Hello from the Cockcroft family - Michael, Joanne, Victoria, Annabelle & Ross. We come from Co Down in Northern Ireland where Michael is an air traffic controller and Joanne works in property development. We are an outgoing, busy family who love adventure and fresh air! As well as working full time Michael is a Scout Leader and Joanne a Guider in Girlguiding UK.

For many years we have spent our holidays in France in many different regions – Paris, Vendee, Normandy, Picardy, Loire Valley & Le Midi. We enjoyed all of them and never tired of returning to France, a country with a great heritage, language and culture and a much more laid back attitude than the UK.

When we first came to Morzine for a skiing holiday we were totally bowled over and were determined to make this the place where we purchased our own little piece of France. Although property is more expensive in this region the area just has so much to offer for all seasons. We simply fell in love with Morzine, the charming town with such a great community spirit, beautiful buildings, and great sporting facilities, not to mention breathtaking views at every turn of the head. Added to that its proximity to airports such as Geneva, Chambery and Grenoble we knew we were onto a good thing.

The atmosphere in the winter is buzzing. The shops and restaurants are full to overflowing, the slopes are suitable for skiers of all abilities and the ice rinks (both indoor and outdoor) are great fun. There are two cinemas both showing English version films and numerous bars and cafes. The high altitude resort town of Avoriaz is easily accessible from the centre of Morzine and makes skiing possible even in poor snow conditions. Indeed in January 2007, a month of low snowfall, Avoriaz was promoted on French television as the only place in France with snow!

In the summer the whole mountain area is opened up. What is even better, especially for kids, the lifts are open and you can get to the top quickly and just walk or cycle downhill all the way!! The town is much quieter but the activities are just as varied. There is an amazing outdoor pool where you can swim and sunbathe surrounded by the most gorgeous scenery or you may chose to swim in one of the local lakes. There is horseriding, an adventure park, mountain biking (taking the bike up on the lift and riding down), paragliding which Michael highly recommends. Beyond the town itself there are endless sightseeing opportunities, including Chamonix & Mont Blanc, the beautiful old town of Annecy and the elegant resort of Thonon on the shores of Lake Geneva.

We are having the time of our lives in Morzine. We hope you will too.