Issue 21 - Simmer 2023 - Morzine Source Magazine

Inside the Famous Grand Designs Chalet

LE LAC

CONTEMPORARY DISHES

SERVED ON THE SHORES OF LAC DE MONTRIOND

OUR WEEKLY EVENTS

MONDAYS : RACLETTE NIGHT

WEDNESDAYS : MOULES-FRITES

FRIDAYS : LIVE MUSIC

SUNDAYS : ALL DAY BBQ

OPEN EVERY DAY FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER

hello!

We published the first issue of Morzine Source Magazine in May 2013. We’d managed to fill 64 pages worth of magazine with summer news, events and information but I distinctly remember scraping the barrel… there wasn’t a huge amount to say about the summer season in Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz back then. Mountain biking was a big deal, but everyone already new that. Mountain weddings were just becoming a thing. Fast forward 10 years, we’re publishing our biggest summer issue yet and it’s been a struggle to squeeze everything into these 108 pages. Summer in the mountains is without doubt one of the best kept secrets in travel, but if you’re reading this magazine in one of our villages, you’ll already know that.

On the pages that follow you’ll find our exclusive interviews with two of road cyclings biggest names. As the lead commentator on ITV’s Tour de France coverage, Ned Boulting has been

brought to you by…

on our hit list for years. He’s an outstanding journalist and his knowledge of road racing is encyclopaedic. David Millar was a lot of fun to interview and it was fascinating to discover what life is really like inside the peloton. You might also be wondering what Jay Blades, The Repair Shop presenter and friend of King Charles has to do with our valley? You’ll find out on page 66. Elsewhere we’ll introduce you to a long list of inspiring locals working hard to enhance your summer holiday.

This is the 21st issue of Morzine Source Magazine and we always love to read your feedback so feel free to get in touch if you’ve something to share.

Until winter…

Amie - amie@morzinesourcemagazine.com

Working with some of the most talented local writers is always a huge privilege! With thanks to…

Michael Henderson | Shreddie | Teddy Ritz | Natalie Elvy | Gareth Jefferies | Kyles Garrett | Carrie Greer Our cover…

Local artist Jono Wood created the custom cover artwork for our extra special 20th issue of Morzine Source Magazine in Winter 23. With this summer’s cover artwork he creates a pair, which we hope you love as much as we do. Head to page 106 to see how you can buy them.

a note on our paper…

We’re also very proud to support the following organisations…

in Rhone Alps

Silver Winner 2022

places stay

Penthouse apartments, cosy little studios, sprawling chalets and teepees in the woods; you name it, it’s available to book for your summer holiday in Morzine, Les Gets or Avoriaz. Never before has our valley offered such a wide variety of accommodation options in all sizes, budgets and locations. Below you’ll discover some brand new options to tempt you this summer… or next winter!

Available for the first time this summer, the theme at Chalet Grand Duc is seclusion without isolation and you won’t be able to take your eyes off the incredible views from all angles. Inside this chalet there’s five stunning bedrooms and bathrooms in addition to an expansive living space and kitchen, Starlink internet and a home cinema. Outside you’ll discover a seven-seat massage spa positioned to take in those exceptional views, a fire pit, a children’s play area and even infrared heating for those cooler summer evenings. Chalet Grand Duc is available on a selfcatered basis during the summer season with prices starting at €5,000 for a seven night stay,

Extensively renovated and occupying an excellent location in the centre of Morzine, this six-bed, five-bath chalet sleeps 13 guests and is brand new for this summer season. The private garden makes it perfect for a family summer holiday, there’s an outdoor hot tub, a sauna and off-street parking with an EV charging point too. The garage offers lots of storage space for bikes, make use of the chalet BBQ during those long summer nights and take to the state of the art cinema room on down days. Chalet 218 is available on a self-catered basis during the summer season and there’s an allsinging, all-dancing kitchen for you to enjoy. Summer prices begin at €4,000 for the whole chalet,

Nestled into the valley, just below the tree line, this brand new chalet offers the perfect balance between a tranquil, peaceful location and the conveniences of Montriond village. In four bedrooms, two of which are en-suite, Les Petits Ours can sleep up to 12 people, making it perfect for group or family summer holidays. You’ll love the interiors - designed to combine authentic mountain styles with contemporary features, there’s also a number of balconies and terraces from which to enjoy the views. There’s also a fully-equipped kitchen to make self catering easy, plus parking too. The village of Montriond is just a fiveminute walk from the chalet, giving you the best of both worlds.

Chalet Grand Duc - Montriond

Chalet 218 - Morzine

Chalet Les Petits Ours - Montriond

DURING SUMMER 2023

Located just a stone’s throw from the centre of Morzine, this beautifully renovated one-bed apartment is available to rent on a self-catered basis and sleeps up to four people, making it perfect for a family holiday. There’s private parking, a handy storage cave and a wellequipped kitchen with a washing machine. The balcony overlooks the rooftops of Morzine and you’re just a couple of minutes on foot from the restaurants, bars and lift stations of the village. Available to rent from €120 per night,

We bet you didn’t know that you could stay up in the woods of Avoriaz, surrounded by the Lil’Stash, with Shreddie himself as your host? Shreddie's Bivouac was established a couple of summers ago yet enhancements continue year after year. This is a unique camping experience - a holiday within your summer holiday - and you’ll sleep in a canvas teepee at the centre of nature. Each tent sleeps five people, there’s a gas BBQ, picnic tables and toilets too. The star of the show here is undoubtedly the night sky, which, when viewed from the depths of the forest, is spectacular. The whole experience was created with families in mind and you’re just a short walk from the Seraussaix car park. Advance bookings are essential, each tent including five beds is priced at €95 per night.

Apartment La Tovachire - Morzine

The Stash Bivouac - Avoriaz

summer

Here’s your handy overview of lift opening dates and times during the Summer 23 season* in addition to other resort activities and facilities across Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz. Head to morzinesourcemagazine.com for extra information and updates.

Times

9.00am - 5.30pm

Pointe de Nyon

Viking Magic Carpet

Continuous opening on Pleney: Friday 16th June until Sunday 17th September

- 5.30pm

Chavannes Express

Nauchets Express

Mont Chéry Télécabine

La Pointe Chairlift

Pre-opening weekends: Friday

Prodains Express Crusaz

Super Morzine Télécabine nyon

Times

Pre-opening weekends: Friday 2nd June - Sunday 4th June / Friday 9th June - Sunday 11th June

The Nyon télécabine, alongside the Pointe de Nyon chairlift will open continuously from: Saturday 8th July

Zore Chairlift

Seraussaix Chairlift

Proclou Chairlift

Mossettes Chairlift

Chaux Fleurie Chairlift

Lindarets Chairlift

Ardent Telecabine

9.00am - 5.30pm

- 5.30pm

Times

10.30am - 6.00pm 9.15am - 5.20pm 9am - 5.15pm

Pedestrians Pedestrians

Continuous opening of the Les Gets lift network: Friday 17th June until Sunday 17th September

The Prodains Express is open between: 1st July and 3rd September

9.30am - 12.30pm 1.30pm - 6.30pm Rotates every 30 mins

- 5.00pm

- 4.45pm 9.00am - 4.45pm 9.45am - 4.45pm 9.30am - 4.45pm 9.30am - 4.45pm

9.40am - 4.45pm 9.30am - 5.00pm 9.30am - 5.15pm 9.30am - 6.00pm

The summer lifts of Avoriaz Bike Park including the Super Morzine telecabine will open on: Friday 16th June until Sunday 10th September

The Proclou, Mossettes, Lindareys and Chaux Fleurie chairlifts will run between: 23rd June and 3rd September 2023

The Ardent Telecabine is open between: 23rd June and 3rd September

* correct at time of going to print

(ascend only)

Morzine’s Swimming Pool

Between 29th May and 3rd July the indoor pools and the spa areas are open as follows:

Monday to Friday: 12noon - 7pm

Saturday & Sunday: 10am - 7pm

Between 3rd July and 3rd September all swimming pools and spa facilities are open as follows:

Monday to Friday: 9am - 7pm

Saturday & Sunday: 10am - 7pm

Between 4th and 17th September the indoor pools and the spa areas are open as follows:

Monday to Friday: 12noon - 7pm

Saturday & Sunday: 2pm - 7pm

Les Gets Swimming Lake

Between Saturday 24th June and Sunday 3rd September, Les Gets’ fresh water swimming lake will be open each day between 12noon and 6.30pm. Wibit Park, also located on the lake, opens at 11am each day, closing at 6.30pm.

Aquariaz in Avoriaz

Aquariaz tropical indoor water park in Avoriaz opens each day between 1st July and 2nd September. The opening times are 1.30pm to 7.30pm and there’s a handy app on the Avoriaz website to help you identify the quietest times to visit each day.

Alta Lumina in Les Gets

Alta Lunina is open all year round, but the opening hours vary with the seasons. This majestic light display and forest walk is best enjoyed in darkness and you can check the first entry times at altalumina.com.

Morzine’s Summer Luge

Subject to weather conditions, Morzine’s summer luge opens at 10.30am each day, closing at 6pm. Buy your tickets from the Pleney outdoor lift pass office and make your way to the Crusaz chairlift.

Avoriaz Golf Course

Open every day between 11th June and 25th September, this 9-hole, par 36 golf course nestled within the forest at an altitude of 1600m is the perfect location. There’s a great club house, equipment rental and coaching available too. Head to golfmorzineavoriaz.com for more information.

unmissable

Morzine, Les Gets & Avoriaz

Welcome to the most unique and memorable summer holiday you’ll ever have. Our valleys and villages are packed with friendly locals, ready to help you make the most of your time in Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz. Each summer we fill the pages of this magazine with new activities for you to enjoy, new events to keep you entertained and new businesses for you to experience; Summer 23 is no different.

The Evolution of Avoriaz Bike Park

A new name and a new logo accompanies the reopening of the bike trails in Avoriaz this summer, demonstrating the resort’s continued commitment to improvements across its 19 different trails. In Avoriaz Bike Park the team hand-shape the single tracks using skill, precision and determination, which makes the area incredibly popular amongst beginners, seasoned downhillers and pros. The dedicated picnic and BBQ areas also make Avoriaz Bike Park a fun, relaxed and friendly place to hang out with other riders. It’s also the gateway to the wider Portes du Soleil summer bike network, with easy links to Morzine and Les Gets via the Super Morzine télécabine in one direction and the trails of Châtel, Morgins and Les Crosets in the other. You’ll find maps, trail descriptions and more on the website.

The Avoriaz Big Bike Air Bag

Brand new for this summer season in Avoriaz, you’ll discover three different-sized kickers leading to a giant inflatable cushion. The idea here is to challenge yourself to attempt new tricks on your bike - or even your first jumps - in a safe and encouraging environment. We think it’ll be pretty fun to spectate too! The Avoriaz air bag will be open between 3rd July and 26th August, 10am until 12noon and 2pm to 6pm each day. And here’s the best part… it’s free!

Les Gets on Le Tour

For the first time in its history, Les Gets hosts a stage start of the world’s most famous bike race on Sunday 16th July. Having arrived over the valley in Morzine on Saturday 15th July, completing stage 14 of Le Tour de France, the riders launch their battle for stage 15 the very next day, direction Saint Gervais Mont Blanc. Despite this being the village’s debut on the tour route, Les Gets is no stranger to hosting world class road cycling events; it’s welcomed the Critérium de Dauphiné no fewer than three times so we can expect an incredible atmosphere as the riders depart. There’ll be fan zones and a number of extra events between 10th and 16th July as Les Gets celebrates.

Late Nights on Pleney

Back by popular demand this summer, mountain bikers will be able to enjoy late night opening of the Pleney télécabine on both Tuesday and Thursday evenings, until 7pm. These extra hours are included in your existing lift pass and they give you the chance to enjoy the trails at twilight. The late night opening of Pleney is subject to weather conditions, of course!

Les Gets’ Four Seasons Toboggan Run

The much-anticipated alpine coaster opens this summer and you’ll find it in the Perrières sector of Les Gets, at the entrance to the village. An alpine coaster is a toboggan run on a raised metal track, winding its way down the mountain while you control the speed. There are 35 individual sledges, each seating two people and with a track spanning 714 metres and a total descent of 105 metres to cover, each ride takes approximately six minutes to complete. This new activity is part of the dedicated ‘four seasons tourism’ approach to resort development adopted by Les Gets and initiated with the opening of the excellent Alta Lumina in 2020. Investing in activities and facilities which can be enjoyed year-round; ones that don’t rely on snow coverage and can be enjoyed by both holiday makers and locals alike, is the cornerstone of four seasons tourism.

The Hotel du Lac Map Project

The team at Hotel du Lac on the shores of Lac de Montriond have teamed up with acclaimed mountain artist RP Roberts to produce a useful and highly collectable map of our region’s most stunning lake and it launches this summer. Measuring A2 in size with a winter map on one side and summer on the other, they provide a handy guide to some of the best activities, bars, restaurants and viewpoints around the lake. The maps are free to collect from Hotel du Lac this summer, head to page 102 to discover how they were made.

Le Monde de Jacquotte

Last summer we saw Nyon emerge as a natural playground for families and nature enthusiasts. Morzine’s most iconic peak and plateau are home to spectacular wildlife, stunning Alpine flowers and Le Monde de Jacquotte, a fascinating experience hosted by shepherd Éric Blanchot. With Éric you’ll discover the life of our local mountain pastures, their biodiversity and the alpine fauna and flora that make Nyon so special. There’s a mini farm complete with chickens, rabbits, goats, sheep and geese, an exhibition of mountain flowers and an educational trail around the plateau to discover the animals of the mountains. A number of performances and workshops also take place on Nyon, find out more at the welcome centre as you exit the Nyon lift station.

There’s fun for all ages inside Aquariaz, the indoor water park in Avoriaz, although it’s fair to say that families with small children have the most fun. Open between 1st July and 2nd September, Aquariaz is home to several different zones, including water slides, a climbing wall above the swimming pool and even a Slidewinder pipe in addition to lazy rivers, massage bubble baths and an outdoor jacuzzi. We were also delighted to discover that 25m3 of water per day is recovered from Aquariaz and is recycled to water the golf green of the Avoriaz Golf Course, the green spaces within the village itself and for use on the bike wash stations.

Because not everything revolves around cycling, swimming and running here in the Vallee d’Aulps, the Valley Vipers netball team has gone from strength to strength in recent years. The team recently hosted a national league test event on behalf of the national association Netball France, bringing together players from across the country. “Ten years ago a small number of us trained each week on a basketball court,” club President Angela Porter explains. “Now we have 30 regular players training each week on an indoor court in St Jean d’Aulps and playing in matches or travelling to tournaments,” she continues. Netball makes the perfect year-round sport for many locals and in recent years the Petites Vipères has formed for girls born between 2010 and 2013. Search for the club on Facebook to discover more.

The Aquariaz Tropical Playground

The Valley Vipers Netball Team

© avoriaz 1800 - scalp

Morzine’s History, Uncovered

For many years visitors to Morzine have enjoyed a weekly walking tour of the village, hosted by locals who know the alleyways and ancient buildings like the backs of their hands. This summer sees the launch of a new self-guided history and heritage tour using QR codes positioned in various significant locations around the village. Enjoy the circuit as a family to discover the oldest buildings, examples of ancient Savoyarde architecture and more; Morzine is much more than a mountain resort after all. There’s even a game for families featuring two typical local characters - a slate miner and a farmer.

The Magic of Alta Lumina

Hidden within an enchanted forest, high above the rooftops of Les Gets, there’s a story waiting to be told. It’s the tale of a music maker and his hot air balloon, which tumbled from the sky during a wild alpine storm. Told through music, holograms and light shows, Alta Lumina is a unique and truly unforgettable experience which everyone will enjoy. Book your tickets in advance at altalumina.com and take the dedicated (and free of charge) Alta Lumina shuttle bus from the centre of Les Gets to the entrance to the park, above Lac des Écoles. The experience follows a 1km trail through

You may or may not know that if you live and work in France, you’ll likely have a budget entitlement to use on skills training, and that includes taking French lessons. PDS Formation by Alpine French School helps you to determine what that budget looks like and how best to use it to improve your language skills. Lessons take place in central Morzine and there’s a bilingual team to guide you through the whole process.

Discover more by emailing: info@pdsformation.com

The Farmhouse Magazine

It’s the oldest building in Morzine, packed full of charm and character and you can now discover what life is like inside Mas de la Coutettaz, courtesy of the hotel’s very own glossy magazine. Designed by the Morzine Source Magazine team with stunning images throughout by Story Crafters, The Farmhouse Magazine is a wonderful souvenir of time spent in the mountains. The magazine uncovers the hotel’s rich and varied history - it was once home to Morzine’s jail cells - and is sure to inspire you to plan a beautiful alpine wedding or family gathering in the hotel’s mature and colourful gardens. Hotel guests will find a complimentary copy of the magazine in their bedrooms and we’re sure that if you pop in and ask nicely, the team will supply you with a copy too.

If you go down to the woods today - well, follow the Dereches river trail in the direction of Montriond to be precise - you’ll discover that Microbrasserie Ibex have moved their production site to a brand new, custom made brewery just a short walk from the river path. While the brewery occupies two thirds of the site, the rest of the space is dedicated to a restaurant, bar and terrace serving unique and delicious dishes all day long. Take a peek into the brewery from the large window then head to the bar to sample the beers.

Discover more: ibexbeer.com

Introducing Montagne Cafés

Located on the heights of Vacheresse, close to Morzine and the Vallee d’Aulps, Manu and Linzy Schaller have turned their love for a fine cup of coffee into a brand new business. Inside a renovated Savoyarde farmhouse they roast fine coffee beans using authentic techniques learned during Manu’s time in Africa. From the tree to the cup, Montagne Cafés roasts follow the most transparent path possible with a focus on sustainability and ethical values in addition to exceptional taste. You’ll find an increasing number of cafes and restaurants in our villages and valleys now offer speciality coffee from Montagne Cafés and it’s also possible to purchase your own beans on Manu and Linzy’s website.

Discover more: montagnecafes.com

New Name, New Look, New Website

Launched in 2018 to showcase our valley’s suitability as a prime triathlon venue, what was the Montriond-Morzine Triathlon has now become the Montriond-Morzine-Avoriaz Triathlon ahead of it’s next outing in August this year. The event has had a full facelift, with new branding and an all-singing, all-dancing website that includes all the information you need to help you plan your race. The event continues to be operated by the same team of dedicated locals and registrations are now open.

Discover more: mmatriathlon.com

The Only Way Is Up

As you’ll discover on page 26 of this magazine, our local peaks are now mecca for trail runners, with professional athletes training year-round on a labyrinth of mountain paths across our valley. At Caribou Sports in Morzine there’s now an extended range of trail running kit from brands including Scott, Scarpa and Odlo to help both aspiring and accomplished trail runners get prepared. Caribou also sponsor a number of local professional ultra runners and we can expect the sport to continue to grow in the summers to come. You’ll find Caribou Sports at 95, route de la Combe À Zore in Morzine.

The Wood Yard

© story crafters

“The Tour de France is cycling”

THE david millar

INTERVIEW

by michael Henderson

He won four stages of the Tour de France, several other classics stages and for a years he was Britains top professional road cyclist, long before Wiggins, Froome and Cavendish became household names. There was a two-year doping ban and a return to Le Tour before retirement from professional racing in 2014. There can’t be many other retired road cyclists more qualified to talk about life inside - and outside - of the peloton than David Millar. David is at home in Girona, where he’s lived for years - “I’m one of the originals - one of the last originals actually,” he explains as we sit down to discuss his career.

As one half of ITVs Tour de France commentary team, David shares the box with Ned Boulting, providing the kind of expert analysis that only comes from years of experience inside the beast that is Le Tour de France. First things first, what are his predictions for le grande boucle in 2023?

“I mean it’s up in the air right now after Tadej’s crash yesterday, but it’s hard to see anyone bettering Vingegaard or Tadej Pogačar in my view. My heart says Pogačar and my mind says Vingegaard, simply because Tadej Pogačar has had that serious crash now and he’s going to be literally on the back foot trying to get back online. But i’ll go Tadej Pogačar because I’d like him so much to win the overall. For the green jersey Wout van Aert again I think, because he was just indomitable last year and for the polka dot, Alaphilippe and then for the young rider jersey, I’ll go with Pidcock.”

An 18 year old David raced in France just weeks before he was due to begin art college back in the UK. Instead, he joined a club in St Quentin, launching his road cycling career with eight wins. Five professional cycling teams scuffled to offer him a contract and David eventually signed with Team Cofidis, where he stayed until 2004. I wonder how, in the years that followed, he’s come to regard the Tour de France when compared to the Olympics for example, or the World Championships?

“The Tour de France is cycling really; without the Tour de France the sport wouldn’t be what it is - a global sport. The World Championships, the classics, they’re all amazing and they’re very popular amongst the cycling aficionado - those who have a real passion for the sport. But the Tour de France brings in people who

don’t necessarily follow cycling all year round. The Tour de France is almost like having an Olympics every year. But ask any cyclist which they’d prefer - an Olympic gold medal or a Tour de France win - they'll take the Tour de France win every time I recon. I think that sums it up really, this is the biggest annual sporting event and for us, it’s the be all and end all.”

It was certainly Le Tour which ignited David’s passion for road cycling and inspired his dreams to be a professional cyclist. “Watching it on TV, I knew I wanted to compete in the Tour de France, there wasn’t really any other race that pulled me in quite like it,” David explains. “That’s the case for many of us,” he continues. But with so many variables in each stage, road cycling isn’t always the easiest sport to watch.

“The Tour de France is horses for courses and that’s cycling as a whole. It’s the only competition where you’ll have close to 200 people on the starting line and there are so many variables, so many possibilities. People often compare it to having all of the different boxing weights in one event. In the peloton you’ve got the little guy who’ll be focusing on the mountain stages. Then you’ve got the big guys, focusing on the sprint days. You’ve got breakaway riders, who know they’re not capable of winning a stage and then you’ve got riders who will chase some of the classifications, because they know that’s what they’d rather win than a stage or an overall position. The whole thing can probably be quite baffling to the outside viewer because there are so many different races going on within the race. Every day there’s a multitude of different things happening. In my career as a commentator, this means there’s always a story for us to tell, there’s multiple narratives to be told >>

in every single stage of the Tour de France, which is what makes it so special.”

David’s wealth of experience inside the peloton is widely considered to be the standout element of ITV’s Tour de France coverage. He breaks down the strategy, gets inside the riders heads, considers what’s coming next, long before the riders themselves. But what is life like inside the peloton?

“The peloton is very much an organic entity. In the Tour de France in particular, the race begins with tensions so high, there’s not much joviality, not many conversations going on around the riders. The atmosphere is tense as there’s so much at stake. Teams stay very insular, riders aren’t mixing with friends from other teams; everyone has a job to do and they do it. In my days in the peloton, as the race unfolded, tensions would lift slightly, but then the fatigue began. Towards the second half of the final week, riders would find opportunities to kind of catch up with old friends in different teams. These days however, that sort of behaviour has disappeared. In the current day Tour de France, the peloton is always under pressure, which means that every day you have to be switched on, not really going outside of your team bubble. The stakes are so high in every moment, and that’s something that perhaps people don’t see on TV. It can look like quite a peaceful environment from the helicopter shots - a big blob of riders cruising along in a sublime landscape - but when you’re in it, the stress is high constantly. Riders that have been around for 10 to 15 years talk these days about how the peloton has changed so much. There’s less respect amongst the riders, there’s less hierarchy, it’s dog eat dog in there. The sport has changed a lot in the last 10 to 20 years and now it’s more professional than it’s ever been. With that comes the tension and stress that this level of professionalism brings.”

The Tour de France is the largest annual sporting event in the world, attracting a global audience of 3.5 billion viewers; a number that increases year on year. With big audiences, comes big responsibility, so I wonder what other changes David has observed, especially in recent years?

“The Tour de France is more professional now because it’s more visible than it’s ever been. It was quite difficult to follow before - you had to be in Europe, in a country that would be showing it live and the UK would only get the highlights show. In years gone by there’d be times when the race wasn’t being shown live, but you have to remember that it’s now a media driven sport. The races used to wind up more when the helicopters came and the TV cameras were on, usually towards the end of each stage. Now the cameras are on constantly, there’s no where to hide, which means riders are always visible to the team bosses, the managers, the sponsors, and their response is to be more professional. Anti-doping has brought an added professionalism, there’s now more

“The peloton is very much an organic entity. In the Tour de France in particular...”

expertise in equipment, training, analytics, nutrition, everything has just gone through the roof. It’s like night and day to how it was, even just a decade ago and that’s raised everyones level enormously.”

Speaking of doping, it’s no secret that David was banned from the sport for two years in 2004 for using banned performance enhancer EPO and stripped of his world time trial title at the same time. We’re not here to rehash those events, but I’m keen to know how the peloton reacted when David returned from his ban in 2006.

“I was embarrassed. But I was fortunate that I came back at a time when Operación Puerto (the Spanish police’s investigation into the doping network of Doctor Eufemiano Fuentes) kicked off, so I became the spokesperson for the peloton in relation to the investigation. At that time the peloton was very supportive of me, because I was the only one who would talk about it. As it happens, the second half of my career was basically me putting myself in the line of fire all of the time. The peloton were highly respectful of me for that, so it was a double edged sword. My own experiences gave me the voice to make changes, but with it came responsibility and the obligation to be in the line of fire all of the time.”

Of course the use of performance enhancing drugs didn’t start or end with David Millar. Across the sporting world - from road cycling to athletics and beyond, some of the highest profile - and most highly regarded - athletes of all time were toppled from their podiums. Where do we sit with doping in cycling now?

“I’d go as far now as to say that cycling is one of the cleanest sports in the world because of the cultural shift. It’s taken a long time. The introduction of comprehensive anti-doping measures, cycling did that out of necessity and economics and cleaned the sport up at a purely functional level. But then there was a cultural change in the direction of teams, management, sponsors, and I think amongst this new generation, doping is a non-subject. Our current riders have never encountered it, or if they have it’s an anomaly. Doping in sport has become a reflection of society, there’s always going to be people who cheat, there’ll always be criminals, but they’ll always be a minority. What’s most encouraging, in my opinion, is that the biggest races are now being won by clean riders. It’s taken time for the public to believe in the sport again and we’re seeing riders go faster now than they’ve ever gone before. All the records are being broken by clean riders which says so much about how the sport has changed. Now we no longer see Twitter go nuts, journalists go nuts when a record is broken, asking ‘oh my god, what’s he on?’ The media will say a new world record is impossible - that a rider must be dopingwhen in reality, that rider has been getting faster and faster, consistently. It’s always possible.” >>

David’s not wrong when he mentions the public’s perception of the sport he loves so much. When Lance Armstrong was stripped of his seven consecutive Tour de France titles and one Olympic medal following his eventual admission to using performance-enhancing drugs, the shockwaves were powerful. Do the peloton still feel them today?

“Well for starters, you wouldn’t be able to dope now, you’d get caught. If you dope now you’re an absolute moron, because the probably of you being caught is incredibly high. And then I think what’s happening with Pogačar and others, we’re witnessing a complete paradigm shift with these younger riders, the rule book has been torn up. These days we’ll see a rider wanting to win the Tour de France and the classics, and that’s just something that wasn’t done before. If you wanted to win a Tour de France title before, you had to start the year slowly, go on training camps, not risk going to the classics because everything was based around the Tour de France. Team management weren’t going to risk their best rider in a crash or damaging their form. But because of the way Pogačar races, it’s kind of like, well if he can do it, why can’t we do it? Like when Roger Bannister broke the four minute mile record, everyone was like ‘oh it’s possible’ and Pogačar’s definitely doing that. It takes very special athletes to do these things and these days that’s not down to doping.”

Critical comparisons are often drawn between the development of professional road cycling and of Formula 1 as a competitive sport, but does this come at a cost? I’m keen to know David’s thoughts on how the sport might maintain its raw race charm.

“Cycling is a million miles away from F1 and always will be I think, which is part of the charm. It has to be more about the human than the equipment and I think cycling tows that line very well. A road bike essentially looks the same as it did 100 years ago and we tend to see more marginal gains. For example, every two to three years a bike company will launch a bike that’s a little bit faster, or a component company will do the same. But what’s really interesting now is the democratisation of the technology used in road cycling. Before you had to be on a big team that cared, one that would invest in the research and the recruiting of the right equipment sponsors to gain a technological advantage. Now every team has access to the best technology and if you watch a time trail now, the equipment, the positions and the technology each rider has is almost identical across the board. This is one of the reasons Team Sky ripped it to pieces for so long, they changed the whole landscape with their marginal gains type attitude. They were able to make significant gains overall and the rest of the sport had to catch up with them. Dave Brailsford’s innovation and attitude lifted the whole sport up and so now, everyone cares about equipment, everyone cares about training and nutrition and athlete support. That’s brought us to where we are now, where the sport is very much a level playing field in regards to equipment and technology.”

“It’s oxymoronic that the bike is something that can help reduce the impact of climate change but this annual event is probably one of the most polluting sports in the world”

There’s one question I’ve always wanted to ask a Tour de France rider and here’s my chance. You’re nearing the end of a stage - the final push up Alpe d’Huez for example, the crowd are going nuts, their flags are in the road, El Diabolo is in the road, it’s bonkers. What’s going through your mind?

“The crowds are definitely part of it and to be perfectly frank, I’m amazed there’s not more incidents each year, when you look at the sheer randomness of the Tour de France. You’re going from point to point and at times covering over 200km in one stage. You can’t control 200km, you can’t fence that off, it’s part of racing and if you had a Tour de France with no one at the side of the road, it wouldn’t be the Tour de France. When we saw Tom Pidcock win in Alpe d’Huez last year, the crowds were insane and you’re almost getting goose bumps watching it. You can almost imagine what it’s like to be there. There’s no other sporting event where the public can get so close to the protagonist, and that’s what makes cycling special. It would be brutal if you saw the whole of Alpe d’Huez fenced off - it wouldn’t look the same, it wouldn’t feel the same, the riders wouldn’t like it. The fans wouldn’t like it, it wouldn’t look as good on TV, so i’d say the crowds are as much a part of the Tour de France as the peloton. It’s a fine line, I know if you’re in France during Le Tour there’s a lot of vigilance put into place to make sure the crowds are controlled as best they can be. They put in a lot of effort to protect the riders but sometimes a lot of those fans have been by the side of the road for days and they’ve been drinking for days, so again, that’s the human condition. Sometimes they take it too far and they’ll get punished for that as well. If you think about the hundreds of thousands of spectators - the millions of people - who’ve been at the side of the road in the last few years, yet we can count on one hand the number of incidents.”

Let’s get to the elephant in the room. It’s estimated that the Tour de France emits 216,388 tons of CO2 each year, a figure that it’s organisers the ASO claims are 100% offset. Le Tour has managed to clean up its act from a doping perspective, can it do the same from an environmental one?

“It’s a behemoth of an event with thousands of vehicles. I think there is definitely an important discussion to be had on how to minimise the climatic effect that the Tour de France has. It’s oxymoronic that the bike is something that can help reduce the impact of climate change but this annual event is probably one of the most polluting sports in the world. I think the ASO are aware of this problem - I know they’re aware of it - but it’s not an easy solution. I’ve no doubt that in 10 years the Tour de France will look very different to how it does now, it’s constantly changing and morphing and they know that something needs to be fixed, but there’s a lot of things that need to be fixed.” >>

David has spoken many times about his retirement from professional cycling at the age of 37. He’d wanted one more Tour, but I wonder what he now considers to be his biggest achievement in his professional cycling career?

“Probably the longevity of my career? It’s hard to tell these days, but probably my Tour de France results. I always wanted to wear all of the leaders jerseys, win stages in all the grand tours, they were my goals, so i’m kind of proud that I did that. Few riders get to do all of these things in one career, and that was something I was able to pull off, so I’m very proud of that. Getting results in all of the grand tours - time trials, road stages, the occasional mountain day and even in the team time trials… I think it’s that, the sort of all-round achievements, tasting a multitude of different things in my career, that’s what stands out.”

I spot a few pairs of race shoes hanging from the ceiling in David’s office, but I’d imagined a full collection of race jerseys on display. Interestingly, he keeps all of his race memorabilia stashed in packing boxes at home, archived away. After such a lengthy career in professional sports, does retirement leave a void?

“Yeah for sure there’s a void and I think some sports manage it better than others. They have a transition for athletes and some unions are very active in anticipating the need for education, transition, rehabilitation after a professional sports career ends. But in pro cycling, we don’t have that. We sort of fall off a cliff. It’s a very different world when you’ve spent your life - from being a teenager to your late 30s - being an athlete; it’s a very different existence. I’ve realised since then that sport is what keeps me balanced and sane. 25 years of running at my physical peak has had a biochemical affect on my brain and if I just stop, then there’s a huge gaping whole, mentally. The irony is that the reason you stop competing is because physically you can’t do it anymoreyou’re tired and frazzled, and yet the only thing that keeps you sane is to keep doing it. You’re stuck between a rock and a hard place, which is where I was for many years.”

David has described the decline in form at the end of his professional career as both ‘abrupt’ and ‘nightmarish,’ yet he’d already set the wheels in motion for life out of the saddle.

“About a year and a half out from the end of my career I launched CHPT3, a cycling apparel brand that’s based around the principle of a third, playful chapter in everyone’s lives. CHPT3 became by biggest project because it was a way of staying in cycling but also doing something different and creative; doing the things I loved, designing, working on different bikes and apparel and being able to do all the technical stuff without the racing. Then the commentary was a blessing in disguise! It’s something that hadn’t really crossed my mind, but it just so happened that ITV were switching

“it’s allowed me to fall in love with cycling as a fan again, literally from the other side of the barriers.”

out Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen around the same time that I stopped racing, so it was pure serendipity that I fell into this role as a commentator on the Tour de France. I love it as its kept me in the racing; I think if I hadn’t got into the commentary job I probably wouldn’t have followed the racing as passionately. I was burnt out and it’s allowed me to fall in love with cycling as a fan again, literally from the other side of the barriers. In hindsight, the commentary job was the best thing that could have happened.”

David and his sister Fran have just returned from completing Cape Epic, a 700km, eight-day challenge across South Africa, which sounds a lot like David filling the void left by professional racing.

“Fran didn’t event own a bike in January! I started mountain biking in the early 90s and i’d never thought about doing an event like Cape Epic. I also hadn’t done anything like a multiday event on this scale since I was a pro. It was a wonderful experience and it completely kickstarted me back into being fit again and riding my bike daily and mixing up my road, gravel and mountain bikes. It’s a great privilege to have all those options here, just like you do in Morzine. I can pick and choose. The event was amazing and i’m so pleased we did it, but it was incredibly fucking hard. Everyone else told us this year was the hardest Cape Epic ever, and I heard this phrase ‘type two fun’ for the first time. Everyone was talking about it and it probably should have been a red flag on day one! I’m so proud of my sister, 700 teams started the challenge it and only 500 finished. We’re now trying to think of what our next challenge can be.”

Finally, what are the chances of anyone spotting David Millar on the Col du Joux Plane when Le Tour reaches Morzine and Les Gets this summer?

“We take our CHPT3 Brompton bikes with us during Le Tour and they give us so much freedom! We’ve done mountain passes on them and they’re brilliant fun. We keep them in the back of the car and often we’ll ride back to our hotel from the finish line, or we’ll go out and try the final climb. If that’s not possible, then sometimes i’ll go running, it’s nice to get out of the commentary box because sometimes we’re watching a television screen for hours. We often have the mornings free because when we finish a stage, we transfer to the next finish town. We’re not getting to the next hotel until 9pm each evening, so we lose the second half of the day to work and travelling. Each morning we’ll go and investigate, ride to the finish or check out the local area.”

You’ll catch David Millar and Ned Boulting’s Tour de France commentary of ITV this summer. His book 'Racing Through The Dark’ is available to buy on Amazon and you can learn more about CHPT3 at chpt3.com

A Summer of

events

Calendars at the ready, we’re set for an action-packed summer of events, celebrations and entertainment across Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz in 2023.

Rendez-vous aux Jardins - St Jean d’Aulps

Sunday 4th June

Springtime in the mountains is a joy for all and this unique event at the Abbaye d’Aulps in St Jean d’Aulps celebrates the changing of the seasons in the abbey gardens. Discover local flora and fauna, learn new skills from locals and sample produce from local artisans. There are entertaining workshops for adults and children alike, a games area, live music and walks in the gardens with the Abbeys gardeners. Entry is free.

Fête de la Musique - Morzine

Wednesday 21st June

Cities, towns and villages across France celebrate Fête de la Musique on the summer solstice each year with live music in the bars, on the terraces and in the streets that is free for all to enjoy. In Morzine this year there’ll be a specially-curated programme of events including performances from a number of local acts and bands with a family-friendly vibe that can be enjoyed by everyone. Head to our website for the latest schedule then get your dancing shoes ready!

Pass’Portes du Soleil

Friday 23rd - Sunday 25th June

Hold on tight for the 19th edition of this multi-country, multiresort bike challenge that takes in 80km of the Portes du Soleil’s finest trails in just one day. Competitors must follow the route from a designated starting point, finishing the trail before the day ends. En-route there’s refreshment stops serving up delicious local dishes and stunning views across France and Switzerland. Alternatives this year include a hiking Pass’Portes du Soleil, an e-bike variation and a gravel bike route too. Spaces for the Pass’Portes du Soleil usually book up pretty quickly, but head to passportesdusoleil.com for more information and registration for the 2024 event.

Pass’Portes

du Soleil MTB Show - Morzine

Friday 23rd - Sunday 25th June

Accompanying the Pass’Portes du Soleil MTB challenge is a pop-up bike village and exhibition in the centre of Morzine for 2023. Open each day between 9am and 7pm, visit your favourite bike brands, watch demonstrations by professional riders and soak up the unique atmosphere of the Pass’Portes du Soleil.

Saturday 1st - Sunday 2nd July

Morzine welcomes 7000 Spartans during this famous weekend. Each of them will face a 5km, 10km or 21km obstacle course, with many undertaking all three races in just one weekend to complete the Trifecta challenge. This particular weekend is famous amongst Spartans as it’s the only event in France to also feature the ultra 50km race, complete with 60 gruelling obstacles along the route. Any junior Spartans in the ranks will enjoy the kids race, discover more at fr.spartan.com.

L’Etape du Tour de France - Morzine

Sunday 9th July

As you’ll discover on page 40 of this magazine, L’Etape du Tour is an amateur road cycling event that plots the route of an actual Tour de France stage, giving riders a realistic experience of life inside the peloton. Only 15,000 entries were available for this year’s stage, which moves to a different stage of Le Tour each year; they were snapped up almost instantly. Those lucky enough to bag a space will discover the same 152km of closed roads, the same mythical climbs and the same atmosphere as Le Tour.

Saturday 15th July

It matters not whether you’re a fan of road cycling, everyone will enjoy the arrival of the world’s most famous annual sports race. Days before the riders descend the Col du Joux Plane, the atmosphere begins to build. Chalets, hotels, restaurants and shops are decorated with polka dots, which symbolise the mountain stages of the race. Race sponsors set up camp across the village, with the car park adjacent to the Carrefour usually used to host global media and their accompanying vehicles. For one day only, the Charniaz chairlift will operate, giving spectators easier access to the final kilometres of the stage. Tour de France fever is real, embrace it!

from Les Gets

Sunday 16th July

For the first time in its history, Le Tour departs from Les Gets, having arrived along the road in Morzine just the day before. Les Gets has prepared well for its inauguration to Le Tour map and we can expect a fabulous celebration of road cycling as the riders prepare to leave, direction Saint Gervais Mont Blanc. Stage 15 of Le Tour de France features 180km of tough terrain, let’s assemble in the centre of Les Gets to send them on their way.

Le Tour de France arrives in Morzine

Le Tour de France departs

Saturday 5th August

For the 16th time, trail runners and keen hikers will embark on one of two different Trail des Hauts Forts routes, spanning either 20km or 50km of tough climbing between Morzine and Avoriaz. The Hauts Forts is the spikey-looking mountain range to the east of Morzine and during this competition runners endure cumulative altitude gains of up to 3890m to make it to the finish line in Avoriaz. It’s possible to undertake both the 50km and the 20km as teams in a relay style, sharing the distance with another runner. Head to traildeshautsforts.com for details.

Fête du Lac - Montriond

Saturday 5th August

We’re excited for the return of this memorable event on the shores of Lac de Montriond following a hiatus caused by Covid restrictions and a drought last summer. Fête du Lac traditionally takes place on the first Saturday of August; as the sky becomes dark you’ll enjoy an amazing fireworks display, followed by live music and dancing until the early hours. Festivities usually begin in the early evening, though many gather on the shores of the lake in the afternoon to soak up the sun and the odd glass of rose. The fireworks usually begin at 10pm and Fête du Lac is free for everyone to enjoy.

Saturday 26th August

Organised by a collection of dedicated locals and operated by the team at Buzz Performance, this annual triathlon has gone from strength to strength since its conception in 2018. Improvements and enhancements each year mean that professional triathletes now travel from around the region to compete at this event. Lac de Montriond provides a stunning backdrop for the swim, while the climb to Avoriaz is perfect for the cycle. A trail run at altitude completes the challenge, which is available to enjoy as a super sprint, sprint or Olympic distance. Discover more and sign up at mmatriathlon.com.

Thursday 7th - Sunday 17th September

Never before has one region hosted ten consecutive days of professional mountain biking competition; that is until now. Of course Les Gets is no stranger to the world stage, having hosted multiple World Cup and World Championships in recent years. During this festival the village hosts the Olympic cross country, Downhill and Cross Country Short Track events between 7th and 10th September. The action then moves to Morzine, where some of the most experienced athletes in the world will compete in the Cross Country Marathon on 15th September. Châtel takes over the reins on 16th and 17th September, hosting the Enduro and E-Enduro events. We’ll add the full schedule of events, timings and locations to our website.

Trail des Hauts Forts

Montriond, Morzine, Avoriaz Triathlon

UCI Mountain Bike World Series Festival Les Gets, Morzine & Châtel

EDDIE’S SPINE RACE STORY COMPLETE NOT COMPETE

interview By amie henderson

For the unfamiliar, The Spine Race is a non-stop, annual ultramarathon spanning the 268 miles of brutal, inhospitable terrain that stretch between Edale in England and Kirk Yetholm in Scotland. In January each year hundreds of ultra runners from across the globe line up at the start of the Pennine Way, with seven continuous days of unassisted hiking, running and self-navigation ahead of them. There aren’t enough superlatives in the world to express how hard this challenge is and even today, four months after she crossed the line as the third female finisher, Edwina Sutton is still processing those dark, bitterly cold, snowy days in January 2023.

How do you reflect on your Spine Race experience now, months later?

“In some ways it feels like only yesterday in the frontal lobe of my brain. Until very recently it was still all-consuming, I couldn’t move it from the front of my consciousness and I’d be getting flashbacks at night from the middle of a blizzard. I’d see people in the street and I’d want to tell them all about the experience, you know like when you’ve had a baby and you want to share your birth story? Like that. It’s easing a bit now though, and sometimes I can’t believe that I ran 268 miles in 125 hours, 56 minutes and 43 seconds.

Physically, i’m still suffering from a lot of tiredness; tissues and muscles, they’re still aching. It took me 10 weeks to feel normal, like daily normal, not spaced out somewhere high on the Pennines. I took my first run after the Spine just 10 days later, I’m so used to running every day and my logic was that if I move everything again, I might feel better. It was a terrible idea and I felt like a fool for even trying. After another two weeks I tried again, it was better but it took me a long time to build

things back up. Longer than I imaged it would. Still now I feel old and stiff because I dug into resources in my body that I really shouldn’t have used. Conditions were so bad during the race - it’s one of the hardest years on record - with below freezing temperatures, deep snow and strong winds. I had to turn myself inside out to finish.”

What did you learn about yourself during the race that’s carried into your everyday life?

“It’s changed my whole meaning, it definitely has. During the race I thought to myself… if I don’t finish this, I’ll have to come back and try again. But the kit, the training, the entry fee, this was my chance after I’d done so much to get to the start time. I started talking to my future self, thinking about how grateful Future Eddie would be for pushing on. You know like then you unpack the dish washer before bed because you know your future self will be grateful. I kept thinking about all of the things I wanted to do after the race and how much better they’d be if I was a Spine Finisher.

At the 169 mile checkpoint they told me that the next point of contact was 40 miles further along the trail. I knew I wouldn’t see a single soul during that distance and I was heading into the night alone with just the things I was carrying in my back pack. There’s no helicopter in case you change your mind, no one coaching you along. The mental strength it took me to carry on when I was already so exhausted is impossible to describe.

Back in the real world, being a Spine Finisher has changed the way that I coach my own athletes. The way I live, the way I cope with problems and my friendships with people, there’s now a lot of stuff that I can let go of, it’s inconsequential, who cares. At other times I think that if I can do the Spine, I can do anything. I’m almost invincible now, that’s how it feels and it’s a great tool to have with the right purpose. It’s not ego driven, it’s an inner feeling that my kids have fed off too. I’m not sure if that’s good or bad, but time will tell.”

Many have described the 2023 Spine Race as one of the most brutal on record, but I’ve definitely seen you train in worse conditions. Did training on the hills around Morzine give you an advantage?

“Yes, a massive advantage. I used our local mountains to train for The Spine Race for 12 months, but in the final month before the race, I turned it up a notch and purposefully went out at night, in snow blizzards. Even when it wasn’t snowing, I’d stand under the snow canons, spraying ice onto my face, just to practise putting on my kit and my goggles. I’d look for snow drifts to wade through, they think I’m nuts around here. But the farmers I see on the trails, my neighbours along the valley, they were all invested in my training and then the race. As it happens, when it got really cold on the Pennines and the snow was slapping my face, it didn’t phase me; I felt quite at home actually. It never felt as cold as a minus 18 degrees run up the Col du Cou.”

Where there any moments during the race that you thought you might not finish? That you’d gone too far with this challenge?

“Honestly, no. My motto is ‘death or morphine’ and that way, I always finish the stuff that I set out to do. The only way I wasn’t finishing the Spine Race was by death, or if they dragged me off with a terrible injury. The first 24 hours were really hard though, that’s usually the case in an ultra because the mental load is just so heavy. Having not been sick at all during training, and despite having a nutrition plan in place, I spent the first five hours vomiting, it was such a shock. I came into checkpoint three hours behind my target time, loads of women were already leaving. The medics told me to eat, I immediately threw the lasagne up in the toilet but thought I could get away with it, sneak out into the darkness. Unfortunately (at the time, but fortunately in hindsight), a female medic was waiting for me outside the loo. She made me stop, rest, eat rice pudding and I calmly sat there, watching time tick away. I thought to myself, this is what it’s all about, problem solving, not overreacting, turning myself around.

Of course I was way behind my target time at this point and I knew I needed to switch off from the race - to finish it, not compete. I knew some people had gone off really fast and that they’d be fucked by 100 miles, and they were, they dropped out. And then, on the last night, I was in third place, closing in on the second female. We were climbing up onto the Cheviots, she was literally a kilometre in front of me. There’s a massive ascent, the equivalent of climbing Nyon, it’s the middle of the night, I’ve already come 225

miles. Can I reach her? I clearly thought I could because the next thing I know, I’m waking up in the snow at the top of the climb and I’ve no idea where I am. How long have I been here? Have I missed the race, is it over? I’m still wearing the tracker but I was beyond confused. I called the emergency number to check in, they told me to wait for two male runners coming up behind me and then I told myself to just keep moving forward. Keep moving forward. There were only 20 miles to go but I’d let myself get into the race. I went on too fast, didn’t manage my own pace and my body shut down on me.

situation, I’d stop. I was in complete survival mode and I thought ‘this is how people die’, which seems silly now because obviously all of this was self-inflicted.

By contrast, climbing across Cross Fell, the highest point in England was an absolute joy. The snow storm had cleared, it was still snowy underfoot and some other runners had completed a variant of the Spice Race that featured just the highest section. They’d made a trail through the snow, the sky was beautifully blue and the sun shining on my face. I popped on a podcast and even though

I’d never leave. But after three or fours hours rest, 3000 calories, some love from the team and a medical check, I always felt ready to go again. And returning to Morzine, discovering how many people had been watching, reading all of the incredible Facebook messages, it was really special.”

You crossed the line at Kirk Yetholm during a Facebook live stream. Do you remember that?

“I’d planned to say something really profound about women’s running, about mums, we can all do anything! I imagined I’d make

What did you think about during the darkest moments of the race?

“Keep moving forward. One night we went up over Cauldron Snout, I was climbing across ice boulders and then up an ice waterfall. There’s no GPS there, they time you in on a satellite and use your average pace to anticipate when you’ll emerge. I’d been dreading it, but like most things in life, the things you worry most about aren’t actually the worst parts. After that, heading up High Cup Nick in a blizzard at 3am, which as the name suggests is really high, and really exposed, I kept falling asleep as I moved. An inner voice was telling me just to lie down for a moment, use the snow as a blanket. I had to continuously shout “KEEP MOVING FORWARD” to myself. In this moment there wasn’t space to think about family or friends, I had to narrow my focus just to put one foot in front of the other. I couldn’t think about the kids because if I became mum in that

I couldn’t hear a word they were saying, the voices were soothing. Everything was good with the world and I let in the goodness, I thought about the kids.”

Following dot 254 became an obsession during the race. Could you feel us all willing you on?

“I didn’t know it would be such a big deal, the tracking, or the level of enthusiasm! I met Gary, my Tea & Trails podcast co-host, 140 miles in at Middleton, he was volunteering. We made a Facebook video for our podcast Facebook group. Future Eddie didn’t have a clue what was around the corner at that point, how much harder it was going to get, so I was fairly chipper. But at some points I’d been running for 24 hours and not seen a soul. As the volunteers see your dot approach a checkpoint, they run out, sometimes a couple of miles out, to guide you in, triaging along the way. It’s impossible to have a conversation of course, and each time I arrived I imagined

a big statement to the world, but I had no idea where I was. It had taken me 12 hours to cross a section of the Cheviots that, when I’d reccied the previous year, had taken me just six. I’d stopped seven miles out because the tendonitis in my wrists stopped me from opening packets of food. I’d been sliding Minstrels and cashews into my mouth, my feet were so swollen I thought they’d burst. I’d passed out at a checkpoint because my blood pressure dropped. I was brutalised. My husband Bryn came out to cheer me on over the last mile or so, he’d been waiting for so long that he’d climbing up and sketched ‘Go Eddie’ in the snow on the side of the hill. I remember thinking ‘oh wow, that’s so weird, someone else called Eddie is running the Spine too!’ We had the same conversation 10 times on the way down, the confusion was just insane. And even though I was disappointed that I hadn’t made this profound statement to the world when I finished, I was so pleased that my three children had been watching >>

Inside

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES:

live from the playground at their school, with their teachers and friends around them. Eddie was done.”

What was the first thing you did after the race?

“You know how there’s a moment after you’ve had a baby that’s like - thank fuck it’s over. It felt better than that. I was taken to this little hotel in the village, the fire was roaring, it was the first time i’d been inside a building for days. A lovely lady took my shoes and socks off, washed my feet in warm water, made me a cup of tea, which I promptly tipped all over myself. I immediately fell asleep for 20 minutes listening to the warm, soothing voices buzzing around me, caring for me. Fortunately Bryn had booked a little hotel in a village 10 miles away that was packed with takeaways, I spent the night munching my way through the whole menu and the satisfaction of knowing that I never had to go on the Pennine Way again was almost better than the race itself.”

What was it like returning to everyday life?

“I crashed quite hard actually. We didn’t have seats together for the flight home, I asked the lady next to Bryn if we could swap, she said no and I cried, emotions were very high. And you know, nothing is very easy about life and logistics here in the middle of winter. Bryn works away, he’d taken his week off to support me at the Spine Race, then he had to leave. It snowed heavily, getting the kids

to school was tricky, walking the dogs was tricky, it was hard. However, the crash wasn’t as hard as I’ve experienced after other ultras. At the Spine you’re more likely not to finish than to finish, and the relief of getting it done was actually more overpowering than anything else. I’d put myself into some really uncomfortable experiences in training for this event - heading out into the night on Christmas Eve as my family settled in for a lovely festive evening. Sacrifices like this had been the chink in my armour during the race, but I was glad they were over for now.”

Would you do it again?

“So, I landed back in Morzine after the race with a bump, getting back into normal life was hard, and initially I felt so disappointed with my result. I felt like finishing in the third female spot didn’t accurately show my athletic ability, it basically showed my stubbornness. I told Bryn I was going back again, that I could knock 24 hours off my time. I’d wasted time here and there during the race by unpacking and repacking my rucksack, boiling the kettle to make tea when I was close to a check point, those things. I could make better kit choices, I’d navigate better. But ultimately, the Spine Race isn’t about athletic ability. It’s about mental toughness and resilience and problem solving and I couldn’t have done more.

As a mum, committing to the training and then the recovery is harder than the actual race and there’s loads of other cool things I

want to do. Next up is the South Downs Way 100 with my Centurion Running team in June. It’s 100 miles, mostly in daylight on a lovely trail and some friends are coming out to run the second half with me, so that’ll be a joy! I broke my foot last time I tried this one, so we’ve got some unfinished business there. I feel now that I’m older I can use my age and my strength more effectively in endurance racing; I’ve got the athleticism for the first half and then I’m the wise old lady with the experience to push to the finish line. In September, Bryn and I are doing a love run together in the Aosta Valley, 130km and 12,000m of climbing combined with two nights in mountain refuges, then in April 24, I’ll do the Northern Traverse race, starting in St Bees on the west coast of England and ending 300km to the east in Robin Hood’s Bay.”

How’s the podcast going?

Gary and I have been podcasting together for a couple of years and our Tea & Trails podcast now has a life of its own. We’d never anticipated how well-supported it would be. Runners of all abilities and levels of experience tune in because they love the chat, we try to make running accessible and inspiring for everyone. The women love hearing about the realities of the juggle and struggle and yet we’re still out running, regardless. It doesn’t need to be perfect, as long as you manage to get out of the door wearing your trainers.

penguins 'lil

Of course, there’s skiing, there’s snowboarding and there’s downhill mountain biking… but there’s also ice hockey. The sport is a big deal in our valley, with our local team Hockey Club Morzine-Avoriaz playing in the upper-echelons of the French national league. Children who once took their first cautious steps onto the ice inside the Skoda Arena now play nationally and internationally at the highest level and they’ve all been trained by coach Loïc Gaydon.

The children of our valley have so many options for sports clubs - football, skiing, judo… how is ice hockey different, and which skills does it promote for small children?

“Ice hockey is a complete sport, both for adults and for small children. You have to know how to skate and handle the stick while at the same time watch the game and play with your teammates. Ice hockey helps to promote many motor skills, ones that also help in other sports and even in everyday life. I find that in children, ice hockey promotes balance, coordination, improves their peripheral vision and gives them an experience of speed. It’s also a sport with values that we try to display at all times. These include discipline, respect, hard work, pleasure, kindness, encouragement and of course, a strong team spirit.”

How does the training begin for small children? At what age can they begin playing ice hockey and what can they expect?

“Here at Hockey Club Morzine-Avoriaz children can start training with us between the ages of four and eight years old and we are working for next season on a leisure team that also encourages children aged between nine and 14 years to begin playing ice hockey. Children can join us all year round from September until April and they join the hockey school category regardless of age, which makes things inclusive. During the season ,for children over five years old, they can also join their age category, according to their progress. They are taught the basics of skating while having fun by playing games and varying the practise sessions.”

Do parents provide all of the equipment required for the training?

“For children and between four and eight years, all of the the equipment they need to get started with ice hockey is loaned by the club, so there is no need to make a big investment in equipment! From nine years old, it is the parents who buy the equipment, after the first year.”

Are the teams mixed with boys and girls?

“Yes, the teams are mixed as, contrary to popular belief, ice hockey is a sport for both boys and girls! We have about twenty girls in the small categories, a separate changing room is available to them and sometimes we organise specific women's groups. Here at Hockey Club MorzineAvoriaz we are very proud to have three female ice hockey players who discovered the game at our club before moving on to to French national team. Clara Rozier, who played in the senior elite World Championships in April, Flavie Gaydon, who is on the doorstep of the senior French team, and Gabrielle Roussel, who is just beginning in the young collectives squad. To encourage more female participation in ice hockey, we also organise discovery sessions dedicated to girls each September.”

At what age do competitive games begin? And what personal skills do you think the children learn from these competitive experiences?

“The children in the Under 7s and Under 9s categories begin to participate in friendly tournaments on small rinks. Then, when they reach the Under 11s, we start to play the matches on big ice rinks but there’s no classification. It’s from Under 13s that we start the real regional competition and from Under 15s it's a national competition. During these competitions, the children put into practice what they are taught in training. They learn to manage the pressure of a match against an opponent and to prepare and to manage their emotions.”

When did you begin coaching the little Penguins? And what was your career before?

“I started coaching children’s ice hockey at the age of 19. At the same time I also had my professional ice hockey career as a player in France’s top division, the Ligue Magnus. I played for nine years until 2016, before deciding to focus only on training the children. So now, I've been coaching at the club for 16 years!”

As the coach of the small children, what is the best part of your job?

“The best part, above all, is being on the ice with the children, being able to teach them how to play ice hockey and to see them progress. I also enjoy organising everything around the club - the matches for the children, their tournaments and especially our 3 HCMA International Cup event, which takes place in April each year.

Many of the players in the current HCMA pro team learned to skate on the ice at the Skoda Arena. How important are the young players to the success of the pro team?

Our objective is to train as many young people as possible, so that they can join the senior teams, whether they go on to play in Morzine or for other clubs. This season there are six players in our Hockey Club Morzine-Avoriaz professional team who also learned to play ice hockey in Morzine. They are Ben Eyre, Léo Dutruel, Thibault Delale, Germain Premat, Mathis Bouvet, Valentin Coffy and also some young Under 20s players who join the team from time to time. We also have many young players originally from Hockey Club Morzine-Avoriaz now playing in other teams in France and even abroad, such as Jamie Eyre, who is in the United States right now, Clara Rozier, Emil and Sami Tavernier who are in Finland, Fabien Bourgeois, Thomas Suire and Antonin Plagnat in the Ligue Magnus and many others in the French D1 and elsewhere.”

You often host discovery days which introduce children to the sport of ice hockey. When are these, and how can parents find more information?

“The discovery sessions take place throughout the month of September, generally on Wednesday mornings and Friday evenings. Parents can find all the information on the club's website (www.hockey-morzine. com), via the club's Facebook page and we also communicate via the schools in the valley. You can also contact me by email at l.gaydon@ hockey-morzine.com. All September sessions are free and equipment is provided by the club.

• Do you live & work in France?

• Find out about your training budget entitlement to learn French/English for free! Take lessons in our central Morzine premises or online.

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“The One Most Adaptable to Change is the One that Survives”

On 10th February 2023, a game-changing article by Tom Robbins was published in The Financial Times entitled ‘The deathand rebirth - of the ski resort’. Tom is an investigative journalist, he’s spent many years reporting on winter holiday destinations, he’s the author of White Weekends and in 2023 he became Travel Journalist of the Year.

considered, continued to offer acceptable snow conditions, even though the slopes were very busy at times. Under blue skies we enjoyed lunch en-famille on a terrace in the Goat Village. No less than 65% of the Avoriaz piste map remained open and when the snow finally reappeared on 8th January, normal service resumed almost instantly. On 17th January 48cm of snow fell in Morzine in just 24 hours and our local lifts began to turn again the next day.

‘He’s pretty well qualified to write on this subject,’ I thought to myself when I first

In the weeks preceding the publication of Tom’s article, the shortage of snow across the European Alps received a lot of attention in the British media. Headlines such as “European ski resorts close because there’s no snow” combined with “Snowless Ski Slopes Captured From Space” added to the frenzy, scaring skiers into cancelling their holidays and encouraging them to give up on the European Alps entirely. Now, I’m not here to suggest that these weren’t tricky times; I spent hours updating our social media followers on snow conditions in Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz, piste closures, the efforts made by so many in our resorts to keep as many runs open as possible during the festive holidays. Go swimming, go ice skating, go to the cinema, go to the spa, visit the eagle sanctuary on Nyon, take a walk around Lac de Montriond. Alta Lumina, anyone? But as a resort that rests at an altitude of 1000m, Morzine was an easy target.

saw the headline.

Throughout all this chaos, we continued to ski up in Avoriaz 1800 which, all things

I won’t lie, I was pleased to finally put what I’d been calling ‘the snow situation’ to bed after three solid weeks of answering hundreds of Facebook and Instagram questions each day. But I also knew that the sensationalist headlines and the click-bait online teasers from some media outlets had harmed our industry - and our villages - and I absolutely know that climate change is causing our seasons to be shorter, warmer and more erratic; the ‘snow situation’ will return. But I was desperate for an honest, thoughtful

- Charles Darwin -

article By amie henderson

How the Mer de Glace glacier has changed over a century, 1919-2019

© Walter Mittelholzer, ETH-Bibliothek Zürich / Dr Kieran Baxter, University of Dundee

overview, both in terms of this winter’s events and the future of the winter holiday industry. In ‘The death - and rebirth - of the ski resort’ Tom Robbins delivers just this without drama, without sensationalism but with many accompanying facts and ideas, some of which we’re already seeing come to life in Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz.

After I read the print version of Tom’s article, I searched the Financial Times website for a web version I could share. Finding it behind a paywall, I contacted Tom and he kindly provided an alternative link. If you’ve any interest in mountain tourism, in skiing, snowboarding and the future of our depleting snow line, this article is a must-read.

Having taken the reader back in time to the birth of adventure skiing during the 1700s before delivering a shocking overview of the retreat of the Mer de Glace glacier in Chamonix, Tom fairly reports that ‘Christmas was bleak for many Alpine resorts”. Yet, “The ski industry is not throwing in the towel,” Tom continues in his article and it is here that I begin to absorb every word. “Those remaining are enthusiastically battling to save their tourism economies - and even the snow itself. And many, though it might seem hard to believe, are even finding reasons for optimism.” That’s me. I’m optimistic and I know a lot of other locals who are optimistic too.

In recent years, new technologies have emerged to artificially bolster winter in ski resorts, complimenting natural snowfalls, prolonging seasons, keeping skiers on the slopes. Snow cannons have been around for years, they’ve been reinvented a few times but they’ll always rely on precious alpine water reserves. Some resorts collect together remaining snow at the end of a winter season, wrapping it up in a blanket and preserving it for the following year. Even glaciers are being wrapped up, though under what conditions they can ever be unwrapped, I’m still unsure.

Meanwhile, locally, did anyone notice that the official Facebook page of Morzine’s lift operator SA Téléphérique du Pléney changed from ‘Domaine Skiable de Morzine’ a little while ago to ‘Domaine skiable et de loisirs de Morzine’ (Morzine ski and leisure area)? “If trying to cling on to the melting snow is likely to become increasingly problematic, a strategy of adaptation is already proving more successful” Tom writes and its here, in the realm of adaptation, that I believe Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz will continue to thrive, not as ski resorts, but as mountain destinations.

Les Gets has implemented a ‘four seasons’ approach to tourism in recent years, investing significantly in year-round activities such as Alta Lumina and the brand new alpine coaster. During the ‘snow situation’ of Winter 23, they even opened Mont Chery for mountain biking during Christmas week. In Morzine, a lively, authentic French village with several thousand permanent, year-round residents, you’ll find excellent facilities and activities such as the indoor swimming pool, cinema and indoor ice hockey rink for those times when the weather isn’t perfect. There’s an action-packed summer events calendar (did we mention that we’re on Le Tour de France route for the second year in a row?) and a cautious drive to extend the summer MTB season. And all the while, 800m up the mountain, we’ve Avoriaz, one of the most snow-sure destinations in the French Alps during the winter season and a stunning alpine playground during the summer months, giving our visitors the best of both worlds.

Climate change is real, our winters are changing, less snow will fall from the sky in years to come. Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz are up for the challenge of adaptation, and I really hope you are too.

trending

Grand Tour riders spend day in, day out in the saddle and you might image that it’d be impossible to design a bib short that would go anywhere near to making that a comfortable experience. David Millar’s CHPT3 bib shorts for men and women are designed exactly for those long, hard rides and they’re made from PSF50-rated UV-protected materials, 65% of which are recycled polymide (from recycled fishing nets, fun fact) and 35% elastane. Both male and female versions of the Grand Tour bib shorts are designed to be lightweight and have a second-skin feel. The saddle pad is 3D-shaped with a layer of silicone that sculpts your saddle to your bum and protecting against chafing.

Bike packing is a big deal around these parts; multi-day journeys that take in epic kilometres and challenging terrain. In response, Restrap have created this one-size-fits-all custom frame bag in which to store all of your kit. You’ll use their bespoke design kit on the Restrap website, submitting the dimensions of your own bike frame. They’ll create a bag with one large compartment, internal velcro dividers and a handy document wallet. There’s even a camelback fitting positioned at the top for ease of use. The end result is a frame bag that seamlessly fits your bike and there’s a lifetime guarantee too.

As introduced by Ned Boulting himself on page 44 of this magazine, The Road Book is akin to the Bible for road racing aficionados. Each annual issue includes every single moment from a year’s worth of professional road cycling with a phenomenal amount of information for you to get your teeth into. Between the luxurious, hard-backed pages you’ll discover essays, predictions for the future of the peloton, in-depth analysis of Le Tour de France and other Grand Tours, plus some seriously stunning photography. Ned edits all 912 pages with contributions from experts and professional riders too.

Restrap Custom Frame Bag

€144.99

CHPT3 Essential Tube Socks

RRP €17.00

chpt3.com

Because not all sports socks are created equal, CHPT3 have reimagined this classic essential from the ground up. The well-established tube style is made from 75%v cotton, 23% polyester and 2% elastane, all of which can be machine washed to perfection at just 30 degrees.

CHPT3 Aero Road Jersey

RRP €149.00 chpt3.com

The brainchild of former pro road racer David Millar, who’s career we dive into on page 16, CHPT3 is a road cycling apparel and lifestyle brand built around the brief that everyone has three chapters in their life; work, family and play. The brand seeks to inspire everyone to find the playfulness in their lives - their own third chapter - and this jersey does just that. Made from 90% recycled materials, it’s lightweight, aerodynamic and breathable, features three different drop pockets and a secure zipped pocket too. There’s an ergonomic construction to optimise airflow and moisture-wicking while the quick-dry HEIQ antibacterial treatment keeps things fresh on those sticky days.

Equal only in excitement to the news that Le Tour de France would arrive in Morzine and depart from Les Gets during summer 23, was the follow-up announcement that L’Étape du Tour de France would conclude in Morzine this summer too. L’Étape du Tour is an annual, mass-participation cyclosportive event that gives amateur road cyclists the chance to complete one full stage of that year’s Tour de France, on closed roads and under the same conditions as the professional riders.

L’Étape du Tour was launched in 1993 by the ASO, organisers of Le Tour de France. It usually takes place on a rest day during the official Tour with a different race stage selected each year, though usually it’s a high mountain stage in the Alps or the Pyrenees. Riders travel from across the globe to take part, with spaces selling out moments after they’re launched each year. During L’Étape the roads of the route will be closed to traffic, there’ll be refreshment stops, mechanical assistance and medical support along the way. It’ll feel just like Le Tour de France for those who’ve ever dreamed of competing at the highest level of road cycling.

On Sunday 9th July, just days before Le Tour arrives on our local roads, 15,000 cyclists will line up, fully charged and expertly trained, to cover the 14th stage of Le Tour de France. They’ll begin the day bright and early in Annemasse, before tackling 157km and more than 4,100 metres of cumulative elevation gain. They’ll take in the views from the Col de Saxel, the Col de Cou, Col de Feu and the Col de la Ramaz before tackling the famous Col de Joux Plane and it’s fast and furious descent to the finish line in Morzine. It all sounds easy when you say it quickly, but for the local road riders who’ve been preparing for this event, the finish line will conclude months of serious training.

“I love it when the Étape takes place on roads I know! It makes both the logistics and the training much easier if you can incorporate some or all of the actual route in the run up to the event. I took part last summer too, on the Briançon to Alpe d’Huez route, in 2018 on the Annecy to Le Grand Bornand route and also in 2016 when the event arrived in Morzine from Megeve. My favourite part is seeing the town come to life before the event, the roads resurfaced and the atmosphere during the event is electric. At times the Étape does feel like a genuine Tour de France experience, especially when the crowds come out on the sides of the roads to support the riders. But it can be very busy in parts, with so many other cyclists following the same course. Last year I celebrated finishing the race with my 70 year old dad, he’d completed it with me, it was a really special moment.”

Billy Clark

I’m 52 and doubtful that this challenge will come my way again. I love cycling! Since November 22 I’ve increased by preparations by splitboard touring, doing gym strength sessions and turbo training at the Hive gym in addition to weekly rides with a local cycle club. I’m training six days a week in the run up to the event and I know I really need to get the milage up once the snow disappears. The thing I’m most looking forward to during the Étape is the descent into Morzine after the Col du Joux PlaneI hate that climb! I’m absolutely not looking forward to the heat however; there’s not much shade on the climbs! I already know this will be a once in a lifetime experience for me. I’ll continue to love riding on our local roads, you can’t beat the views and the descents are breathtaking, but once I’ve conquered this challenge, it ends there!

APRÈS-BIKE HAPPY HOUR LIVE MUSIC COCKTAILS

Colette Hall

“This will be my third Êtape du Tour, I’d watched Le Tour for years and seen the fans that line the road, to be able to ride amongst them is something else! You can’t help but push your way out of your comfort zone. This year the route feels personal, living here all year round. I’ve been recovering from a knee injury and so far my training has involved riding outdoors when the weather allows, combined with strength training at the gym and riding indoors. I’ll be covering as many outdoor miles as possible, whatever the weather, in the run up to the event! During previous Étapes I’m always filled with nerves at the beginning, but that’s also the most exciting part! The moment after you’ve set off, it just becomes the world’s best bike ride. There’s no traffic, I’ll settle into my own rhythm, other riders are happy to chat and the locals get involved by throwing water over us to cool us down. The views are also fabulous! The last time I finished this race in Morzine I plonked myself in the river, in all my kit to cool off!”

Danielle Coleman

As the famous bivouac in Avoriaz heads into its third season, we catch up with Shreddie to see what he has in store for guests this summer.

Hey Shreddie! This will be the third year you’ve hosted your bivouac in the woods outside of Avoriaz, have you made any changes for this summer?

“Hi Morzine Source Magazine readers, it’s nice to meet you! Firstly, I’ve decided to change the name up here to Shreddie’s Bivouac because I’m the main man on the ground, this is my place. When winter finished and the snow melted, I got to work expanding the site, I built two new tents so now we have four in total. Right now I’m working on a couple of new picnic tables and when I’m finished I’ll install some extra ecological toilets ahead of our opening on 30th June. We’ll stay open every night until 10th September, it’s going to be a fun summer. In the evenings, when the sun sets and its too dark for me to continue working on the bivouac, I’m making a little collection of souvenirs for my guests, including cups, corkscrews and wooden postcards. I hate being bored.”

Where did the idea to open a bivouac in the forest next to the Lil’Stash come from?

“So, I had this place where everyone came during the day to hang out, with a huge treehouse, slides, walkways through the trees, a giant swinging banana… a completely natural environment. And in my imagination I could see all of these things happening at night too, with families and friends spending the night in the forest. I spoke to my boss and we agreed that it would be cool to connect visitors to our beautiful area with the mountains in a really unique way, immersing them in nature. And so the bivouac was born.”

Do you get lots of families staying at the bivouac?

“Families love coming to stay with me in the woods, it’s one big adventure and small children always get very excited. My bivouac has all the facilities they need, including the tents, beds, tables and toilets to make everything secure and homely, but the adventure

that comes from being in the forest at night is the best thing. Until late the little ones will be playing in the Lil’Stash cabins, running across the suspended walkways, playing on the swings… they have the best time. Also, just up the path slightly, we have La Ferme de Seraussaix, a working farm with lots of animals to discover.”

Aside from yourself, do any other wild animals hang out in the woods at night?

“The bivouac is my home and sometimes I have some friends over to hang. A few mountain cows might pass by in the early evening on their way to dinner and occasionally my bearded vulture pals drop in on their way home from work. They’re the largest raptors in Europe and they’ve been nesting on the cliffs nearby for a new months. We never disturb them however…”

What do your bivouac guests tell you about the experience?

“All of our campers are always very happy, which makes for a happy Shreddie too! They love the authenticity and charm of a night in the woods, I make it really easy for them to enjoy the experience, which is comfortable and without the constraints of a regular camping trip. Aisling, the manager of the bivouac is always on hand when guests arrive to help them settle in too.”

What's the best thing about being under the stars at night?

“The connection with nature and the elements is the best thing about my bivouac. Sitting with friends, reconnecting with nature, when’s the last time you did that? Also, you need to check out the night sky from the forest - without any light pollution, the stars are spectacular, truly unforgettable. Above all, there’s this little taste of adventure when you sleep outside, with the rustle of the forest and its animals!”

What else are you looking forward to this summer Shreddie?

“I can’t wait to meet all of our bivouac guests and during each day I’ll be helping at the brand new tree climbing course that we’re launching this summer in the Lil’Stash. It’s going to be so cool to watch everyone discover how to get up higher into the trees in a safe and fun way. Being Shreddie is the best job in the world!”

SHREDDIE’S BIVOUAC FACTS:

It’s a 10-15 minute easy walk from the road to Shreddie’s Bivouac

There are 4 tents, each sleeping up to 5 people

Rental is offered by the tent or for the full bivouac, depending on availability

Each tent includes mattresses or single camp beds, protective covers, a camping light, metal storage trunk and a water container

Within the bivouac and Lil’Stash site you’ll find picnic tables, a gas BBQ, ecological toilets, bin and cleaning kit and a fire extinguisher.

Sleeping bags and pillows are available to rent and meal hampers including apero, dinner or breakfast are also available

There’s free parking and a lovely farm shop 500m from Shreddie’s Bivouac

It costs €95 per night to rent each tent for a maximum of 5 people

scan the QR code to check availability

The voice of road cycling

The voice of road cycling

Ned Boulting

INTERVIEW

by michael Henderson

Sometimes I wonder whether you actually need to have an interest in road cycling to enjoy watching Le Tour de France. The build-up, the spectacle, the stories, the anticipation we watch on our TV screens, surely these elements of Le Tour are fascinating for everyone? Award-winning sports journalist Ned Boulting was never a road racer. Before landing a job as ITV’s lead commentator on Le Tour de France, he was better known for his coverage of live football… and darts. He’s written several books and he’s the editor or road cycling almanac The Road Book, which is packed with insightful essays, data from every single World Tour race in the calendar, team profiles and more. Ned’s at home in south east London when we speak on the eve of his departure for commentary duties on the Giro d’Italia.

What are your predictions for this summer’s tour?

“Did you ask David (Millar, his co-commentator) the same question? I wonder if we’ve said the same things! Tadej Pogačar, he will come back and he will win. I actually don’t think that Jonas Vingegaard - who won last year - will ever win it again, but I’ve got no real reason for saying that, it’s just a hunch. I could be completely wrong. Pogačar will win yellow, I think he’ll accidentally win the white jersey also, I think this is the final year in which he’ll qualify for that because he’s still an under 25 rider. And I think he’ll accidentally win the polka dot jersey; I say accidentally because the polka dot jersey used to be a separate prize that could be contested by riders in breakaways but the way that they have, in recent years, distributed the points on offer, it tilts it in favour of the GC riders overall. It’s a bit of a shame really, but if you look over recent years, very often the polka dot jersey has been won by the wearer of the yellow jersey, which is a bit of a disappointment and I think that’ll happen again this year. I think the green jersey can be won by no other rider than the man who won it last year, who is Wout van Aert, I think it’s just perfectly suited to him.”

The Road Book has become such a significant part of road cycling in recent years, what actually is it?

“The Road Book does for road racing what Wisden has done for cricket over the course of the last 150 years. We can’t claim to have been around >>

for 150 years, this is only the sixth year of our existence, but it struck us a few years ago that it's absolutely staggering that a sport as complicated and intricate and as important as road racing simply didn’t have it’s own printed document, bound together, including everything that happens in a year of the sport. So it’s really, I suppose, a 900-page luxuriously printed, hard back annual love letter from us to the sport that obsesses us. And it’s also a stubbornly analog product in a digital age. It offers the aficionado - the people who get the sport - the option to browse through history and to relive it in a much more leisurely and receptive way than just simply scrolling around on a tablet or surfing the internet. It’s

de France, it’s unrecognisable now from the early years, it’s a completely different thing. And in fact it’s pretty much unrecognisable from the 1980s, which were pretty much unrecognisable from the 1960’s. The sport shape shifts all of the time and if you take the 2022 tour for example, there were almost no time trialling kilometres in it, the lowest amount in the entire history of the race. They have tweaked the rules of the game in order to produce a particular result and that’s been the case for the last 120 years of Le Tour. In the years when Jacques Anquetil was dominating, or Eddy Merckx, they were doing it under a different set of rules. The nature and the tactics were markedly different from what they are

to be opened with a glass of wine, sitting in front of the fire, four years after the event. Our first edition came out in 2018, which was an extraordinary year from a British perspective, because every single Grand Tour was won by a British rider, which was quite incredible and was the first time it had happened. Thomas won the Tour de France, Froome won the Giro d’Italia, Yates won La Vuelta a España, so that almost feels like a bygone age and it's only six years ago. The lesson we’ve learnt about The Road Book is that the further back in time it is, the better it gets, like leaving a bottle of good wine in a cellar for a decade and then taking it out. It matures and gets better with age. It’s nostalgic and gains quality.”

Sport talks a lot these days about GOATS (Greatest of All Time). Is it fair to compare modern day cyclists with the riders of yesteryear?

“On the one hand it’s not fair because road racing is not football, it’s not cricket, it’s not contained within a stadium. The game itself isn’t confined within a prescribed time with clear rules. In other words, if you take the Tour

at a different part and each team is slightly differently constructed, so it’s like going to the football World Cup, each nation has 11 players on the pitch, but one team is looking to do something entirely different, so they’ve packed their whole team with defenders. So it’s complex and it’s the only sport I can think of where it’s both an individual sport and a team sport and that confusion is what keeps the tension in a race very often. That’s never more apparent than when you have a team where two riders could potentially win the Tour de France. And it happened in 2012 when Bradley Wiggins won Le Tour. Was he the best rider on Team Sky back then? Probably not. I think Chris Froome was, and that played itself out in

now. It’s a nonsense to try and compare across the generations. It’s interesting though and I think right now there’s a genuinely interesting debate being opened top on whether Tadej Pogačar, who is this phenomenal rider and not just at the Tour de France, whether he genuinely is the first rider to come along since Merckx and do the things that Merckx was doing. That’s the question that’s been hanging over road racing since he retired, who will be the next Eddy Merckx? No one has come close until now and Pogačar is breaking the rules of modern cycling, we’ve never seen a rider like him. You could build a case that Pogačar is on his way to becoming the greatest ever road racer.”

Le Tour can be baffling to watch, what insight can you give us into the roles within a cycling team?

“Every single rider has a different role in the eight man team, and that’s complicated enough. But then every team has different ambitions in the Tour de France. There are some teams who’ll only be looking at one part of the race, other teams who are looking

quite dramatic fashion in the Alps when they attacked each other on La Toussuire. You’ve got to sacrifice your chances in order for another rider. But you can’t win it without the support of your team; only truly exceptional riders - possibly Pogačar - can do this without his team. Even though you’re the star that’s paid millions of Euros, you’re the star that will stand on the podium in yellow in Paris, you can’t do it without everyone supporting you. So you have to be a natural leader of many as well. The psychology of what goes on - and don’t forget that it’s not over in 90 minutes plus extra time, this thing takes weeks - and you’ve got to live with your teammates and share rooms with them in Campanile hotels up and down the country. They share rooms! It’s like a pressure cooker that they live in, it’s relentless so the psychology is as important as the physiology.”

There’s so much money in road cycling these days, has it changed the sport for the better, in your view?

“No. It’s hard to make a case for that, unless you happen to be a sportsperson competing in

road racing, in which case you’d say, emphatically, yes. But that’s not how I see it from the outside at all. For many years, before cycling took over my professional life - which it has done now, I worked in football for ITV Sport, covering the Champions League and the World Cup. Year on year I became more and more jaded by the experience of dealing with the vested interests of football clubs because frankly, they have so much money, the levels of controlling behaviour and paranoia that swept around the sport became totally suffocating. A little bit of that we’re beginning to see in cycling, but for me, coming from football, cycling still has an endearing amateur heart. Even though some of these young men are incredibly rich, the rewards are quite rightly ridiculous at the top level of cycling. At the bottom level, I mean it shelves off pretty quickly, you’ll have riders at the Tour de France on $60,000 a yearquite lot of them actually and equally, they’ll be rubbing shoulders for three weeks with riders who are on $3-4-5-6 million a year. It’s extraordinary.”

Did Team Sky change professional cycling in your view?

“They’ve had a profound impact, which has almost backfired on them now because they led the way for the other teams - they set the blueprint and arrived, by chance, at a particular moment in the development of cycling. When Lance Armstrong finally quit the scene, what followed in his wake was basically a power vacuum in a profoundly corrupt peloton. Doping was catastrophically rife, technology hadn’t caught up with the dopers so they were getting away with it. When that all collapsed, they needed something else to come in and what was unique about Sky was that their sponsor was a huge, monolithic media organisation who put a substantial amount of money in. For a long time they were the best funded team. And that changed everything, because the previous model of sponsorship had been relatively small French or Italian grout manufactures or tile makers or aluminium smelters and they did not have the heft economically, nor did they have the imperative to protect their image like Sky had, to dictate the terms of the peloton. And Sky went in and said ‘so you think you can win the Tour de France, but do not drag us down with you. You cannot afford to be cheating here, this has to be a clean sport’. Arguably you have to question whether everything Sky did was above board, but certainly in broad terms, the peloton is now so much cleaner than it was 15 years ago. It’s now considered too unprofessional to take the risk of doping, whereas literally 20 years ago if you were riding clean, you were the person who was unprofessional. You’d be harming the prospects of your team and therefore the livelihood of your teammates if you weren’t doping. >>

In its place we have a cleaner peloton. A lot of what Sky did was really straightforward. They did a thing called training, which sounds ridiculous. Prior to Sky, not all of the teams would have prolonged training camps, they’d have the bare minimum, riders would be left to their own devices. Sky had the budget to get everyone to Tenerife for a month. And now a lot of the teams have copied that model. As it turns out, practising something a lot makes you better at it! I’m exaggerating slightly, but Sky did professionalise what was a pretty amateur sport at that point.”

How does the Tour de France compare to other sporting challenges, in your view?

“There’s no comparison. It stands alone. I’ve talked about how much it’s changed over the years and at the risk of contradicting myself, it still has, contained in its heart, the extraordinary ethos of the very first Tour de France in 1903. The first stage was 468km long, started in the middle of the night and finished when it grew dark the next day, riding bikes that had only one gear on gravel roads. It went from Paris to Lyon and something of the insanity of that challenge remains today. It still boggles and bewilders that this is even a possibility - every day they get up and they do it again, and again, and again. And of course Le Tour isn’t just about the physical challenge, it’s a celebration of the country of France, it’s a cultural juggernaut. It was quite specifically designed by its founder to bind the different parts of France together and to introduce the idea of nation-hood. There’s a very big political message behind it as well. Le Tour has such a rich history and some of its greatest champions died for France in the first world war. Because it isn’t in a stadium, you don’t walk through a turnstile to get into this separated environment in which most sports take place, the stadium is the open road, the country is the stadium and its uncontrollable. Even in the modern era, the one thing you can predict about each year of the Tour de France is that something unprecedented will happen, and you can’t know in advance what that’s going to be. It’s a set of chaotic circumstances, like trying to catch water in a sieve, something will go wrong. The inflatable arch collapsing on a rider in the moment they pass underneath it for example.”

Are you ever concerned by how close the crowds get to the riders while you’re commentating?

“That’s being going on for 120 years. The riders used to find themselves being sabotaged by opposing supporters, Eddy Merckx was denied the opportunity to win his sixth Tour de France because a spectator jumped out of the crowd and punched him so hard in the kidney, it was ruptured. This has been happening for as long as the Tour de France. There’s no answer to it, there’s no way you can take the crowds away. You can’t police an entire mountainside. The crowds will always be there and it’s just part of the spectacle.”

The background commentary during Le Tour is as much a part of the broadcast as the thrills of the race. Where does all the info come from?

“Television commentary teams are given this huge book, which has been prepared by the ASO, organisers of the Tour de France. It’s filled with information about all the little places that the race goes through and it’s incredibly badly written. So the challenge is that they give us a whole paragraph about a basilica for example, and I’ve got about eight seconds to say something genuinely informative and interesting about that basilica. The skill is actually in doing the research ahead of time, to pick out which bits are actually of interest. Often none of it is of interest, so you know that a

“Le Tour isn’t just about the physical challenge, it’s a celebration of the country of France”

particular basilica is going to be part of the coverage that day, I do my own research and then I feel confident in delivering the line. Each morning, before the stage starts, I will spend time researching and that’s my responsibility as the lead commentator, more than it is David's. He’s there to break down the tactics of the race, I have a lot of responsibility to shoulder in terms of the future of the race and I’ll spend a lot of time thinking about what we might be seeing that day. Once you’ve been doing it for a good few years like I have - this will be my 21st Tour de France - despite the fact that the race route changes every year, it does come back and visit places so you build up a kind of reservoir of knowledge of certain places that we see quite often. I’m genuinely interested and I take that side of my job very seriously and I try and do my best but it’s not easy.

Here’s a good example, and I really have to credit David for this. Each year the Tour takes a different route into Paris and in the final stage they’ll approach the Champs-Élysées in a different way. In 2020 we’d looked at the route and it struck us that they were coming right next to Notre-Dame cathedral; this was the first time since the fire that Le Tour would pass by, and so knowing that was coming, I spent quite a bit of time researching on what was going on with the restoration, what the plans were. And when it came to it, we were both really surprised that there were absolutely no helicopter shots of Notre-Dame, we didn’t see it at all, which was really surprising. And then, mid-commentary, David suddenly saidand I’ll never forget it - ‘I understand now, Notre-Dame, for France, this is too soon. They’ve taken the race right next to the cathedral, quite deliberately, but they’re also withholding the sight of this wounded building within the heart of the capital city deliberately. It’s too raw, when Notre-Dame is ready, we’ll see it again’. The Tour de France is still used to talk about France and the meaning of France to this day, and that’s entirely in keeping with the founder's ambitions 120 years ago.”

How important is it that the Tour de France Femmes is a permanent feature in the road cycling calendar these days?

“It got off to the perfect start last year, it produced the right winner, the riders finished wearing the right jerseys and it produced some really good racing, which is not a surprise to me because women’s racing is very dynamic and exciting. So it looks like it’s here to stay. Obviously cycling is a very difficult financial proposition to keep afloat because you don’t sell tickets. Everything is reliant on exposure, which ultimately boils down to television viewing figures. If they don’t quite stack up then the enterprise can collapse quite fast. The Tour de France Femmes got off to a robust and healthy start and I’m fairly confident that, within a relatively short space of time, it’ll become a solid two week race and eventually a three week race. Build it slowly, the women’s peloton doesn’t have the strength and depth of the men’s peloton because of the financial structure in place. There aren’t currently enough elite, top riders to fill a three week race right now, and of course there are other races in the women’s calendar too. It seems extraordinary that it wasn’t always here, it’s almost indefensible, but this is progress and we look forward rather than back.”

We see some pretty shocking environmental stats thrown at Le Tour each year. What can be done to clean things up, in your opinion?

“People focus, quite rightly, on the caravan of vehicles that accompanies the Tour de France, the media, television trucks, the police motorbikes, helicopters, team busses, team cars, add it all together and its a colossal enterprise with a big carbon footprint. But that pales into insignificance when you stack it against the number of spectators who follow Le Tour in their camping cars, arriving on flights; those element never get >>

addressed. I don’t think either of these things are stoppable or replaceable at the moment. The technology isn’t here to use drones to replace helicopters yet, you can’t rely on electric vehicles yet, maybe you can in a few years time and certainly that should be the ambition. But that’s not the whole of the argument. I do believe - because I’ve witnessed this in my own life - that there’s another meta level. Le Tour de France is the global, annual shop window for the bicycle. It’s the thing that people who aren’t even into cycling associate with the bicycle. Like in London, you’re riding around and you get white van man shouting ‘who do you think

you are, Bradley bloody Wiggins?’ because of the Tour de France. If Le Tour doesn’t exist in the public consciousness, the bicycle does’t exist. This event is a global reminder that there’s this unreal invention, its over 150 years old, its barely changed, it still has a chain, two wheels and a saddle, that can do these things. I’m living proof of that, I didn’t have a bike 20 years ago when I was first sent to commentate on Le Tour; I had a car, came back and bought my first bike and now I don’t even have a car. I go everywhere around London by bike and I’ve only done that because of Le Tour. That message is being disseminated globally via the shop window of the Tour de France and that’s not inconsiderable. I don’t think it’s a total defence of the environmental impact, but I think it's a thing that people need to remember.”

Which are your favourite stages on the route each year? Which areas are you looking out for?

“The bits of France that I love. I get excited when we go back to Brittany, it means so much to me. There’s a familiarity about certain places that I love. Biarritz, I love it there. Don’t take

this the wrong way, but have a slight preference for the Pyrenees over the Alps because I don’t go skiing, I’m not a winter sports guy. So my only experience of the Alps is July during the Tour de France and it is carnage. Getting off Alpe d’Huez can take over three hours, and I see it on the route and I think really, again? Because I know what it means. I love going through the Massif Central, some of that is incredibly beautiful.

It’s a very odd route this year, it slices a diagonal route from the Pyrenees to the Alps and kind of ignores everything north of that line, I’ve

France for the TV. It feels like we’re all part of the same journey.

How do you occupy yourself when you’re not commentating on road racing?

“Road racing is my favourite sport to commentate on, but my next favourite is darts. I recently wrote a book about it called ‘Heart of Dart-ness: Bullseyes, Boozers and Modern Britain’. But the hilarious thing is that they’re at the complete opposite ends of the sporting spectrum. I don’t think you could get any further removed than darts and cycling.

never seen anything quite like it. And that’s the other thing that we always look at, what are the transfers between stages like, because they can kill you. You’re so tired by the end of the second week, you finish work and you’ve been commentating all day and then you plug in your GPS for your next hotel and it’s 350km away. These days we have a driver with us for Le Tour. I leave tomorrow for the Giro d’Italia, and we’ll be driving ourselves. Commentators are quite selfish people so the transfers are important to us. The last transfer after stage 20, normally that’s a 600km drive to Paris. What’s amazing about that is you set off about 6pm in the evening, you know you’re not going to get there until gone midnight and as you get closer and closer to Paris, it’s late, the only vehicles left on the road are Tour de France vehicles and there’s lots of them. But then you see, always coming in from the south, your first glimpse of the Eiffel Tour with the search light on the top and it just never fails to mean so much to all of us. The ex-riders that I work with like David, Pete Kennaugh, those guys who’ve experienced what it’s like to race the Tour de France, they’re as emotional at completing another lap of

But there you go, they’re the two sports that I love. Half of my life is sitting at this desk writing, I’m as passionate about writing as I am about commentating on the Tour de France. I’ve a book coming out in June called ‘1923: The Mystery of Lot 212 and a Tour de France Obsession’. It’s as much about history as it is about the Tour de France so I’m seven or eight bike books into my writing career. I enjoy it as much as commentary, I’d be bereft if I lost either of them actually. I also enjoy my speaking tours and I’m thinking about doing another one in 2024.”

David Millar asked us to ask you what it’s like working with a former pro-cyclist?

“You need a profound understanding of the disparate phycology of a human being to have any possibility of controlling the mood swings of a professional cyclist. They are uniquely constructed as human beings and those us who haven’t been professional cyclists can’t even begin to understand the world they inhabit. He’s the best co-commentator in the business.”

At the foot of the slopes in Les Gets, the Chalet-Hotel**** La Marmotte, La Tapiaz & Spa is everything its name promises: cosy, family-friendly and warming. Enjoy moments of pure relaxation in our Séréni-Cimes Spa in the heart of the mountains. Indulge in our gourmet, open year round, mountain brasserie “La Biskatcha”. Traditional

trending

Most days in the Portes du Soleil are big, all-mountain days and in their own words, Marin have designed this bike ‘for abuse and rowdy riding’. This is a 29” wheeled bike available in small, medium, large and xtra large size options. There’s Marzocchi CR coil suspension, a Shimano SLX/XT drivetrain, TRP Slate EVO 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes and a FSA Gradient crankset to whet your appetite, all mounted onto Marin’s highest-end Series 4 aluminium frame. For the first time this summer the Alpine Trail XR is available rent and test from Torico Performance Bikes on the rue du Bourg in Morzine, though Tim at Torico might ask you not to take the ‘abuse and rowdy riding’ instructions so literally.

POC Sports are the best in class when it comes to designing safety-specific headwear for all of your favourite mountain pursuits. The technological development that goes into each POC product is mind-blowing and their specifications always far exceed the minimum product safety standards for helmets. This Tectal helmet is ideal for both trail and enduro riding; it provides extended coverage but also keeps your head cool thanks to a windtunnel-tested ventilation design. There’s a range of classy colours, as we’ve come to expect from POC plus a very concise sizing guide is available on the POC website. The Tectal helmet also comes with an adjustable peak, RECCO reflector, extended protection zones and a handy size adjustment system.

When a product is designed to look good on and off the bike, it’s a win for us. The lightweight and durable grilamid frame also features a rubber nosepiece and temples stay, which is grippy when wet or sweaty. Clarity lens technology, complete with UV400 protection serves to shield your eyes from the mountain sunshine and it’s also possible to swap out the lenses for prescription alternatives with ease. All POC eyewear is designed to fit seamlessly with their helmets too.

Marin Alpine Trail XR

Imagine never having to worry about adjusting or tightening your bike’s components while you’re on the move? This highly-accurate mobile torque wrench can be customised for use all over your bike with absolute precision. Silca developed this t-ratchet because roughly 70% of damage to high-end carbon components on bikes, such as seat posts, handlebars and stems, happen when making adjustments using poor tools. This alternative has been designed to be highly ergonomic, lightweight to carry (it’s a mere 220g) and the interchangeable magnetic components convert from screwdriver to ratchet in seconds and everything is packed up in a small canvas case.

Picture Organic have made a very welcome contribution to the mountain bike apparel market in recent years and as you’d imagine, the four-way stretch nylon used in the production of these shorts is 90% recycled material and 10% spandex. Available in both male and female alternatives, the Vellir shorts have an ergonomic fit and adjusted cut which rests above the knee for unrestricted moment. There’s also a high-back waist in addition to large and secure pockets. A perforated fabric enhances breathability, there’s Dry Now moisture wicking technology and around the waist you’ll find an elastic waistband and an integrated buckle closure system.

Generous seasonal cuisine and local specialities A warm welcome and a cosy atmosphere… the perfect place for an alpine meal 04 50 75 96 40 restaurant@lagrangemorzine.com 60 chemin de la coutettaz /Restaurant-La-Grange www.lagrangemorzine.com |

cuisine gourmande et régionale

Morgan Jupe

We aim to provide a flawless experience from your first enquiry to the end of your stay. Our portfolio is made up of a small selection of self-catered properties ranging in size from 2-5 bedrooms, all furnished to a high standard and well-equipped with everything you need for a convenient holiday with family or friends. Our superb locations put you within walking distance of the lifts and give you immediate access to the local buses. Sales Director Jess will provide support throughout the booking process, ensuring a hassle free experience from start to finish. Standard and flexible booking options available.

Chalet Roc

Detached, modern chalet in central Morzine with 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, outdoor (under cover) hot tub, full digital entertainment (Netflix, Spotify, PlayStation, Alexa, UK Freesat and French TV) and modern log burning fireplace. Only a short (400m) walk from the restaurants and bars in town, and both cable cars. Mention Morzine Source for a discount.

chaletroc.com

reservations@chaletroc.com

+33 (0) 7 57 67 66 94

Skiology Chalets

Open summer and winter. Skiology has a varied selection of catered and self-catered properties sleeping 4-14. Morzine chalets only 200m from the lifts and town centre. Base of Avoriaz chalets (Les Prodains) only 500m from the lifts. Montriond chalets 500m from the village. Guests come back for the menu, great service and our environmental commitment, we hope to see you soon!

skiology.co.uk/morzine-summer-chalets

+44 (0) 207 183 0688 stay@skiology.co.uk

Alptitude

morganjupe.co.uk

+44 (0) 7739 692908

jess@morganjupe.co.uk

A great portfolio of self-catering chalets and apartments sleeping from 4 - 13 guests. Central village locations, plus a selection of more peaceful locations away from the hustle and bustle. From comfortable to more luxurious and all at great value. We provide a unique and personal service which is second to none and perfectly efficient from enquiry to departure. All Alptitude clients also benefit from discounted lift passes, airport transfers and ski hire.

alptitude.com

+44 (0) 7891 021 292 info@alptitude.com

Elevation Alps

Our large range of luxury self catered Morzine chalets and apartments are in walking distance of the village and lifts. We have chalets with hot tubs, saunas and cinema rooms ranging in size from 4 guests to 14 guests. Our concierge services mean you can personalise your holiday with private chefs, meal deliveries, lift passes, airport transfers, grocery and wine deliveries and more.

elevationalps.com

+33 (0) 6 50 26 70 95 info@elevationalps.com

Simply Morzine

The original and best Morzine specialist, offering truly unique high-quality alpine holidays in Morzine since 1995. Centrally located, chalets and apartments along with a charming French hotel. Complimentary return shared Geneva airport transfers for catered bookings and chalets that boast of hot tubs and saunas. Perfect for any summer or ski holiday!

simply-morzine.co.uk

+44 (0)1664 568902

info@simpl y-morzine.co.uk

45 Degrees North

45 Degrees North is a family-run business based in Morzine and we have been offering cycling and skiing/snowboarding holidays here for 5 years. At our chalets, we aim to provide a warm, welcoming and relaxed environment for your holiday where it feels like a home away from home.

45degreesnorth.co.uk

+33 (0) 7 69 44 52 69 hello@45degreesnorth.co.uk

Panther Snow Co

We have two luxury self-catered properties available for rent winter and summer in the Portes du Soleil. These consist of one luxury chalet in the charming hamlet of Essert Romand, Chalet Aix (sleeps 8) and one high-end new apartment in Morzine town itself, Marmottiere (sleeps 8+2). Please see our website or call Richard for further details.

panthersnowco.com

+44 (0) 7836 611 076 info@panthersnowco.com

Northstar Chalets

Beautiful chalets, delicious food and a warm welcome. Catered and self-catered properties all located in the heart of Morzine - close to the lifts and village centre. Our friendly, experienced staff will make sure your holiday is one to remember. We look forward to welcoming you to Morzine! Enquire now for your next summer or winter holiday in the Alps.

northstarchalets.com

+33 (0) 6 26 14 38 99 bonjour@northstarchalets.com

Modern, functional en-suite rooms, in a central Morzine location, above one of the finest restaurants in the village. Choose from twin, double and triple rooms and if you are on a budget, we also have mixed, shared 6 or 4 bed dorms. All rooms features comfortable beds with linen and towels included, en-suite bathrooms and a continental breakfast.

stayhideout.com

+33 (0) 7 68 63 48 21

info@stayhideout.com

Hotel du Lac

Located on the tranquil shores of Lac de Montriond you’ll find our cosy, fun-filled hotel featuring 20 en-suite bedrooms, a beautiful bar and a restaurant with views across the lake. Stay mid-way between Morzine and Avoriaz for easy access to the pistes of the Portes du Soleil each day before retreating to our stylish, contemporary hotel each evening.

lacdemontriond.com

+33 (0) 6 03 56 85 05 info@lacdemontriond.com

Just Morzine

Welcome to Just Morzine, our self-catered accommodation offering those who enjoy alpine holidays a comfortable stay in our 4 bedroom chalet sleeping 8, or our 2 bedroom apartment sleeping 4. Situated near the Town Hall, just a short 5-minute walk into the town and a 2-minute walk to the nearest bus stop. Both properties can be booked together fro accommodate up to 12 people, subject to availability.

justmorzine.com

+44 (0) 7734 084 417 info@justmorzine.com

Apartment Chaux Fleurie

Exclusive new 2 bedroomed, 2 bathroom apartment centrally located in the alpine village of Montriond with easy public transport links to the lifts of Morzine and Ardent. It has its own private garage parking, secure bike storage and a balcony with stunning mountain views. Available for winter ski & summer biking / family holiday lets through Mountain Xtra.

mountainxtra.com

+44 (0) 1483 608 396 info@mountainxtra.com

Chalet Morzine

Seven generous bedrooms, all with a balcony or terrace, in an enviable position two minutes from the Pléney lift and town centre. A large garden, secure bike storage, incredible views, hot-tub, professional kitchen, second lounge, and locally based hosts to help you tailor your stay make Chalet Morzine the perfect base for your next multi-generational family or corporate group mountain holiday.

chaletmorzine.com

+33 (0) 6 71 92 33 77 info@chaletmorzine.com

Chalet Pleney

A ski-in, ski-out chalet right on the Pleney piste and also just 4 minutes walk to centre of town. The 9 en-suite bedrooms can sleep up to 25 people. The spacious open-plan lounge and dining area has a log fire and large picture windows offering spectacular views and access to the large terrace and balconies, outdoor hot tub and sauna.

woodlandschalets.com

+33 (0) 7 68 66 04 64 info@woodlandschalets.com

Ideally located in Montriond centre, near Morzine-Avoriaz, at the heart of Les Portes du Soleil resort, across Switzerland and France. Our chalet is well-equipped with a large accommodation capacity with its 6 en-suites bedrooms (sleeps up to 18) and its large and comfy living areas (living room, dining room, kitchen). The perfect place for mountain holidays with your friends, families or colleagues. Enjoy the breathtaking view in the outdoor jacuzzi and large very well equipped living areas. A dedicated place to live and share your love for outdoor activities.

Ride & Breakfast Chalet

Hideout Hostel

Chalet Grand Duc

New boutique chalet enjoying stunning panoramic views and south-west facing exposure, in an authentic alpine setting. A traditional timber frame chalet, only the highest quality materials have been used to blend alpine charm with contemporary design. Location offers fast access to the highest skiing in the Portes du Soleil, epic cycling from the doorstep and Lac Montriond only a stroll away. Premium facilities include EV charger, Starlink, premium hot-tub, home cinema, fireplace, pétanque track, outdoor fire, Big Green Egg, table tennis and children’s play area. Additional services (catering, massage, lift passes, equipment hire, activities etc.) may be arranged upon request.

Hôtel & Spa Le Dahu ****

Nestled along the south side of the Morzine Valley, the Dahu offers guests a uniquely sunny location and a panorama that encompasses the emblematic mountains of the station and its lovely mountain village. Its 37 rooms, its Spa and indoor swimming pool, its panoramic restaurant and its lounges and bar offer you a haven of peace for your mountain holidays.

dahu.com

+33 (0) 4 50 75 92 92

info@dahu.com

Luxury apartments and chalets in central Morzine. Amazing locations, hot tubs and happy staff. Concierge services and flexible catering available.

Mountain

chaletgrandduc.com

+41 79 929 10 20

info@chaletgrandduc.com

Chalet Chamois D'Or is located in a prime location just seconds away from the Nyon cable car and ski slopes. This detached chalet offers stunning mountain views from each of its seven bedrooms along with its cosy lounge with open fireplace making it a joy to stay in and hugely popular. For your added comfort there’s an outdoor hot tub on the sun terrace allowing you to capture the beautiful panoramic views of the mountains.

mountainheaven.co.uk

0151 625 1921

info@mountainheaven.co.uk

Chalet Fourmilliere

Originally an 1805 traditional farmhouse, La Fourmiliere has been re-imagined into a stunning English country house in the midst of the mountains, complete with the biggest fireplace in Morzine! Cosseted by luxurious comfort, delicious food, fabulous wines, a great bar and a vintage Land Rover to ferry you to the slopes, our mission is to make your winter holiday simply the best!

The Farmhouse Hotel

Built in 1771, The Farmhouse Hotel is the oldest building in Morzine, known to the locals as ‘Le Château’. One of the most desirable hideaways in the Alps sits in the heart of this beautiful alpine village just two minutes walk from the centre. Once you have discovered this gem you will return year after year.

thefarmhouse.fr

+33 (0) 6 83 86 55 49 info@thefarmhouse.fr

moremountain.com

+33 (0) 6 86 02 18 05

info@moremountain.com

chaletfourmiliere.com

+33 (0) 7 71 28 71 11

hello@chaletfourmiliere.com

AliKats Mountain Holidays

Beautiful chalets, exquisite food and extraordinary mountain retreats, all designed with the lowest possible environmental impact. You can choose from 4 catered chalets or 8 self-catered chalets all beautifully furnished with amazing views!

alikats.eu

+33 (0) 7 83 49 67 03 bookings@alikats.eu

the HOFNAR experience

We run the best trips for those travelling 'solo'fantastic accommodation, great value-for-money, fun, laid-back vibes, it's like being on holiday with a group of mates you just haven't met yet. We have two chalets in Morzine; Chalet Skade for those in their twenties / thirties & Chalet Hubert which has no age limits, except no kids!

hofnar.com

+44 (0) 203 286 4469 hello@hofnar.com

More Mountain Morzine

Heaven Ltd

Avoriaz Holidays and Avoriaz Premium offer all you need to plan a perfect holiday in the Portes du Soleil’s highest ski resort. All properties are ski-in, ski-out, bed linen is included (breakfast delivery included with Avoriaz Premium), and we arrange discounts on ski passes and equipment rental on your behalf. Here's a selection of our properties:

Chalets des Hauts Forts

Located in the oldest neighbourhood of Avoriaz, facing the Dromonts Hotel, discover these 2 incredible chalets. Modern, spacious and designed with high quality materials, the chalets have a capacity of 11 guests.Built in a traditional 'alpine' style but with all the perks of a new build, they will make you feel settled in and relaxed from the moment you walk in. Rental from 7722€ per week.

An exceptional modern alpine living space set in a prime central location. Designed

architectural style, upon which

is

Aspen is comprised of 5 luxury-grade triplex apartments each able to accommodate 10 to 14 people, with quality interior design and decor and 400 m2 of shared space dedicated to spa, heated pool and ski room. There is also a fitness room and a massage room. Rental from 6105€ per week.

Douchka Apartment

Located in Falaise district, this modernised 3-room apartment with a surface of 51.21m2 is ideally placed with quick access to the slopes and the village. Ideal for 5-7 people, there is 1 double bedroom, a bunk room and sofa-beds in the living room. It offers a fully-quipped open kitchen, a large living/dining space with high ceilings and a south facing balcony with magnificent views of the mountains and valley. Available to rent from 2030€ per week.

Residence Kouria

This beautiful contemporary apartment sleeps 10 people in 5 bedrooms. It has a bright and spacious living room with a large fireplace and a fully equipped kitchen. Other features include heated boot warmers, laundry room, private sauna, access to an indoor swimming pool, hammam and south facing balconies with magnificent views. Rental from 5555€ per week.

Amazing 340 m2 chalet accommodating 16 people on 3 floors located in the Ruches area of the resort. With an extension built in 2017, this large chalet has high-end furniture; home cinema, sauna, two living rooms, fire place and 8 bedrooms. Thanks to its central location and comfort, the chalet is ideal for a perfect stay. Available to rent from 8910€ per week

Chalet Aspen

in Jean Michel Villot's iconic

Avoriaz

typically built. Chalet

Chalet Alaya

favourite SPORT MY

“I’ve

By teddy ritz

been a mountain bike instructor since 2014 and after obtaining my mountain bike coaching diploma, it was obvious to me that I should be involved in the local kids bike club. I’d been downhill mountain biking myself at a high level in different clubs and on private teams, which is what made me want to share my passion with young people in our area.

Many children in our valley ride mountain bikes, it’s one of the best things about living here, and there are some excellent advantages to joining the Vélo Club Morzine-Avoriaz, our local mountain bike club. The children receive lessons that are supervised by professionals and we’re all very enthusiastic about our work. We bring our skills and our technical development to the lessons, as well as demonstrating how to ride safely. Eventually, after mastering the basic skills, the children learn to jump and they progress in the bike parks in an evolutionary way. Sharing progress in a group is also really inspiring for the young people and we always adapt the coaching to their individual needs.

It’s impossible for me to list all the best bits of my job as a mountain bike instructor. Being able to ride the extraordinary bike parks around the Portes du Soleil is incredible. Watching young people develop from being complete beginners on a bike to experts is

amazing, and sharing this extreme sport that I love is pretty cool too. When I see children succeed in their first tricks, their eyes sparkling, telling their friends, talking about mountain biking, that’s when I know we’re doing a good job with the bike club.

New for this summer season, we’ve created a new team within the Vélo Club MorzineAvoriaz. It’s a Downhill Enduro section for children who want to invest more time, ride their bike more and take park in competitions in our region. The idea came from the observation that many of the young people who’ve been in our club for many years were driving harder and harder; I guess it’s a natural evolution of the club. These guys want to train more, learn more technical skills and compete so we needed a new group that is adapted to their level. We rely a lot on the motivation of the children and their parents, and this has been essential in this new development. The Downhill Enduro team is open to children

from the age of nine who love mountain biking, have a drive to progress and are keen to take part in competitions. We’ll give them as many skills as possible - technical, physical and mental - to be a good mountain bike rider. I’ll be coaching the team myself, accompanied by Jonathan, who is joining us this year for his first season as a coach in the enduro team.

The progression from riding bikes in the club, or with family and friends, to riding bikes in a competition is a priority for our new team. We’ll accompany the children to as many races and events as possible this summer, and we recently started our season with an informal day at WERIDE, a facility dedicated to mountain biking in Lyon. This indoor bike park features a large pump track, an airbag with three different kickers and loads of other fun stuff too, so it was no surprise that we were accompanied by several parents acting as volunteers!

“ When I see children succeed in their first tricks, their eyes sparkling, telling their friends, talking about mountain biking, that’s when I know we’re doing a good job with the bike club. ”

This summer the children will have an extra coaching session with the bike club each week and we hope to find opportunities to visit other bike parks and mountain bike areas across the region this season. We will of course be present at the local races in Les Gets, especially the Downhill Kids Cup this summer and some of our riders will also do races in the Downhill Aura and the Coupe de France in Châtel. Our overall goal is to take the children who are really motivated in mountain biking as far as possible - why can’t we create the future Loic Bruni? But on a more serious note, we’re creating a team that will support future champions of this sport that we all love.

Of course, naturally, the summer season ends and I’ll put my bikes away when the snow arrives. During the winter I’m a snowboard instructor, but I’m hoping to find ways that we can offer mountain bike outings with the club during the winter season. I’m often asked which season I prefer, and that’s a really difficult question to answer. I have a little inclination to the summer season, because mountain biking is absolutely my favourite sport!”

trending

- kids -

You can spend a lot of money on a kids mountain bike. And if you’re parents to the sort of kids who love to ride the trails day after day after day, that’s money well spent in our view. But high-performing kids mountain bikes don’t have to cost the earth, as proven by Marin, where they’re so keen to encourage children into mountain biking, they’ve partnered with our local bike club. The Rift Zone comes in at a medium price point - you can pay significantly more for a kids bike, you can pay significantly less. But in our opinion, for the spec and standard here, this is superb value for money. This is a do-it-all trail bike with a lightweight aluminium frame, a super-plush MultiTrac suspension platform and 24” wheels that bridge the gap between Marin’s true kids rides and adult bikes. And it gets better. Swap out the wheels for their 26” alternatives with ease as your little rippers grow big, making the Rift Zone an even better investment.

When is a bank card not a bank card? When it’s shaped like a unicorn, a rocket or a monkey. A Money Walkie is a secure little device for making contactless payments in shops. Designed to give children more autonomy while they’re out and about, it’s linked to an app on a parents phone and charged up with spends remotely. Parents get real-time expense notifications (if you want them!), the Money Walkie can be locked or unlocked at any time and there’s the ability to set spending limits too. Even if the Money Walkie is lost, any cash loaded onto it is protected. There are three different ways to use Money Walkie, starting from a ‘pay as you go’ option that charges €1 per top-up to a €1.90 per month option that allows unlimited usage.

Milo - The Action Communicator - is the walkie-talkie, reinvented. It really is a hands-free, multi-way group chat facilitator that doesn’t require connection to a phone or WIFI. Use it on the trails this summer, on the slopes next winter or in the water to communicate with the rest of your group. Milo is a lightweight disc that can be mounted on an armband, on the strap of your rucksack or even on the handle bars of your bike using a simple clip. Use it to have hands-free, clear and multi-directional conversations with a range of at least 500 metres and because it’s shockproof, waterproof and dustproof, it’s perfect for your mountain pursuits this summer.

Marin Rift Zone Jr 24”

It’s true that there’s the odd inclement weather day here in the mountains and this mini, highly-portable football game is perfect for down days. In a game of Plakks opponents each use their fingers to try and score goals against each other, each time they do, they must retire a player from the pitch. The winner is the player who manages to leave his or her opponent without any players and now we’re imagining full tournaments around the dining table. Buy Plakks from the official website and you’ll have the chance to customise the football kits for your teams.

We love it when one product serves two functions and here we have both knee and elbow protection in one go. POCito (the kids range of the clever bods at POC) joint protectors have been designed to grow with your children and the anti-slip, neoprene patches combined with Velcro fastenings work together to keep the protectors in place. They’re also easy for children to operate themselves, while the soft stretchy fabric is comfortable against the skin. When compared to other single-purpose joint protectors on the market, these POCito options are exceptionally lightweight and have a barely-there feel. They’re also well-ventilated and they don’t cause those little elbows and knees to get too hot and sweaty. There’s a handy sizing guide to consult on the POC website too.

LANGUAGES ARE CHILDREN REALLY BETTER AT

THAN ADULTS?

By Natalie Elvy

It suits me to believe that French is a difficult language; even the French seem to agree that it’s complicated, and tend to be sympathetic to and enthusiastic about those of us attempting to get by in it. However, while watching my nine year old son speak both English and French fluently, I’ve started to question myself. He has been learning both languages for a far shorter time than I have, yet manages to make jokes, use slang and chat about anything with me in English, then do exactly the same with his father in French. Depressingly, I’m still grinding out phrases and butchering the language with my Anglicisms. Are children really better at languages than adults?

Or does that just conveniently absolve adults of the obligation to keep trying?

Great news - kids really are our superiors when it comes to learning languages. Or more accurately, they’re wired differently to grown ups. Apparently the key is language acquisition, and this only happens when we’re children. We’ve all acquired at least one language, it’s our mother-tongue. If we acquire two (or more) at once, it leads to accent-free and effortless bilingualism. Language acquisition is mercenary; children need comprehensible solutions to get their care-givers to give them what they want, and recognisable communication is the key. It is as easy for a child to acquire one language as it is for them to acquire several, the lucky things. But there is a ‘critical period’ - the window between birth and puberty. In these early years children will acquire any languages that they communicate in regularly.

As time goes on, it is harder to speak a second language like a native speaker because we no longer acquire languages; now we have to learn them. While it’s an enjoyable challenge, proven to have real health benefits and obvious communication and social advantages, it’s unlikely we will ever become bilingual through

My son simply cannot grasp that adultswhom he’s always being told know morehave a challenge that he doesn’t.

consciously learning a language. No matter how fluent we become, those of us who have moved here later in life will probably always retain elements of our exotic foreign accent when we speak French, and - in my case anyway - marvel at the competence of our bilingual off-spring.

For the next generation - those who have been born here or arrived when they’re younggrowing up bilingual isn’t anything exceptional. My son simply cannot grasp that adults - whom he’s always being told know more - have a challenge that he doesn’t. When I ask him if a thing is ‘le’ or ‘la’, or if it should be ‘de’ or ‘à’, he can tell me instinctively and it blows my mind. This is true bilingualism; he has two mother-tongues and can switch between them effortlessly to speak accent-free and instinctively in either.

My French husband and I didn’t give much thought to our son’s linguistic development beyond our need to communicate with him easily and efficiently. We have spoken with him entirely in our own mother tongues since he was conceived. Pleasingly, this ‘approach’ has a name - ‘simultaneous bilingualism’,

HELLO BONJOUR

and it applies to children who communicate regularly in more than one language before the age of three years old. ‘Sequential bilingualism’ is when a child acquires a second language having already acquired a first. For caregivers - parents, creche, Nounou - both types are effortless and it’s the child who does all the work - more effort is required the older a child is when they start to learn. Often households with two anglophone parents worry their children may be disadvantaged by their lack of French when they start at school, but research shows they need not worry. Whether a child is lucky enough to be sequentially or simultaneously bilingual will make no difference to their longerterm competence in either of their languages.

Often households with two anglophone parents worry

their children may be

disadvantaged by their lack of French when they start at school...

What’s more, if you speak a minority language at home (i.e. not French, which is the community language here) parents should make an effort not to speak the community language (French) with their kids. Studies show it is important for bilingual children to be regularly put in monolingual situations to maintain balance between their languages. English is very much the minority language in our house where I’m the only native speaker. My son spends most of his waking life speaking French at school, in clubs and then half the time at home. He is rarely in situations where English is the only option, as he would be if both parents were native English speakers. Perhaps because of this, he has developed a tendency to ‘mix’ vocabulary and grammar between languages. He’ll tell me he ‘oubliéd’ (forgot) to do his homework; be repulsed because the dog is ‘baving’, (drooling) or has ‘péted’ (farted), or delightedly tell me off for saying a big-word (a direct translation of ‘gros-mot’, meaning a swear word). Keen on a quiet life, it’s easy to overlook these ‘cute’ anomalies, but I shouldn’t. This ‘borrowing’ - as remarkable in it’s merged vocabulary and grammar though it is - lets him take short-cuts in both languages, and the result is that he’d be incomprehensible to monologuists in either, undoing any advantage a ‘bilingualist’ may have.

While recommending that parents speak in their own mothertongue with their children in the interests of balancing their bilingualism, this shouldn’t be seen as letting grown-ups off the hook of learning the community language. The advantages to each individual of acquiring or learning another language far outweigh any drawbacks and a quick Google search lists dozens of cognitive, neurological and social benefits. These don’t even consider the wider community benefits; opening our minds to a language simultaneously opens our eyes to a culture. It doesn’t just teach us new words, it helps us see and understand the world we’ve moved into, and the culture into which our children have already integrated in a way their parents can only aspire to.

MORZINE - TANINGES

Financial Planning and Insurance

Le détail des procédures de recours et de réclamation et les coordonnées du service dédidé sont disponible sur le site www.axa.fr. En cas de non résolution d’un différent à l’issue du processus de réclamation, vous pouvez avoir recours au Médiateur, en vous adressant à l’association : La médiation de l’Assurance, TSA 50110, 75441 PARIS CEDEX 9 04 50 79 15 34 Marc INVERNIZZI - Nicolas LAURENT agence.invernizzietlaurent@axa.fr

re.treating:

an act of going away, especially from something difficult, dangerous or disagreeable.

It may or may not surprise you to learn that the wellness retreat industry is growing at twice the speed of the overall tourism industry, such is our desire to get away from it all, focus on ourselves and return to nature in a post-pandemic world. ‘Wellness retreats’ might be buzzing right now, but here in the mountains, there’s a longevity in this genre of holiday that comes with a unique location. It’s not just about green smoothies for breakfast and sunset shavasana by the lake - although both are perfectly enjoyable. There’s much more to a wellness retreat in Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz.

“It’s the number of bilingual, local practitioners of wellbeing, people who are permanent residents here, that make this location so special,” explains Al Judge of AliKats Mountain Holidays. He’s teamed up with Caitlin Cockerton of Great Heights Pathways, a Morzine-based coaching company that helps individuals and teams reconnect with themselves and the world around them. Al continues, “whether it be yoga instructors, pilates instructors, forest bathing, foraging, mountain guiding, coaching, cheffing, hosting or driving, those who host retreats can find everything they need right here in our valley.”

It’s also true that our location - just 75 minutes from Geneva Airport, makes our villages the perfect choice for a team building break, a cookery course, yoga retreat or a fitness bootcamp. Yoga teacher and massage practitioner Shruti Srivastava co-hosts highlysought-after retreats at Chalet Fourmilliere, one of the oldest and most characterful buildings in Morzine. “Yoga and the mountains blend exceptionally well together and it’s very easy to get to Morzine from the UK,” says Shruti. “If you can arrive on your retreat in a calm, relaxed

state, having not travelled for hours, you’ll be able to get much more from the experience.”

Research indicates the average size of a retreat group is 12-14 adults, yet the budget for a retreat differs vastly, and perhaps this is where Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz comes into their own too. Individual chalets typically feature five or six bedrooms and exclusive use of a property results in a dedicated space for retreat organisers to use. In our valley you’ll also discover properties of varying standards, from cheap and cheerful hostel-style hotels in great locations with friendly owners to all-singing, all-dancing luxury hideaways with infinity pools, treatment rooms and a butler service. There really is something for every variety of retreat at every price point.

Georgie Kennington opened her Pilates studio at The Hive in July 2021. Featuring the beautiful Gratz equipment, Studio Pilates Morzine has two reformers, two wunda chairs, a high chair, baby chair, ladder barrel and enough tower units and barrels to host bespoke groups of up to six people using springs and bars for resistance, as well as group mat classes in or out of the studio if

you prefer to be outside in nature. The studio is often booked by groups who enjoy the dedicated space under Georgie’s expert eye. She’s also regularly asked to host Pilates sessions as part of a retreat schedule. “Trail runners for example, benefit so much from a carefully planned series of Pilates classes, helping to improve ankle stability, strength and balance,’ Georgie tells me. “It’s no longer necessary for retreat planners to bring Pilates or yoga teachers on a retreat with them,” Georgie continues. “Here in our valley we have so many experts to really enhance their time in the mountains.”

Winter visitors to Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz are often curious to know what our villages are like throughout the rest of the year. Spring is fresh and green, there’s a cleanliness, an awakening that we all enjoy as we emerge from the hibernation of winter. Summer features long, hot days, restful days that often culminate in impressive mountain storms and cooler evenings. As the trees begin to display their autumn colours, there’s a wellness and a feeling of restoration as the nights draw in. Retreats that flow with the seasons are the best way to enjoy our destination.

Sometimes wellness collides with the world of work and that’s when Caitlin Cockerton gets involved. Caitlin is a coach and founder of Great Heights Pathways. “Part of my work helps leaders, teams and companies navigate the changes that we’re all experiencing in the world of work right now,” Caitlin tells me. “Everyone wants greater personal purpose in the work they do, and teams want deeper connection in the new world of hybrid-work, and to find ways to bring out the best in one another,” she continues. Caitlin creates bespoke retreats for business leaders and teams that bring coaching and workshops to a glorious outdoor alpine setting, with retreat perks such as luxurious accommodation, seasonal gourmet meals and activities such as yoga, hiking and wild swimming.

Emily Hatfield runs her life coaching business between her home in our valley and her home in the UK. “Coaching is a fundamental part of a wellness retreat,” Emily believes. “Inviting a local coach into your group while using tools and exercises to build a clearer vision for the future, is such an effective strategy on a retreat,” she continues, further enhancing the range of wellness practitioners available here in our valley to support any variety of retreat.

If you’re inspired to join us here in Morzine, Les Gets or Avoriaz, here’s a round-up of some excellent retreats planned for 2023 to tempt you.

Yoga

The Journey Retreat

By Emily Ruth Yoga

Location:  A multi day hike in the Chablais mountains. Staying overnight in refuges, taking yoga off the mat and into the mountains Dates: 23rd to 25th June

info & bookings emilyruthyoga.com

The Secret Retreat

By Emily Ruth Yoga

Location: Secret Location in Montriond. A luxury retreat with a good dose of adventure

Dates: 30th June - 3rd July

info & bookings emilyruthyoga.com

Personal Development

Summer Flourishing

By Great Heights Pathways & AliKats Mountain Holidays

Location: Luxury chalet accommodation in Morzine, focus on taking you back to nature, self reflection soaking up the energy of the sun

Dates: 22nd - 26th June

info & bookings greatheightspathways.com

Autumn Harvest

By Great Heights Pathways & AliKats Mountain Holidays

Location: Luxury chalet accommodation in Morzine for those in momentous transition, the season reminders us how awesome transition can be.

Dates: 12th - 16th October

info & bookings greatheightspathways.com

“Home is a Feeling”

blades

by amie Henderson

Long before upcycling was trendy, Jay Blades MBE made his bed from old shipping pallets and his wardrobe using breeze blocks and a broom handle. “We were quite poor, though I didn’t know it at the time,” he tells me. “I thought I was just being resourceful.” These days he’s the face of The Repair Shop, one of the most popular shows on the BBC. He’s also involved in a long list of charities and associations that serve to make careers in crafts more accessible to disadvantaged young people. At Jay & Co, his own company, the aim is to save the world through craft, working with recycled, reclaimed and reused materials to produce unique and beautiful pieces of furniture that are a good as new.

INTERIOR DESIGNS & FURNISHINGS LA CONCEPTION DE VOTRE INTÉRIEUR

The Design Studio: 8 Route d’Avoriaz, 74110, Morzine lisa@rsinteriordesigns.com +33(0) 6 32 31 81 94 www.rsinteriordesigns.com

Jay, what, in your view, makes a good home?

“The people that are inside it, and also you have to have those creature comforts as well. Feather your nest, I always say, and when you do, you have to make sure that there’s nothing around you that doesn’t suit you, that you’re avoiding, that’s making you uncomfortable in your own home. A home is a feeling, first and foremost.”

Describe the home you grew up in.

“There was 1970s decor everywhere, so as you can probably imagine, there was lots of colour. But one of the main features in the house was music. There was never really a focus on whether we had the latest furniture, we’ve got to have one of these, one of those, for example. The home I grew up in was basically a functional place where we concentrated on good music and good food. Those are two of the biggest things I remember from my childhood."

Where did your passion for interiors and design come from?

“My childhood was very much ‘make do and mend’ and that’s where my love for furniture came from first and foremost. There was necessity, because I needed somewhere to hang my clothes up, somewhere to lay my head. In the 1980s, back when futons were cool, I just found 12 crates that were going spare, stacked them up and slung a mattress on top. It was a futon bed and it barely cost me anything!”

Does having pre-loved or reimagined furniture in a home make a difference?

“The difference it makes is very similar to that of a photo album. You go on holiday and you’ve taken a picture, you use that picture to give you the memories of a moment, the time that you’ve spent in that particular place. Every pre-loved and redesigned item of furniture that you have in your home has some form of history, whether you’ve saved up for it or whether you found it in a really small charity shop after having a romantic walk with your partner and you both fell in love with this chair and so you bought it. Having something pre-loved is memories and everyone wants to have memories in their house. By contrast, with something new you’re creating a memory whereas having something pre-loved, it’s already got those memories built-in and you might find it similar to a photo you’ve taken.”

Do we do enough repairing and reconditioning, in your view?

“I don’t think we do enough but it’s slowly becoming more acceptable. Whenever you think about repair, or the way our society is, there’s a complete difference. Let’s say for instance you’ve got the people who want to buy new - I call them ‘the buy set’ - they want what’s on trend, they want what’s new. Then you’ve got people who go off the beaten track, they don’t go where everyone else goes, and that’s basically what repair is all about. Repair is about doing something that’s not trendy, but it is totally necessary for the environment and for us as a generation. The more stuff we make and consume, the more we’re destroying the planet. We’re asking the generations who haven’t even been born yet to clear up our mess and that’s unacceptable.”

How did the Repair Shop role come about?

“I was doing a show called Money for Nothing and then another show called Fill Your House for Free and the Repair Shop came along, they said ‘we’d like to introduce you to the show that we’re doing, maybe you could be part of it.’ They got me in as an upholsterer first of all in series one and two and then organically they knew they wanted me to be the presenter, but they didn’t know how to make that happen. They just allowed me to find my own way in the show and we reformatted things for series three. I still had my bench and I was still working on projects during the show while taking on the presenting role but a lot of my projects didn’t get finished as a result! So then I switched to being the presenter, and that’s where we are today.”

Did you know that the show would be such a success?

“It hasn’t been life changing for me, but I kind of knew it would be really different, because for the first time they had so many crafts in the same building and you’d never usually have an upholsterer next to a wood restorer next to someone doing ceramics, fabric work, etc. When we first came together in 2017 I knew it would be something special, but we didn’t know how the audience was going to take it. I think they’ve warmed to it simply because its the grown up version of Bagpuss, it gives you those warm, nostalgic feelings.” >>

www.greatheightspathways.com connect@greatheightspathways.com @greatheightspathways

BACK TO NATURE RETREATS

BESPOKE FOR BUSINESS RETREATS

OUTDOOR COACHING EXPERIENCES

Do you find the stories on the show as emotional as the rest of us?

“Oh 100%. And what the viewer doesn’t know is that you probably see an item on the show that’s maybe three minutes long. But when the guests drop their items to us, they can be with us for up to two and a half hours; and then when they pick things up, maybe another hour, so what you’re seeing on The Repair Shop is a real edited version of it. I see the whole story and it is emotional. The other thing is that they prepare the experts in the workshop with a lot of information before an item comes - they get a briefing with the whole story, which bits of an item are broken, so on and so forth. What I do is I only get told the persons name 30 seconds before they come through the door and then I have a real genuine, unscripted conversation with them as the cameras start to roll. It’s natural and i’m always really shocked because i’m hearing the story for the first time, just like the viewer. I’m never prepared, I just wing it and you get genuine questions from me and genuine answers. Some of the stories I hear, i’m like ‘wow, I was not expecting that’.”

You work a lot with disadvantaged young people, why is this so important to you?

“I do quite a lot in the sense that, for me, it’s all about accessibility, making crafts and the making careers accessible to all. One of the biggest reasons why I do this is because not everyone can be academic; some people are really good at making, they can do things with their hands, but they just need an avenue to go down. I’m an ambassador for the Prince’s Foundation, which looks at teaching young people about heritage crafts, and then QUEST, the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust which gives grants to help people access craft training, which can be quite expensive. I’m Co-Chair of Heritage Crafts Association, which identifies any endangered crafts that we have in this country and promotes them to inspire people to become apprentices. I’m Chancellor of my old University in High Wycombe, I’m part of the Saturday Schools teams which, working alongside QUEST, gives young people in deprived areas an opportunity to taste the creative industries. We take 13-16 year olds to college on a Saturday, they learn ceramics, design, architecture and they get to see behind the scenes. The reason why this is important to me is because of accessibility - allowing people to find something that they might not know they’ve got a passion for.”

What was it like meeting King Charles III?

“Well, he was the Prince of Wales at the time, but i’m an ambassador for his foundation so i’ve met him a few times and he invited me to his place. I’d been busy and I’d turned him down a few times, but then I thought, this is getting embarrassing. So we took a camera crew and we filmed part of the Repair Shop at his place, which was really cool. When you meet someone who has the same interests and hobbies as yourself, the same passion to inspire the next generation, its just like meeting another person, it’s really really cool. We both had very similar interests and the beauty about someone like the King is that he’s massively ahead of his time. 40 years ago he was speaking about plastic shopping bags and the damage they’d do and everyone thought he was mad, but now look at the invasion of plastic on the world.”

How do you balance all of these projects with your own family time and your own hobbies?

“I’m doing what I love but I do recognise that I do have to have some family time, some down time, and I have to squeeze that in. Playing music on vinyl is one of my passions, I love doing that and spending time with the missus. Everything gets done, I have a really understanding wife and family and the people at work to support me.”

I heard through the grapevine that you might be working on a groundbreaking new 5* hotel project in the Portes du Soleil in the future. Have you ever done anything similar?

“It will be the first project we’ve done in the Alps and the thing i’m most excited about is that it’s a five star hotel that is looking to future proof the environment that they’re creating and anyone who wants to partner with me or Jay & Co needs to be working towards sustainability too. That, for me, is someone looking out for the next generation, it’s really an honour to be part of that.”

You can catch up on all 12 series of The Repair Shop on BBC iPlayer and you’ll find some beautiful examples of furniture restored by Jay & Co at jayand.co. Look out for Craftworks by Jay Blades in London in 2024 This is a brand new, free to attend exhibition celebrating exceptional crafts and aims to showcase some of the little-known skills used in design to inspire the next generation British craftsmanship.

property

Chalet Golfe

Chalet Golfe is, undeniably, located in one of the best spots in the Portes du Soleil. Chalets with panoramic views like these are rare. Stepping into the chalet you can feel the quality, particularly the carpentry, no expenses were spared to create the perfect marriage between modern and contemporary styles. The chalet has 4 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a spa area with a steam room and jacuzzi style bath. The open plan kitchen and dining space opens onto a living area with double height ceiling and panoramic views. There is a large, fully insulated garage with vaulted ceiling.

MORE INFO:

Mountain Base - Knight Frank +33 (0)4 80 96 50 03 | sales@mountain-base.com portesdusoleil-property.com/chalet-golfe

Kandahar, Les Gets

Two magnificent detached chalets in a stunning sunny location with panoramic views overlooking Les Gets, the Kandahar development is designed to be both distinctive and contemporary. Currently reserving off-plan, the chalets are finished in wood and stone and the architecture here is designed to blend into the mountain side. Internally, the chalets will be finished to the highest standard with accommodation arranged over three floors, boasting a spacious living area with exposed beams and high ceilings; early buyers can specify the internal layout to suit their requirements. Both chalets come complete with underground parking spaces, built-in storage and high quality fixtures and fittings.

MORE INFO:

Samantha Gates - Alpine Lodges +33 (0)4 22 32 60 96 | info@alpine-lodges.fr alpine-lodges.co.uk

Chalet des Coeurs

This immaculate 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom chalet in Morzine has great proportions and has been beautifully maintained since it was built in 2010. It has a garage, secure bike and ski storage. The enclosed garden overlooks the river Dranse below, giving a lovely backdrop of running water. Located in the highly sought-after Vallée de la Manche area, it is within striking distance of the Nyon cable car and around 25 minutes’ walk from the centre of town, along a riverside path. It also has an excellent established rental history!

MORE INFO:

Ailsa Bishop - Alpine Property +33 (0)6 71 14 68 08 | ailsa@alpine-property.com alpine-property.com

It’s been another busy year in the local property market, with chalets, apartments, renovation projects and holiday apartments whizzing off the market as soon as they appear on estate agency websites. Despite this, there’s still a range of property in a range of different locations and at a range of price points available across our valley. Here’s some of our favourites…

€2,975,000

€1,950,000

€1,250,000

Chalet Véronique

This chalet offers you a magnificent panorama of La Pointe de Nyon, Roc d'Enfer and the Pleney ski slopes. Located in the most sunny area of Morzine on the road up to Avoriaz, with only 150m to the nearest free bus shuttle, this property represents an ideal investment in the heart of the Portes du Soleil. This chalet is particularly light and welcoming and is made up of 3 floors. Renovating such a chalet will transform it into an exceptional property.

MORE INFO:

Sylvie Payen, Century 21 Call Home

+33 (0)4 50 04 94 76 | sylvie.payen@century21.fr www.callhome-morzine.com

Stylish Ground Floor Apartment

This stylish and modern ground floor apartment is located in a small development close to Les Gets village centre. The property features three double bedrooms, two bathrooms, a spacious reception room with a modern fitted kitchen and a private garden with a terrace and hot tub. Additionally, the apartment comes with a garage, separate ski locker, and dedicated undercover parking space. The location is conveniently close to free shuttle bus routes, providing easy access to the village and mountains, making it an ideal mountain retreat for skiing and outdoor enthusiasts.

€1,410,000 €750,000

MORE INFO:

Nina McArthur - France Property Angels

+33 (0)6 07 45 15 10 | nina@francepropertyangels.com francepropertyangels.com

Roc is a spacious and well designed 4 bedroom apartment in the heart of Morzine, steps away from restaurants and shops. With easy access to bus routes in all directions, the apartment enjoys great views, towards Morzine’s historic quarter and up to Avoriaz, from its multiple balconies. Centrally located on Rue du Bourg, Roc offers 110m² over 3 floors making the apartment perfect for large groups or a family. It’s rare to find a property of this size, with secure parking, in the very centre of the village. This is a perfect, low maintenance apartment, ready to move into for a bird’s eye view of all the events going on in the village.

MORE INFO:

Mountain Base - Knight Frank +33 (0)4 80 96 50 03 | sales@mountain-base.com www.portesdusoleil-property.com/roc.htm

This super one bedroom ground floor apartment is located in the Pied de la Plagne area of town. On the ski bus route, and a 15 minute stroll from the town centre, the property combines practicality with a calm environment and beautiful views! The living space is light and pretty, with a modern and well-equipped kitchen. A comfy sofa with built in storage converts to a double bed, making the most of the space. Patio doors lead onto a private terrace and the impeccably maintained communal gardens.  Apartment Ambrune comes with a private parking space and a cave, and a very reasonable service charge.

MORE INFO: Ailsa Bishop - Alpine Property +33 (0)6 71 14 68 08 | ailsa@alpine-property.com alpine-property.com

Detached Chalet, Vallee de la Manche

This detached chalet is located in the highly desirable Vallee de la Manche area of Morzine, boasting stunning mountain views. It features a spacious lounge, open-plan kitchen and dining area, four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a generous balcony, garden, garage and off-street parking. Situated next to the river path, it is a 15-minute walk to charming mountain restaurants and cross-country ski tracks at Erigne, or a quick ski down to the cable car at Nyon (depending on snow conditions). A regular bus route is also available, providing easy access to Morzine town in a few minutes, while a 30-minute riverside walk is also an option. Ideal for those seeking a peaceful location with excellent access to the slopes and Morzine itself.

MORE INFO:

Cath Allen - France Property Angels

+33 (0)7 67 87 79 28 | cath@francepropertyangels.com francepropertyangels.com

Chalet La Salle

Fantastic new chalet combining traditional and modern styles along with a very high quality materials and finish. Simply magnificent view over the ski slopes, at the heart of the Portes du Soleil. Split over 4 levels this chalet can easily accommodate 10 people. Each detail has been carefully thought out for optimum comfort. Each one of the 5 bedrooms benefits from an en-suite bathroom, storage and large sliding doors to make the most of a truly stunning view. The vast extremely light and welcoming living area is the ideal spot to enjoy evenings by the fire after returning from the slopes.

MORE INFO: Sylvie Payen, Century 21 Call Home +33 (0)4 50 04 94 76 | sylvie.payen@century21.fr www.callhome-morzine.com

€1,075,000

€187,500

€975,000

€2,750,000

Apartment Ambrune

Truly Global Reach

With over 500 agencies across more than 50 countries, we can promote your property to the widest possible audience. From Geneva to New York, from London to Hong Kong.

Un Reseau Global

Mountain Base | Knight Frank 185 rue du Bourg 74110 MORZINE

portesdusoleil-property.com +33 4 80 96 50 03 sales@mountain-base.com

Après plus de 18 ans à Chamonix, Mountain Base est ravie d’ouvrir une nouvelle agence à Morzine en s’associant à l’équipe de Morzine Prestige afin de développer et couvrir les secteurs de Morzine, Les Gets et Châtel. 18+ Années d’expérience sur le marché de Morzine 487

Chamonix

GENEVA Megève

Saint-Gervais-les Bains

Les Houches

Combloux

Praz-sur-Arly

Gstaad

Verbier

Villars-sur-Ollon

Champéry

Crans-Montana

MORZINE

Les Gets

Knight Frank Sales Office

Leysin Nyon

Lausanne Vevey

trending

- interiors -

French interiors brands are having a moment and I’ve discovered - and on occasion rediscovered - a collection of chic, unique and beautiful furniture and homeware suppliers for some of our most recent design projects in Morzine and Les Gets. French marques are usually made to an exceptionally high standard and I’ve selected a few timeless, quality pieces from some of my favourite French brands below; they’d look good in any home!

Roche Bobois is a prestigious French furniture brand known for its highend, designer furniture. Founded in 1950, the brand has a long history of collaborating with renowned designers to create innovative and unique furniture collections.Some notable designers that have worked with Roche Bobois include Jean-Paul Gaultier, Missoni and Marcel Wanders, among others. The brand is known for its use of high-quality materials and attention to detail.

Ligne Roset is a French furniture brand known for its innovative and technology-driven designs. Founded in 1860, the brand has a long history of pushing the boundaries of traditional furniture design and incorporating new technologies into its creations. Shep&kyles design adore, among others, the bold shape and colours of their Elysée lounge chair by iconic designer Pierre Paulin.

Maison du Monde is a French furniture brand focusing on sustainability and eco-friendliness. Founded in 1996, the brand has become known for its wide range of stylish and affordable furniture and home decor items. It has a strong commitment to sustainability, and many of its products are made using recycled materials or are designed to be easily recyclable. In addition to their furniture, we love their on-trend and stylish accessories.

kyles garrett interior architect shepandkyles.com

Elysée lounge chair ligne-roset.com

evdilos crockery maisonsdumonde.com

BUBBLE 2 sofa roche-bobois.com

Founded in 2009 by artistic director Amélie du Passage, the Petite Friture brand is both poetic and bold, having a strong aesthetic that is playful, elegant and whimsical whilst retaining a graphic geometry. They collaborate with over 30 independent designers to create stunning pieces, encompassing both furniture and lighting.

Aprèski Homestyle apresskihomestyle.com

Shep&kyles design have worked with this Annecy based designer since his inception and his gorgeous Adironspat balcony chairs feature in many of our projects. We have also fallen in love with his ski inspired side table. It is beautifully manufactured and perfect for our projects!

Tecka side table lesjardins.com

Les Jardins are a Provençal based company specialising in exterior furniture and solar lighting. Their Tecka side table is a fabulous fusion of the two – a versatile and hard-wearing balcony or garden table with gorgeous internal lighting. The end result is both practical and fabulous!

Cherry Pendant light petitefriture.com

THROUGH THE

keyhole

“Glamour, charm and breathtaking beauty. I adore this place,” concludes Kevin McCloud as he signs off from episode seven of Grand Designs Abroad in October 2004. I consider ‘the Ferme de Moudon episode’ to be one of the most memorable properties showcased by my favourite TV series and I know many of you feel the same. Who can forget the builder Monsieur Bastard? Or the reaction of the build team when the kitchen arrived?

Even in 2023, Ferme de Moudon continues to be referenced as ‘the most iconic chalet in the Alps’, which is testament to the vision of the original build project and its famous interiors. Owner and interior designer Nicky Dobree and her family purchased the 18th century farmhouse in 2003. It’s location, on a secluded back road, high above the rooftops of Les Gets yet just minutes from the pistes of the Perrieres, makes it a dream holiday destination. But that’s not where the Ferme de Moudon story begins…

interview by amie Henderson

Nicky, how did you discover the property in Les Gets? Were you looking for a renovation project?

“We were looking for a London escape, a place to retreat, re-charge and re-think. A place to spend time with family and friends. Skiing was a shared passion, so the Alps was a natural port of call. It took us a while to find Ferme de Moudon, but once we did, we knew instantly that this was the one.”

What first attracted you to Les Gets? And how has the village changed in the last 19 years?

“The location, a small farming community just one hour from Geneva. It is hard to believe that twenty years have gone by since we embarked on the renovation of our 300 year old farm. Today, Les Gets has evolved enormously and developed into a prosperous chic skiing destination. Huge investment has transformed this sleepy little hamlet into a fashionable resort with high end shops, designer brands, bars and restaurants catering for the global rich, whilst still retaining its authentic charm.”

In what condition was Ferme de Moudon when you found it? Did the creative process begin straight away?

“It was an abandoned farmhouse in a spectacular setting, alone in nature yet minutes from a huge ski domain. Beautiful, uninterrupted views of nature with not a building in site. It felt like being in wilderness. There was everything to do and the creative juices started flowing!”

How did your renovation project come to be featured on Grand Designs Abroad? And did you realise at the time that the episode would be so inspirational?

“Grand Designs were doing their first - and what turned out to be their last - Grand Designs Abroad. Through contacts we were approached and before I knew it, my husband had me signed up to design my first chalet abroad, whilst being observed by what turned out to be over 10 million viewers. Little did I know that it would be so successful, and go on to change the landscape of chalet design.”

Have you made any updates to the chalet since 2004?

“One of my core beliefs has always been to design once and well, and that is just what we have done at Ferme de Moudon. Nothing has changed since we completed the project in 2004.”

Chalet interior design is constantly changing, have you identified any new trends? And which elements remain constant? >>

“I don’t follow trends per se, however chalet design is constantly evolving, especially with our ever-more discerning global and international clients. Since the pandemic, more flexible work patterns and the focus on a healthier lifestyle combined with the technological revolution has meant that ski resorts and chalets have emerged as the perfect haven in the post-pandemic world. Chalets are no longer holiday homes but places that have the potential to be lived in all year around. Luxury today is nature, space and time, and alpine living can provide all of those things.”

Do you still holiday at the chalet yourself? If so, what’s your favourite part?

“We certainly do and I have to pinch myself every time I come. What drew us to Ferme de Moudon in the first place was its outstanding location, and that still holds true today. Located at the end of a track, we treasure the tranquility, privacy and total immersion into nature.”

What advice would you give to others considering a renovation project in the Alps?

“Come and see me! I have seen too many mistakes with people embarking on the process alone. Being able to speak the language, knowing the process, understanding the impact of climate change and being able to work and communicate with the various trades is key. Ferme de Moudon was my first alpine build. Now 20 years on and over 50 chalets later, I have been blessed with the opportunity to develop chalets across the world, in every major ski resort and with many fascinating and wonderful clients. It has been a great journey of learning and discovery.”

Via the Boutique Chalet Company it’s possible to stay at Ferme de Moudon. Which elements of the property do guests love the most?

“Every year we invite 10 friends to stay with us at Ferme de Moudon and it has been one of the greatest gifts that we have been able to offer - a week of skiing in our beautiful serviced chalet. What we have loved is 20 years of accumulated memories, smiling faces and pure delight for us and our guests.”

Are you working on any other alpine design projects at the moment?

“I am indeed. I have just completed my 50th chalet, it’s in Val d’Isere and sleeps up to 40 guests. I am also currently working on several other chalets across the French and the Swiss Alps as well as projects in the mediterranean, London and the home counties. Another busy year ahead!”

interseason

By Carrie Greer of Little Wild

It's funny what happens here when the ski lifts close. After the last chalets have been cleaned, the mountain restaurants and bars have been drunk dry and most of the snow has gone from Pleney; it’s May, Interseason. That weird bit that happens here twice a year, around the tourist seasons.

The change of pace in the town never fails to take me by surprise. Season workers go home or on to more travels, a lot of local businesses take their annual holidays, very few shops and bars are open. Lots of accommodation providers close down too, until they’re ready to open up for summer. All of a sudden it’s so quiet. And goodness me, now, ten years on, I love it.

It’s a bit strange moving to a place where work is generally so defined by the seasons. It’s hard working a year round job in a place where a lot of your friends work crazy hours in the winter but then slow right down for the rest of the year. It takes a lot of getting used to. As my friend said during the Easter holidays; ‘I can’t wait to drop the kids at school then lie on the sofa until it’s time to pick them up again.’

I’m not a seasonal worker. I work year round from my treatment room, I maybe add in a few more hours in the winter, but in general I strive to find a year round balance in a town with great peaks and troughs of busyness. I work a nice and steady three-to-four days a week, I have a six year old daughter and look after our rental apartment. I try my best not to get caught up in the craziness of the ‘seasons’ and I try my best to remember that I chose year round work and a better balance over the seasonal way.

If you’re here on holiday, you might not realise that Morzine is a year-round town. A mountain town, not a ski town. Yes, those decorative street lights are switched off, the shutters of the fancy chalets close and not all the restaurants are open, but there are so

the mountains are so green! So many shades and tones of green that you can’t even count them...

many of us here living regular lives amidst the up and down of the seasons. We take our kids to school, we shop in the supermarkets, we go to the garden centre, the library, the gorgeous toy shop. We work, some of us digitally or remotely, some of us in those businesses that a real town needs to survive; the bank, the post office, the insurance agencies, the accountants, the estate agents, the treatment rooms!

It’s May and I’ve just mopped the floor of our little rental apartment and popped in a bottle of wine for our guests arriving later today. Interseason or not, our little apartment has guests almost every weekend and often weekdays too through April, May and June. The apartment is on the ground floor of our house and it’s only small, so it’s fairly easy to manage the changeovers alongside our other jobs. At first I never really thought that we’d get bookings outside of the seasons, but seven years in and I can absolutely say that people love coming to the mountains in the quiet time.

A couple of weeks ago we had guests who came for a wedding at Lac Montriond, then a young family with two little ones looking to ‘explore in the fresh air of the mountains’.

More Info:

Find out more about Carrie’s holistic, skincare and energy treatments at littlewildpsace.com

We had an older couple who came during the week with their dog to hike and this weekend it’s the start of the road biking crew, a couple of guys who’ve come specifically to ride the Joux Plane and the Col de Ramaz.

There might not be as much going on ‘officially’ in the springtime as there is in the ski season, but the splendour of the mountains should be seen all year. At this time of year there’s a lot of rain, which means that the mountains are so green! So many shades and tones of green that you can’t even count them, the trees bud almost before your eyes and the tulips and daffodils bring a riot of colour. The river rushes along and the waterfalls are unbelievable, majestic crashes of water where you can’t hear yourself speak.

At work I always talk about grounding, about connecting with the earth, with the world around you. About feeling and welcoming in the energy that surrounds and flows through all of us. Here, in our mountain town, especially in these quieter days, you can really feel it. You can stand with your feet bare on the earth, or in the river, close your eyes and listen to everything around you. You can hike to the top of a mountain and look back at what you’ve achieved. You can breathe as deep as you like, you can be as slow as you like, there’s no pressure to be anywhere or meet any deadlines, you can sit in the same place all day and just watch the clouds move whilst you read a book if you want to. That’s the beauty of a mountain town. The mountains aren’t going anywhere, they know the value of being slow and coming here in interseason really teaches that to you.

Traditionally spring is when we’ll be planting our seeds, setting our intentions for the year ahead, getting ready for the growth and activity of summer, then the harvest of autumn. I honestly can’t think of anywhere better to be in the springtime than in these mountains; slow, quiet, reflective, so beautiful and full of promise for the rest of the year.

So much we think of Morzine as a seasonal town and it’s hard to see beyond the winter and summer seasons, but when those lifts close, you really get to see the magic of Morzine. The colours, the change and it’s at this time when you really feel the energy and breath of the mountains. So next time, why not try it? Our year round mountain town. It’s good for your soul, I promise.

VOS EN VIES , N O TRE CR ÉAT

Meet Laurane, Julie & Antoine Space designer, decorator and kitchen designer, our team is ready to welcome you in our showroom in Morzine.

property market

THE STATE OF THE SUMMER 2023

by gareth jefferies marketing director at alpine-property.com

Since the pandemic, as everyone probably knows, the second home market has been frenetic in destinations around the world. I’ve written several times here in this magazine about demand outstripping supply for holiday homes of all shapes, sizes and budgets here in the mountains, and how a drive for the good life in fresh, clean air, with easy links to an international airport, delivered us unprecedented numbers of enquiries from domestic and international buyers. Here at Alpine Property, it’s a trend that we saw ripple through into the primary home market. And by this I mean those looking for a permanent family home, motivated by changes in their working arrangements during COVID. Why live in the suburbs and commute each day when you could live in the mountains and work remotely?! But has the bubble burst? Or is it just deflating a little bit…

Throughout France the property market has been very busy for the last 24 months and as a result there is now very little for sale in any budget, big or small. This is causing things to slow down a little; if the beautiful home of your dreams isn’t on the market right now, are you still motivated to buy? Probably not. The second thing slowing the market down at the moment is interest rates. All governments have hiked interest rates to try to slow down a growth in inflation. In France, mortgage interest rates are capped by the government and as a consequence, there’s very little margin for a bank to make a profit on your mortgage lending. This means mortgages become harder to find and there was a

period during the Winter 23 season where mortgages were pretty much unattainable for the average person. I’m guessing the banks probably took the view of why bother with the risks of lending when the rewards - the profit - was so small?

I’m seeing this mortgage situation ease slightly as I write this article in mid-May. Mortgages are available in the UK, even though they are less so in France, but at least buyers now have options when looking for their alpine home. Yet still, supply is an issue. A lack of properties coming onto the market, combined with the difficulty of obtaining a mortgage, has really put a brake on the

number of property sales we’re experiencing at the moment. There are many cash buyers out there, for whom the mortgage situation is irrelevant, but they’re certainly not having an easy time either; it’s by no means a buyers market. We see lots of competition for every property that comes on the market and our advice is to make an offer at asking price to secure the place you are looking for. Saying that, it feels like we are through the worst of the price inflation. If a property is obviously over priced, it will be slow to sell.

It might not seem important, but it’s a question our agents are asked increasingly often - what’s the internet access like? If a

family, a couple or an individual are relocating to the mountains with a view to achieving a better work life balance, the provision of good internet access is incredibly important. It’s the cornerstone of home working for most professions. Here in the Vallee d’Aulps we have struggled along with ADSL for years now, but finally our villages are being connected to fibre, slowly, gradually, but surely. In the interim many people are connecting to Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service. It really is a game changer and is one more thing that makes living out of the city easier to contemplate. Another thing, in an ideal world, would be improved cycle infrastructure so that daily tasks such as shopping, popping to the swimming pool, meeting friends for after-work beers can be done without the use of a vehicle. This is something that the team here at Alpine Property advocates for locally at every opportunity!

We’re not new-build specialists here at Alpine Property; we do have some new build properties for sale on our website, but we generally concentrate on resale properties, renovation projects, etc. As everyone can see, there have been a lot of new apartment developments built in our villages in recent years, and they’ll continue to pop up all across our valley in the coming years. This was mainly down to central government encouraging more house building. Quite often we hear people blaming the local councils, the town halls, the mayors for this change, which is often perceived as the overdevelopment of our authentic mountain villages. It’s important to understand however, that there’s not a lot that our elected officials can do about this situation. In the last year we’ve seen the local planning rules tighten, so there should be less building sites in the coming years.

Despite all of these considerations - supply, demand, interest rates, internet speeds - the general situation in the local property market remains the same. People of many different nationalities still want to spend more time than the average holiday affords them in the mountains and when they play the long game, they usually win. Recently I’ve started to notice a few other considerations for buyers however; let’s talk about the weather. To the joy of many, we have four distinct seasons in the alps, punctuating our progress through the year, yet winter is still the main attraction. Earlier this year it looked like the ski season might have been an issue, with record festive season temperatures across Europe resulting in a shortage of snow. It was OK in the end. I’d noticed that in the last few years, the season seemed to finish slightly earlier than usual. Not this year however; in the end the skiing higher up carried on until the final days of winter. Rather than focus on snow depths however, I’d suggest future mountain property owners consider a yearround view on how they’ll use their home. We have three massive cycling events taking place in our region this summer; the Etape du Tour and Le Tour de France in July, both of which will bring in tens of thousands of road cyclists with images beamed across the world. The UCI Mountain Bike World Series Festival takes place across Morzine, Les Gets and Chatel at the beginning of September, which will attract as many fat-tired enthusiasts. It’s my view that these global events will continue to promote our region to future property buyers, picking up any slack that comes from a less-snowier-than-average winter season.

More Info:

I’ll be back with more from the local property market in the Winter 24 issue of Morzine Source Magazine, but until then you can follow my regular blog: blog.alpine-property.com

news

Shopping with the Experts

The Déco d’en Haut shop and showroom on the outskirts of Morzine is a heaven for those of us looking for unique and stylish furniture, soft furnishings and decorations. Arranged into carefully considered spaces to showcase new designers, chic French and international brands and different styles, the experienced team are on hand to offer advice on lighting, fabrics and window coverings for your home, whatever its size or style. You’ll find sample books to help you select your colour schemes, quirky furniture designed to fit those little niches and a range of quality bedding too. The shop is open all year round between 9,30am and 12noon and 2.30pm to 6pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, it’s closed on Wednesday and Sunday. You’ll find it at 1992 route de la Plagne in Morzine, head to decodenhaut.com for more details.

Notes from Milan Design Week

The team from local bespoke kitchen design company Berchen sent us some observations from their trip to Milan Design Week and the Salone del Mobile Milano, which is the world’s largest furniture fair. Neutral colours, textured wood veneers and glass appear to be the new trends in the world of interior design, with tall, back-lit cabinets and smoked glass. Reeded glass continues to be a big deal, especially on upper cabinets while handless designs continue to lead the way, with lots of fluted doors and curves on display to inspire. “Of course it wouldn’t be Milan without terrazzo worktops!” Helen Lavender of Berchen told us! We’re looking forward to seeing how these trends inspire the future of custom kitchen design in Morzine. For more details head to berchen.co.

Fibre is Coming

We’ve all observed a steady and continuing rise in the number of people moving to the mountains for a better work life balance, which ultimately means doing a fair chunk of that work from home. Whilst big cities and towns across the land benefit from advances in internet speeds at a fairly quick pace, the same cannot be said for our rural villages. But there’s good news on the horizon. Syane is the public energy and digital institution charged with implementing fiberoptic broadband in our region and they’ve added a very handy ‘eligibility checker’ to their website to help you determine when your property will be connected. Across most of Morzine and much of Les Gets the groundworks are already complete with the first commercial businesses set to join the new network this summer. The roll-out will continue in phases and by 2025 all properties in our valley will have access to the fibre network. To check your location, head to fibre.syane.fr

Twenty years of France Property Angels

This summer the team at France Property Angels celebrate their 20th year helping British clients purchase their dream alpine home and to mark the occasion, they’ve launched a new visual identity. The company was founded in 2003 by Morzine homeowner Catharine Hunt. Catharine’s objective then - to guide Brits through the French buying process - remains the same today, while working alongside Alice Dassonville, who expands the brand into the south of France. A team of eight experienced France Property Angels agents are on hand across the country to help buyers navigate the French property market. Discover property for sale in our area at francepropertyangels.com

Expansion for RS Interior Designs

The team at RS Interior Designs have added a large warehouse and storage facility to their collection this summer, giving them the capacity and flexibility to advance order furniture on behalf of their clients and store it until their projects are ready to be installed. Located within the Wood Yard development in Montriond, the warehouse will also include hot desks for remote workers and is just a short, convenient walk from the new Wood Yard bar, restaurant and brewery by Ibex. The RS Interior Designs showroom and design studio continues to be located next to the Prodains roundabout in Morzine. For more details head to rsinteriordesigns.com

trending

- outdoors -

Imagine a camping blanket that isn’t just insulated, water and stain resistant and machine washable, but is also made from recycled plastic bottles. Genius, thanks Voited. But that’s not where the magic ends… this blanket converts easily into a pillow, folds quickly into a sleeping bag and transforms into a waterproof cape too. It’s perfect for all of your mountain adventures this summer. You’ll find water resistant 50D Ripstop REPREVE fabric on one side to keep you dry, then CloudTouch fleece on the other to keep you warm, plus Voited have created some beautiful designs and colour ways for this do-it-all blanket.

Can we get a round of applause of the efforts Terrex are making in combining hiking boots with trail shoes and running trainers? The R3 is a hybrid if ever we saw one. There’s the lightweight design and cushioning trail runners love, combined with the stability of a hiking boot for those tough trails. There’s GORE-TEX to keep your feet dry in all conditions and a textile lining with moulded sock liner for those longer-than-average days in the mountains. These shoes have been created with a Continental™ rubber outsole to provide stability and grip on rick, mud and loose ground in both wet and dry conditions because as we all know, our local trails can provide all of the above in just one afternoon. Available in mens and women’s styles.

Because no mountain adventure is complete without a multi-tool gadget, this stainless steel version from Leatherman is top of the class. Featuring 18 different tools, from a diamond file to an electric crimper, a medium screwdriver to a bottle opener and much more besides, the whole thing locks together in a compact and safe way that’s perfect for storing in your rucksack. It’s also just 10cm in length and weights just 241g, it comes with a 25-year warranty and there’s a range of add-ons and personalisations to choose from.

Leatherman Wave+ RRP €159.00 leatherman.com

Voited Cloudtouch Camping Blanket

RRP €139.00 voited.fr

Adidas Terrex Swift R3 Gore-Tex Shoes

RRP €160.00 adidas.com

Cascada Guide Ultralight Vest

RRP €130.00 cascada.cc

This lightweight, packable layer from Cascada provides instant warmth and comfort on those days when the temperature drops in minutes. Designed to be used in a range of mountain sports, from mountain biking to climbing, the vest blocks water and wind while weighing just 225g. The honeycomb structure ensures high thermoregulation and breathability while also enabling the vest to pack down into its own pocket quickly and easily. Cascada is a brand born in Trentino, Northern Italy with a mission to explore the unknown and push boundaries in the outdoors. Their website features a range of excellent mountain-ware that’s inspired by adventure.

Osprey Hikelite 26

RRP €120.00 ospreyeurope.com

This is a backpack with benefits and as you’d expect from Osprey, it comes complete with a clean, uncluttered design that makes it a dream to use. We love the tensioned mesh back panel that keeps the weight off your back and offers a stack of pleasing ventilation. The Hikelite comes with a rain cover, which is stored in an easy access zipped pocket at the base of the pack and there’s also a handy external pocket with key clip too. Trekking pole loops feature too and there’s an internal reservoir sleeve to conclude this excellent everyday hiking bag.

THE

final leg

WHAT'S THE ACTUAL CHARGE?

On average, 52% of the carbon produced by your winter ski holiday can be attributed to your travel to and from your ski resort of choice. We’ve pitched the idea of taking the train instead of the plane to Morzine, Les Gets or Avoriaz several times and our local sustainability collective Montagne Verte has made this even more attractive with their Alpinexpress initiative, offering discounts to those who travel here by train.

Yet the final leg of your journey is a tricky one when it comes to reducing carbon emissions. Regardless of whether you land at Geneva Airport or Cluses train station, your final push into resort will likely be on a diesel-guzzling transfer minibus. Is that still necessary in 2023? Surely there’s a cleaner alternative? It’s a question you’ve continued to ask us in recent years.

There’s always someone working on these projects here in Morzine and in this instance, it’s Roland Burns, co-gerant at Skiidy Gonzales Airport Transfers. “We’ve been committed to EV transport for a long time,” Roland explains. “But the type of EV vehicles available right now, their price and the charging infrastructure changes the cost level and increases the operational complexities of the type of operation we run in Morzine.” Skiidy Gonzales carry significant volumes of passengers during a regular winter season, but let’s be honest, it’s a long time since we’ve had one of those. “Despite this, it’s been our intention for a very long time to get going with electric transfer vehicles, as and when it becomes feasible.”

Approaching Winter 19/20

Details became available concerning the Mercedes EQV, an eight-seater electric vehicle. In the autumn of 2019, Opel had a much better priced option become available too. “We could see things were moving,” Roland explains. “This was really exciting and we thought this was the start of a big change, but then COVID-19 appeared.”

Summer 20

Most car manufacturers stopped production and minibus production was halted across all brands, both in the diesel and electric varieties. COVID-19 caused vehicle supply to dry up. “Opel then closed their order book entirely on the EV models, which made it impossible to proceed” Roland explains.

Winter 20/21

An unprecedented winter season to conclude an unprecedented year of uncertainty. Our ski lifts stayed closed, there were no international travellers arriving in the mountains and consequently no one travelling on airport transfer vehicles.

Approaching Winter 21/22

Skiidy Gonzales made a deal with Mercedes to trial two EQVs in their airport transfer fleet for the coming winter season, giving the company the chance to test and resolve some of the logistical challenges involved in operating electric vehicles on the routes between Morzine and Geneva. “When the French government banned British skiers from travelling, we had to cut all of our orders for all vehicle purchases, but kept our rental fleet in place,” Roland tells me. “We did this to protect our business and to ensure its survival.”

Summer 22

Vehicle manufacturers once again closed their order books, sparking a shortage of regular transfer vehicles for the Winter 22/23 season, never mind EV alternatives. “And unfortunately the Mercedes deal wasn’t available anymore,” says Roland.

Spring 23

At the end of April 23, Opel finally confirmed that the electric version of their eightseater minibus is now available to order, with delivery in autumn 23. “There’ve been no guarantees on this date of course, but they seem confident for the first time in three years,” explains Roland.

The Timeline…

So, things are moving, quite literally. You’re maybe wondering why Skiidy Gonzales aren’t using Teslas for transfers? I was too. “The Tesla Model X carries a maximum of four people after we’ve loaded their ski luggage,” Roland explains. “And they cost four times as much to buy as a standard Renault Traffic minibus.” Skiidy Gonzales would need a huge fleet of Teslas to carry skiers, and passengers would need to pay significantly higher prices for those transfers. “Right now, EV transfers are actually better suited to the resorts with longer airport transfer journeys, such as those in the Tarentaise, as they only make one airport rotation in a regular day, which is less complex operationally and maintains economics for the operator.”

Charging…

If the issues surrounding vehicle availability are finally improving and airport transfer companies can consider the increased costs of buying EVs, what’s left to consider? Charging, that’s what. The Mercedes EQV is currently the best in class, with 350km of autonomy per charge. “However, there’s an expected loss of up to 30% for weight - eight passengers and their luggage - the drain of the mountain roads and the terrain, and a negative effect on the batteries during the cold winter weather,” explains Roland. “Until we’re able to test this scenario, we won’t know the autonomy loss and everything hinges around this. It means we can’t get though a normal Morzine double rotation day on a single battery charge,” he continues. Usually one standard airport transfer vehicle would make two trips to and from Geneva Airport each day. Rapid super chargers aren’t currently available in Morzine, so charging would need to take place at a charging point close to Geneva Airport to complete a day’s rotation. “We would, potentially, need to charge twice a day like this, plus overnight in Morzine. It takes an additional 80 minutes per charge - more if there’s a queue at the charger, and of course the driver would need to be paid for this time too, adding to our costs and therefore overall airport transfer costs,” explains Roland.

Moving forward…

The current EV offering sounds perfect for local accommodation operators undertaking shorter-distance slope drop-offs and pick-ups to their guests as vehicles can easily be charged overnight. “Airport transfers will follow, but they’re not as simple to run and it’s impossible to keep the economics the same, or even close at the moment.” Would you pay more for an airport transfer operated by an electric vehicle? With fuel prices increasing, you’ll likely be paying more for the traditional alternative anyway. “When EV supply, battery technology and charging facilities enable us to operate reasonably priced and reliable airport transfers, the take-up will be huge,” Roland believes. “Until then, we will try, from Winter 23/24, to move some of our shorter distance work to EVs and we’ll begin testing and offering electric transfers within the limitations I’ve described,” Roland tells me. “We’re excited to finally get going with this after years of our plans being scuppered!”

trending

- Travel -

One of our favourite mountain equipment brands Cotopaxi has transformed their best-selling Allpa bag into a burly travel duffel that can also be carried as a backpack when the mood suits. Inside the main compartment there’s zippered interior organisation and two accessory pockets for smaller items. The dirty laundry compartment is always a win while the dual grab handles on both ends make it easy to manoeuvre while in transit. The duffel carry straps are stow-able while the backpack harness is removable, this the mother of all functional bags while you’re on the move.

Because every travel adventure should be accompanied by a bloody good jacket, this organic canvas zip-though option is lightweight, simple and water-repellent. The uncluttered design makes it easy to stow in your backpack and is available in three different colours. The women’s version is just as paired-back, with two big, handy pockets on the front and nothing else.

This is a pocket-sized IQ puzzle that’s ready to move when you are. Suitable for children aged 6+ but lots of fun for adults too, you’ll create your own IQ challenges by moving the blockers to fill the board with your puzzle pieces. Play against yourself, tackle your friends, download the IQ Mini app to find extra challenges too.

Cotopaxi 50L Allpa Travel Bag

Pro

So, you replaced your wired headphones for Apple earbuds (or similar,) and then you boarded an aircraft, only to discover a headphone jack with no chance of you tuning into the onboard entertainment. AirFly solves this problem, and more. It’s a jack that lets you use your wireless headphones or earbuds in places that only have a headphone jack, other examples might include the treadmill at the gym or your TV at home. What’s more, AirFly Duo lets two people listen to the same movie, podcast, etc via one jack. AirFly has a 20+ hours battery life, weighs next to nothing and packs neatly into your hand luggage.

Nothing kills the spirit of adventure like having to pack and repack your car, squeezing bits of kit here, an extra pair of shoes there. This clever storage box from Kelty features three colour-coded storage pods housed in a structured, protective folding case, making your kit easy to sort, pack and grab when needed. The adjustable straps can be configured as compression to hold the pods in place, or used as carry straps for the walk back to you van. The fabrics are hard-wearing and long-lasting and they’re finished in a water-repellent treatment.

THE MORZINE SOURCE MAGAZINE

Restaurant & Bar Guide

SUMMER 2023

The Wood Yard

Brand new for this summer season and occupying a spot just off the Dereches river walk, direction Montriond, The Wood Yard is the restaurant and bar adjoining Ibex Brewery. Inside you’ll discover ten lines of beer including your Ibex favourites and guest beers too, alongside a menu that features street food, smoked BBQ classics and a changing lunch menu. Settle in on the large terrace for a coffee from 9am, lunch is served 12noon to 2pm and dinner between 5pm and 9pm. The bottle shop is open each day, 9am - 5pm and the Wood Yard is closed on Mondays.

Discover more ibexbeer.com

La Rotonde

It’s impossible to miss this restaurant, slap bang in the centre of Morzine with a pretty garden that’s perfect for a long lunch in the sunshine. La Rotonde is a great choice if you’re looking for something a bit special as the menu not only includes Savoyarde favourites but also global flavours, extra-fresh salads and there’s a super wine list too. This restaurant is perfect for large groups as the menu includes something for everyone and the kids menu is spot on.

reserve your table

+33 (0) 4 50 79 16 30

Au P’tit Casse Croute

If you’re gathering up a picnic to enjoy on the mountain, head directly to Au P’tit Casse Croute in the centre of Morzine. Choose a sandwich or piadina (folded Italian flatbread) stuffed with delicious, fresh ingredients, plus salads, sweet drinks, tea, coffee and more. The ‘sandwich du jour’ is always a treat and there are plenty of options for children too. Pre-order your lunch and collect it before you head out for your mountain adventure.

Pre-order your picnic

+33 (0) 4 50 75 94 24

Lac de Montriond is one of the most popular attractions in our valley during the summer months and this contemporary bar, restaurant and terrace sits just off the lakeside. Open each day for breakfast, pre-walk coffees, post-hike cocktails and post-ride beers, there’s a fresh, seasonal lunch and dinner menu alongside creative and tasty special dishes. Keep an eye on the hotel’s Facebook and Instagram channels for special dining evenings, Sunday roast announcements and more.

Reserve your tables in advance lacdemontriond.com

Hideout

One of the busiest restaurants in Morzine, which makes advance booking essential, the menu at Hideout is packed with pan-asian dishes and takes inspiration all the way from Vietnam to Osaka. There’s also a list of weekly specials, in case you manage to make your way through the whole menu.

reserve your table

+33 (0) 7 49 28 27 56 eat@stayhideout.com

New to the village of Le Biot and delivering across our valley, Fat Tom’s Deli & Delivery serve up fresh, delicious meals directly to your door, or to be enjoyed inside the cosy deli. They can be reheated at your convenience, making them perfect following a day in the mountains. Expect seasonal ingredients, regional cheeses, cooked and cured meats with loads of added flavour in addition to global flavours and delicious curry nights.

Discover more fattomsdeli.com

Hotel du Lac

Fat Toms

Cavern Bar

Morzine’s Cavern Bar is the home of your holiday party and you’ll find a unique, memorable atmosphere until the early hours. The Cavern is the place to go to hear incredible live music, with a selection of superb touring bands regularly taking to the stage.

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Le Local

A fantastic community pub and restaurant with a menu that’s constantly changing. Expect holiday classics as well as Sunday roasts, fish and chip suppers and the odd spicy curry thrown in for good measure. There’s also lighter bites, cocktails and a kids menu too.

reserve your table

+33 (0) 4 50 72 74 65

Le Crepu

This lively bar in the centre of Morzine is perfect for pre-dinner drinks and you’ll discover a huge range of great drinks behind the bar. Le Crepu is lively from late afternoon until late in the evening, so there’s always a great atmosphere on the terrace and inside, especially during apres-bike hours. It’s also just minutes from some of Morzine’s best restaurants too.

discover more on instagram @le.crepu

L’Etale

One of Morzine’s most popular restaurants, L’Etale has an enormous menu that’s certain to suit all tastes; think pizzas, pasta dishes, noodles, steaks and Savoyarde classics including fondue and raclette. You’ll find the restaurant just metres from the bottom of Morzine’s Pleney telecabine and food is served, all day, non-stop, between 11am and midnight.

reserve your table

+33 (0) 4 50 79 09 29

La Biskatcha

Located in the centre of Les Gets, within the Hotel La Marmotte, you’ll discover this great restaurant where service is friendly and speedy and the menu expansive to suit all tastes. There’s a great value, daily changing menu and plat du jour featuring seasonal, local increments and often with a twist. The kids menu is excellent value and the desert table is unmissable!

reserve your table

+33 (0) 4 50 84 55

brasserie typique où l’originalité ainsi que l’ambiance ne manqueront pas de vous étonner.

You can taste Savoyard specialties but also pizzas, meats, fish and flavours from around the world... we offer a gourmet menu with Savoyard touches with homemade dishes and desserts.

Vous pourrez déguster des spécialités savoyardes mais aussi pizzas, viandes, poissons et des saveurs du monde… nous vous proposons une carte gourmande aux touches savoyardes avec plats et desserts faits maison.

L'ETALE, a must-see restaurant for more than 40 years, is a typical brasserie where the originality and the atmosphere will not fail to amaze you.

L’ETALE, restaurant incontournable depuis plus de 40 ans est une

Restaurant La Grange

One of the most popular restaurants in Morzine, La Grange has an excellent reputation for serving up classic Savoyarde dishes and it’s our favourite place to go for a fondue. This is a cosy, traditional restaurant and over the years owners Alex and Fred have gathered a loyal following of holiday makers who return year after year. The terrace is a delightful spot for lunch in the sunshine. Of course that means you’ll need to book in advance

Reserve your table

+33

Le Colibri

With a menu to suit all appetites and including great children’s options, Le Colibri comes complete with an indoor children’s play area, cosy seating and a relaxed vibe that’s perfect for little ones. Whether you’re looking for a place to settle for the afternoon and drink hot chocolate, a sunny terrace for post-hike beers or an early evening supper, Le Colibri is the perfect spot in the centre of Morzine.

Reserve your table in advance

+33 (0) 4 50 06 18 53

Le Chaudron

Located at the heart of the famous goat village and offering the warmest welcome, Le Chaudron is a ‘must do’ lunch spot in the mountains. The menu is vast and delicious, offering everything from local and regional specialities to fresh salads and more, plus there’s a great children’s menu too. Dine on the sunny terrace and watch the goats go by or take refuge inside the cosy restaurant if the weather is less than perfect.

Reserve your table in advance

+33 (0) 4 50 74 05 35

L’Improviste

At L’Improviste in the centre of Morzine you’ll find a long list of both classic pizzas and unexpected toppings to eat in or take away. Book your tables in advance to enjoy the small, cosy yet contemporary restaurant for a very casual dinner. If you’re felling adventurous, try the Sicilienne, you won’t regret it!

reserve your table or order a takeaway

+33 (0) 4 50 74 05 35

Dahu Hotel & Restaurant

There’s always something a bit special about dining in a hotel restaurant and at Le Dahu, the lights of Morzine twinkle below you. The menu here embraces fresh, local and seasonal ingredients to offer you a true taste of the mountains. There’s a cosy bar for pre- and postdinner drinks and a beautiful dining room from which you can enjoy the stunning views across the whole valley. You absolutely must book a table in advance to dine at Le Dahu

Reserve your table in advance

+33 (0) 4 50 75 92 92

La Petite Auberge

The charming village of Essert Romand, just a couple of kilometres from Morzine, is home to La Petite Auberge, a family-run restaurant with a menu that’s sure to include all of your Savoyarde favourites. There’s a pretty outdoor terrace and cosy decor inside, plus a warm welcome from a lovely team.

Reserve your table

+33 (0) 4 50 37 31 96

Wild Beets Kitchen

Located within the Hive gym in Morzine and serving up healthy, fresh meals and smoothies, some slightly naughty cakes and a very tasty coffee. It’s location makes it handy for those post-workout snacks while the cafe itself is a great place to hang out with your laptop for a couple of hours. Try the Hoisin Duck wrap, you won’t be disappointed!

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Wild Beets Kitchen Morzine

Restaurant Le Rocher

A warm welcome awaits you in this popular Montriond restaurant, where the menu includes delicious pizzas, Savoyarde favourites and an extra special specials board. Located in the beautiful village square opposite the church, pizzas are also available to take away. Book your table to avoid disappointment!

Reserve your table

+33 (0) 4 50 75 78 47

Le Strike Roc

Strike Roc is the famous bowling alley in Avoriaz with four lanes and it also includes arcade games, a pool able, baby-foot and more. There’s a snack menu that includes delicious, homemade treats and a lively bar that’s perfect for a chilled out evening.

discover more roc-avoriaz.com

Le PaSsionNant

Launched last winter season, this gastronomiquethemed restaurant is housed inside a beautifully refurbished barn on the outskirts of Morzine, along the route des Nants. The menu features classic French dishes such as foie gras wrapped in truffle crust pastry and lamb with a honey and sherry reduction, making this a memorable fine dining experience in beautiful surroundings during your summer holiday.

Reserve your table

+33 (0) 6 46 14 80 59

Abbaye Aulps

The tea room at the majestic Abbaye d’Aulps in St Jean d’Aulps is a beautiful spot, in the shadow of the ancient ruin and facing the beautiful working gardens. On the menu you’ll discover a large range of herbal teas, specialist Abbaye beers, homemade terrines, sandwiches, soups, cakes and ice creams, all served in this unique, quiet spot. The team room is open each day between midday and 6.30pm.

discover more abbayedaulps.fr

Satellite Coffee

Because sometimes, a long, sit-down lunch in a restaurant isn’t in order, Satellite Coffee on the rue du Bourg in Morzine serve up fresh, tasty dishes with a healthy twist alongside tasty cakes and incredible coffee too. There’s also those famous bacon and sausage baps to collect on your way to the lifts each morning. Available to eat in or take away, there’s a sunny terrace also.

discover more satellitecoffee.fr

A contemporary yet authentic restaurant in the heart of Morzine village OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND

Un restaurant contemporain et authentique au coeur du village de Morzine OUVERT À L'ANNÉE

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TO MORZINE FROM

What does Marin County, a community north west of San Fransisco, California, have in common with Morzine? Both offer stunning, rugged vistas, both are home to lively communities of likeminded people who love nothing more than exploring the mountain trails on their mountain bikes. And it was in Marin, in 1986, that Marin Mountain Bikes Inc was founded with a dedication to enrich the lives of riders while making mountain biking more accessible to all. Back then, fully-assembled mountain bikes were rare - and expensive. Marin Bikes shook things up, developing ready-to-ride bikes at more affordable prices. Their ‘Made For Fun’ promise has carried on through the years and, true to their word, this summer they’ll partner with Vélo Club Morzine-Avoriaz, our valleys mountain bike club for children aged four and above.

“Supporting the young riders in Morzine is really important to us,” Manager at Marin Bikes France, Morgane Such explains. “We make small bikes for small riders, to help get the next generations excited about mountain biking and it’s very exciting when we see that happen in communities such as Morzine.” Marin’s San Quentin 20” and 24” models, along with their larger Rift Zone 26” junior bikes have been designed with the same attention to detail as the full-size, adult bikes. “The idea here is that kids have a similar experience on their bikes to adults,” Morgane explains. “Plus riding is a great way for parents and older siblings to spend time with new rippers. Made For Fun, that’s the idea,” she continues.

Marin Bikes were one of the first big bike manufacturers in the world to launch a titanium-framed whip back in 1986 and it’s this sense of innovation and playfulness that continues through the company today. “Marin keeps its finger on the pulse of cycling, most recently with our Gestalt X series of gravel bikes,” Morgane explains. “We brought progressive geometry, the style that we’re used to seeing in mountain bikes, to the gravel bike world, which gives our bikes a confidence-inspiring ride, both on and off road.” A further example of Marin innovation is the Larkspur ‘adventure mixte’ bike, which blends vintage mountain bikes with a classic mixte frame while the Pine Mountain series leans into an upsurge in bike-packing adventures.

“This hardtail trail bike is perfect for long adventures, and it has a tonne of gear-mounting locations too!” Morgane tells us.

As you might expect from a global bike brand, Marin has a team of pro riders in locations around the world, testing new technology, feeding back to the design team and representing the Made For Fun ethos. “High profile athletes such as Matt Jones and Juliet Elliott in the UK, Mark Matthews in Canada, Nikki Whiles in Wales, they put our new models through their paces in a range of challenging locations,” Morgane explains. She’s too modest to tell us that as a pro-rider, she’s also on their athlete team and loves getting stuck in at local events such as the Pass’Portes du Soleil.

Marin’s Green Bear initiative also brings sustainability to the forefront of bike design and distribution. “It’s our way of going above and beyond that is expected of a brand,” Morgane explains. “We’re making sure that the manufacturing and distribution of our bikes is done to the highest environmental and ethical standards, we want to ensure that we leave this planet in a better state than we found it,,” she continues. In practise, this means building bikes using fullyrecyclable materials and reducing the amount of non-recyclable material involved in bike packaging for shipping. It involves ensuring that bike dealers use eco-friendly bike cleaners and products their their shops.

in morzine

You’ll find that Torico on the rue du Bourg in the centre of the village has a range of Marin bikes for you to rent this summer season. Parents of children registered in the Vélo Club MorzineAvoriaz also benefit from discounted prices when purchasing new bikes for the little ones. Pop into Torico to discuss the partnership with Tim or email hello@toricomorzine.com

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY ONLINE

Ethical, Carbon Neutral, Sustainable Leisure wear

100% of all proceeds from #riding2win sales go to support and receive a free ImPact Concussion Baseline test valued at 12€ with any purchase over 50€

making a map

Lac de Montriond is one of the most popular destinations in our valley during the summer months. Can there be a better way to spend an afternoon than hiking up through the forest, catching glimpses of the pristine, turquoise waters through the trees as you go? When you arrive on the shore of the lake, it’s impossible not to take a dip; the water is always so enticing and so refreshing.

Spanning 32 hectares, with a length of 1.3km and a width of 253m, Lac de Montriond was formed thousands of years ago when a rock fall from neighbouring mountain Nantaux dammed a river, creating a natural lake filled by springtime snowmelt. With depths of up to 19m, the lake is now home to Rainbow Trout, Arctic Char and Brown Trout as well as several fun activities to keep everyone entertained during the summer months.

Of course with all of these new activities, which include stand-up paddle boarding, canoeing, mini golf and pony trekking, come many more visitors. To make sure that everyone makes the most of their time at the lake, the team at Hotel du Lac have created a stunning, hand-drawn map, which they’ll launch for the first time this summer. They worked with acclaimed artist RP Roberts (also responsible for two previous covers of this magazine, if you’ve been paying attention…) and our Morzine Source Magazine design team to feature a summer lake on one side and a winter lake on the other. The maps are available free of charge from the team inside Hotel du Lac, which sits on the shores of the lake. Here we take a look at how they were made.

The Drone

The team enlisted the help of local adventure photographer and videographer Lee Higgins of @lpmediahouse to fly a drone over the lake in February 23. The purpose was to provide the artist with as much perspective on the shoreline and the surrounding cliff faces as possible to begin the project. Lac de Montriond has a unique shape with stunning views from each side and it was important to capture as many details as possible.

The Artist

Several briefings and discussions later, RP Roberts began work, illustrating the shoreline of the lake in his unique, hand-drawn style. He’s worked on snowboard graphics for Jones Snowboards, he’s designed clothing for Etnies and he undertakes several large-scale landscape commissions, but this is the first time he’s ever worked on a map project. The project quickly expanded and the team began to incorporate other interesting elements from around the lake, such as the Cascade d’Ardent, the slate mines and the fascinating, ancient church in Montriond village.

The Words

With a lot of information to feature on the map, but a huge will to keep RP Robert’s graphics as clear as possible, the team set about adding text, detail and locations to the map, including directions to those extra special walking routes that surround the lake, ideas for fun family lake days, the various restaurants, picnic tables and of course the toilets. Hotel du Lac sits just minutes from the telecabine d’Ardent, which, during the winter months, makes it quick and easy to access the pistes of the Portes du Soleil. Adding this detail to the winter version of the map proved to be a challenge!

The Design

Through a series of trial and error, our designer nudged the images created by RP Roberts, shuffled the text and added a key to denote the various activities available at the lake to ensure there was enough space for all elements. The finished result is a beautiful, collectable map featuring Lac de Montriond during the summer months on one side, and the winter months on the other.

The Map

Collect your free copy of the Lac de Montriond map, complete with all the information you need to plan your ultimate day on the shores of a stunning alpine lake, from the hotel’s reception area.

COUNTDOWN TO

winter

You’re hopefully reading this issue of Morzine Source Magazine whilst perched on a deck chair under beautiful blue skies, cold beverage in hand. And it’s maybe hard to imagine our villages covered in snow, with ski boots clacking along the streets, an endless supply of chocolat chaud and constant chat about the weather forecast. Maybe you ski elsewhere each winter, but here we’ll try to persuade you to book Morzine, Les Gets or Avoriaz for your next winter holiday.

Easy Airport Transfers

Within 75 minutes of leaving Geneva Airport you’ll arrive in Les Gets or Morzine (add an extra 20 minutes for your transfer to Avoriaz), which makes our villages some of the closest to the airport with some of the shortest transfer times in the French Alps. That’s not to be sniffed at if you’re arriving on an early flight; you’ll be on the slopes by lunchtime! Select a local airport transfer company - there are several excellent ones - to ensure an efficient, friendly and reliable service, with both shared and private airport transfers available. The carbon emissions savings from not travelling further afield are also not to be sniffed at.

Accommodation for everyone

Avoriaz is a purpose-built ski resort, you’ll therefore find the majority of the accommodation consists of functional, ski-in, ski-out apartments which are great for families and couples. In recent years a number of luxury, stand-alone chalets have also been introduced to the resort, making it a popular destination for group ski holidays. In Morzine there’s such a wide variety of accommodation, it’s impossible not to find an option to suit your ski group. From cheap and cheerful hostel bedrooms to self catered apartments, catered central resort penthouses to luxury chalets with infinity pools, there really is something for all group sizes and budgets. In Les Gets you’ll also discover a range of catered and self-catered chalets in addition to some beautiful, high-end hotels with spa facilities and piste-side locations.

Family friendly facilities

Skiers who chase altitude, selecting the highest, most snow-sure mountain resorts, often discover that when the weather turns, there’s a shortage of activities or facilities to entertain the small people in a ski group. In Avoriaz we have Aquariaz, a tropical indoor swimming pool, which is more than enough to keep everyone entertained for hours. Morzine’s indoor swimming pool is perfect for children of all ages and often extends its opening hours, as does the cinema and the ice skating rink. In Les Gets the village hosts a full programme of high quality, family-friendly activities based around the village square, which are a real joy for everyone.

Outstanding ski and snowboard schools

You’ll discover a long list of excellent independent ski and snowboard schools in Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz, with both French and English instructors that have been teaching on our local pistes for many, many years. Many local ski schools create groups according to ability for children during the school holidays (and beyond), whilst the more extreme skiers amongst you will find knowledgeable and wise guides to help you explore fantastic off-piste adventures across the Portes du Soleil. Top tip, book your ski lessons as soon as you book your accommodation!

A huge range of restaurants

Cheese, ham and bread are your Savoyarde holiday staples and around these parts you’ll discover traditional mountain meals on most restaurant menus, in addition to classics such as pizza, lasagne and salads. Can there be a better way to end a day in the mountains than with a bowl of delicious fondue? We think not. Yet in recent years in Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz we’ve seen a flurry of alternative dining options arrive, such as ramen, entire vegetarian menus, gluten free pizzas, brunch menus and more. Several restaurants - both on an off the mountain - now offer a children’s menu that is much more adventurous than chicken nuggets and chips. We guarantee that there’s something for all dining tastes during the winter season.

Friendly locals

Amongst all of the feedback we receive each winter season, the warmth and friendliness of those who live, work and operate in our villages stands out the most. British tourists make a large proportion of visitors to Morzine each winter (less so, but slowly increasing in Les Gets and Avoriaz) but you’ll also hear Dutch, German and even American voices on the streets of our villages. Everyone gets a genuine, warm welcome around these parts, from the ski hire shop to the lift pass office and beyond.

Great value

‘Ski holidays are expensive,’ they say. Yet, by skiable kilometre, the Portes du Soleil lift pass is extraordinarily good value, beating other big area lift pass prices hands down. You’ll also discover that in-resort prices for everyday things like a pint of beer, a crepe or a Mars Bar are less than in other ski resorts, and that’s likely because our villages have a year-round population that also likes to buy pints or beer, crepes and Mars Bars. You’ll find the same in the supermarkets; although grocery prices are higher here than in the UK, there’s less ‘ski resort inflation’ than you might experience elsewhere.

Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz have pushed the boat out in recent years when it comes to developing beginner slopes and progressive runs for children. Because when the kids are happy, everyone is happy, right? These ‘espace debutante’ areas are often at a lower altitude, partially sheltered and made snow-sure via the use of snow canons; they’re a joy to learn on.

From the Lil’Stash in Avoriaz to the Penguin Park in Morzine and the Indian Park in Les Gets, everyone loves learning to ski around these parts, whilst more accomplished skiers head towards Fornet in Avoriaz, Chammossiere in Morzine or the Ranfoilly bowl in Les Gets for their thrills.

Winter 23/24 Season Dates*:

LES GETS

Partial opening of the ski area from 16th December 2023, full area opens continuously between 23rd December 2023 and 14th April 2024.

MORZINE

Opening on 16th December 2023 and closing on 7th April 2024.

AVORIAZ

Dates unconfirmed but we expect Avoriaz to open on 8th December 2023 and close on 21st April 2024 (again, these are predicted dates).

*Subject to snow and weather conditions, dates correct at the time of going to print

Variety of pistes

morzine source

NEWS FROM MAGAZINE

Hosting the European Outdoor Film Tour

After a series of pandemic-induced false starts, we were delighted to host a second screening of the European Outdoor Film Tour at the Domaine du Baron on Lac de Montriond in April 2023. The EOFT is Europe’s largest outdoor and adventure short film festival and 250 people packed this extra special venue to watch eight inspiring movies from a selection of the world’s best creative film makers. We were also joined by 15 members of Secours en Montagne, our local mountain rescue service, to whom we donated all of the profits from the event, which totalled €5004. Huge thanks to Tamsin and Michelle at Bon App caterers for serving up hundreds of delicious bowls of tartiflette and also the team at Hotel du Lac for manning the bar. We’re currently pitching to bring the EOFT back to Montriond in December 2023, keep an eye on our website for details and ticket sales.

Our Jono Wood Limited Edition Posters

To celebrate our collaboration with artist Jono Wood for our Winter 23 and Summer 23 magazine covers, we’ve printed a limited number of posters featuring his eyecatching artwork. A3 in size and including Jono’s unique, bold designs, the posters make the perfect souvenir of good times spent in Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz. You can buy the posters individually on our website for €15 or select a collectors set of all three prints for €40. In-resort collection is available, in addition to delivery worldwide. Head to morzinesourcemagazine.com/shop to view the posters and order online.

The Piste X Code’s Second Year

In February 2022 we launched our campaign to improve safety on the slopes. Inspired by a couple of local and tragic accidents, we joined forces with Alpine Lifestyle & Performance to create a clear, concise and updated list of on-piste guidance that we hoped would help to create awareness and keep all mountain users safe. We hadn’t anticipated how much support the Piste X Code would have amongst our local business community and also amongst visitors to Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz. During our second winter we enlisted the help of POC Sports, leaders in the development of equipment that lessens the impact of collisions when they do occur on the slopes. We also collaborated with the French government’s Prevention Hiver campaign and we hope to continue these partnerships into year three of the Piste X Code. You can learn more about the Piste X Code at pistexcode.org

Become a Morzine Source Subscriber

We now post thousands of copies of our magazine directly to Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz lovers around the world and if you’d like your own personal copy of Morzine Source Magazine to land on your doormat, it’s time to join our subscribers list. We distribute copies of our latest magazine as soon as they land from our printers, giving you the chance to plan your ultimate holiday in our valley from the comfort of your own living room. It costs just €15 to receive two issues of our magazine (the magazines are still free, the €15 covers postage) and we’ve a number of back copies available too. Scan the QR code below to sign up for a subscription now.