Les Esserts can be explored from two perspectives: as a winter sports resort with a history and as a starting point for trails through landscapes with different features. When planning your trip, it is important to distinguish the ski area network from the resort itself and to keep your specific destination in mind when hiking.
A winter sports resort with a history
Morillon 1100 Les Esserts is a ski-in/ski-out resort within the Grand Massif ski area network. The land at Les Esserts was acquired between 1937 and 1939 as alpine pastureland, with the aim of creating a winter sports resort there. The first chairlift between the village of Morillon and Les Esserts was built in 1958. Together, these dates mark the development plan for the area and a later milestone in the history of winter sports here.
The Grand Massif ski area network offers 265 kilometres of pistes; Morillon is one of its linked resorts. This figure refers to the network, not to Les Esserts alone. It is therefore helpful to distinguish between two things: ski-in/ski-out describes the specific resort, while the 265 kilometres refer to the larger ski area offered by the Grand Massif. Lift operations are seasonal, so plan your trip around the relevant season and check operating information in advance.
Trails on the wooded plateau
Morillon 1100 Les Esserts is located on the wooded Plateau des Esserts. The walking trail to the Plateau de la Charniaz starts in Morillon 1100, in the Les Esserts district. It passes through a forest, crosses several streams and then returns to a clearing. Take the weather and trail conditions into account, as they can vary depending on the season.
The La Croix des 7 Frères route offers a different focus: it leads to the highest point in Morillon and provides a beautiful view over the valley. It starts at the Les Esserts chairlift. Compared with the Charniaz trail, the destination and valley view are the main attractions here, while the forest and streams shape the route there. This lets you choose your outing according to the type of landscape you want to see.
Seasonal activities and trip planning
The seasonal event “Rando nocturne avec fondue” includes a night-time walk through the forest to a yurt in Morillon 1100 Les Esserts, followed by a fondue made with three types of cheese. Check the dates for your travel period. A fun introduction to disc golf on an adapted course is also offered at the Forum des Esserts. As the availability of this activity may change, check in advance whether it will take place during your stay.
The Grand Massif refers to the larger ski area network, while the trails lead to specific landscapes and destinations. Check event dates separately, as the Rando nocturne is seasonal and the disc golf offer may change.
Discover more destinations: Lugrin, La CĂ´te-D'arbroz, Leschaux, Sales, Bloye, Duingt, Gaillard, Nernier
For the broader travel overview: Haute-Savoie.
