14 Alpine Activities for an Exciting Summer Holiday
The mountains offer a natural playground in the Summer months that extends way beyond mountain biking and hiking.
With long, light evenings and set against a stunning landscape, Morzine is a hive of activity over the summer with world class events taking place throughout the season. And, as a guest of More Mountain you can take advantage of the Multi Pass Scheme which gives you access to so many activities across the Portes du Soleil for free or at a discounted rate.
To help you choose from all the activities on offer, here's our top choices - you might need more than a week to fit them all in!!
1. Hiking in the mountains
Hiking in a group, as a couple or with the family is made all the more exciting when combined with travel on the many chairlifts which are open during the summer months. Why not take a picnic and savour the local produce whilst exploring 800km of trails? Here’s a great guide to some of the best hiking routes in the area.
Children as well as adults enjoy exploring the mountains on foot! Take a cable car up to the summit and enjoy a mountain hike through the mountain trails and you will see stunning meadows, views and there are also some impressive waterfalls such as the Cascade de Nyon.
2. Mountain biking
Mountain biking in Morzine is an unmissable and amazing experience. The Portes du Soleil has over 50 downhill trails and 5 internationally renowned bike parks, serviced by 22 mountain bike equipped chairlifts and gondolas.
Take a look at our Mountain Biking Information page for all the practical information you need, including trail maps, lift opening times, where to hire a bike from and where to find the free bike washes in Morzine. Our blog about Mountain Biking in Morzine also has some in-depth info and advice.
3. Road Biking
This is a growing activity here in Morzine in Summer. With its affiliation to the Tour de France, which passes through the town pretty much every 4 years, plus the arrival of the Etape du Tour in 2023, Morzine is now firmly stamped on the map as a mecca for lycra clad road bikers.
Find out everything you need to know about road biking in Morzine, include some popular routes around the area.
4. Summer Luge
If you fancy whizzing down a mountain while sitting down, check out the Summer Luge on the Pleney slopes. It's like a bobsleigh but without the snow!
For more thrills head over to Les Gets and have a go on the Alpine Rollercoaster. We bet you can't get down without screaming!
5. Fantasticable - Zip Wire across the valley
Fly like superman as you cross peak to peak on a zip wire with Fantasticable. There is also an option for two to travel together, depending on weight restrictions. Remember to smile at the end of the second leg of the zip wire so you look good in your photograph.
6. High ropes and treetop adventures
Morzine’s very own “Go Ape” Indiana Parc is a wonderful way to gain confidence as the high ropes course offers challenges for all ages and abilities - they boast that there is something for everyone between the ages of 2 and 102!
Or for a more challenging option if your not-so-little-ones are feeling adventurous, there’s a more nail-biting treetop adventure playground full of rope swings, ladders and cargo nets near the Waterfalls at Nyon.
7. Via Ferrata
If you have a head for heights, experience the feeling of climbing without the need for expert knowledge. Different climbing aids made from iron, such as cable, rungs, pegs, carved steps and even bridges are fixed along the Via Ferrata routes, which vary in level of difficulty. There are a number of marked Via Ferrata routes in the area that you can tackle with a guide.
8. Parapenting
Get a bird’s eye view of the valley and mountains as you soar above Morzine and the surrounding area. Literally run off the face of the mountain and fly like an eagle. All jumps are done in tandem with an instructor who takes care of all the technical stuff, so you can enjoy the views and descent.
9. White water rafting
Take to the water with Frogs Rafting in an eight man raft as you negotiate the rapids by paddling with your fellow rafters under the watchful eye of a guide. Brilliant fun for all the family.
10. Canyoning
Canyoning is just like being in a completely natural water park. With your guide, you follow the river down through rocky paths using slides, jumps and waterfalls. It’s a great way of experiencing spectacular scenery in out of the way places.
11. Spend a day at a beautiful lake
Lac de Montriond is great for swimming, kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). The clear emerald waters of the lake are impressive and it is the place to be on a sunny day. There’s no problem if you don’t want to venture into the water, as a lovely walk surrounds the lake and there are some great natural spots to have a picnic or BBQ. There's also a great playpark, mini golf and pony riding for kids of all ages! The lakeside restaurants also offer a great selection of food served on sunny outdoor terraces with stunning lake views.
12. Or jump in the pool
The swimming pool in Morzine’s Parc des Dérêches complex is located under the Super Morzine lift in the centre of the town and offers more than 10 sports and leisure activities for the whole family.
13. Horse Riding at Parc Dereches
Morzine has a large equestrian centre offering horse-riding for all levels including pony rides and birthday parties for young children from 3 years.
14. Visit the goat village
Les Lindarets is a hamlet also known as “The Goat Village”. Goats rule in this village and love to meet new visitors. These four-legged characters are very friendly, especially if you have a bag of their favourite food, purchased from the nearby souvenir shops. You can also pick up a great sheepskin rug here too!
How Will an Alpine Summer Holiday Make You Feel?
As holidays are so short, it’s important that the whole family enjoys the experience at the time, but also feel the long term benefits once back at home.
- Relaxed - being in a tranquil setting can be very therapeutic
- Closer to your loved ones - having time together and doing new things will bring everyone closer
- Inspired - new experiences can be truly inspirational and ignite a spark to do so much more
- Revived & refreshed - renewed energy levels will be a bonus
- Ready to return to the mountains - you will be back!
The best holidays aren’t just about what you do when you’re away, but what you can take with you when you leave. If you’re interested in trying out Morzine for an action-packed holiday, just get in touch and we’ll start planning your family adventure.
Summer in Morzine
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