residents of Morzine have been hearing rumours about the construction of a new lift connecting Morzine to the cliff-top resort of Avoriaz. On April 21, 2017, the stories were confirmed and in 2019 the construction of the EMA (Express Morzine-Avoriaz) will begin.

Due to be completed by 2021 at a cost of €35 million (plus nearly €12 million for surrounding infrastructure), the EMA will start at the top of Rue du Bourg, go over the rooftops to the existing Prodains Express base at the bottom of the Avoriaz cliffs and continue up to Avoriaz itself. A tunnel underneath Morzine will link the EMA to the Pleney Express making access to nearby Les Gets and the rest of the Porte du Soleil easier than ever.

Overall, the Mairie of Morzine-Avoriaz have committed to nearly €150 million of investment in lifts and pistes over the next 20 years as part of the “Morzine-Avoriaz 2020 Project” and the EMA lift is the first part of that. The Mayor of Morzine has stated that his vision is to integrate the two resorts as much as possible in order to protect Morzine’s status as one of the world’s best ski resorts. Whilst many support his vision, he has come up against some resistance with over 200 local business owners forming the ADHMA (Association pour de Development Harmonieux de Morzine  Avoriaz), a group who “preserve the natural and built heritage of Morzine-Avoriaz and to provide advice on projects that may affect the harmony and quality of life in the village”. The ADHMA are in favour of improving the link between Morzine and Avoriaz, though they are opposed to the costs of the new improvements, particularly the cost of the new EMA lift.

Investments of this size were once unheard of in French ski resorts, where even the most popular villages relied on legacy and reputation rather than new facilities to entice visitors. Times are changing as Morzine joins resorts such as Chamrousse to secure their places as world-class ski resorts in the future (read more about the Chamrousse investments here). 

If you are thinking of making a mountain move, this beautiful 2-bedroom ski in-ski out apartment in Avoriaz is for sale for just £400,000. A perfect ski holiday let!

If a chalet is more your style, this stunning farmhouse ready for renovation is up for grabs for less than £700,000! A rare find in such a popular ski resort. 

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