You won’t have to search very hard to find someone in Morzine, Avoriaz or Les Gets who’ll boldly claim their preference for summer in the mountains over winter. Here are ten reasons why you should be plotting your return right now…
1. Girls only mountain bike holidays with Diva Descent
Having immersed herself in the world of female down-hilling for years, local lass Sarah Muir is on a mission to get more girls mountain biking. Her coaching camp holidays give girls of all ability levels the chance to increase their skills and confidence in a fun, encouraging environment. Why the Portes du Soleil? “It’s easy to travel to, and the local terrain offers something for everyone, from complete beginners to experienced mountain bikers. The girls who join Diva Descent holidays tell me they love that there’s no pressure from the boys!” Find out more at www.divadescent.com.
2. Open air movie nights
With the night sky twinkling overhead, Mamo’s Restaurant in the Lindarets bowl host regular after hours dinner and movie nights, long after the lifts have closed for the day. A delicious themed dinner is served before the movie begins, with a popcorn accompaniment of course! They also arrange a special camping permit so you can pitch a tent, stay over night and enjoy a cooked breakfast the next morning. Dates will be announced right here when they are available.
3. Yoga holidays with Treeline Chalets
If trekking up Alps, or speeding down them isn’t quite your thing, then a thoroughly relaxing and rejuvenating yoga holiday in the mountains just might be. Treeline Chalets have their own yoga teacher and the programme includes morning vinyasa flow, evening hatha, meditation and massage in addition to gourmet vegetarian meals to help detox and replenish your system. Find out more at www.treelinechalets.com
4. The Portes du Soleil Multi-Pass
Yes, the rumors are true. The price of a lift pass during the summer months is just €1 per person per day, when you’re staying in Multi-Pass affiliated accommodation. For that same €1 you also get huge discounts on loads of local activities such as the Indiana Parc high robes course on the Dranse river, horse riding, tennis, mini golf and the summer luge. The Multi-Pass Premium at €2 per day gives you discounted access to both the Morzine and Avoriaz swimming complexes. Visit www.portesdusoleil.com for more details.
5. Parkour Generation holiday camps
For those not in the know, Parkour is a physical training method that develops the ability to overcome obstacles, both physical and mental. The Parkour Generation summer training camp uses both natural and man-made features in the valleys and mountains around Morzine and Les Gets as a training base, with the world’s leading instructors paving the way. The camp aims to build fitness, strength and balance as well as clarity of thought and improved self-awareness. You’ll find more details at www.parkourgenerations.com
6. Tour de France Cols
Road cycling has never been so popular and during the summer months, lycra clad racers head for the famous Tour de France climbs and cols such as the Col du Joux Plane, Col de la Joux Verte, Col de la Colombiere and many more surrounding the resorts of Morzine, Avoriaz and Les Gets. You’ll find specialist road cycling holiday companies across the three resorts, as well equipment hire shops and guides. Check out www.forevermorzine.com for more information.
7. Montreux Jazz Festival
The stunning city of Montreux lies on the shore of Lake Geneva and is just over an hour by car from Morzine and Les Gets. But the glamorous shops and restaurants are not the most exciting thing about Montreux. Each summer it’s host to the world famous Montreux Jazz Festival, with one of the largest musical line-ups you’re ever likely to see. Think Prince, Bobby Womack, Green Day, The Lumineers, Jake Bugg and Sting. And that was just last year! The 2014 festival takes place between 4th and 19th July. Check out the line-up here.
8. Triathlon Camps with Jack & Jill Holidays
Each summer professional triathlon coach Rick Kiddle joins the Jack & Jill Holidays team at their chalet in Morzine, from where he trains new, experienced and professional athletes on an intensive six day program. Structured sessions focus on all three triathalon disciplines, while Rick provides further expert advice on performance, technique and nutrition, all in the comfort of a luxury Alpine chalet. Find out more at www.jackandjillholidays.com
9. Painting and drawing holidays with Simply Morzine
Mike at Simply Morzine taught art for 28 years, specialising in painting and drawing and it’s no surprise that art lovers flock to the mountains to record their natural beauty on canvas. Qualified tutors with lots of local knowledge are available to offer tips on technique, either in the chalet garden or further afield in Yvoire or Annecy for example. Find out more at www.simply-morzine.co.uk
10. Weddings
There are more stunning ceremony backdrops in the local area than you can shake your wedding finger at. Each summer loads of couples choose to tie the knot in the mountains, perhaps with Lake Montriond in the background. Locally, you’ll find a whole host of wedding suppliers who’ll make it easy for you to plan your perfect Alpine wedding. From photographers to cake makers, celebrants to wedding planners and private chefs to reception venues, we love a good party! www.weddingsinmorzine.com is a good place to start!
