Chilly Powder: The Ultimate Alpine Retreat in Morzine for Friends, Families… Anyone!

Back in January my friend Chloe and I visited Chilly Powder in Morzine, in the heart of the French Alps. We were excited for a ski holiday in the renowned Portes du Soleil region – known for its stunning views, apres ski, and of course, sunshine.

Slightly anxious, given that I hadn’t skied for about 5 years, and her 10 – we’d both had babies since then as well. 

But, Chloe and I are always up for a challenge and with 4 nights away from our lives to look forward to, we really wanted to make the most of it. 

The chalet accommodation 

Chilly Powder is an independent chalet company with three main chalets. We stayed at ‘Au Coin du Feu’ meaning ‘by the fireside’.

Its name perfectly encapsulated the atmosphere. With a large open log fire in the main living room, wooden beams, and cosy nooks, the chalet was warm and full of character.

Au Coin du Feu had all the Alpine charm you’d want from a ski holiday. Our room had two single beds with wardrobes by the side of them, a chest of drawers and an ensuite bathroom. We also had a patio outside the second door, which had a full window looking out to the mountain. There was also an (unused) TV, a full length mirror and coat rack by the door. 

Everyone got a Chilly Powder dressing gown too, for use around the hot tub – more on that later.

Chilly Powder video review

For anyone who’d rather enjoy a video review of Chilly Powder in Morzine…

Chilly Powder location 

One of the biggest draws of Chilly Powder is its unbeatable location. Situated just 50 metres from the Prodains cable car, which gives direct access to the Avoriaz ski area, you’ll never have to worry about trudging through town in heavy ski boots.

Unfortunately it was an unusually low ski fall time when we were there, so we did have to walk the 50 metres, but usually, you can ski right up the chalet at the end of the day to make the experience feel even more magical. 

On the last day, we had a few hours before we left but didn’t want to ski so we got the bus into Avoriaz – it was lush! A really nice Alpine town with some great looking restaurants and cafes, and I wish we’d done the route down into the town – another day and we definitely would’ve. 

Once you’re up in the cable car though, a beautiful world of snow awaits.

In the summer, the location is equally enviable, offering easy access to hiking and biking trails, beautiful mountain lakes, and adventure parks.

The food at Chilly Powder 

If you’re a foodie, you’re in for a treat. Chilly Powder prides itself on its gastronomic delights. The chefs at Chilly Powder prepare dishes using local and seasonal ingredients, blending traditional French cuisine with global influences. When I think about the food now, 8 months after our visit, I remember the curry night as my favourite. Good hearty food after a day on the slopes.

The wine list is also well-curated, featuring local Alpine wines that perfectly complement the menu – and it’s free flowing! 

I’d never actually stayed at a chalet like this before and loved the opportunity to talk to the other guests in the evening as we were all served at big tables, at the same time. We sat near some really interesting people and it’s good to hear others’ stories about where to go and what they’ve done that day. 

For breakfast, expect everything from freshly baked croissants to a daily special. And after a long day of activities, you’ll find homemade cakes and hot drinks waiting to recharge your energy for an Afternoon Tea before dinner.

Chalet night off 

Once a week, the chalet has a night off. We originally had a taxi booked to go into Avoriaz, but honestly, we were exhausted from all the skiing! Instead we went to Le Cable Restaurant over the road and didn’t regret it – it was fab.

We both went for the house beef burger with fries. Nice glass of red on the side after a day on the slopes – perfect!

Visiting Chilly Powder with a family 

It was just me and Chloe, but both of us are mums so we’re always thinking about the babies. We both agreed Chilly Powder would be a great place for the kids, and for a young family to learn to ski. 

Chilly Powder is particularly well-known for its family-friendly approach. There’s a dedicated children’s menu, games rooms, and childcare services too – it’s the perfect place for families who want to enjoy the mountains together. You can see more of the facilities if you watch my video above.

Whether you need ski school recommendations (we had a great lesson with Avoriaz Alpine Ski School), equipment rental, or just someone to keep the little ones entertained while you hit the slopes, Chilly Powder has you covered.

Wellness and relaxation

On at least two of our evenings at Chilly Powder we headed back from the slopes and got straight in the hot tub. So lush to watch the colourful sunset with a Prosecco and a woolly hat in our swimming costumes. Surrounded by the crisp alpine air, it was the perfect end to our days.

You could also get a massage on site, in the yurt, but we refrained. Can’t have too much joy on one trip, can you?!

Ski and equipment hire

Getting our ski and equipment hire at Chilly Powder was an absolute dream. It was all bought to the equipment room at Au Coin de Feu and it was ready for us on arrival, thanks to Doorstep Skis. This included our skis, helmets, boots and poles.

Two guys from Doorstep Skis came to check we were happy, and bring a few spares, but it all fit perfectly and we were all done within about ten minutes. They deliver all over Morzine and the surrounding areas.

We’d filled in a size and weight questionnaire beforehand – I genuinely think it was the first time I didn’t have some sort of issue and have to go back for resizing.

Then you just leave your stuff in the ground floor equipment room while you’re there, and put your boots on the heated racks. We took our helmets to our room, but you could leave those too.

Why choose Chilly Powder?

Chilly Powder blends the comforts of a boutique hotel with the warmth and cosiness of a private chalet. This family-run operation felt homely, and loved, rather than just another ski chalet. The staff were all lovely, and couldn’t do enough for you.