Morzine’s top ten non biking activities in the summer

If you’re not into road cycling or downhill biking then we’ll forgive you for mistakenly thinking that Morzine might not be the place for you in the summer. However, you’re very wrong!

Morzine has a whole host of amazing activities that are absolutely nothing to do with cycling that will make your summer break one of the most memorable yet! We’ve made a list of our favourites to tickle your taste buds, but believe me, there are a lot more out there!

1: HIKING

Morzine is surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests, there are also miles and miles of tracks, trails and paths to explore. However, you don’t have to be an avid, super fit hiker to enjoy them. There are walks in and around Morzine for all abilities. If you’re looking for gentle walks why not head to the Dereches trail or to Lac Montriond and take your time walking by the water? If you’re looking for something more challenging you can attempt any of the surrounding mountains including Nantaux, Ressachaux and Nyon. If you want to get high up to appreciate the incredible views but don’t fancy the uphill climb then you can also use the network of lifts which are also open for hikers in the summer. You can then walk along some of the ridges and enjoy the descent whilst looking at our spectacular landscape. There really is something for everyone and with all the mountain air you’ll feel like you deserve the savoyard feast that most restaurants serve!

Hiking in Morzine, Avoriaz and Les Gets

2: CLIMBING AND VIA FERRATA

If you don’t mind a bit of adventure and like adrenaline sports then you’ll be pleased to know that there are loads of opportunities for climbing in and around Morzine. There are climbs for all abilities from beginners right through to people with loads of experience. The Elephant rock in the village of Bas Thex (on the road towards Thonon) is a favourite as it enjoys the sun for most of the day. There are tricky overhangs for people wanting to push themselves but also easier rock faces for beginners. There are also loads of Via Ferrata courses around the Portes du Soleil. You can hire an guide and equipment through the tourist offices in both Saint Jean d’Aulps and also Morzine itself.

3- SWIMMING POOLS

When the weather really heats up, there’s nothing quite like diving in a swimming pool to cool off. Here in Morzine the public pool is spectacular. You can swim lengths whilst looking at the surrounding mountains and listening to the sound of the nearby river. It also has a fun slide for the children and a great indoor pool if the weather decides to change. You can also get involved in some of the underwater spin classes, by a pass for the sauna and really enjoy the leisure centre’s facilities.

4- LAKES

As well as the pool there are several amazing swimming lakes in and around Morzine. Lac Montriond has a shallow splash pool for children but the main lake is perfect for swimming in as well. There’s also a beautiful lake in Les Gets that is slightly smaller if you find the idea of swimming in open water a little daunting! Both lakes have lovely restaurants around them as well so you can really make a day out of trip to either one of them.

5- WHITE WATER RAFTING

If you like the idea of cooling off in the water but are looking for something a little different and exciting then why not head to one of the many centres near to Morzine that organises white water rafting. Most of the places that do it are down the road towards Thonon. It’s a great way to keep cool but also enjoy the beautiful scenery. It’s not for the feint hearted and can be quite scary if the water is choppy but that’s what an adventure holiday is all about after all!

6- LES LINDARETS (THE GOAT VILLAGE)

One of our favourite places to visit in the Portes Du Soleil is the Goat Village. It does what is says on the tin! However nothing actually prepares you for the number of animals that actually live there! If you’re coming to visit Morzine, popping to the Goat Village should definitely be on your list of things to do!

7- THONON BEACH

If you have a car and can travel away from Morzine a little then head to Thonon for the day. There’s an amazing group of swimming pools right on the shores of Lake Geneva. The Thonon Plage is also great place to spend the day and it makes you feel like you have had a little bit of beach thrown in to your otherwise mountainous holiday! Don’t forget to grab an ice cream to really top it off!

8- WINE TASTING AND HISTORICAL CHATEAU

Thonon has a few other activities that are well worth exploring as well. The Chateau de Ripaille is a great place to go if you want to learn a little bit about the history of Thonon and also taste a bit of local wine. The chateau, which looks out over Lake Geneva, is a great place to explore either by yourselves or on one of the organised tours. You learn all about the gruesome and tough lives lead by the kings and queens who lived there. The wine is pretty good as well!

9- FANTASTICABLE

Now, this is possibly the scariest and most daring activity on this list! Fantasticable is a huge zip wire that runs across a canyon in the mountains above Avoriaz and Chatel. It’s a great thing to do if you like high speed sports and don’t mind being a bit terrified! You can reach speeds of up to 100 km an hour so don’t expect to be able to take in your surroundings! It is based in one of the most beautiful parts of the Portes du Soleil though so well worth checking out even if you do decide to keep your feet firmly on the ground.

10- TREE TOP ADVENTURES

Morzine’s tree top adventures are a firm favourite with the children – they seem to love going high up, swinging from ropes and tackling tough obstacles amongst the branches! You’ll find a tree top adventure at the Indiana park in Morzine and also by the Nyon waterfall. There are courses for different ages and abilities as well, so this really is something for the whole family.

If you come and stay with Reach4thealps, we’re on hand to help you organise all of these activities so you holiday with us is as stress free and enjoyable as possible! And see….you really don’t have to be a bike enthusiast to love Morzine!