Although Morzine is primarily known as a ski destination there is still plenty on offer off the slopes.
Formerly known as the Hockey Club Morzine Avoriaz Les Gets, or The Penguins, the club has now joined forces with the Chamonix club to form the Chamonix-Morzine Pionniers. The two clubs joined together to form the new club in order to stay competitive in the increasingly professional French game. The two historic Haute Savoie teams are hoping that under their new identity they can win the French title within the next five years.
The team plays in the French Cup and the Saxoprint Magnus League. They also host friendlies.
It’s a great way to spend an evening,and certainly offers something different to normal apres ski activities. Not every resort can boast an impressive ice hockey arena right in the heart of town. The team includes players from as far afield as Canada, Finland, Slovakia and Latvia as well a number of French players.
There is a bar at the arena, allowing spectators to have a drink whilst watching the action on the ice. There is also food available. Depending on which type of match is being played ticket prices vary from ten euros to seventeen euros.
Ice hockey is one of the most popular sports in the Alps during winter (after skiing and snowboarding obviously!) and there is always a great atmosphere at the matches as both sets of fans get behind their respective teams. Both the old teams of Morzine and Chamonix have plenty of passionate fans and now they have united in the hope of seeing their new team achieve greatness! There is alwasy plenty of noise from the crowd to accompany the fast and furious action on the ice. The Skoda Arena, where the team plays when in Morzine, is located below the footbridge in the centre of town. Home matches alternate between Chamonix and Morzine in order to keep both sets of fans of the old teams happy.
A full schedule of upcoming matches is available on the club’s website at www.chamonix-morzine.com. It’s also possible to buy tickets online (they are also available on the door) If you are lucky enough to be in town when the team has a game on then it is a great way to spend an evening doing something a little different!