If you’ve just landed in Morzine, Les Gets or Avoriaz for the start of your summer holidays, then you’ve come to the right place. There’s a huge range activities and events to chose from during summer in the mountains. Whether you’re young or old, here for adventure or relaxation, there’s something for everyone.
AVORIAZ
The cliff-top town of Avoriaz is one of Europe’s premier ski de stinations and the world’s rich and famous once gathered to experience the resort’ s natural beauty and pristine ski slopes. Fast forward 50 years and the celebrities have made way for us regular folk. Avoriaz is a great starting location for any summer adventure. Whether it’s hiking peaks, shredding bike tracks or relaxing at Aquariaz, Avoriaz has all you need for an excellent summer holiday.
BIKES
Downhill, trail, cross-country or road. The choice of disciplin es here is staggering. Once you immerse yourself in each of the genres you’ll quickly realise the area has a huge range of choice, whatever type of cycling you’re in to.
CRANKWORX
With one of mountain bikes biggest events visiting Les Gets thi s summer, expect some serious development of the village’s facilities and trails. Crankworx will showcase some of the world’s premier cycling talent.
PARC DES DERECHES
Running along the valley bottom between Morzine and Montriond, this green and tranquil strip is easily accessed from (and a great route to shortcut between) both sides of the valley. A great spot for dog walking, river paddling and with a kids play park, indoor and outdoor pools, high ropes course and horse riding stables, it’s the perfect place to cool off from the summer sun.
EVENTS
There’s so much happening over summer we’ve dedicated an entire page to it. Visit our Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz events guide.
FISHING
There’s plenty of lakes in the area and the alpine fishing here is some of the best in France, if primarily for the scenery, more than ease of catch. Simply register for a local licence for a day, a week or two weeks at Ardent Sports in Montriond and cast away.
GOLF
With endless summer days, fresh mountain air and rolling alpine meadows, it’s as if the area was designed as a golfing paradise. With local courses in Avoriaz and Les Gets plus many more within a short drive, any golf enthusiast is spoiled for choice.
HORSE RIDING
Take a tour of the Parc des Dérêches on horseback, or walk your little people around Les Linderets bowl on a Shetland Pony. There are few better ways to quieten your children up for an hour than letting them plod along on a pony!
ICE HOCKEY
Yes it’s summer, so ice related sports might not jump to mind at first. But with a proper professional ice hockey team based here in the valley, there’s no excuse not to cool down on the ice. Keep an eye on the Morzine Source Magazine Facebook page for details of games over the summer, or pop over to the Parc des Dérêches website for skating times and prices.
JOGGING
If you like running around your own town, you’ll love running around here. Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz are likely to be much prettier, plus there’s less traffic and the air quality is second to none. Be aware there are some small hills around which have been known to prematurely exhaust the odd holidaying jogger.
KAYAKING
On the rivers or in the lakes, Kayaking is a great way to explore the area and enjoy yourself out on the water. There’s nothing like paddling to the centre of Lac Montriond and having a floating picnic on the water.
LUGE
You might have noticed the two luge tracks gently meandering down the slopes of the Pleney and assumed they were a fun family activity. You are both correct and incorrect in that assumption. Yes, they are a wholesome and affordable option for entertaining the kids, but they are also super fast and incredibly gnarly. After various tests last summer, some nasty friction burns and several items of semi-melted clothing, we can confirm that you really do need to use the brake.
MULTIPASS
One pass to rule them all! The Portes du Soleil Multipass is a great way to gain free access to, or make savings on, nearly all the activities in the valley. Get yours from the lift pass office or check if your chalet or hotel is part of the MultiPass Premier scheme.
NYON
Located just upstream from Morzine, Nyon is one of the hidden gems in the area. From high ropes courses, raging waterfalls, epic ridge line hikes, flower-filled mountain meadows and stunning views of Mont Blanc, Nyon is an unmisible location for a day in the hills. Plus with the Nyon telecabine and Pointe du Nyon chairlift running for pedestrians, all of that altitude can be gained with very little walking involved, making it great for younger children and older relatives.
ORIENTEERING
Take yourselves, a map, some hydration and nutrition and head off into the wilderness. Mother nature really knows how to party here, and there’s no shortage of stunning vistas available to those with a little willpower and fitness. You’ll find a great guide of local walking routes at the Office de Tourisme in each resort.
PARAPENTE
The sport of parapenting was invented not far from here and parapenters can be seen almost every single day of summer, soaring high like eagles around the peaks. For a meagre handful of euros, true flight can be achieved and you can get up there amongst the birds. There are several schools who offer everything from single trip tandem taster flights, to full ‘earn your wings’ training courses.
QUIZES
Maybe the weather has turned and we’re having one of our famous summer storms. Or maybe you just really love a bit of general knowledge. Whichever, there’s an option for testing yourself against the hardened locals at a variety of locations throughout the summer. Our favourite is the Bar National quiz in St Jean d’Aulps. Check their Facebook page for details.
READING SOURCE MAGAZINE
You are doing it right now. Carry on.
STAND UP PADDLEBOARDING
Tranquillity, balance, one-ness with nature. All of this and more can be gained whilst SUP’ing on Lac Montriond. Alternatively go full pirate and invade your friend’s vessel with the intention to capsize. Either way you get to enjoy epic views, a good workout and an escape from the worst of the summer heat.
TENNIS
A popular pastime for all the family with locations in Morzine, Avoriaz and Les Gets, it’s a fun family activity and great for keeping fit.
UV
Ultra Violet makes up a significant part of the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation given off by the sun; it bathes our planet constantly and is responsible for our daily dose of vitamin D. In a roundabout way we’re trying to say it’s sunny here, very sunny. They don’t call it the Portes du Soleil for nothing.
VIA FERRATA
Originally a means to sneak troops across mountain ranges, now a chance to give you some seriously scary rock climbing thrills, whilst still in the relative safety you’d expect from a family holiday.
WHITE WATER
Rafting, kayaking, canyoning or hyrospeeding. All involve large volumes of turbulent water, some dodgy looking neoprene outfits and a whole heap of fun. Our local river, the Dranse, starts as a gentle stream way up at the head of the Valley de la Manche and by the time it reaches us it’s a healthy mid-sized river. But when it meets a sister river just past St Jean d’Aulps the real fun starts. With the hydroelectric dam holding back a fair percentage of the day’s water flow and letting it all go in one hit, the already high river is transformed into a raging torrent. Check out our feature on the latest trend in white water action, Canyoning, on page 24.
(e)XCURSIONS
A daytrip can be a great way to break up your holiday and provide new experiences for all. Our top picks include Annecy, Salevé, Genève, Chamonix, Evian, Montreux and Samöens.
YVOIRE
A chance to get out of the hills and down to Lac Leman shouldn’t be missed and if you do happen to get down to the waters edge, Yvoire shouldn’t be missed. This medieval town is steeped in history, and is one of the most beautiful villages you are ever likely to see.
ZIP LINE
What’s an A to Z guide to the area’s activities without mentioning the Fantasticable? It’s a 120kmph zip line between two 2000m peaks over a 150m drop and is accessed from the top of the Chaux Fleurie chair lift. It’s a handy option for the letter Z and an unmissable part of any adventure holiday in the Alps!
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