Make the most of your summer time in Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz.
Fantasticable
Located at the top of the Chaux Fleurie chair lift, this zip wire carries you at speeds of up to 100km/h, suspended high above the valley floor, on a course of just over 3km. Open from 10am until 4.45pm every day between 28th June and 8th September, each flight is priced at €34, or €27.20 for flights after 4pm each day. For advance bookings call +33 (0) 4 50 81 34 83.
Paragliding
Known locally as ‘parapenting’, you’ll find a load of experienced flying clubs across the three resorts. Tandem flights with an instructor involve you admiring the stunning scenery below while someone else manoeuvres the parachute over the valley. Flights start from €70 and are worth booking in advance with a company like Aireole on +33 (0) 4 50 74 71 01.
Swimming Pools
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to taking a dip. In Avoriaz, the new Aquariaz water park development is open every day from 6th July to 1st September between 10.30am and 7.30pm, where adults are priced at €8 and children €5. Call Aquariaz on +33 (0) 4 50 74 24 42.
In Morzine, the indoor / outdoor swimming pool combo is open between 8am and 7pm from 29th June to 1st September. Admission is €6 for adults and €4 for kids. For more information call +33 (0)4 50 79 01 69.
Horse Riding
In Morzine you’ll find the riding centre at the Parc des Dereches, along by the river. For children aged three and over there are lessons for both beginner and advanced riders between June and October and prices start at €20 per hour. Call +33 (0) 4 50 49 20 84 for more information. Ranch du Lac in Les Gets also offer guided treks through the mountains starting from €37 for two hours. Call them on +33 (0) 6 08 18 78 54.
Canyoning
Using the natural gorges and riverbeds of the Dranse, guided canyoning trips involve plunging and abseiling into the mountain river, slipping down the rapids and splashing into pools. Children must be aged 14 or over to take part and prices start from €55 for a half day trip. Book with the Morzine Bureau des Guides on +33 (0) 4 50 75 96 65.
Hiking
The Office de Tourisme in each resort produce a walkers guide, which includes detailed tours of the local hills with varying degrees of difficulty. Hiking is one of the best ways to discover the Alps in the summer months and on a clear day you’ll be treated to amazing views. If you’d rather take a guide with you, contact Relief on +33 (0)6 77 77 74 64 for Marmot and Chamois spotting walks and botany lessions.
Tennis
Seven hard courts and two clay courts are available to hire at the Parc des Dereches in the centre of Morzine, all summer long, usually between 8am and 8.30pm. It’s €11 per hour on the hard court and €13 per hour on the clay court. Prices are reduced by 50% if you have a MultiPass. To reserve a court call +33 (0) 4 50 79 08 43.
Ice Skating
The snow may have long since melted, but the ice hockey rink at the Palais du Sport (AKA the Skoda Arena) in Morzine is open between 2.15pm and 5.15pm every day between 1st July and 1st September. On Tuesdays and Thursdays there’s also a night session including music and lights between 9pm and 11pm. Kid’s entry is €3.50 per session and adults €4.60. Skate hire is available for €3.50 per person. Call +33 (0) 4 50 79 08 43 for more information.
White Water Rafting
Available on both the River Dranse and the River Giffre, the snow melt produces raging torrents of white water, perfect to skim over in a big bouncy boat! A classic raft trip lasts around two hours and costs €38 per person with Frogs Rafting. Give Frogs a call on +33 (0) 6 09 30 80 77.
Summer Luge
Two toboggan runs of different length and difficult can be seen snaking their way down the Pleney homerun. Prices are €4.70 for 1 run, €25.80 for 6 runs or €42 for 10 runs and tickets can be purchased at the Pleney lift pass office. Access to the luge is via the Crusaz chairlift. Call +33 (0) 4 50 79 00 38 for more information.
Via Ferrata
This is a tamer version of rock climbing, which follows marked routes and includes ladders, bridges and steps, all while you’re roped up for safety. The via ferrata site in Avoriaz can be accessed free of charge, it takes around two hours to complete and all the equipment you need is available to hire locally. La Maison de la Montagne in Avoriaz provide guides from €40. Call them on +33 (0) 6 68 93 06 79.
Mountain Biking
The area is a mecca for both crosscountry and downhill mountain biking during the summer months. The lift system is rigged up to carry bikes, and extensive out of season works are undertaken to make the routes as fun and challenging as possible. Local experts such as the team at Ride Ability off er lessons and guiding throughout the summer season. Give them a call on +33 (0) 6 62 10 32 77.
Road Cycling
Morzine-Avoriaz hosted a stage (and a rest day) during the 2010 Tour de France, which isn’t surprising considering the number of challenging Cols in the area. Road bikes are available to hire in each resort and clearly marked route plans are available from each Office de Tourisme.
Golf
You’ve probably skied over the 18-hole course in Les Gets without even knowing it. The views towards Mont Blanc are fantastic and buggies are available if you’d prefer to avoid the steep walks! The Les Gets course is open from 8th June to 6th October and green fees start at €37. Call the club house on +33 (0) 4 50 75 87 63. There’s also a 9-hole course in Avoriaz, open between May and September each year, where green fees start at €25. Call +33 (0) 4 50 74 17 08 for more information.
Fishing
If relaxation is more your thing, as long as you have the right permits, you can spend hours fi shing at Lac Plan du Rocher, Lac Minds d’Or, Lac Montriond or even in the River Dranse. 1 day ‘holiday’ permits are available between 1st April and 30th September from the Offi ce de Tourisme in each resort.
