Summer in the mountains is one of the best-kept secrets in travel. Long days spent lounging on the shores of freshwater lakes compliment balmy evenings under the stars. If you’ve not visited Morzine, Les Gets or Avoriaz during the summer season, then you’re missing out. Here’s a round-up of our favourite things about summer.
1 – Crankworx
Mecca for mountain bikers, this Red Bull backed event arrives in Les Gets for the second time between 14th and 18th June 2017. Expect the village to be packed with pro teams, the world’s best mountain bikers and a great atmosphere from start to finish. Special events are planned each day including the unmissable Whip-Off Championships, night rides and mini-bike challenges. For more details visit crankworx.com/lesgets
Image: Robbie Davies
2 – Portes du Soleil Multi Pass
Stay in Multi Pass accredited accommodation and you’ll be able to buy a €2 per person per day pass, giving you access to the entire summer lift network plus various indoor and outdoor swimming pools and swimming lakes (including the Aquariaz water complex in Avoriaz) for free! The Portes du Soleil Multi Pass offers tremendous value for money, as you’ll also make savings on Morzine’s summer luge, Les Gets’ high ropes course and a round of golf in Avoriaz. For a full list of discounts and accredited accommodation head to portesdusoleil.com/summer/multi-pass
Image: Yvan Tisseyre
3 – Road Cycling
The biggest road cycling events have included Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz on their routes across the Alps for many years. That’s because some of the most challenging climbs can be found in and around our valley, attracting an increasing number of Lycra-clad peddlers each summer. Routes, courses and packages for all ability levels, from beginner to pro, are now available and are run by local experts who really know their stuff.
Image: Spartan.com
4 – Spartan Race
Tough Mudder, Mud Ninja and Rough Runner all seem like a walk in the park when compared to the Spartan Race, which visits Morzine for the second time on 1st and 2nd July 2017. This is one seriously though challenge – well, three to be precise. The Sprint category takes in 20 to 23 obstacles over a 5km distance while the Super category offers up to 29 obstacles over 15km. Only the mighty choose the Beast category, and with up to 35 obstacles over 20km, it’s no surprise the quickest completion time is three hours! Head to spartan.com for more details.
5 – Day Trips
Within a 90-minute drive of our valley you’ll find a load of great destinations for day trips. Chamonix and the majestic Mont Blanc are just 1 hour 15 minutes away by road and a trip up the Aiguille du Midi is well worth the drive. In the other direction is medieval town of Yvoire, just 45 minutes from Morzine on the shores of Lake Geneva. Known as the ‘Venice of the Alps’, Annecy is just 1 hour and 30 minutes away and offers the perfect combination of shopping, dining and sun bathing alongside the stunning lake.
6 – Buying Houses
Summer is the busiest time of year for the local housing market, with many prospective buyers taking advantage of flexible arrival and departure days in local hotels and chalets to view several properties in just one visit. Buying during the summer season also means you’ll more than likely complete your purchase before the start of the winter season.
7 – Triathlon
It’s as if the area was made as a natural Triathlon training camp. Over the last couple of summers Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz have all come to the attention of professional athletes. Lake Montriond offers the perfect spot for swim training, as does Morzine’s outdoor pool, while the local hills and peaks supply the ascents necessary for running and cycling. Camps are available for all levels of Triathlete, from beginner to pro and this summer also sees the birth of Morzine’s first triathlon club, Tri Montagne, for people who live in the area.
Image: Jean Baptiste Bieuville
Every other year HOG (that’s the Harley Owners Group for those not in the know) makes a pilgrimage to Morzine for a weekend of all things chrome and leather. With them they bring a really unique atmosphere and, for the last few years at least, a huge rock act to play a free concert on a specially erected stage in the very centre of Morzine. We’ve enjoyed Status Quo and Toto and although we’ve heard rumours of 2017’s big act, we’re keeping them to ourselves for a little while longer. But spoiler alert, it’s the Original Blues Brothers Band!
For more information on what’s on this summer, take a look at our events page.
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