Issue 25 - Summer 25 - Morzine Source Magazine

Welcome,

Twenty five issues in, I often wonder if I’ve written everything there is to write about Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz. A rough calculation tells me that we’ve published around 3,500 pages over the last 13 years; that’s a lot of words dedicated to one small corner of the French Alps. I begin each new issue with an empty flat plan - I lay out a full magazine on a spreadsheet and very quickly it begins to paginate with article ideas, news, reviews, events, ideas from our wonderful contributors and more. Never have I been in a situation where I had nothing to write about, such is the constant evolution of our villages.

So whether you’re a first-time visitor falling in love with our mountains, a regular visitor keen to explore, a second home owner spending a magical summer season here, or a seasoned local, I hope that Morzine Source Magazine

to the 25th issue of Morzine Source Magazine

becomes your essential companion to the Summer 25 season.

Aside from all of the practical information on the pages that follow, I also hope that our interviews and insights inspire you to explore. It was a real treat to interview record breaking endurance adventurer Sean Conway for this issue; taking a look inside the workings of a professional mountain bike team with Mal Finnie is also a fascinating read. We dig deep into the issues affecting the future of mountain tourism, because I wont shy away from the realities of climate change.

Wishing you a wonderful summer…

Amie - amie@morzinesourcemagazine.com

As we were preparing the final version of this magazine for print, we learnt that our friend and all-round local legend Richie Lea had sadly passed away. To call Richie a local legend is a huge understatement; for decades he was at the forefront of live music in Morzine and the surrounding valley. He’d help anyone who asked and he always had a huge smile on his face. Our thoughts are with Richie’s family and friends.

Bonjour à nos lecteurs français !

Si vous découvrez Morzine Source Magazine pour la première fois, bonjour et bienvenue. Bien que les pages du magazine que vous tenez actuellement soient en anglais, nous aimerions vous diriger vers la version française. Scannez simplement le code QR ici et vous trouverez notre magazine complet en français, ainsi que des liens pratiques vers toutes les entreprises locales qui figurent dans ce magazine. Nous espérons que vous apprécierez lire ce magazine sur nos merveilleux villages cet été .

brought to you by…

We’re incredibly grateful to our very talented contributors: Michael Henderson | Clive Schmulian | Natalie Elvy | Gareth Marshall | Mal Finnie | Carrie Greer | Kyles Garrett | Gareth Jefferies

We love

paper and we’re proud that it’s sustainably sourced and recyclable. We’re also very proud to support the following organisations…

• Do you live & work in France? • Do you want to improve your French with lessons financed in part or in full by government funding?

Our bilingual team can guide you through course and funding options

Cover Story

With so many fantastic photographers in our region, we’d be spoilt for choice if we decided to include a local image on our front cover. But in recent years, we’ve tried to do something different in this space; we’ve sought out artists working within mountain communities across the globe, inviting them to create a custom piece of art for our front cover. Unique, eye-catching and memorable - that’s always been the brief and this summer’s cover by Jessa Gilbert does the job perfectly. Jessa is an American artist based in British Columbia, Canada and she was also responsible for our Winter 25 front cover. Her work, which ranges from huge murals on the side of buildings to collaborations with brands such as Burton, Yeti and Dakine, celebrates wilderness and exploration with an adventurous spirit. The bold, vibrant shapes exemplify the passing of time while the colours are uplifting and entice you into the outdoors. It’s been a real joy to work with Jessa and to follow her progress on other projects too.

discover more: jessagilbert.com

Vous travaillez en France?

summer

essentials

There’s a never-ending list of new things to share with you in each of our magazines, and this summer is no different. From developments in the bike parks to new events, restaurants, activities and more, let’s begin…

A Larger Morzine Bike Park

As our regular readers will know (and as we’ve explained on page 32 of this magazine), there’s a masterplan in place to future proof fun times on Morzine’s Pleney in the years to come. As the weather becomes more variable across the French Alps, Morzine is now at the forefront of four seasons tourism, with a drive to improve access to the mountains throughout the year. The expansion of Morzine Bike Park this summer is part of this plan. For the first time, the Charniaz Express chairlift will come into service during the summer season, expanding the bike park in a new direction while also providing quick and easy access into Les Gets Bike Park. Charniaz is accessed via a brand new blue trail named Chevreuil, spanning 1.7km from the plateau next to the Vaffieu restaurant, and descending 230m of elevation to the lift station. From the summit, drop into Les Gets or return to Morzine on a long, treelined blue trail. The Charniaz Express will be open for the peak weeks of the summer season (Saturday 5th July to Sunday 31st August) between 9.45am and 4.30pm each day and it can be enjoyed by both mountain bikers and pedestrians in an upwards direction. Each journey is covered by your Portes du Soleil Multi Pass, plus there’s a self-service ticket machine at the bottom of the lift.

Record Breaking Avoriaz

During the summer of 2020, the Portes du Soleil’s highest mountain resort experienced an average season occupancy of just 35% - there are 18,900 beds for tourists in Avoriaz, many of which remained empty during the summer season. Since then the resort has sought to attract holiday makers looking for both adventure and relaxation without compromise and it’s paid off; during summer 2024, Avoriaz welcomed 307,900 holiday makers during July and August alone, representing a staggering 58% occupancy for the summer season. And it’s not just the village that’s growing in popularity; there were precisely 928,235 passages through Avoriaz Bike Park during summer 2024 - up from 447,000 passages in 2021 and more than the famous Whistler Bike Park!

Overnight Horseback Adventures

The drive to become a four-seasons resort continues as the Morzine-Avoriaz Equestrian Centre launches spring- and autumn-time horseback adventures through pristine mountain landscapes. Suitable for everyone, from beginners to advanced riders, tailored and accompanied routes have been curated with rides varying in length from three hours to seven hours per day. Some itineraries include overnight stays in a mountain refuge or in a bivouac tent so you can completely immerse yourself in the landscape. As an example, a two-day ride with an overnight stay in a traditional alpine pasture begins at €345 per person and is available to book during the spring and autumn months.

discover more: morzineavoriaz-equitation.com

© DL Morzine PLENEY

© Victoria Edel Avoriaz ODT

WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Les Gets (again!)

Between Thursday 28th and Sunday 31st August, Les Gets once again hosts the world’s best downhill and cross-country mountain bike professionals for this enormous, unmissable event. Of course Les Gets is no stranger to staging the UCI MTB World Cup, having also hosted in 2023 and 2024. Three different events will take place over the course of the weekend. We begin on the Friday with the cross-country short track events, Saturday is dedicated to the downhill individual competition and Sunday sees the Olympic cross-country discipline contested by the very best riders on the planet. All of this is accompanied by live music performances, entertainment, exhibitions, interactive fan zones and an incredible atmosphere throughout the village.

discover more: ucimtbworldseries.com

The Unmissable Avokart

If you’re used to whizzing down the Crôt piste on skis during the winter season, prepare for an equally-thrilling experience this summer. Avokarts are three-wheeled go-karts with hydraulic brakes and a low centre of gravity to keep you on track. You’ll descend from the top of the Prodains Express into Prodains itself, along a 3.2km trail that spans 600m of vertical drop. A full safety briefing is given before you begin, each session lasts around 1 hour 30 minutes and your ascent to the meeting point is included in the price. Avokart is open from 7th July to 31st August this summer, with sessions taking place between 9am and 5pm each day. It’s €27 per person and you can add a second descent to your ticket for just an extra €12 per person. Book online by scanning this QR code or reserve at the lift pass office.

scan to book »

© les gets ODT

Tree-top Adventures at Acro’Parc

This high ropes course became the perfect addition to the Lil’Stash in Avoriaz when it opened a couple of summers ago and it’s in an ideal location for a fun family day out. Zip line across the canopy, scamper through the nets and navigate your way around the fir trees on one of three different courses. The Lil’Coco course is for children aged four and over and is priced at €12 per person, while the Sapinou course is slightly more difficult and is for those taller than 1m30cm. It’s €15 per person and can be combined with the (even more challenging!) Yeti route if you’re taller than 1m40. This course is priced at €20 per person. Access to Acro’Parc is also an adventure; take the Super Morzine telecabine followed by the Zone chairlift, then walk down to the Proclou forest. Alternatively, drive to the Séraussaix farm and walk the trail into the forest, which takes around 10 minutes. From Avoriaz, walk the trail towards Séraussaix and follow the signs. Each Acro’Parc session is restricted to 15 people, so it’s best to book your space in advance.

scan to book »

After Hours on Pleney & Super Morzine

Once again, Morzine Bike Park offers late night riding on Pleney on both Tuesday and Thursday evenings between 8th July and 28th August. Included in your regular lift pass, the Pleney telecabine remains open until 7pm, giving you access to all of the trails at dusk. As you’d expect, late night opening is subject to weather conditions. Meanwhile, over on the other side of the valley, the trails of the Super Morzine offer late night riding on Friday evenings. The telecabine will open until 7pm, giving you access to the trails around the Séraussaix sector. Of course this is included in your regular MTB lift pass also!

Introducing Skills Bike Park Morzine

A few years back we interviewed seven-time Swiss National Downhill Champion Claudio Caluori, mainly to highlight his hilarious commentary style and to discuss his famous POV course previews from across the Downhill World Cup calendar and broadcast by Red Bull. At the time, Claudio was working hard on a side project; Velosolutions. His business is now a global bike track builder, designing, project managing and constructing pump tracks, bike trails and sometimes entire bike parks in 50 different countries. The mission at Velosolutions is to provide easy access to cycling and action sports for everyone in the world in a sustainable way and this summer you’ll enjoy their latest project at the top of Pleney.

A Skills Bike Park is a dedicated learning zone within a larger bike park. It’s where the smallest riders go to practise their first turns safely; it’s where experienced bikers go to improve their skills on dedicated modules. The park is designed with a gravel and dirt surface to replicate the mountain trails and includes various technical and challenging elements that are fun - and safe - for everyone. All obstacles are designed by the Velosolutions team to suit the terrain, they’re also handmade and removable when the winter season arrives.

You’ll access Morzine’s brand new Skills Bike Park via the Pleney telecabine. Ride across to the two magic carpets, the course begins at the top. Morzine Bike Park has also introduced a 1-day beginners lift pass, which includes an up and down on the Pleney telecabine plus unlimited passages on the magic carpets for just €18.50 per person per day.

A Holiday from your Holiday at Avo’Camp

Set in the heart of the Proclou forest (AKA Shreddie from the Lil’Stash’s home), Avo’camp is a collection of beautifully appointed bivouac tents so you can spend a cosy night camping in the mountains with family and friends. There are four large bivouac tents and they’re available to book individually or together for just €95 per tent per night. Each tent includes camp beds, you can request sleeping bags also, there’s a camping lamp and a water can too. Toilets, fresh water and a BBQ are also available, there’s picnic tables and of course Shreddie’s famous treetop playground is just next door. This is an extra special way to enjoy the mountains during your holiday and you’ll be woken by the sound of cowbells in the morning. Reservations are via AirB&B, Avo’camp is available on Friday and Saturday nights between 20th June and 13th September.

scan to book »

An Update on the Essert Romand Landslide

In March 2024, a huge landslide covered the road connecting the village of Essert Romand and the road leading to St Jean d’Aulps and Thonon. Over 30,000m3 of debris dislodged itself, closing the road entirely and resulting in a 15 minute detour. Although that’s slightly inconvenient for those living in Essert Romand and neighbouring La Cote D’Arbroz (myself included), the scale of the landslide is easy to see as you pass by on the adjoining main road. After many complicated geometric assessments, the National Forestry Office intervened in January 2025 to remove some of the trees on the landslide, while a system of sensors has been installed on the slide to detect the slightest movement and to protect those working beneath. Work to stabilise and remove the debris is scheduled to begin at the end of July, lasting four months and its expected that the road will reopen at the end of 2025.

© avoriaz 1800 odt

Join Le Tremplin Team

Ahead of its reopening in December 2025, the team at Le Tremplin are recruiting outstanding colleagues to be part of the next chapter at this iconic Morzine venue. As our regular readers will know, Le Tremplin is now owned by the Timpson family; they’ve extensively redeveloped and remodelled the existing building, it’ll reopen in stages between December 2025 and spring 2026. Timpson are widely recognised as being one of the best employers in the UK and with Le Tremplin set to open year round, permanent employment contracts and excellent development opportunities are available. The manager at Le Tremplin is Nathalie Nicey and she’d love to meet enthusiastic, guest-focused, French-speaking candidates for a number of positions, commencing this autumn.

email your CV and covering details: info@hotel-tremplin.com

Le Monde de Jacquotte is a wholesome, familyfriendly way to spend a day on Nyon. For several summers shepherd Jacquotte has welcomed visitors to his summer home, introducing them to the characteristics of a beautiful alpine pasture during the summer months. He keeps many animals up on the plateau, including goats and sheep, all of whom are available to meet and feed during your visit. He’ll show you how his shepherd dogs round up the animals and you can participate in educational workshops to discover the local fauna and flora. New for this summer season, join an outdoor escape game to learn more about the local environment or join a themed hike. There’ll also be a free photography exhibition dedicated to mountain flowers as well as a children’s play area too.

© le monde de jacquotte

New Adventures on Nyon

New Brasserie Les Halles by Le Crepu

There’s a chic new restaurant with beautiful interiors in Morzine and it’s absolutely worth booking a table in advance if you’d like to visit Les Halles this summer. Opened by the team at Le Crepu, the menu at Les Halles offers a contemporary twist on classic French brasserie dining. Of course there’s a classic fondue and other holiday favourites, but you’ll also enjoy unique dishes such as goats cheese served three ways accompanied by a fresh salad or a creamy risotto with panfried scallops. The cafe gourmand is also an unmissable feast! In time for the summer season, Les Halles will also expand onto a brand new terrace, bringing more life and charm to one of Morzine’s most bustling, pedestrianised streets.

for more information and table reservations.: halles-morzine.com

A Return to Morzine for Beginner Riders

This isn’t an entirely new trail, but it’s been perfected since last summer. In much the same way that skiers love to return to the village on skis during the winter season, this new green trail in Morzine Bike Park gives beginner mountain bikers and families the chance to pedal back home without returning on the telecabine. From the top of Pleney, you’ll pick up the green trail next to the Belvedere ski lift base station. From here, the route traverses across the front of the Pleney, giving you spectacular views of the village below. The first section ends next to the Mouilles restaurant, picking up a paved road for a short section, before joining the Twisty trail to reach the bottom of the mountain. A refreshing drink at Camp Tremplin awaits!

The Wild Space Meditation Group

Many of you will remember the old Le Petit Pin restaurant, half way down the Arare, at the cross section where the Blue d’Arare piste merges with the Stade d’Arare. It was a casual spot favoured by families, one where you could enjoy a simple menu and incredible views overlooking Avoriaz from the terrace. The restaurant closed permanently as the COVID-19 “saison blanche” arrived and it has been empty ever since. Keen hikers on the Arare this summer may well notice that the whole site is now being redeveloped to become a brand new restaurant, bar and apres-ski concept; it will open in time for the Winter 26/27 season. There’ll be 160 covers inside the chic, retro-inspired restaurant, where the menu focuses on the very best regional and seasonal ingredients. In the evening, the restaurant will host special dining experiences by-night too. The adjoining terrace offers 100 additional covers and a more relaxed alternative to the apresski parties you’ll find elsewhere. There’ll also be a welcoming snack-stop for those of you who like to grab and go at lunchtime. We’ll share many more details about this new venue in our Winter 26 magazine.

Scan the QR code for your chance to win a special experience when the restaurant opens »

Welcome to The Sanctuary

We’re surrounded by glorious scenery, endless activities, fresh air and a strong community here in the mountains and you might imagine that everyone living here is happy all of the time. On the contrary, life in rural communities can present a number of mental health problems for residents of all ages. The Sanctuary is a community-run, not for profit association, established to support anyone experiencing mental health challenges in a compassionate, friendly and non-judgemental way. The ‘listeners’ at The Sanctuary are all qualified Mental Health First Aiders and they’ll help you connect with larger organisations such as the Samaritans, English-speaking councillors and other resources. They also provide workshops for children and young adults too.

discover more: thesanctuary.community

If you’ve ever had a treatment at Little Wild, you’ll know that Carrie always incorporates an element of guided meditation to help you relax and make the most of your session. By popular demand, Carrie will now host weekly meditations, moon rituals and space holding sessions, both in person and online as part of the Wild Space group. Featuring breath work, reiki, gentle sound and smoke medicine, the aim is to help you discover a calmness and stillness. “These are super relaxed sessions,” Carrie explains. “Come in your pyjamas to find a deep, restorative, meditative rest.” In further exciting news, Carrie has also become a qualified Forest Bathing guide so that grounding, meditation and mindfulness sessions in nature can now take place in our beautiful valley, with the mountains, rivers and woods as the setting.

discover more: littlewildspace.com/moon

Supercharge Your French with PDS Formation

“It can be tricky to practise speaking French in Morzine,” Liz Palmer at local language school PDS Formation explains. Maybe you’ve lived in France for years, maybe you’re a recent arrival; either way there’s a long list of ways to gain and improve your language abilities and group lessons are a great place to begin. At PDS Formation group lessons involve engaging conversations, fun roleplaying and lively debates to help students navigate their daily lives in France. Group lessons are a great source of motivation and support, while also exposing students to a wider range of vocabulary, grammar structures and cultural insights. Of course all of these experiences come in handy if you’re preparing for your DELF test as part of your residency applications, or for your French citizenship. “At PDF Formation we understand the specific needs of French learners in Morzine,” Liz explains. Flexible learning options range from weekly classes to intensive courses for all levels.

discover more: pdsformation.com

A New Piste-Side Restaurant on the Arare in Avoriaz

© morzine odt

Defected Remix

She’s one of your favourite apres-ski and apres-velo DJs, hosting parties in venues across Morzine (and beyond) each season and exciting things are happening for DJ Eliza this summer! She’s about to release her own remix of house classic Super Stylin' by Groove Armada on Defected Records and she has a number of other releases scheduled for later in the year. “Defected are one of the biggest and most respected brands in global dance music,” Eliza explains. “I am so very excited about this, as I play a lot of tracks from other Defected artists in my DJ sets. I hope to see you all on the dance floor this summer!” Make sure you’re following Eliza on Instagram for more exciting updates.

follow on instagram: @official.eliza.music

Les Gets prides itself on offering a fantastic selection of entirely unique experiences and Alta Lumina is certainly one of them. This magical walk through the forest at night tells the story of a music maker; his hot air balloon crashed into the forest during a storm and through a series of fascinating holograms and interactive, immersive music elements, the tale unfolds. There really is nothing else like this in the mountains! Alta Lumina was created by Moment Factory, the company behind huge, global experiences such as Billie Eilish’s recent tour, Madonna’s Super Bowl halftime performance and the incredible displays at Singapore Changi Airport, to name just a few. Such is the popularity of Alta Lumina, you’ll need to book your spaces online, in advance. The 1km trail through the forest takes around 45 minutes to an hour to complete and it’s suitable for all ages. Alta Lumina depends on darkness, so its opening time varies throughout the year.

discover more & book online: altalumina.com

A Michelin Star for Restaurant Kern

Chef Jean Philippe Lemaire worked in several Michelin-starred restaurants before opening his first restaurant - Kern - in Seytroux. Kern is an unassuming restaurant located at the heart of this beautiful, traditional, Savoyarde village, just 10 minutes from Morzine. The restaurant is built on the site of an old mill and over the last couple of years it's gained an outstanding reputation for refined, locally-led gastronomy. It therefore came as no surprise to learn that Kern was awarded its first Michelin Star in March 2025. Jean Philippe’s menu is inspired by the produce of the Haute Savoie region; ingredients such as aromatic herbs, lake fish and seasonal vegetables take centre stage. The lunchtime menu includes two options; a four course experience priced at €64 per person, and a six course menu priced at €90 each. In the evening Kern serves a €90, six course menu priced at €90 per person. It’s also possible to stay the night in one of three cosy bedrooms, available to book from €163 per night including breakfast.

Discover more and reserve your table: restaurant-kern.fr

Les Gets Summer Workshops

Les Gets puts exceptional effort into curating a long list of workshops to keep everyone entertained each summer; and this summer is no different! An e-bike botany tour gives you the chance to combine both sport and nature as you ride a route to meet up with Michel Rostalski, AKA ‘the plant man’. He’ll share his secrets on crafting medicinal alpine balms, which is just fascinating. Meanwhile, Dominique Maire is a high mountain guide specialising in ornithology; join a tour to watch golden eagles, vultures and more. With Pulse Activity you can also give a second life to a traditional alpine slate; after decades spent on a local rooftop, this workshop gives you the tools to design your own clock, which you can also take home as a souvenir. Visit the Les Gets Office de Tourisme to discover more.

A New Location for Torico Performance Bikes

Tim at Torico Performance bikes is moving his shop from the Rue du Bourg in Morzine to a new location this summer; you’ll now find Torico at 1098 Route des Bois Venants, which is the main road connecting Morzine with Montriond, close to the Super Morzine and just minutes from the centre of Morzine village. The shop is full stocked with everything you need to maintain your bike this summer, plus a huge rental fleet featuring downhill options from Saracen, enduro bikes from Pivot and Marin plus road bike options from Cervelo and Scott. As always, it’s an excellent idea to book your bike rental in advance, online to avoid disappointment!

Discover more: toricomorzine.com

The Planetary Trail

New to Les Gets this summer, this new 5.7km adventure trail takes you on a journey through the solar system without leaving the planet. It begins on Mont Caly, where the sun is symbolised by a tall, metal structure reaching into the sky. Its scale is reduced by one-billionth and the planets and their distances are then represented to human scale across the trail. The route is accessible and easy to navigate with children, don’t forget to take in the stunning views in all directions too! The Les Gets Planetary Trail is free to access, it takes around two hours to complete and you might also enjoy the longer route which features 8.9km of trails and takes approximately three hours and thirty minutes to complete.

The Unmissable Alta Lumina

© Moment Factory

E-Bike Tours with Bikeprogress

As you’ll discover on page 46 of this magazine, e-bikes are now a huge deal in the Portes du Soleil. In response to overwhelming demand for dedicated e-bike tours in recent years, Teddy Ritz and the team at local guides Bikeprogress have launched a set of tailormade tours to help you gain new skills and discover the area. “E-bikes open up new horizons, allowing us to go further, get off the beaten track and explore more remove areas,” Teddy explains. “In Morzine we’re fortunate to be located at the heart of one of Europe’s largest downhill bike parks. With the changing seasons however, we’ve seen more demand for ‘disconnected’ outings, focused on discovering the region, the land and local heritage on an e-bike,” Teddy continues. A collection of tours are now available, ranging from single day family-focused adventures in the Portes du Soleil to three day, two night immersions with stays in a mountain refuge en-route. “Today, I see e-bikes not as an alternative, but as an incredible complement to traditional cycling,” Teddy concludes. Bikeprogress continue to offer technical development on regular bikes too, specialising in training downhill and enduro riders.

discover more: bikeprogress74.com

As regular visitors to Morzine will know, le Petit Train is a wonderful way to take a tour of the village, especially if you have small children. Free to hop on and hop off, it runs each day between the Super Morzine and Pleney and during the summer season there’s a connection to the Palais du Sport and the swimming pool too (you’ll find the full schedule on our website). During the last winter season, the Petit Train’s service was extended into the evening on two nights each week, providing the heritage tour around some of Morzine’s oldest and most beautiful buildings. Many people enjoyed this activity each week so the service will continue this summer too. Simply pop to the Morzine Office de Tourisme to book your seat.

Picasso’s Mechanical Piano

In February 2024, Pablo Picasso’s very own mechanical piano was presented for sale at an auction in Nice. It’s described as ‘a precious witness to an incredible moment in Pablo Picasso’s life’ and was highly sought after by international collectors. Thanks to the support of a very generous patron, the Musée de la Musique Méchanique in Les Gets was able to acquire the piano, ensuring that it stays in France. The Association de la Musique Mécanique has since begun its restoration, which was originally crafted by the famous atelier Nallino in Nice. You’ll soon be able to view it for yourself at the museum in Les Gets.

The Luge 4-Seasons in the Perrieres sector of Les Gets offers unmissable summer fun, but it’s not for the faint of heart. Zooming through the larch forest, high above Les Gets, the thrilling slope has a 46% gradient and each sledge reaches speeds of up to 40km per hour. You can ride in tandem or solo, controlling your speed using a hydraulic break. The course itself is over 1km long, you’re hoisted up to the start line from the base in the Perrieres car park. The Luge 4-Seasons is open throughout the year (as the name suggests) and there’s a live calendar so you can check precise opening times each day. Each run is priced at €8.50 per sledge, multiple tickets are also available to buy. The minimum age is three years, children aged eight and over can ride alone and there’s a really great snack restaurant at the base of the luge too.

Check opening times »

Happy Birthday Les Gets Golf Club

Nestled in the hills above the village not he edge of the forest, Les Gets’ 18-hole golf club is famous for its perfectly groomed greens and phenomenal views. Here, each hole is named after a nearby peak and you’ll enjoy the journey between them as your day unfolds. In 2025 the course celebrates its 30th birthday, making this summer the perfect time to book a round. The course is open between 7th June and 5th October, there’s a pro shop on site supplying equipment and accessories and the restaurant is a wonderful place to stop for a well-deserved lunch. For more information, including off-peak hours and special membership deals, head to the lesgets golf website.

discover more: lesgets.golf

Fun On The River, Courtesy of Frogs

Rafting is the ultimate summer activity in the mountains, because you can do it whatever the weather! The Frogs Rafting base is around 30 minutes downstream of Morzine and its from here that Natalie and Jeremy host a long list of water-based activities including white water rafting, canyoning, hydrospeeding and more. They’ll even take you rock climbing! All Frogs guides are fully qualified and also very experienced, tailoring trips to suit your abilities and also your nerves. Rafting sessions range from the ‘first timers’ option, taking in 5km of gentle rapids with a minimum age of eight years to ‘pro trips’ spanning a lengthy stretch of the River Dranse for those aged 16 years and over.

discover more: frogsrafting.com

Don’t Miss the Luge

All Aboard the Petit Train

The Joy of Summer

Morzine is perfect for children

Each summer, Montagne Experience by ESF helps children discover their mountain playground. Our qualified, local guides have created an entertaining schedule to keep everyone entertained. For more information and reservations email multi-sports@esf-morzine.com

Children

aged 6 - 8

Morning sessions from 9am to midday

Activities include forest treasure hunts, Olympic Games, tree-top adventures, climbing and a visit to the farm on Nyon

Prices from €30 per day

Children

aged 9 -13

Full day adventures from 9am to 5pm

Activities include climbing, rafting, commando courses, orienteering, Olympic Games, moto trails and more

Prices from €80 per day

RESERVE NOW for Winter 2025/26

All winter long, in group or private lessons, the ESF instructors of Morzine welcome adults and children to the Pleney, Nyon and Les Gets ski areas. We can also host your lessons in Avoriaz so you can fully discover the Portes du Soleil.

Here’s your handy overview of lift opening dates and times during the Summer 25 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

9.45am - 4.30pm

10.30am - 6.00pm

Pointe de Nyon

Pre-opening weekends: Friday 6th June - Monday 9th June

Continuous opening on Pleney: Friday 13th June - Sunday 14th September

Pedestrians

An extended mountain bike area including the Charniaz chairlift: open between Saturday 5th July and Sunday 31st August 2025

The Nyon télécabine, alongside the Pointe de Nyon chairlift will open continuously from: Saturday 5th July until Sunday 31st August

Times

Chavannes Express

Nauchets Express

Mont Chéry Télécabine

La Pointe Chairlift

The summer luge on Pleney is accessible via the Crusaz chairlift between : Saturday 5th July and Sunday 31st August 2025

9.00am - 5.30pm

10.15am - 4.45pm 9.45am - 4.45pm

Pre-opening weekends: Thursday 29th May and Sunday 1st June, plus Friday 6th June to Monday 9th June 2025.

Continuous opening of the Les Gets lift network: Friday 13th June and Sunday 14th September 2025.

Continuous opening of the Mont Chery telecabine for bikers and walkers and La Pointe chairlift for walkers from: Friday 20th June to Sunday 31st August 2025

Operating times are during the continuous opening period, check our website for times relating to pre-season periods.

Times

Prodains Express

Super Morzine Télécabine

Zore Chairlift

Seraussaix Chairlift

Proclou Chairlift

Mossettes Chairlift

Chaux Fleurie Chairlift

prolays Chairlift

Lindarets Chairlift

Ardent Telecabine

9.30am - 6.30pm

9.15am - 5.20pm 9am - 5.15pm 10.00am - 5.30pm 9.00am - 5.30pm 9.10am - 5.00pm

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

9.30am - 5.15pm 9.30am - 6.00pm

(ascent only)

(ascent only)

Yes (ascent only)

Yes (ascent only)

Yes (ascent only)

Yes (ascent only)

reserved for pedestrians Yes

Continuous opening of the Super Morzine trail area (that’s the Super Morzine telecabine, Zore and Seraussaix chairlifts): from Friday 13th June until Sunday 14th September 2025

Continuous opening of the extended bike park area, including Proclou lift and trails, Chaux Fleurie and Prolays: Saturday 21st June and Sunday 31st August 2025

The Prodains 3S connecting Prodains bus station and Avoriaz: From Friday 27th June until Sunday 31st August 2025

Continuous opening of the Ardent telecabine, in addition to the Lindarets and Mossettes chairlifts: Between Friday 27th June and Sunday 31st August 2025.

Pedestrians

Pedestrians

opening

hours

Morzine’s Swimming Pool

Located in the centre of the village, Morzine’s swimming pool complex offers hours of fun during the spring and summer seasons. Entry is also included in the MultiPass scheme, so that’s a bonus too!

Spring Opening:

From Monday 26th May to Sunday 29th June Monday to Friday, 12noon - 7pm Weekend opening from 10am - 7pm

From Monday 16th June the large outdoor pool will also be open on Wednesdays and at weekends, weather permitting

Summer Opening:

From Monday 30th June to Sunday 31st August Monday to Friday, 9am - 7pm Weekend opening from 10am - 7pm

All of the pools will be open, subject to weather conditions.

Les Gets Swimming Lake

Between Saturday 28th June and Sunday 31st August, 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 5th July and 29th August. 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

Luge 4 Seasons in Les Gets

This is a summer holiday must-do. Located in the Perrieres quarter of Les Gets with ample parking and a wonderful new snack bar just next door, in pairs you’ll descend on a 1.1km-long track at speeds of up to 40km per hour within your own luge. Control your own speed - or don’t - using the hydraulic breaks but be warned - this activity is entirely addictive!

June: Open Saturdays and Sundays, 2pm - 7pm

1st - 5th July: Open every day, 2pm - 7pm 6th July - 31st August: Open every day 11am - 7pm September: Open Saturdays and Sundays, 2pm - 7pm

Golf Courses

Known as one of the most beautiful golf courses in France, the nine-hole, par 36 Avoriaz Golf Course opens between Saturday 15th June and Sunday 29th September.

Meanwhile in Les Gets, the 18-hole course spans some incredible viewpoints and is open between 8th June and 8th October.

RESPECT THE RESPECT

mountains each other

This summer sees the launch of a new communication campaign that encourages everyone to respect each other in the mountains. It’s a collaboration between Morzine’s mountain management company DL Morzine, the local Office de Tourisme and the town hall and it’s based around three principles; the friendly coexistence of different mountain users, from mountain bikers to hikers, having a greater respect for the mountain environment and respect for the rules on ‘freeriding’ on Pleney.

Morzine’s Pleney is famous for its ‘unofficial’ trails; at Morzine Bike Park they call this ‘freeride’ - when you leave the marked trails of the bike park and head onto unofficial trails, often passing though private land that’s also unsupervised. Freeride on Pleney has been an issue for years as it causes a number of problems. Land owners don’t want mountain bikers building trails on their land; these zones aren’t monitored, so if you have an accident there, rescue isn’t as straight forward as it is in the bike park. There are also significant environmental and wildlife issues too.

The launch of this new campaign coincides with a brand new summer trails map for Morzine Bike Park. The official trails are clearly visible, as are the restricted areas on Pleney. There’ll also be better signalisation on the trails to help you better navigate your way around the bike park.

For more details on the new campaign head to: ski-morzine.com/en/morzine-bike-park

places stay

There are so many cool, new properties for you to base yourselves in this summer - and beyond! From brand new and incredibly beautiful chalets to newly refurbished and well-located apartments that are perfect for families, you’re spoilt for choice in Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz. Here’s a round up of some of our favourites.

Welcoming summer guests for the first time this season, Chalet Passerelle is a brand new, stand alone chalet at the heart of Morzine. Inside you’ll discover five en-suite bedrooms sleeping groups of up to 12 people. The hot tub and large balconies with mountain views are perfect for relaxing on a sunny afternoon, while the location - just minutes on foot from everything in Morzine village - is perfect for families and groups. Accommodation at Chalet Passerelle spans three floors with the top level dedicated to an open plan living space, a bar, an all-singing, all-dancing kitchen and the foursided log fire. Four of the five bedrooms are on the first floor, with the remaining on the ground floor where you’ll also find a kit room, secure bike storage and exterior parking for three vehicles. The chalet is available on a self catered basis during both the summer and winter seasons, with summer rental rates from just €3,800 in total and winter from €6,600.

This exceptional Avoriaz apartment has been entirely renovated ahead of this summer season. It’s located on the seventh floor of the Alpages 1 residence in the centre of the village and spans 80m2, sleeping up to 10 guests. The bright, spacious living area is a welcoming space with colourful decor. The open-plan kitchen is fullyequipped and leads to a balcony with stunning views. The master suite has a private balcony and a jacuzzi bathtub while the remaining three bedrooms and bathrooms provide enough space for everyone. You’ll also enjoy the wine cellar, ski locker and close proximity to everything that Avoriaz has to offer.

Chalet Passerelle

Alpages 1

This new and extremely cosy apartment sleeps groups of up to six people in three double bedrooms, two of which have double beds while the third has singles, making it perfect for families. You’ll find Le Luxe in the centre of Morzine, just a short walk from the mountain lifts of Le Pleney and the hustle and bustle of the village. Summer guests will enjoy the secure bike storage and the hot tub, which is perched on a deck overlooking the trails; it’s the ultimate place to chill after a day in the mountains. Le Luxe is available on a self-catered basis during both the summer and winter season, so the kitchen has been fully-equipped with everything you need, from a coffee machine to a dishwasher; there’s also a handy washing machine and tumble dryer too. This summer, exclusive use of Le Luxe starts at just £1260 per week, while winter 25/26 rates begin at £1820.

Available to rent for the first time this summer following a refurbishment, this charming duplex apartment is just metres from the Telepherique de Nyon, giving you quick and easy access to the mountains during both the summer and winter seasons. It’s located on the top floor so you can enjoy the beautiful views, while inside you’ll discover two double bedrooms plus a very cool cabin room that would be perfect for children. In total, the apartment sleeps six people and there’s plenty of social space to go around. There’s also a lovely balcony from which you can watch the telepherique go up and down and a handy kitchen too. On a lower floor there’s secure parking and lots of handy storage. Nyon 26 is available to rent throughout the year, with summer rates starting at €970 per week including cleaning and laundry.

Extensively renovated by the owners in 2024, Le Mirador is a spectacular chalet overlooking the rooftops of Morzine on the sunny side of the valley and it’s available to rent for the first time this summer. Inside you’ll discover signature Shep&Kyles interior architecture with warm, cosy spaces and lots of natural light. Accommodation spans four and a half levels linked by a magnificent staircase. Six bedrooms sleep groups of up to 16 people, the open plan living space enjoys panoramic views and there’s a central fireplace that’s perfect for cosy evenings with friends and family. You’ll also love the hot tub, there’s EV charging too.

This cosy apartment for up to four people in the centre of Avoriaz offers a ski-in, ski-out location and is located within the Malinka residence. There’s a separate double bedroom with contemporary interiors, plus a quality sofa bed, making this the perfect base for a family holiday in the mountains. The kitchen is fully-equipped for self-catered stays, there’s also a south-east balcony from which to enjoy the stunning views. Overall, this Falaise apartment spans 27m2, there’s storage for all of your equipment and you’ll love the location, just a stone’s throw from the village.

“I'm a better person when I do hard things”

sean Conway

by michael Henderson

At the age of 30, Sean was a bored school portrait photographer with just £1 to his name.

“I wanted to be a National Geographic photographer,” he tells me. “That was the dream, to travel and take photos along the way, but I had no money”.

Twelve years later, in 2023, Sean became the first person in history to achieve the ‘Endurance Grand Slam’ - he was the holder of all four types of World Record. No one on earth had ever done this before (or since) and the formula looks like this >>>

You’d be forgiven for thinking that Sean has some kind of super-human power; some kind of magical advantage that he calls on during these feats of incredible endurance. Yet tests have proven that he has no biological advantage over you or I; he’s simply found a unique way to motivate himself and that’s what we’re here to talk about today.

“I’m an ultra endurance adventure athlete,” answers Sean when I ask him (jokingly) for his job title. “For a long time I was classed as an adventurer, and I never really corrected people because it kind of made sense and sounded cool. But I think I’m more on the athletics side of things than the exploration side these days.” Born and raised in Harare, Zimbabwe, Sean now lives in North Wales with his wife and two small sons, who are just five and three years old. “So I was skint, I’d given up on photography, but I still wanted to travel,” Sean explains. “I needed to think outside the box and I thought, what if I try and break some kind of World Record? Maybe then I’ll get sponsorship? That was literally my thought process,” he continues. “Then someone else will pay for me to go travelling.” The idea of intrepid adventurers being funded to travel the globe wasn’t a new one of course; for 200 years adventurous Brits have been sponsored to explore. “Livingstone, Shackleton, Scott, even Sir Rahulph Fiennes, all of these great explorers were paid to go somewhere arduous and miserable. I wasn’t reinventing the wheel with this model, but did I believe I could become one of these people? Absolutely not. Unless I could think of the right challenge…” After considering a number of incredibly difficult World Record attempts, Sean settled on one that ticked all of the boxes; cycling around the world. “As it turns out, someone did believe in me and there’s an important lesson there. Think big, aim for the stars, eventually you’ll hit something. I’d rather fail trying to do something really hard than succeed at something I already know I can do.”

Sean calls his failures ‘hiccups’ and he celebrates each of them in great detail. As it happens, this 2012 World Record attempt to cycle around the world became a hiccup. He’d cycled 4000 miles in just over 20 days »»

The first person to swim the length of Britain - 900 miles of swimming over 135 days

“Many people thought it was impossible, but I disagreed. I grew my beard to shield myself from jellyfish, that’s a true story.”

The world’s furthest triathlon - 4,200 miles, self-supported over 85 days

“These were the toughest 85 days of my life”

2016 2018 2013

to cycle across Europe 3980 miles in 24 days, 18 hours and 39 minutes.

“After a failed first attempt, I finally made it from Portugal to Russia”

2023

“This was my biggest achievement to date”

The fastest person

The most full iron-man distance triathlons in a row A triathlon a day for 105 consecutive days with no rest days

and was feeling strong when he was hit by a vehicle from behind, resulting in a T11 compression fracture and a full month in recovery. As is typical of Sean, I’ve come to understand, he continued and completed the ride, even though all hope of beating the Word Record had gone. “Continuing my quest, with a new goal of raising money for charity, was the best decision I could ever have made,” he explains.

Sean lists being thrown from his bike at 50 miles per hour as one of his top three all-time injuries (“it was certainly the most violent!”) and I can imagine that there’ve been quite a few. “The one that’s caused me the longest headache was dislocating my left shoulder at the infamous Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling Competition in 2009,” he explains. “Now I’m right-side dominant for everything and that gives me back and hip issues.” The third most memorable injury was also Sean’s most expensive. During his first attempt at the ‘most’ World Record category in 2022, Sean was attempting to complete 102 full distance triathlons in a row when he fell from his bike, injuring his ankle and forcing him to quit the challenge. “I’d got sponsorship, I’d paid crews to be on the road with me for three and a half months, there were contracts and everything. But I only got to day seven. That was a tough one to come back from.”

But come back he did, in 2023. “Completing 105 full distance triathlons in a row is my biggest achievement to date” Sean explains. “It was so hard. During all of my other challenges there’s been an element of averaging each day; I could do long days, short days or take rest days, as long as my average was better than the previous record. With this challenge it was black and white - I’d either swan 2.4 miles, cycled 112 miles and run 26.2 miles each day, or I hadn’t. I did this every day for nearly four months, it was relentless and I’m still not fully recovered!”

“I’m a better person when I do hard things,” Sean tells me and that’s a statement I really want to unpick. “When there’s a risk of failure,” he continues, “it brings out my A game.” When life throws up a difficult situation or a challenge that feels unachievable, what would you do?

“Think big, aim for the stars, eventually you’ll hit something. I’d rather fail trying to do something really hard than succeed at something I already know I can do.”

Scarper, stick your head in the sand, or ignore it altogether? Sean has a theory for you… “I’m a monkey and a terrier,” he explains. “I like being a monkey because I’m inquisitive, I like to try new things, I have a million hobbies. But I’m also a terrier, and I have one job; to chase things. I can’t be a terrier all of the time, because I’ll burn out, but that’s how I deal with these challenges.” Sean is now 44 years old and believes he’s playing a biological game with his body; “we pre-hab and we re-hab” he explains, “but the mental appetite to do hard stuff is always there.” Sean admits that he would train all day, every day if his body (and his wife) would let him. “If you said to me ‘Sean you can go and do a six hour run on that treadmill right now’, I’d be like ‘sweet, bring it on!’”

Another of Sean’s motivational strategies involves dangling carrots. “I’m not motivated by shouty people who come at you with a stick,” he explains. “Some people need The Rock shouting at them at 6am, that’s not for me.” The carrots, for Sean, are are way markers on his training pathway; they are momentary visualisations that remind him of why a challenge is important, why the pain is worth the gain. “You need to be able to call on these dangling carrots,” Sean explains. “Raising money for charity, that’s a good one. The opportunity to break a World Record, that’s another. Most likely I’ll get to write a book about it if I’m successful, which I love. My new dangling carrot, since becoming a father, is the idea that in the future I’ll be able to say “You don’t know pain!” to my children when they’re moaning about something. I can’t wait for that.”

We return to Sean’s ‘hiccups’ for a moment; he pays as much attention to the failed plans as the successful ones and he calls this his ‘No Plan B’ philosophy. “Have a goal, but have no Plan B. Just fight for the goal,” Sean explains. Because a failure is never truly a failure; it’s the opportunity to come back later on for another go. “I feel like we’re having a resilience crisis in the UK at the moment, especially with kids. And it’s not their fault! They’ve just been brought up in this technological safeguarding era and they’re used to getting instant rewards for >>> With over 30 properties in Morzine and Les Gets to choose f rom, we can accommodate groups of different sizes, in both winter and summer

things; when they get into the real world and the same thing doesn’t happen, they just give up,” Sean explains. “But that’s a whole different article,” we agree.

If there were a World Record for mental resilience, I feel like Sean would have smashed it years ago. A the same time, it’s quite obvious that he’s still cooking up new challenges during all of those six hour sessions on the treadmill. He does have one eye on the future though, looking towards the day when these seemingly impossible endurance challenges are beyond his physical abilities. “No one is getting any younger, after all,” we agree. Youth sport is now a huge focus for Sean and he’s established the Sean Conway Academy to encourage children to participate in more sport. “I wish I’d believed in my own physical and mental capacity earlier on,” Sean explains. “It took me until I was 31 years old to realise that I could do hard stuff and it’s had so many positive benefits on my whole life.” At the Sean Conway Academy, the mission is to make sport more accessible and enticing for children. “Did you know that only 37% of kids do sport outside of school in the UK?” he asks. He plans to spend what he calls his ‘third life’ (AKA his retirement) using his profile to encourage parents to enjoy sports with their children.

Sean is also the author of no fewer than eight books, each documenting some of his greatest physical achievements and his unique mental endurance. He’s currently writing a memoir of his childhood in Africa, taking a deep dive into his early years. “I always liked to do different stuff,” he explains. “To be different. Not just for the sake of it, but I really got a kick out of investigating other ways of living, being and doing. There’s a curiosity in me to look for alternatives in everything and that extends to all areas of my life.” He’s also planning some new World Record attempts, “Big big top secret ones,” he promises. “Really global mega wow records, scary ones,” and I wonder why he keeps them a secret? “I don’t want the competition to know what we're up to! Also, there are so many logistics involved, plus making sure there’s no COVID-19 part two, a world war, those kind of things.”

“Get up from the sofa right now and go for a run,” requests Sean. “Don’t over think it.” Living in a mountain resort full of sporty people, it’s easy to imagine that we’re all super motivated, all of the time. A quick scroll online serves up all the advice and guidance you might need to take up one of thousands of different sports. “If you Google ‘how to run a marathon’ oh my god, it’s complicated,” Sean explains. “Breathing exercises, grounding, get the light in your eyes… HIIT sessions, get this sort of shoe, it’s all too much. Just get up and go for a run for fun. Just start. Run for 200m and come back. Do it again in a couple of days time. Build it slowly if you want to stay motivated and excited by the challenge. It takes time, it’s not supposed to be easy. Just do it today.”

“failure is never truly a failure; it’s the opportunity to come back later on for another go.”

Enduro / DH / E-MTB / Gravel rent online // louer en ligne »

trending

Mondraker are now the official bike parter of the Portes du Soleil and in celebration, we’ve been checking out this high-performance e-bike. Designed for riders who want both speed and handling on tough trails, it features a lightweight carbon frame, providing a solid, responsive feel while still offering durability. The bike is powered by a Shimano EP8 motor, delivering smooth and consistent power, while the 630Wh battery ensures long-range capability and makes it perfect for those endless Portes du Soleil trails. The Fox suspension is top-notch with a 160mm front and 150mm rear travel, absorbing the roughest terrain with ease. The geometry is aggressive yet stable, making it a versatile option for everything from technical climbs to high-speed descents. With quality components like Shimano XT drivetrain, it offers excellent reliability and control for experienced riders. Try before you buy at Yolo Sports in Les Gets or at La Clinik in Morzine.

This is an excellent choice for riders who need a balance of waterproofing, breathability and mobility during a long day in the mountains. It’s made with lightweight, water-resistant material, keeping you dry during unexpected downpours (you’re in the mountains after all) while offering great ventilation to avoid overheating. The jacket’s tailored fit ensures it moves with you, whether you're climbing or descending, without feeling restrictive. We also love the well-placed pockets for essentials and a hood that fits well under a helmet. Reflective details add visibility for low-light conditions and while it’s not the heaviest-duty rain jacket out there, it strikes a solid middle ground for wet weather riding—ideal for those who want protection from the elements without sacrificing performance or comfort.

Currently the best in class when tested in all categories of bike helmet by independent experts, if you’ve ever owned a POC helmet, you’ll believe that to be true. POC formulate their safety systems without compromise and the Cularis is designed to give riders ultimate comfort on fast, flowy trails. It’s lightweight with optimised ventilation, it’s also highly adjustable for added protection. Highlights include eyewear storage and POC's patented breakaway helmet peak, which will break off the helmet in an accident, directing impact forces away from the head.

poc Cularis MTB Helmet

Michael Henderson Morzine Source magazine creative director

Mondraker crafty carbon r

A solid combination of protection and comfort for all riders, these knee pads have been designed with a low-profile; they offer good impact protection without feeling bulky, making them ideal for aggressive riding or day-long downhill sessions. The materials are breathable, with a moisture-wicking liner that keeps you dry and reduces discomfort during longer rides. They also feature a durable, abrasion-resistant outer layer, adding extra confidence when taking on rough terrain. The fit is snug yet flexible, thanks to the ergonomic design and adjustable straps, ensuring they stay in place without restricting movement. While they may not offer the same level of protection as more heavy-duty pads, we feel that they strike a great balance for riders looking for mobility and

A game-changer for keeping your bike clean, especially after those muddy Portes du Soleil rides. The compact, portable design makes it easy to take on the go, whether you’re cleaning back at your apartment or from the back of your van. The starter bundle includes a pressure washer, a 20L water tank and essential accessories, such as a foam lance, making it a complete solution for bike maintenance. The pressure washer itself delivers impressive cleaning power, quickly blasting away mountain dirt and grime without being too harsh on sensitive bike components. The foam lance is especially effective at providing a deep clean with Muc-Off's bike cleaner, ensuring your bike looks spotless and performs smoothly. While not as high-powered as some larger models, it’s perfect for riders who want a reliable, convenient option for quick washes.

akta knee pads

RRP €96.95 aktamtb.com

muc-off Mobile Pressure Washer Starter Bundle

a summer of

events

From the world’s best mountain bikers to the cream of the female road cycling crop; from endurance challenges to wholesome local festivals, here’s your ultimate guide to all of the best events in Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz this summer. Check out website during your holiday dates for more details.

Festival du Conte

St Jean d’Aulps - Sun 8th June

This is a charming, family-orientated storytelling festival celebrating its seventh year at the Abbaye d’Aulps and it's a favourite amongst local families as it takes place in a stunning setting. This summer the theme is puppets, so we can expect tales, activities and workshops for children. A number of local schools will also take part in performances during the course of the day, there’ll be pony rides too and a village of other activities including reading corners, art courses and more. Retreat to the beautiful tea room for refreshments. This event begins at 10am, finishes at 6pm and entry is free of charge. Pony rides are €10 per child.

Pass’Portes du Soleil

Fri 27 th - Sun 29th June

This is one of the biggest mountain bike challenges in Europe and villages across the Portes du Soleil come alive to celebrate the start of the summer season. Over 8000 riders will cover the same 80km course with start lines set in different resorts across the area. They’ll traverse the course using the summer mountain lifts, collecting refreshments from various points en-route. This year Les Gets hosts the accompanying exhibition, which is excellent fun. Pass’Portes spin-offs now include e-bike and gravel bike options as well as walking trails and children’s editions too. Registration details can be found on the website. You’ll ride the course on one day, beginning at 8am and entry is €77 per person including lunch and refreshments

Discover more: passportesdusoleil.com

Alambike is one of the best community events in Les Gets and this year it moves to the start of the season, which is an excellent idea. The objective is to raise as much money as possible for different local charities and this summer all donations will be used by Les Étoiles Filantes. A number of different mountain-bike based challenges are on over offer the weekend, from the 24-hour relay, the six-hour or the threehour races, the aim is always to clock up as many kilometres as possible. There’s also some excellent youth and children’s events too, plus a wonderful atmosphere across the village. Event times will vary each day, check the event website for details. For registration head to alambike.fr/ inscription

Discover more: alambike.fr

Abbaye Sonic

St

Jean

d’Aulps

- Sat 28th June

Yep, this is a dance music festival for families and it's grown in size and popularity over the last four years. This year’s event will once again take place in the grounds of the spectacular Abbaye d’Aulps and you’ll discover a packed schedule of music performances throughout the day. There’ll also be music workshops aimed at children, a bar, food and fun, festival vibes throughout the afternoon and into the early hours. Children’s activities begin at 2pm, live music begins at 7pm, last entry at 10am, finish at 2am. Entry is €7 for adults and €3.50 for children.

Discover more: valleedaulps.com

Spartan Ultra World Championship morzine - Fri 4th - 6th July

One of the most anticipated events on the Spartan global calendar, Morzine once again plays host to several gruelling Spartan events over the course of the weekend. Distances range from a 5km route to the mega 21km course, all with accompanying obstacles, as you'd expect. And then there's the Ultra race... 50km and 60 obstacles along a route that takes you to the top of Nyon. Our particular favourite is the kids race! Huge props to everyone taking part in all of these events. Kids races are €30 per child, adult races begin at €129.99

view race options: spartan.com/fr/races/morzine

Fete de la Chévres, Montriond Montriond - Sat 5th July

Nothing says, sounds or smells like summer in the mountains like a heard of local goats and this summer Montriond celebrates them in style. Gather in the Goat Village, just below les Lindarets to join nature activities, children's workshops, a concert featuring a local bells orchestra and a feast of local specialities to enjoy. There'll be a children's show at midday, the concert takes place at 4pm. You'll also discover that all of the local restaurants serve a goats cheese speciality dish and there'll be face painting, pottery, an outdoor escape game and more to keep everyone entertained. The event begins at 10am, finishes at 4pm and it’s free for everyone to enjoy.

Alambike

Les Gets - Sat 21st & Sun 22nd June

© Vallee d’Aulps ODT

DH Kids Cup

Les Gets - Sat 5th and Sun 6th July

Organised by the Velo Club Les Gets, this is a weekend dedicated to local riders aged between 7 and 14 years old. It gives them the chance to enter various competitions during the course of the weekend in a friendly, encouraging atmosphere, as is the spirit of mountain biking in Les Gets! Races take place each day between 9am and 6pm.

Discover more: veloclub-lesgets.com

Trail des Gets by Rossignol

Les Gets - Sat 19th & Sun 20th July

A trail running race that combines some very challenging routes alongside some of the most incredible views! Trail des Gets is famous for being a friendly trail running event and there are various formats to suit different ability levels. These range from the 11km event to the 'Chéry Challenge' - that's four hours lapping Mont Chéry in case you're wondering! There are also various formats for the children's races and an excellent atmosphere across the village accompanies this fantastic event. You'll also read more about what it takes to stage the Trail des Gets on page 44 of this magazine. For more information and registration head to lesgets.com. There are various start times over the weekend, entry to the children’s races is €5, adults races are €30 each.

Discover more: lesgets.com/temps_fort/trail-des-gets-by-rossignol

Mon 21st - Fri 25th July and Mon 4th - Fri 8th August

The summer holidays have arrived in Morzine; the Royaume des Marmots is an event designed to both inspire and entertain small children during their stay this summer. A long list of entertainment is planned in the village square including face painting, workshops and educational activities in addition to performances and live music. The best part is that the village square is entirely pedestrianised, making it a safe space for children of all ages. Download the full itinerary for each day at morzine-avoriaz.com. Entertainment begins each day at 10am and everything is free to enjoy.

Discover more: morzine-avoriaz.com

Cheeky Monkeys has been providing exceptional childcare in the Alps for over 20 years, offering peace of mind to families on holiday.

We specialise in caring for babies and young children, ensuring they are safe, happy, and well looked after while you enjoy your time in the mountains.

Our services include private nannies who come directly to your accommodation, as well as experienced evening babysitters, giving parents the freedom to relax and enjoy their holiday knowing their little ones are in safe hands.

Cheeky Monkey Morzine SOurce

Royaume des Marmots, Morzine

Festival des 4 Éléments, Les Gets Mon 28th July to Fri 1st August

The Festival des 4 Éléments in Les Gets invites visitors young and old on a magical journey through air, water, fire and earth, making unique discoveries along the way. Each day of the week workshops, activities and enchanting shows are designed for children but also for the whole family so you can all make memories together. Play, explore and discover the heritage of Les Gets while uncovering ways to protect the local environment for future visitors. The programme differs each day and there's always something for everyone to enjoy. All events take place in the centre of Les Gets, collect the full schedule from the Office de Tourisme.

Morzine - Wed 30th & Thrs 31st July

The pedestrianised centre of Morzine turns into a beach for two days each July and it's the perfect place to camp for a couple of hours to soak up the sunshine. Children will be entertained by a long list of activities including the giant sand box, creative play areas, workshops and even Zumba sessions! You'll discover deck chairs on which to relax, street entertainers and of course the local cafes, bars and restaurants will be open too. It'll feel like a holiday within your holiday! Collect the full schedule from the Office de Tourisme, entertainment begins at 10am each day and is free to enjoy.

Fête du Lac

Montriond - Sat 2nd August

One of the highlights of the summer season in our valley, Fête du Lac sees hundreds of people gather on the shores of Lac du Montriond for a wonderful fireworks display. There'll also be a special '80s party with DJs, food and drinks stalls plus other entertainment too. We'll share the full event schedule when it's available. Shuttle busses will once again run between various car parks in Montriond as the roads to le Lac will be closed to the public. This is a free event, head to the lake in the afternoon to enjoy the atmosphere. The fireworks begin at 10.30pm.

Passage of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift

Sun 3rd August

Of course Morzine is no stranger to Le Tour de France, having hosted some of the most famous stage finish lines in recent years, rider rest days and stage starts in neighbouring Les Gets. For the first time the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will pass through the village and we'll be out in force to support. The best female road riders in the world will follow a route from Praz-sur-Arly to Chatel, spanning 124km and passing over the famous Col de Joux Plane en-route. It's here, on the descent into Morzine, that we'll get the best viewing positions. The race then passes through the village and on towards Le Biot. We'll share the precise route on our website.

Trail

des Hauts Forts

Morzine to Avoriaz - Sat 9th August

It's one of the most challenging trail running events in the region and the route is steeped in history; ascend from the centre of Morzine on one of three different distances - 23km, 36km or 52km, arriving in Avoriaz to complete the challenge and collect the kudos. The 52km race is also available in a relay format while the race is also included on the list of UTMB qualifiers. The races begin at 6am in the centre of Morzine, entry prices begin at €34 and you’ll discover the route options at morzine-avoriaz. com/temps-fort/trail-des-hauts-fort.

Discover more: morzine-avoriaz.com

23rd August

First launched in 2018 offering participants a unique location between Montriond and Avoriaz, the MMA Triathlon has expanded in both location and participation over the years. After a brief pause last summer, the event is back for 2025 and includes a large list of distance options, all fully supervised and planned by experienced professional triathletes. You'll also find that there's a wonderful, supportive atmosphere at this event, making it a great first triathlon experience for those keen to dip their toe in, so to speak. There’s a staggered start for the different distances, beginning at 10am. Entry prices start at €30 per person.

Discover more & to register: mmatriathlon.com

Avoriaz Dance Festival Sat 23rd August

At 1800m in altitude, Avoriaz is the perfect location for an international dance festival. Those cooler temperatures are best enjoyed on one of several dance floors and during the course of this week you'll find professional dancers from a long list of dance categories performing across the village. Get involved in tutorials and masterclasses with the experts, enjoy performances and spend time with dancers from around the world. It's possible to enjoy this unique event for just a day, or for five full days. Dancing begins at 8am each day and continues until 2am. Day passes are available from just €59 per person, week-long passes are priced at €175 per person.

Discover more avoriaz.com

WHOOP UCI MTB World Series

Les Gets - Thrs 28th - Sun 31st August

Les Gets has been the global home of mountain biking for over 30 years (and many would argue much longer!) and it's perhaps because of this that the UCI MTB World Series comes calling again in 2025. The Downhill World Cup, the Cross-Country Short Track and Cross Country Olympic events will all be hosted by Les Gets during this weekend, which is sure to prompt more iconic scenes from the finish line. As you can imagine, the entire world of mountain biking will be present in the village, don't miss this. For more information, race schedules and viewing points head to lesgets.com/coupedumonde

Discover more: lesgets.com/coupedumonde

KMV de Nantaux

Montriond - Sat 13th September

The KMV de Nantaux returns in 2025 after a five year break. This famous race has seen some of the most famous runners in the world join the trail that connects Montriond to the peak of Nantaux, just 2.2km above. Yep, they climb a 1km ascent over just 2.2km of trail, making it one of the quickest (and toughest) vertical kilometres in France. Spaces on the race have been restricted to just 250 for this return year, such was the popularity of the event in previous years. We've interviewed the organisers about the history of this challenge and their hopes for its future on page 64 of this magazine.

search on facebook for: kmv nantaux

Morzine Plage

© Vallee d’Aulps ODT

© mma triathlon

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES:

The Ultimate

Career Break

By Clive Schmulian

“I’m not a natural linguist. I’m a dentist and many years ago when I was at University, I had the opportunity to work in a hospital in Strasbourg for a couple of months. I learnt a little bit of French there and over the years I’ve tried to keep learning on and off, just for my own interest. With a six month career break on the horizon towards the end of 2025, I wondered if I could combine my love for skiing with some intensive French lessons.”

“Over the past three or four years we’ve skied in the Portes du Soleil quite extensively, from a base in Les Gets. In 2024 we explored Morzine village and I found the Alpine French School classroom, just across the Super Morzine bridge. I contacted them with a view to booking a weeks intensive French course for January 2025; my idea was to take a course and check out the school before committing to a longer, nineweek programme as part of my career break.

I returned to Morzine with my family in January 2025, but this was a different kind of winter holiday. We stayed in an apartment on the Super Morzine side of the village and we’d head into the mountains early each day to ski, before stopping for lunch in a mountain restaurant. Usually on a ski holiday, we’d begin to head home around 4pm, but instead of returning to our apartment or heading for some traditional apres-ski, I made my way to the Alpine French School classroom for a two hour group lesson each day. Honestly the timings didn’t interfere with our family holiday at all. I’d return from my lessons at around 6.15pm each day, just in time for dinner. Within the group there were a mixture of different abilities and some of it was good revision for me. There was a very friendly, welcoming atmosphere, one night we even went to a bar to practise our French skills, which was lots of fun.

During this week of wonderful skiing and intensive learning, I discovered that the Alpine French School set

up ticked all of my boxes and I was excited to commit to a nine-week course back in Morzine during the Winter 25/26 season. I enjoyed the relaxed, alpine environment and the team were excellent. My career break begins in autumn, I’ll run the New York Marathon before arriving in Morzine in January to join the classes. I’ve already arranged my accommodation and I was thrilled to take advantage of the discounted Portes du Soleil season lift pass.

Next winter my classes will be in the morning, rather than in the afternoon as during my previous trip. I’ll be honest, by the time 4pm came around, I’d usually had a glass of wine with lunch, maybe a beer too, which was perhaps not ideal for learning. With lessons from 9am until 11am, five days a week, I plan to ski in the afternoon and perhaps work as a volunteer for a local association to immerse myself and find opportunities to further practise my French skills. Ultimately, I’m aiming to pass my B2 French exams, though a lot of people question whether exams are even necessary. For me, they’re a target, a focus and they give my learning a structure.

I’m looking forward to joining the community in Morzine next winter. From there I’ll be heading towards Japan and Australia before the end of my career break. À bientôt!”

Alpine French School have a long list of lesson options to suit everyone. Discover more at alpinefrenchschool.com

future proof

Is it possible to our mountains?

By Amie Henderson

You’ll hear a lot about the concept of ‘four seasons tourism’ in the months and years to come and I just want to be very clear about what that means, in my view, before we dig into this article. Four seasons tourism is the term coined in reference to diversification in our mountains - adding new and unique activities and reasons to visit, outside of the traditional winter season. It’s a strategy to deal with the effects of a warming climate on snow lines across the Alps and the reality that there’ll be less snow to ski on in the decades to come.

Four seasons tourism is also an opportunity to showcase the absolute joy of the warmer seasons here in the mountains. Alpine businesses can no longer simply rely on the winter season to generate sufficient revenue to survive all year round; they must develop, pivot and evolve to offer attractive activities across the rest of the calendar.

That said, ‘four seasons tourism’ shouldn’t be misinterpreted; it doesn’t imply that there’s no snow, or that the snow is bad, or that winter seasons are over. Les Gets has a solid four seasons tourism strategy, it’s been in place for many years. Yet on the final day of the Winter 24/25 season the pistes were still in fantastic shape. Avoriaz even extended its winter season, keeping a small number of pistes open on the Arare for local ski clubs until 11th May. Four seasons tourism isn’t a replacement for the winter season - it’s a strategy to future proof tourism in our mountains and their communities for the decades to come.

With all of that in mind, let’s dig in. There are some very well-considered and constantly evolving plans to sensitively develop the mountain areas of Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz in the coming years. The focus is on improving access to the mountains throughout the seasons, lessening the dependance on winter and varying snow conditions. We can expect our mountains to look more like leisure areas, rather than simply ski resorts, in the years that follow. »

Hotel Coutettaz is an historic Morzine manor house reimagined as a luxurious boutique hotel. With 11 stunning rooms, it’s a place where French flair balances with understated English hospitality. Our hotel is a true haven for skiers, foodies and lovers of the great outdoors. Adventure is on your doorstep. If you can bear to leave.

The mountain area in Morzine - including Pleney, Nyon and Chamossiere - is operated by Domaine de Loisirs de Morzine (DL Morzine); they’ve committed to spending €115 million to develop the area over the next 25 years, “so that Morzine is no longer dependent on skiing,” explained JeanFrançois Berger, Mayor of Morzine-Avoriaz when he announced the investment. Here’s an overview of proposed projects, all of which are subject to planning, surveys and what not before work gets underway.

The Nyon Express

A proposed brand new telecabine connecting the centre of Morzine (next to the Hotel la Clef des Champs) with the Nyon Plateau in time for the Winter 28/29 season. This new route would include a mid station close to the current Fys chairlift base station before continuing to the Nyon plateau. The objective here is to get skiers higher into the mountains with ease and it supports some of the excellent developments that we’ve seen on Nyon in recent years.

Retiring Old Chairlifts

The replacement or retirement of some older chairlifts is also expected to be part of the plan.

An Extended Morzine Bike Park

This summer we’ll see the Charniaz Express chairlift open for the first time, giving future access to new trails in this area and easier access into neighbouring Les Gets Bike Park. Other developments, such as a Skills Bike Park and new beginner-friendly trails will

As the highest resort in the Portes du Soleil, skiers flock to Avoriaz throughout the winter season. The peaks above the village regularly rank as the snowiest in the French Alps. Here, the mountain operating company is SERMA (Société d'Exploitation des Remontées Mécaniques d’Avoriaz, or more commonly, Avoriaz Domaine de Montagne) and their contract ends in 2032. SERMA have already fulfilled the investment obligations of their current contract in Avoriaz, leaving many wondering how any upgrades, replacements or enhancements in the mountain area could be possible before 2032. In collaboration with the town hall of Morzine-Avoriaz, amendments are now being planned and we can expect to see some new projects in the years to come.

It’s important to understand that these proposals are subject to a lot of clearance, validation, feasibility studies and what not.

Improvements to the Plateau Sector

A replacement to the current Plateau chairlift is proposed in order to give beginner skiers, holiday makers and pedestrians quicker and

be added to Pleney and we can expect to see more developments in the seasons to come.

Two Giant Zip Lines

If you’ve ever experienced the incredible Fantasticable in Chatel, you’ll love this news. Two giant lines are proposed, spanning the Nyon plateau and Pleney. If approved, the first is expected in 2027 and the second in 2031. Combined, these two zip lines are likely to be one of the largest in the world.

Improving Accessibility

There are plans to introduce a mountain cart experience, using three-wheeled motor-less racing carts and also a Swincar, which is an all-terrain electric vehicle. The idea here is to give more people access to designated parts of the mountains.

A Luge on Rails

Last but not least, plans are underway to develop a rail-based luge on Pleney, similar to the fantastic Luge 4 Saisons in Les Gets. This could replace the existing sled-based luge on Pleney, which has been in operation for decades!

The above plans all sound very exciting and we can imagine that the majority of the €115 million is likely to be spent in the next eight to ten years. That said, this isn’t development at all costs. There’s also a genuine commitment to environmental sensitivity, with each individual project set to be analysed carefully to ensure its need is balanced against any environmental impact.

les gets

easier access to the pistes and connections above Avoriaz, carrying people in both an upwards and downwards direction. This improved ski lift would also offer a muchneeded alternative to the situation at the Tour chairlift, which is currently the only route connecting the Arare and Chavanette sectors to Avoriaz, Lindarets and beyond. The town hall of Morzine-Avoriaz have approved this project in principle, further permissions must be sought but it’s likely that this development could be implemented in the short term.

The Super Morzine

Construction of a large reservoir is already underway on the Super Morzine, the objective of which is to secure snow coverage in this area in the years to come. The town hall of Morzine-Avoriaz asked SERMA to prepare a report on the future life span of the Super Morzine telecabine, which is often regarded as the work horse of the village. Although it came into service in 1987, it remains a reliable connection in the medium term, thanks to effective maintenance projects over the years. Preparatory work is now underway to suggest a replacement for the Super Morzine lift at the start of the new operating contract in 2032.

Despite its slightly higher altitude and an excellent, snowy season during 2024/25, Les Gets is a resort also preparing for the impact of climate change and snow scarcity. But the concept of four seasons tourism isn’t new in Les Gets. Alta Lumina opened in 2020 and quickly became one of the most visited tourist attractions in Les Gets. It doesn’t rely on snow and it’s open throughout the year. Similarly, the Four Seasons Luge is a hugely popular activity, giving visitors access to mountain thrills all year round.

The mountain area in Les Gets is operated by SoleGets, a locally-owned company. They presented their investment plans at a public meeting on Monday 14th April. “We’re trying not to make any mistakes,” announced Deputy Mayor Simon Bergoend. “We don’t want to chase pipe dreams or colossal projects,” he continued, while confirming a €100 million investment over the next 17 years.

Investment in Winter

Overall, €75 million will be invested in winter sports infrastructure and water management. A large part of this project will include expanding the existing reservoirs around the ski area once a study has been completed. The objective is to deliver water to fuel snow canons in a more resourceful way that doesn’t waste supply. And from next winter, water in the »

A New Morzine-Avoriaz Link

Once upon a time there was a plan to build a brand new telecabine connection between the centre of Morzine (at the top of the rue du Bourg) and on to the existing Prodains 3S, giving skiers quicker access to Avoriaz. This project was called EMA (Express Morzine Avoriaz), a tunnel beneath Morzine, connecting the Pleney and the new base station was also part of the plan. For various reasons the project was dismantled but the current municipal council plan to relaunch a discussion on this connection, based on the same route (but without the tunnel). “To prepare for our future, and continue the sustainable development of our region, we believe it is essential to once again consider a direct connection using cable transport between Morzine centre and Avoriaz” states the latest update from the Mairie de Morzine-Avoriaz. The last time this project was proposed there were some very strong opinions on both sides; this time a public consultation will take place and a public vote will be offered; the people of Morzine will decide whether this project goes ahead or not.

Mouille aux Blés reservoir will be dedicated to village water consumption, rather than the production of artificial snow.

Chavannes

The focus here will be on enhancements for beginner skiers. Eventually the Stade ski lift will be removed and there’ll be a focus on redirecting skiers to the higher altitude points in the estate, whilst the Chavannes chairlift could also be updated. Guaranteeing snow coverage into the village while prioritising the ski-in, ski-out nature of the Gentiane piste will be a focus and at the same time the Bruyère piste will be remodelled to preserve both natural and artificial snow coverage. Further priorities will include guaranteeing the links between Les Gets and Morzine.

Rosta & Nauchets

Les Gets refers to this area of the mountain as the resort’s ‘snow loft’ – even in the worst seasons, skiers will find snow here. Improvements are planned to the Violettes slope, the old Rosta chairlift, in addition to the Grains d’Or chairlift, will both be replaced by one brand new eightseater with a total investment of €11 million. A reminder that the Rosta chairlift is now 33 years old, making it one of the oldest in the Portes du Soleil. It’ll be replaced by a high-speed alternative, whisking skiers to the top in less than three minutes.

Perrieres

Here, investments will be made to ensure skiers can descend on the chairlift in future years, should the snow line retreat quickly.

Mont Chéry

It’s considered to be one of the most beautiful parts of the Les Gets mountain area, yet very few skiers actually visit Mont Chéry during the winter season. To tempt skiers to cross the village, the existing gondola lift will be replaced using the Grains d’Or lift at a cost of €4 million. A new blue run is proposed from the summit of Mont Chery in an effort to disperse skiers from the busier sectors.

Summer Activities

€15 million will be invested in summer activities, including a leisure area around the lake on Mont Chéry, with walks and activities for families. Trails for people with reduced mobility will also be a focus, while plans are also underway to create new mountain bike trails on Mont Chéry. This could include opening up access to the famous World Cup trail…

The subject of development in our mountains will always be a contentious one with strong opinions from many different directions. Reducing the seasonality of tourism and stabilising our local economies while at the same time planning activities that respect the natural environment will be key. We will of course keep you updated on the progress of these plans in the months to come.

If you’d like to share your opinion with me, I’d love to hear from you - amie@origami-media.com

TRAIL RUNNING

A BEGINNER’S BEGINNERS’ GUIDE

By Natalie Elvy

You may have noticed banners decorating lamp-posts around Morzine and Les Gets, showing determined, fit-looking people skipping up hills and along ridges in the early morning light. They’re advertising the various trail runs that happen around our valley throughout the summer months. The images reinforce Morzine and Les Gets’ reputation as a village full of fit people doing extraordinary feats of endurance for fun. They can make trail running seem like an exclusive sport, exempting anyone who doesn’t categorise themselves as an endurance athlete. I know this, because I had assumed trail running was for other people, until I learned a thing or two to change that. I’m now quite keen on it, and I want to encourage anybody who may be trail-curious to give it a shot.

So, what is trail running? Very simply, if road running is on a paved surface, and track running is running round a track, trail running is everything else. Different governing bodies differentiate between fell, cross-country and mountain running, however for these purposes, trail running covers them all. Taking place outside, on uneven trails, often in mountainous terrain, competitions usually include significant ascents and descents. Trail races can be short, like a KMV (1000m ascent in less than 5km – the male record is 28:53), or long like the UTMB (the Ultra Trail of Mont Blanc, 176kms, 9900ms ascent, where the male record is 19:37:43 but participants have up to 46hours to complete it). Competitors are responsible for carrying whatever they may require for the duration, such as food, water, torch, waterproofs, etc. There is minimal security on the race route and weather conditions can change quickly.

These facts do little to disabuse us of the idea that trail running is for super-people, not your average weekend Parkrun / sofa-to-5km dabbler. Personally, I discounted myself as a trail runner upon hearing the name; I don't identify as ‘a runner’, I am a clunky jogger. I assumed that (with ‘running’ in the title) you should ‘run’ nonstop and I assumed the same about marathons. Yet there is no such requirement! I found this out by accident when my husband was training for the KMV up Nantaux. Supportively, I had accompanied him on training walk, and as we slowly and painfully ascended, me blinded by sweat and hyperventilating, I asked how on earth he was going to run all the way up. >>>

“ HIKING WAS A PLEASURE THAT REQUIRED TIME, WHILE JOGGING SERVED A PURPOSE ”

He spluttered and replied he had no intention of running – he’d scramble up any way he could. This was a gamechanger. I had been ‘trail running’ since I had arrived here, but called it ‘walking in the mountains’. In fact, the sport is about using paths and trails to explore the mountains; it doesn’t matter if you run, walk, scramble or crawl, the objective is to do it as fast as you want to.

Before this, hiking and jogging had been two distinctly different activities for me. Hiking was a pleasure that required time, while jogging served a purpose; keeping fit on the days I didn’t have time to hike somewhere nicer. Trail running combines the two in a pleasing solution, and like all the best solutions, it was so obvious that it had never occurred to me. Hikes that would have been too time consuming are cut down to size by zooming round the flat, easy bits, and jogs became a pleasure instead of a chore now I could explore beyond the (very few) flat areas around Morzine and Les Gets.

When untangled from the running part, the uphill element of trail running is less off-putting. In reality, there’s no avoiding ‘ups’ when you’re in the mountains; however if you have enjoyed hiking here, you’ve probably experienced the exhilaration of reaching a viewpoint or summit. It validates the rest of the climb and erases the pain of the ascent. The same is true of trail running. While elite trail runners may sprint up and down steep bits, chamois-style, everyone else mixes it up, capitalising on flat and easier downhills to make up time and slogging up the ups as best they can, remembering to pause when they arrive to appreciate the view.

If you’re trail-curious, a major draw is that trail running is a pretty low-cost activity, which is unusual around these parts. Beyond forking out for a decent pair of trainers, there’s little else you need to get started (obviously there is plenty of ‘must-have’ gear if you want to invest more heavily). I have found that for such minimal financial outlay, the benefits are massive. My fitness increased rapidly because, despite never intending to run up hills, I do try to get them over with as quickly as possible; I have had fewer injuries than jogging on the flat, probably due to having to engage various muscle groups on the uneven, ascending and descending paths (downhills are

often as demanding as uphills); and psychologically, the concentration required to watch where you going is oddly meditative, and the sense of accomplishment when you can see where you have been is pretty awesome. Trail running or ‘scampering’ (less sexy but more accurate) is a fabulous way to explore the mountains. It’s accessible, enjoyable and cheap, with a pleasing effort / reward ratio.

I hope these words have reassured you that you needn’t be Jasmine Paris (although who can’t be inspired by her?) if you fancy giving it a try.

A sensible approach will help you get the most out of it. Here are a few pointers for the uninitiated:

BUDDY UP

It’s worth going with others, both from a social and security point of view. Morzine Runners (find them on Facebook) are an excellent local group where you can meet like-minded people and gather useful advice and tips from trails to gear. They are happy to share experience and a coffee, and they never leave anyone behind.

INVEST IN GRIPPY TRAINERS

Decent trainers with good grips make a difference when you’re running on mixed terrain. Think tractor tyres vs bald tyres.

INVEST IN A TRAIL RUNNING BACK PACK

You can put in a water bladder, phone, snacks, plasters and a waterproof.

CONSIDER POLES

I wasn’t convinced by this idea at the start, and I don’t use them if it’s flat, but on a hill I now find them invaluable. You can get super light, collapsible ones so you can fit them in your back pack.

DO A RACE

A goal keeps you motivated and taking part will help overcome any imposter syndrome you may feel. Registration is cheap and you get lots of (random) free stuff, from soap to saucisson, and perhaps a t-shirt or medal at the end! The atmosphere is wonderfully supportive, the volunteers are incredible and other participants are super encouraging.

trending

This is a high performance road bike that combines cutting-edge technology with a raceready design and it’s available for you to rent this summer from Torico Performance Bikes. Featuring a lightweight carbon frame, the O2 is incredibly responsive, delivering a smooth, stiff ride that excels in both climbing and sprinting. The geometry is wellbalanced, making it comfortable for long rides while still aggressive enough for competitive cycling. Equipped with the Shimano Ultegra groupset, the bike offers precise, reliable shifting and excellent braking performance, which is especially noticeable on fast descents or tricky terrain. The wheel set is stiff and aerodynamic, complementing the bike's overall performance-focused build. It's a versatile option, great for everything from the Col de Joux Plane to race day.

As you’d expect from POC, these are a sleek and performance-focused eyewear option for serious cyclists. With a lightweight frame and wrap around design, they offer excellent coverage and a secure fit, even during intense rides. The lenses are made from high-quality, scratch-resistant material and provide superior clarity, with options for both bright and low-light conditions, thanks to the interchangeable lens system. We also love that the fit is customisable, with adjustable nose pads and temples. The ventilation system helps prevent fogging and these sunglasses not only protect from UV rays but also enhance visibility and contrast, making them a solid choice for riders who want both performance and aesthetics.

We love this high-quality, portable e-bike charger as it's designed for quick and efficient charging. There’s a sleek, compact design, making it perfect for riders who need a reliable charging solution on the go. The digital display is a standout feature, showing realtime charging status, voltage, and power, allowing you to track the charging process accurately. The charger is compatible with most e-bike batteries and supports a wide range of charging options, making it versatile for different setups. It also features overvoltage, overcurrent, and short-circuit protection, ensuring the safety of both your bike’s battery and the charger itself.

factor O2 - Shimano Ultegra

Michael Henderson Morzine Source magazine creative director

Combine comfort and flair with these high performance socks. They’re inspired by the classic tube socks of the 1970s, featuring bold, black stripe, a high cuff and we love the retro aesthetic. Crafted from a blend of 98% polyamide and 2% elastane, they’re lightweight, breathable and moisture-wicking to keep you dry and comfortable during the longest of rides. They’ve also been designed with anti-blister yarn and a ventilated upper section.

POC will always prioritise safety, ventilation and comfort and this helmet is no different. With its sleek design and large ventilation openings, it provides excellent airflow, helping keep your head cool, even during intense rides or hot conditions. The MIPS adds an extra layer of safety by reducing rotational forces during a crash. The fit is highly adjustable, thanks to POC’s precision sizing and secure retention system, ensuring the helmet stays comfortably in place. It’s lightweight yet sturdy, offering a good balance of protection without feeling heavy. The aerodynamic shape minimises drag, making it a great option for road cyclists looking to shave off those extra seconds.

a trail for everyone

Since its inception six summers ago, the Trail des Gets has become one of the most prominent trail running events in the region. During that first outing on 25th August 2019, runners could select one of three different challenges; the 9km tour through Mont Caly, the more challenging 18km course up Mont Chéry to enjoy panoramic views of Mont Blanc or the significantly more demanding 35km route, encircling the Pointe d’Uble. Participants loved the diverse challenges, the breathtaking views and the fact that this was a locally-organised running event; this set the tone for the years that followed.

The Trail des Gets by Rossignol is now a celebration of mountain running. It’s organised by a dedicated team in Les Gets and the 2024 event attracted over 1700 runners across nine different race formats. In January 2025 they launched the Trail d’Hiver des Gets, a winter trail running experience at night on both a 10km and 20km course, in addition to children’s races too. Imagine navigating the snow-covered trails, traversing pistes under the stars…

The team at the Trail des Gets by Rossignol are rightly very proud of their achievements. It’s not easy to launch a mass-participation event with so many variables. Camille Mateos is the events manager in Les Gets.

Camille, where did the idea for the first Trail des Gets come from?

“The team in Les Gets has always had members who are passionate about trail running and the desire to surpass themselves with new challenges. Organising a mountain race for this emerging sport was an opportunity to combine our work, our passion and our desire to share the mountains. For the first edition in 2019 we had 400 registrations; this year, we're expecting 2,000 participants!”

What makes Les Gets the perfect location for this event?

“Les Gets offers hilly terrain with magnificent views of Mont Blanc on all courses! Our team, present along the course, at the aid stations, and at the bib pick-up, take great pleasure in organising the event, and it shows. This brings a unique atmosphere that is beyond friendly and

welcoming, even if the weather isn’t perfect!”

The event grows each year. Where do the new ideas come from?

“We love to improve the Trail des Gets by Rossignol and the values of sharing sport are the values that drive us in the events office. Creating an event for both young and old with children's races and a youth race seemed like a perfect reflection of our family-friendly village. Our steep climb of Mont Chéry is the ideal race for the most athletic and dopamine-fuelled runners and the winner will be the one with the most climbs in four hours! The team in the events office generates new ideas every year thanks to our discussions with the trail team and also thanks to our internal diversity.”

Les Gets launched the first winter Trail des Gets. What inspired you? Was the event a success?

"The idea of a unique, shared experience with winter enthusiasts seemed like a logical continuation of this wonderful summer event! It was a real success, with 500 participants and 60 children gathered in January to tread the white gold of Les Gets. We didn't expect to fill our capacity so early in our calendar with this new event. Seeing all the loyal fans from the summer edition was a real pleasure, and watching all those little headlamps in the night sky was an unforgettable moment! I can also share some exciting news… 17th January 2026 has been chosen for the next Trail d’hiver des Gets!”

What's new for this summer?

“This summer, the Trail des Gets is becoming

Behind the Scenes at the Trail des Gets

Registration Info:

This summer the event takes place on both 19th and 20th July.

There’ll be:

Four children’s race formats

One youth race

Three adult’s race formats

One vertical challenge

Registration for children’s races is priced at €5, adults races are priced between €20 and €50 depending on the distance.

Register here

the Trail des Gets by Rossignol. This is a major innovation and development, highlighting a strong connection with our partner, Rossignol. This year’s edition also features a new red course to crisscross both sides of the village so runners can enjoy Les Chavannes and also our iconic Mont Chéry. In an effort to emphasise athletic performance, we have also opened elite race bibs to encourage some of the top names in the sport of trail running to join us.”

What are the challenges of organising this event? We’re in the mountains, after all!

“The challenges are numerous! Unstable weather, a problem with our supplies, or an injury can happen quickly. The mountains are to be discovered while preserving them and that’s a real challenge that we constantly consider. The safety of our runners and everyone involved in this weekend is also a priority. To this end, we also work with trusted and experienced service providers to ensure that we have plans in place for every eventuality.”

Does the event rely on volunteers?

“Without our volunteers, nothing would be possible! Fortunately, we have a solid and responsive team

including trail markers, signallers and the entire events team are dedicated to this weekend. Every year, or at each event, it's a real pleasure to see these same volunteers again and to hear new ones. For more information on volunteering, there's a section on the Trail des Gets by Rossignol website, or feel free to email trail@ lesgets.com.”

What’s the best part of organising this event?

-

9.00 AM - 12.00 PM 3.00 PM - 7.00 PM

“The greatest part is hard to find but I would say that the emotion of seeing all these people completing their race, being in the process of exerting themselves, cheering them on, and handing out food with a smile at the finish line or along the course is our greatest moment as organisers. Being able to experience all of this is unique. We are beyond thrilled with the dynamics of trail running in Les Gets!”

Any final words to encourage runners this summer?

“Runners, young and old, from aged seven to 77 years old (or older); anyone with a desire to perform or share a special moment should come to discover Les Gets. It’s the people at this event who will make your experience unforgettable, believe me!”

Glasses, sunglasses, children’s eyewear, sports glasses, eye tests, accessories and more

73 ROUTE DE LA PLAGNE

E-BIKE EVOLUTION EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS

By michael henderson

“They’ll never catch on,” stated one naysayer

as

we

first caught sight of an e-bike rider on Pleney in 2010. Fast forward 15 years and it’s fair to say that person was wrong; you’ll now discover e-bike charging stations, dedicated e-bike trails and e-bikes to rent in villages across the Portes du Soleil, making our mountains much more accessible than ever before.

But e-bikes aren’t as new as you’d think. On 31st December 1895, American inventor Ogden Bolton Jr was granted the very first patent for a battery-powered bicycle. This was a heavy, cumbersome machine and it certainly wouldn’t have been practical in the mountains, but it was an e-bike, by definition.

In more recent times we’ve seen significant advances in the performance and reliability of e-bikes, in much the same way that we’ve seen improvements in electric vehicles. Impressive battery performance now results in longer range rides and faster changing functionality makes e-bikes perfect for both commuting and leisure rides. Future-facing

cities made e-bikes available to borrow on a ride-by-ride basis and in 2015 Les Gets launched their GetsLib’ scheme, the first of its kind in a mountain village. GetsLib’ is intended to compliment the local transport service, encouraging visitors and local people to leave their cars at home. The e-bikes are also perfect for exploring every nook and cranny of the village.

Let’s take this discussion out of the villages and into the mountains. Back in 2010, some of us might have regarded e-biking as cheating. There we were, pre-season, summiting cols before the bike parks opened, keen to get our downhill thrills, only to be eclipsed by an e-bike. No sweat, no pain, but the same

gain. Yet those older e-bikes were heavy; they didn’t perform in the same way on the downhills (we told ourselves), charging was unreliable at best, unavailable at worst.

Around the same time, someone somewhere in the Portes du Soleil saw the future and it was filled with lighter-weight, (slightly) more affordable e-bikes, giving riders the opportunity to expand their horizons, both physically and metaphorically, across the 12 resorts of the region. These same riders would eventually escape the confines of the traditional bike parks and gain batterypowered access to dedicated cross country trails without the limits of the existing summer lift system. These un-tapped areas of the »

First time users need to quickly register. Alternatively, collect a badge from the Office de Tourisme. A deposit of €30 is required.

Your first 30 minutes is free of charge. You’re then charged €1 every 30 minutes for the first four hours and the €2.50 every 30 minutes thereafter.

35 bikes are available to collect from and return to one of seven conveniently located pick-up points in the village between the hours of 7am and 9pm, seven days a week between May and November.

They’re designed for riders aged 15 years + and you’re advised to wear a helmet too. These bikes are for village use, you’re not for the bike park or mountain trails.

mondraker NEAT RR SL geometry - 2025

ogden bolton jr. patent - 1895

Portes du Soleil during the summer are fantastic and the e-bike would become a tool to explore off the beaten track, enjoying the peace, tranquility and epic views. This was a new market of cyclists entirely, and the Portes du Soleil was their perfect playground.

The Portes du Soleil e-bike revolution really got under way in 2012. Gradually, 350km of marked trails were dedicated to battery-powered riders, with a focus on ensuring that the climb was as exciting as the descent. They called this the Uphill Flow; making the most of your bikes e-capacity, taking you as far as possible, but always within range of a charging station. When you dig deeper into the strategy of the Portes du Soleil in these years, it’s obvious that the area was a pioneer. To date, there are now 34 Bosch recharging stations across the area and they’re all free to use. Some of them are even powered by solar panels.

In testament to this smart decision making amongst the powers that be at the Portes du Soleil, the 21st edition of the famous Pass’Portes du Soleil MTB challenge in 2017 included a dedicated e-bike course in partnership with Bosch. There were three different distances; 41km, 56km and 100km, all dedicated to e-riders with unique routes traversing between the legendary FrenchSwiss border. The e-Pass’Portes continues to this day and offers departure points in four different resorts (Les Gets, Roc d’enter, Châtel and Chapelle d’Abondance in case you’re wondering) and featuring eight free-to-use charging stations enroute.

Some of us wonder whether the e-MTB will ever entirely replace the ‘analogue’ bike. They’re now lighter, more affordable, easier to charge and manoeuvre. So I asked the winner of 17 MTB World Cups, the legendary Steve Peat for his views. “I ride e-bikes and enjoy them, for myself,” Peaty explains. “I live near some really good short DH trails, so the e-bike becomes fun to climb on and also allows me to get more of the fun DH stuff that I love so much,” he continues. “I also use the e-bike for my job, being the lines coach for the Santa Cruz Syndicate, the Bullit e-bike allows me to access the side of World Cup tracks easily and I am able to get to many more places to help my riders like Jackson Goldstone, Laurie Greenland, Nina Hoffmann, Elliana Hulsebosch and Felix Griffiths plan their fast lines for racing.” Can we imagine Steve Peat replacing his fleet of analogue bikes with e-bikes? Absolutely not.

Teddy Ritz is a local mountain bike instructor and a guide. His company Bikeprogress offers downhill tuition, beginners sessions and multiday explorations across the Portes du Soleil. His clients range from little four year old riders, eager to make their first descents, to older riders who’ve just discovered the joys of mountain biking. “E-mountain biking makes the sport more accessible to a wider audience,” Teddy believes. “Particularly those aged 50 and over, as well as those who aren't in top physical condition but still want to experience great cycling adventures,” Teddy continues. >>

Professional street trails rider (and YouTube sensation) Danny MacAskill is also no stranger to the trails around Morzine; you’ll almost certainly find him on Pleney mainline this summer. "For me, my e-bike has completely changed the way I look at the mountains around me,” Danny told me. “It has opened up so many new places to explore and I’d say it has improved my riding skills a lot because I get so much more descending in per day of riding. I find I am also able to invite more friends on my adventurous rides, as the barrier to entry for people to enjoy riding an e-bike is much lower than pedalling a traditional MTB up-hill to begin with!”

You’ll most likely find yourself browsing one of the many excellent bike shops in Morzine, Les Gets, Avoriaz or the surrounding villages during your trip this summer; you’ll also notice that pretty much every major bike brand now has an e-bike in its quiver. They range in specification and categorisation, with the ‘light’ models generally providing a physically lighter weight and including smaller motors and batteries with around 150mm of travel. The ‘trail’ variations generally have 29” wheels with 140mm/160mm of travel and the ‘enduro’ iterations providing Mullet setup (27.5 rear and 29” front wheels) with a larger range of travel between 160mm and 170mm. These different categories are suited to different riding styles and terrain, along with the range of travel. Selecting the right model for you will depend on where you ride most.

It’s also worth noting that whilst the French Alps are perfect for your e-bike, you can’t fly here with it. Lithium batteries are prohibited by all airlines, which means you’ll either need to drive or hire a bike locally. Most of our local bike shops now stock e-bikes for rental and their pricing is very similar to regular downhill or enduro bikes. We’ve done all the research for you on the following table.

The future of the e-MTB looks bright, particularly here in the Portes du Soleil. In January 2025 the region announced a threeyear partnership with Spanish premium bike brand Mondraker; the collaboration promises to bring Mondraker’s cutting-edge technology, particularly in relation to e-bikes and gravel bikes, to the region. There’ll be opportunities to test new models and join exclusive events with pro riders, plus discovery days across multiple villages too. At the same time, most other bike manufacturers continue to launch further developments in e-bike technology. We can expect more powerful motors, enhanced battery capacity and smaller battery sizes on bikes that could eventually behave just like an analogue bike. You might need to adjust your riding style to take account of changes in your bikes weight, you might also find that with added assistance on the uphill, you’re doing more downhilling than ever before. But as long as you’re doing those things with a smile on your face, that’s the most important thing.

the

Remembering Mike Marshall

By Gareth Marshall

How did a retired art and ceramics teacher from a small market town in the East Midlands convince thousands of skiers to come to Morzine? My dad Mike sadly passed away in September 2024 but his legacy lives on, especially when I pass locals in the street. “Comment va Mike ?” they’ll ask me. For over two decades Mike Marshall championed Morzine as if it were his own. He was formidable at bringing skiers and summer visitors to the village and his enthusiasm was infectious. As you might imagine, Morzine has changed considerably over the years, although the spirit of the village remains the same.

My dad (aka “Big Mike”) discovered skiing while teaching art to a bunch of 11-14 year olds at a secondary school in Melton Mowbray. You were swept along by his pioneering ideas and one day he thought ‘skiing looks good.’ Along with fellow teacher and lifelong friend Tony Middleton, he rented a minibus, roped in a few parents and drove through the night to Glenshee in Scotland. They’d ski for the weekend, drive back overnight and return to school the next day. That was another era of course. In the early 1980s skiing was a privilege reserved for the wealthy but my dad was passionate about introducing the kids to the great outdoors. He’d played rugby at a very high level for both Richmond and the mighty Leicester Tigers, then the ski bug bit him. He’d go on to do his BASI ski instructor qualifications, he did that for himself, and to impart his knowledge and passion to his family and friends.

Eventually those school ski trips moved to Pamporova in Bulgaria and I managed to get on the trips with him as a school pupil. They were a lot of fun, they were the days! My dad could see a change in the ski industry; a momentum was building, there was a shared passion amongst a whole new group of beginner skiers and they were all inspired by the same thingmy dad. He started the Mike Marshall Ski Club, maybe you can imagine his initials MM and Melton Mowbray representing the mountains in his first logo. From the garage of our house he’d spend his evenings and weekends trying to get his idea off the ground and thanks to my supportive mum this was possible! He partnered with a company called SkiBound, some of you might remember them. They took care of the operations, with my dad marketing, selling and then hosting “MM Ski Club” weeks in resorts across Europe and North America.»

These were in cheap and cheerful club hotels, groups would gather and demand snowballed. My dad just wanted to make skiing affordable for everyone and eventually he decided to take a two-year sabbatical from teaching; investing all of his efforts into the Mike Marshall Ski Club.

Not long after, Morzine featured on the Mike Marshall Ski Club itinerary and it's here that my dad met Dorrien Ricardo, the owner of The Couttetaz Hotel. At the time Dorrien worked for SkiBound and they hosted trips at the Hotel l’Aiglon and Hotel Savoie, which many of you will see is currently under refurbishment today. But again, my dad noticed the market was changing - he was always a pioneer. The idea of bundling 60 skiers into a hotel was slowly being replaced by a desire for more independent ski holidays in smaller chalets. With his two-year sabbatical almost over, he had a big decision to make - return to the classroom, or return to the Alps? He took early retirement and rented a chalet in La Clusaz for a couple of seasons. For various reasons, La Clusaz wasn’t quite right so dad dipped his toe in Morzine instead. Back then he was attracted by the proximity to snowsure Avoriaz, the easy journey from Geneva, the year-round appeal of the village and its enormous summer potential. Morzine wasn’t a purpose-built resort and my dad loved that sense of village community. Dad also recognised that Morzine had such a broad range of clientele and I believe this still to be true today. There’s such a plurality to Morzine that he loved, as I do.

As you might imagine, Morzine back in 1995 was very different to the Morzine we all know, and continue to love today. As the sons of teachers, my two brothers (Ben & Dan) and I spent all of our long summer holidays here. Dad rented a couple of large chalets, hosting art groups, tennis clubs, walking holidays, golf trips, schools and diabetes associations (he was a type 1 diabetic), offering children and their families the opportunity to ski. We always knew that whilst the Portes du Soleil is an incredible ski area, dad gave Morzine his full backing because of the potential of the summer season. He was always pushing us to extend our summers from June until September and he had the vision to make it work. I’d say Morzine was more authentically Savoyard back then, there was much less development, but that’s “progress” I guess. Eventually, dad put his money where his mouth was and bought a piece of land along the Joux Plane side of the village, before building Chalet des Montagnes; it’s still our flagship property to this day! I remember standing on that plot of land in 1995 and he’d determined that buying it was the right thing to do; he’d developed lots of local contacts due to his infectious personality and had managed to save all of his life, which was topped up by backing from close friends. The Mike Marshall Ski & Travel Club of Melton Mowbray became Simply Morzine on this very spot.

My dad was a visionary and an eternal optimist, yet as those who knew him can testify, not always a realist. The mountain holiday industry has faced a number of significant challenges over the years and in the early 2000s things were snowballing for him. During university I lived in Bordeaux for a year then afterwards I spent a year gaining experience by working for a travel company in London, before joining the family business. Overcoming these various challenges became my responsibility; “Gareth, don’t tell me how it can’t be done,” he’d reassure me. Myself, my brothers, friends and family were always swept along by his powers of persuasion and he was right; we always found a solution.

Simply Morzine grew quickly and by being good neighbours, me speaking fluent French and wanting to integrate with the Morzinois community, we eventually partnered with the Rosset family at Felix Ski Shop and the Blanchi family at Hotel la Chaumiere. They are authentic, family-run, local businesses just below the Pleney pistes. This was in the days before online travel agents and the hotel owners were looking for new ways to reach winter and summer independent holidaymakers. Mike Marshall became their top sales agent, of course! These days Simply Morzine welcomes guests to over 12 different properties, all located in the centre of Morzine.

In more recent times, dad felt that the business was in good hands and he could take his foot off the pedal. He wanted to enjoy the best bits, the fruits of his labour. He’d come and ski with friends and family, enjoy time exploring the mountains with his seven grandchildren and even cycled single-handedly from Melton to Morzine and Morzine and on to Barcelona – not bad for a 20-stone diabetic in his late 60s! Wherever he went and whoever he met, you immediately knew that Morzine was his passion. He’d walk through town and everyone knew him. He enjoyed a cigar on the balcony after a day’s skiing or hiking, he loved lunch in the sunshine at the La Rosset'taz in Les Gets, Les Marmottes in Lindarets or Refuge L’Abricotine at Brochaux. He loved a beer or two in the Dixie Bar or the Tibetan. Whilst dad’s life was taken too early after a terminal diagnosis, myself and my brothers will cherish these memories forever.

I know that lots of other people also have some very fond memories of our Big Mike; he was a force of nature and did an incredible amount of work to put Morzine firmly on the map for British tourists, even if you never stayed in one of his chalets. I’ve selected some of my favourite photos and hope you enjoy the trip down memory lane!

Elevation Alps

Our large range of luxury, self catered Morzine chalets and apartments are within 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. Elevate your holiday by adding private chefs, meal deliveries, lift passes, airport transfers, grocery and wine deliveries and more. You can book a ski weekend, short break or a longer stay.

45 Degrees North

45 Degrees North is a family run business offering affordable catered and self catered holidays in our centrally located chalets. We are a family run company priding ourselves on a warm, welcoming and relaxed environment for your holiday where it feels like a home away from home. Whether you are here for one of our cycling holidays or just to explore the area in summer or winter, we are here to take care of you.

45degreesnorth.co.uk

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

elevationalps.com

+33 (0) 6 50 26 70 95

info@elevationalps.com

The Fat Fox Lodge

At The Fat Fox Lodge, we fuel your mountain adventures year-round. In winter, enjoy nourishing meals, daily yoga, and a private shuttle service to the slopes, as well as our new sauna cabin. In summer we keep it simple with 'bed and breakfast' and a secure bike shed. Whatever the season, we've got you covered.

fatfoxlodge.com

+33 (0) 7 53 79 88 23 info@fatfoxlodge.com

We aim to provide a flawless experience from your initial 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 wellequipped 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.

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

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

morganjupe.co.uk

+44 (0) 7739 692908

jess@morganjupe.co.uk

Simply Morzine

Chic chalets. Awesome apartments. Fabulous food. The original Morzine specialists, offering high-quality winter and summer holidays since 1995. Sought-after central, on piste catered chalets, plus stunning self-catered properties in the best locations in town. Highly regarded amongst the local French & expat communities for having stood the test of time with quality and integrity. Unique summer activity holidays, designed for all ages and interests including families.  simply-morzine.co.uk

+44 (0) 1664 568902 info@simpy-morzine.co.uk

This unique and romantic escape with views of the stunning Lac de Montriond is the perfect place to stay for winter and summer relaxing escapes or adrenaline filled adventures and is ideally positioned for guests of weddings at the Domaine du Baron and Hotel du Lac. Sleeping up to 2 adults and 1 child, this stand-alone lodge, in its own secluded garden with secret sauna, offers easy access to the Portes du Soleil.

lepetitrevemontriond.com

+33 (0) 7 71 86 47 45

lepetitrevemontriond@outlook.com

Le Petit Rêve - Lac de Montriond

Morgan Jupe

Alptitude

An extensive portfolio of self-catering chalets and apartments sleeping 5-13 guests. A great choice of central village locations, plus a selection of more peaceful locations away from the hustle and bustle. From comfortable to more luxurious and all at superb value. We provide a unique and personal service 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

A local French business providing high quality, self-catered holiday accommodation in Morzine. With an extensive portfolio of chalets and apartments of all sizes, styles and budgets. Whether it be a 2-bedroom ski in/ski out apartment, or an 8-bedroom chalet with hot tub and sauna, we pride ourselves with our flexibility and amazing locations. Our on-point customer service comes as standard in the lead up and for the duration of your stay, and our range of extra services, including flexible catering options, means that you can create your perfect mountain getaway..

www.puremorzine.com

+33 (0) 6 30 03 11 33

info@puremorzine.com

Ride & Breakfast

Located in Montriond centre, 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 from the jacuzzi and large very well equipped living areas. A dedicated place to live and share your love for outdoor activities.

rideandbreakfast.com

+33 (0) 6 07 45 35 18 / +33 (0) 6 11 04 28 58 contact@rideandbreakfast.com

The Lodgist Agency

We offer catered and self catered chalet holidays across 20 exceptional properties in Montriond and Morzine, which accommodate groups from 2 to 18 people. Head to our website to see the full range of property options

Detached, modern chalet in central Morzine with 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, outdoor (under cover) hot tub, full digital entertainment (Netflix, Spotify, Alexa, Starlink Wifi, UK Freesat 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.

Treeline Chalets

Award winning chalet company in Morzine with a range of catered and self-catered properties. We love to provide a personalised holiday experience so you can truly kick back and relax from the moment you arrive in summer or winter. From luxurious 6 bedroom catered chalets to great value 2 bedroom self-catered apartments, our friendly team full of local knowledge are here to help from the moment you enquire.

treelinechalets.com

+44 (0) 1483 220 505 info@treelinechalets.com

thelodgist.fr

+33 (0) 6 07 45 35 18 contact@thelodgist.fr

chaletroc.com

+44 (0) 7887 551921 reservations@chaletroc.com

Offering the perfect blend of ski-in, ski-out convenience and peaceful seclusion, just 250m from the Pléney lift and a short stroll to town. This recently renovated, much-loved chalet features 7 spacious bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, two lounges, a pro-level kitchen, and space for up to 15 adults and 2 infants. Enjoy a private garden, hot tub, mountain views, and expert local support from the owners, Lindsey and Thierry. Whether you're a large family or corporate group, this is your ultimate base for skiing, hiking, or simply relaxing in the heart of the Alps.

chaletmorzine.com

+33 (0) 6 71 92 33 77

info@chaletmorzine.com

Chalet Morzine

Pure Morzine

Chalet Roc

Au Pied d’Hauto

A beautifully renovated semi-detached farmhouse in the tranquil hamlet of Le Lavanchy, between Montriond village and Lac de Montriond. Le Refuge Au Pied d’Hauto is a comfortable blend of old and new, with traditional Savoyard workmanship sitting alongside Nordic-inspired interiors & decoration. The apartment consists of a generous 110m2 spread over two floors, with three double en-suite bedrooms. aupieddhauto.com

+33 (0) 6 43 66 76 03 contact@aupieddhauto.com

Nyon 26

Nyon 26 is a stylish ski-in ski-out apartment in Morzine, just steps from the Nyon lift. Sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms, it features vaulted ceilings, modern fully equipped kitchen and dining area, south-facing balcony, private garage, cave, Smart TVs and Console games. Perfect for winter skiing or summer biking and hiking, with easy access to Morzine town and resort transport.

nyon26.com

+33 (0) 7 44 41 98 85

sayhello@nyon26.com

Hotel La Renardiere

Just a short walk from the centre of Morzine, discover this convenient, friendly and cosy hotel offering flexible stays and open throughout the year. La Renardiere is the sister hotel to Le Tremplin and it makes the perfect base for your mountain adventures on a bed and breakfast basis.

Chalet Mirador

New for Summer 2025 - Chalet Le Mirador is one of the most distinctive and luxurious chalets on the sunny side of Morzine’s valley. It has a sumptuous and expansive feel throughout the 4 and half levels.With 6 bedrooms that can sleep up to 15 people, luxurious en-suite bathrooms, spacious lounge and dining area with amazing panoramic views, fully fitted kitchen with breakfast bar, cinema room, mezzanine games area, hot tub expansive space to relax and enjoy the vista.

miradormorzine.com

miradormorzine@gmail.com

Chalet Avalon

A large and brand new chalet in Les Gets with stunning interiors and flexible accommodation sleeping up to 12 people. Enjoy the breathtaking, panoramic views across the rooftops of the village from one of many terraces and balconies. The living space is bright an open plan, making it perfect for family ski holidays. The kitchen is fully-equipped and the whole property is powered by renewable energy.

myhomeinthealps.com

+33 (0) 9 54 76 22 30 info@mhita.com

Northstar Chalets

Your ideal choice for self-catered and catered accommodation in the heart of Morzine. Our properties are perfectly located in the village centre, close to the ski lifts, shops and restaurants. Our dedicated service ensures an unforgettable alpine experience for families and groups. Experience the warmth of Morzine’s hospitality with Northstar Chalets.

northstarchalets.com

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

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

hotel-renardiere.com

+33 (0) 4 51 11 00 39

info@hotel-renardiere.com

*New property for Snowytrees this year* Stunning 240 year old large farmhouse. Sleeps up to 15 people in 7 large bedrooms, all en-suite. Indulge yourself in the outdoor hot tub or relax in the sauna. Central location in Morzine only 4 minute walk to Super Morzine. Available in winter and summer for catered or self catered stays. Lovely lounge with wood stove and 2nd TV lounge. The chalet is 5 star rated on Trip Advisor. Large garage for ski and bike storage. Boot warmers. Table football & table tennis table. Starlink internet wifi. snowytrees.com

+33 (0) 6 84 06 49 61 amy@snowytrees.com

Panther Snow Co

Snowytrees - La Ferme a Mamy

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 and dedicated concierge service 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. Available to rent from 7,332 € per week.

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

architectural style, upon which Avoriaz is

Chalet

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. Available to rent from 7,082 € 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 2,290 € 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.

Available to rent from 3,645 € 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 10,296 € per week.

Chalet Aspen

in Jean Michel Villot's iconic

typically built.

Aspen

Chalet Alaya

- trail running -

These very sexy trail glasses from Nike perfectly balance sport and style. There’s an expansive wrap lens, a minimalist top bar and textured nose grips for comfort and stability. The lenses feature Nike Max+ vision technology, giving you distractionfree clarity, wherever the trails may lead you. They also offer 10-% UVA/UVB protection. Great work Nike.

Crafted from a lightweight blend of polyester and elastane and featuring Kinetic’s CLIMBFIT design, this tank is perfect for runners keen to avoid the restrictions of a tight-fitting top. The slightly longer back is great for dynamic movements, while the seamless constriction results in minimal chaff. Breathability is also fantastic, even in the hottest temperatures.

Our local trails vary considerably and sometimes, during a holiday run, you never know what lies ahead. This versatile trail shoe will see you from laps of Lac de Montriond all the way to summits of the Col de Cou, such is the versatility of the cushioning, traction and durability. The grip is also exceptional and that comes in handy on early morning runs on damp trails.

amie Henderson morzine source magazine editor

Kinetic Mavrik SL Tank Top

Nike Expedition Shield RRP from €99.00 nikevision.com

Saucony Peregrine 15 RRP from €150.00 saucony.com

trending

- outdoors -

We love this eco-friendly, high-performance jacket and its design is perfect for the mountains. Crafted from recycled materials, it combines sustainability with functionality; the colours are pretty cool too! The membrane is fully waterproof, offering excellent protection from the (occasional) mountain wind and rain. It’s also light weight and easily packable while the adjustable cuffs, hem and hood are practical additions. Available in both mens and womens sizing, Passenger also plant one tree for every jacket ordered.

We love the classic aesthetic combined with the incredible performance of these boots; they look great in the mountains. There’s a Vibram SPE midsole that makes easy work of those craggy mountain trails, while the Vibram outsole with Megagrip provides great traction, even after a mountain shower. As you’d expect, the waterproof lining makes these boots suitable for all weather scenarios but the whole boot is conspicuously lightweight to reduce fatigue on longer hikes.

We all got excited about noise cancelling headphones, but do you really want to block out the sounds of the mountains entirely during your next trail run? You won’t once you’ve experienced these open-ear Bluetooth headphones. They give you crystal clear audio but at the same time you stay entirely aware of noises in your surroundings. They use bone conduction technology, delivering sound through your cheekbones and leaving your ears open to environmental sounds, such as cars, mountain bikers or bears.

amie Henderson morzine source magazine editor

danner mountain 600 / id

Hip packs during hikes have the advantage of keeping your back cooler while at the same time removing the temptation to bring along a stack of stuff that you don’t actually need. This option includes an impressive two litre Hydrapak water pack combined with three litres of storage space. There’s a magnetic hydration tube on the left side, plenty of zippable storage sections and the waist belt has been designed to optimise comfort. Available in three different colour ways, which are all very pretty.

Shhh, don’t tell anyone, but you don’t need to be an athlete to look good in this cap. Obviously, yes, it was designed for runners and outdoor athletes, but it also offers great breathability, UV protection and comfort, making it the perfect companion for long runs, hikes, cycling sessions or trips to the pub. The reflective details on the Iconic Bar also make you more visible in low-light conditions, which comes in handy if you’re a fan of early morning runs.

Un restaurant contemporain et authentique au coeur du village de Morzine OUVERT

By natalie elvy

Directly in front of you, as you head from Les Gets towards Morzine, you’ll see the imposing and beautiful mountain of Nantaux. Perhaps you’ve noticed the darker line running vertically up from the central crease and along the shoulder to the ridge at the top? This is the path of the legendary vertical kilometre, or KMV, of Nantaux. In the years from 2010 - 2019 the short and intensely sharp race welcomed internationally renowned trail runners such as Kilian Journet, Mathéo Jacquemoud, Alexis Sevennec and Christel Dewalle. It was recognised as the fastest KMV in France for several years running (more on what this actually means in a bit), but despite its reputation, it has lain dormant for the past five years. This year, thanks to four committed locals, it is back! I spoke to Victor Michel, the now-president of the KMV Nantaux Association, to find out what inspired him to resurrect this masochistic race, and just what it entails.

What is a KMV, and why Nantaux?

“A trail race’s level of difficulty is usually assessed by the distance participants cover and the elevation gain throughout the course; the higher both these numbers, the harder the challenge. To be classified as a KMV however, the trail must gain 1000m vertically in fewer than five horizontal kilometres; the fewer kilometres travelled to gain 1000ms in elevation, the tougher the KMV. Nantaux’s shape is ideal for the race, and its classification as one of the ‘fastest’ KMVs in France means that it gains 1000m in a very short 2.2kms of horizontal distance. The result is an incredibly steep ascent, with no respite en-route. But the effort is worth it for the panoramic views on arrival; competitors have a spectacular view of the Morzine valley from Lac Montriond to Mont Blanc, and all the way to Lac Leman in the other direction.”

The race took place for 10 years, but it’s not happened for the past five years. Why did it stop?

“The original organisers of the race were JeanFrançois Premat and Stéphane Gros. They started the Nantaux KMV in 2010 and ran it for 10 years. While they were responsible for its success, they were also victims of it, because as its reputation grew, so did participant numbers. Anyone who has taken part in a trail race knows the logistical, organisational and security commitments on the day are massive. What fewer people realise is that beyond this, the volunteers involved in the association work year round. The administrative side is time consuming, ever-changing, and energy intensive. Juggling families, full time jobs and real life is a significant challenge. When the committee couldn’t find any new blood to help take the race forward, they reluctantly wound it down after the 2019 race.”

Why is now a good time to bring the race back?

“I have met Jean François Premat often since then, through our joint involvement in Secours en Montagne (our local mountain rescue service), and we have frequently talked about the KMV. I have clear memories of the years it ran; the Nantaux KMV was a highlight. It became one of the valley’s not-to-be-missed sporting events, it was a big deal. Discussing the race with him sparked the idea of relaunching it, and then coincidently the topic was brought up over dinner with friends, one of them remembering volunteering on race days with his father. It turned out I wasn’t the only one to have fond memories of the event - as well as notions of resurrecting the KMV Nantaux. So over fondue, we formed the new committee and revived a local legend!”

“All of us on the committee are local to this area

Essential details

date

Saturday 13th September 2025

Details of times and bib collection will be released when the registration opens online on 1st June 2025

Follow the event

Facebook: KMV Nantaux

Insta: kmv_nantaux

Watch out for posters with the QR code

and we have grown up in the shadow of, or looking up to, Nantaux. We are all passionate about the mountains and we all recognise the sense of community, connection and pride in this area that the race inspired. In relaunching the KMV Nantaux, of course we want to attract as many sportsmen and women as possible, but our principal aim is to enable every participant to enjoy themselves in their own way. That may be discovering the mountain, the trail, or the area; trying to achieve a PB, or perhaps just turning up to enjoy the race atmosphere. We want to showcase one of the Vallee d’Aulps’ most spectacular areas and celebrate the sense of collaboration and community that exists here. The pleasure of being involved is as much for the supporters and locals as for those participating and everyone will be welcome at the meal after the race.”

Be honest. Do you need to be a super-athlete to take part?

“The mountain of Nantaux draws elite competitors because its form is ideal for enabling them to push themselves to their limits. The men's record is held by Alexis Sevennec in 32min59sec and the women's record by Christel Dewalle in 37min31sec - these are extraordinary feats of athleticism (and only mentioned here to serve as an inspiration!). The average time for a person to complete the race is 1h30 - so don’t let the records intimidate you!”

“Anyone is welcome to participate, there are 250 places available and inscriptions will start on 1 June 2025. You need to be in good physical condition. Don’t be misled by the short duration; the climb is steep and hard, and while the race is shorter than regular trail runs, it is far more intense. There is no respite on the ascent, so it requires both physical and psychological endurance."

“However the event goes beyond the start and finish of the race. There will be a meal afterwards to celebrate participants, supporters and volunteers, and anyone else who wants to join us! Our objective is to make the event as unforgettable and unique as the landscape and community that enables it.”

faqs summer

How do I get a Portes du Soleil Multi’Pass?

There are three different types of Multi’Pass. The ‘Stay’ pass is priced at €3 per person per day and is available to those staying in Multi’Pass accredited accommodation for a minimum of two nights. Your host will give you all the information you need to acquire your passes, which are incredibly good value. The second option is a ‘Day’ pass, priced at €14 per person and is available to anyone, regardless of where you’re staying. You get full access to all of the benefits of the pass and you can buy these online, in advance of your stay. Finally, there’s the ‘Season’ pass, which is priced at €100 for adults and €70 for those aged between five and 25 years. This pass gives you free and discounted access to all Multi’Pass activities between 29th May and 2nd November.

scan to find our full guide to the Portes du Soleil Multi’Pass

Do I have to wear Speedos at the swimming pool?

No, you don’t, though you can if you wish! In previous years, board short style swimming shorts were prohibited at Morzine’s swimming pool; this rule was typical at public swimming pools across France. In more recent times the rules have been relaxed and shorts are now acceptable, though they shouldn’t be the shorts you’ve spent all day mountain biking in.

Can I use my Multi’Pass to access the bike park?

You cannot. The Portes du Soleil Multi’Pass (explained earlier) gives you access to many things, including the summer mountain lift network. Although this same lift network is used to access the various local bike parks, you’ll need an MTB pass to carry your bike on them. You have four different MTB passes available; Morzine Bike Park, Les Gets Bike Park, Avoriaz Bike Park and the all-encompassing Portes du Soleil MTB pass which includes the three local bike parks plus those over in Chatel and Champéry.

Are there any activity groups for children during their holidays?

Morzine’s ESF host Montagne Expérience; these are action-packed activity weeks and they take place this summer between 7th July and 29th August. P’tits Kids is a morning club for six to eight year olds and the schedule includes treasure hunts, tree-top adventures, climbing experiences and trips to the various activities on Nyon. Prices begin at €30 per day and the sessions take place between 9am and 12noon. Children aged nine to 13 years can join the full day adventures, including rafting, commando courses, orienteering and more. These begin at €80 per day and take place between 9am and 5pm. For more details head to ski-school-morzine.co.uk

What’s the average temperature during the summer season?

July is typically the hottest month of the year here in the mountains and while average temperatures are recorded at around the 21º mark, it can feel much warmer than that, especially on sunny afternoons when we’ve known the mercury to top 32º. Summer days are often punctuated with an afternoon storm, usually around 3pm and lasting for around 30 minutes. These storms are spectacular to watch, they clear the air and then the sun reappears. Evenings in the mountains are much cooler than the daytimes, so remember to take a jacket or a jumper out with you.

What can we do on rainy days?

The answer to this question of course depends on who you’re on holiday with, and their ages, though everyone has fun at Le Strike Roc, the bowling alley in Avoriaz. Take the bus to Prodains then the 3S telecabine to Avoriaz. At the top use the public lift system to walk to the Dromonts quarter. Booking online in advance at bowling-avoriaz.com is an excellent idea. The indoor swimming pool in Morzine is also an excellent place to gather; did you know that in addition to the pool, there’s a wellness space including a sauna and hammam for you to enjoy? In Les Gets they say there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. Make a visit to the Mechanical Music Museum before taking a tour of the lovely local shops and cafes to complete your day.

BY MAL FINNIE

“My tourism business in Morzine collapsed during the pandemic. But every cloud has a silver lining and mine was veteran British downhill racer Phil Atwill. Widely regarded as one of the most versatile, all-round riders on the pro MTB circuit for the last 15 years, Phil was racing as part of the Cube Factory downhill team at the time. They’d just made the decision not to send the team to a World Cup race in Lousã, Portugal because of the pandemic, yet travel for professional sports was still possible. “If it’s legal, then we’ll go,” Phil said and asked me me to join as his replacement mechanic. Phil came fifth that weekend, which was his joint best ever World Cup result. Five years later, I’m the team manager of the Positive Crew, a professional mountain bike team that includes Phil, Socratis (Soc) Zotos and Marco Lamaris.”

My own life has changed considerably since 2020, but that’s nothing compared to the changes we’re seeing in the realm of pro mountain biking. After his success in Lousã, Phil decided that his time on the Cube team had naturally come to an end. Previous to Cube, he’d been at Propain Bikes and he used his connections there to create a new team. Propain are a top tier bike brand so of course they already had a factory racing team. We kind of became their B team but as we built things up, Propain cancelled their factory team and put a huge chunk of investment into us. We became the Propain Positive DH team, the real deal; it was almost, but not quite, factory racing.

We had big hopes going into the 2024 downhill season. Gaetan Vigé joined the team, alongside Phil, Soc and Marco Lamaris, a German rider. Gaetan is a really talented French rider and we had a lot of hope riding on him. He went off to do Red Bull Hardline in Wales in May, had a huge crash off a step down and hit his head. That was the first of three incidents for Gaetan and if you know anything about concussion, you’ll know it exponentially becomes more serious. He couldn’t race for us for most of the season. Luck really wasn’t on our side and all four riders were injured at one point or another during the season. We got some good results, but we lagged behind the rest of the teams. We were really unfortunate but we knew we still had lots of potential in the Propain Positive DH team. Then the changes began.

Mountain bike fans across the world will be familiar with the broadcasting format for professional mountain bike races. Until recent times, Red Bull had the broadcasting rights and they screened the races to a really high standard, free of charge. You could watch on your phone, you could watch anywhere. In 2023 Warner Brothers Discovery Sports signed an eight year agreement with the UCI (the sports governing body) to provide footage of all World Cup racing. They called this an ‘advancement’ in their announcement, I’d suggest it’s the opposite, for the riders, the teams and the fans.

The first change we noticed was the paywall, which was introduced much to the ire of many mountain bikers. We then began to see proposals from the UCI and Warner Brothers leaked online. In May 2024 we all became aware of a document circulating, titled ‘2025 MTB Reform, Evolution of Mountain Bike Racing.’ Now, historically, if you wanted to be a UCI downhill mountain bike team, all you had to do - more or less - was pay your registration money to the UCI, turn up and race. Prior performance wasn’t the most important thing, if we’re all honest, and that’s one of the coolest things about downhill. Assemble a crew, just as we did; you might score some points, you»

Short Breaks, Weekly Rates and Longer Stays in Central Morzine

might not. Maybe there’d be talent, potential and podiums, maybe there wouldn’t. This was the joy of downhill mountain biking at this level; everyone had access to it. The new proposals from Warner Brothers basically suggested that only the top 20 ranked teams would get to race competitively in the future. If you’re one of those top 20 teams, that’s great of course. There’d be less competition at the World Cups, your riders would be more likely to get noticed by sponsors. Happy days! But now, if you’re not one of those top 20 teams, you likely never will be.

All the uncertainty was pretty brutal. The new rules had been leaked, but remained unconfirmed for months. Teams such as ours spent the whole season bombarding officials with questions. And of course the bike industry determines and allocates the marketing budgets that our race teams rely on in August or September each year. We waited until October for the UCI and Warner Brothers to confirm the regulation changes - they had almost cut the field in half and that was way too late for many small teams like ours. We’d hoped that the whole paddock would pull together to challenge the changes and say hold on, we’re not really cool with this. But they didn’t and Propain Bikes cancelled the majority of our budget. Our UCI team was no more.

For certain, the downhill World Cup circuit will be a less fun place to be in years to come. It’s going to be super elite, it’s going to attract

more affluence and out-of-industry sponsors for sure. Is this the spirit of the sport? Phil tells stories about when he started racing alongside Steve Peat and Rob Warner. They’d party on a Saturday night before racing on a Sunday. Everyone had a laugh, the environment was enjoyable, now it’s relentless. Some people think downhill is trying to emulate the F1 model and I guess that remains to be seen. At the end of the day, most of the top 20 teams are funded by bike brands but the bike industry as a whole has nothing like the logistics, the infrastructure

need for a World Cup in America.

You might imagine that there are too many obstacles in the way for our small team these days, but actually, in the true spirit of downhill mountain biking, we’ve found some work-arounds. We’ll continue as the Positive Crew, outside of the constraints of the UCI/ WBD. Alternative routes to those World Cup events exist and we’re fairly sure that both Marco and Soc will be selected by their national federations; they’ll get to race in the

or the financial resources to behave like F1. Even for our relatively small team, a lot of what we do is logistics; when most of the World Cups are hosted in Europe, it’s OK, we’d just drive to them. But even the biggest teams struggle to get their equipment, their spares and their workshops to the Snowshoe and Mont Saint Anne World Cups in North America. F1 teams ship containers across the world months in advance because money isn’t a problem for them. We can barely fly with any of the kit we’d

national jerseys of both Germany and Greece respectively. Phil is British and as you might know, there’s a lot more competition for a national jersey in the UK. He’s applied for the race in La Thuile however, as this is a new venue where the track looks amazing so we’re hoping to race with him there. The flip side of this work-around is that we don’t get to display any of our sponsor logos on a national jersey. But since we’re racing World Cups, we can still call ourselves a World Cup team.

These changes also mean that we’re free to explore other downhill challenges. As Phil will tell you, he’s raced the same tracks over and over again and he’s pretty bored of most of them, Les Gets being the exception. He’s less motivated

by World Cup racing but he’s still a really fast and super stylish racer. He’s also got a relatively big Instagram following, for a mountain biker! He can turn his hand to these exotic races over in South America, these urban courses, the Freeride Fiesta in Mexico and the Red Bull Hardline events too. These events are all over social media, they’re so accessible and ultimately inspiring, our sponsors love them. While at the same time, sometimes you’ll catch nothing more than a small clip from a World Cup race because of the paywall. The rules mean that teams can struggle to produce content of their own at a World Cup, everything is tied up in complicated broadcast regulations. Often at other international events you can just rock up with a videographer, record what you want and share it wherever you like.

As I mentioned, I started off as Phil’s mechanic, we went through our ‘vagabond phase’ and became a proper downhill team. I naturally started to take on more managerial tasks, but I’d never describe myself as a manager. UCI regulations require each team to have a manager that’s not also an athlete. It was a process of elimination and now it’s me! We

split the decision making between Phil, our media manager Kat and myself. While Kat looks after the social media, design and content things, I liaise with sponsors. It’s a huge task because their sponsorship keeps us in the game, it’s our lifeline. It’s how I spend my off season, trying to convince existing sponsors to stay on board while trying to fish for future sponsors.

Tomorrow we’re off to Turkey and we’ve a huge road trip planned. We’ve entered the team into the Sky To Sea enduro race, it’s a huge track from the summit of Tahtalı Dağı Mountain at 2365m to the Kemer coast, 33km away. The next day we’ll drive for 10 hours into Turkey for a mad free ride event in the Cappadocia canyons. It’s really famous for its hot air balloons so we’re really excited to share that with everyone. And I guess this is the point of the Positive Crew. Without the constraints of Warner Brothers and the UCI, we can do more varied and cool stuff, we can do a lot more with a lower budget. We can show everyone a wider range of mountain biking, which will benefit the sport in the long run.

From breakfast to lunch, apero to dinner, our menu is available all day so you never get hungry! Du petit-déjeuner au déjeuner, de l'apéritif au dîner, notre carte est disponible toute la journée pour que vous n'ayez jamais faim !

Find us in the cente of Morzine - metres from the Telecabine du Pleney 784, Avenue de Joux Plane

Retrouvez-nous au centre de Morzine à quelques mètres de la télécabine du Pleney.

PRODUITS FRAIS • INGRÉDIENTS LOCAUX • SERVICE RAPIDE EXCELLENT RAPPORT QUALITÉ-PRIX

FRESH FOOD • LOCAL INGREDIENTS • QUICK SERVICE • GREAT VALUE

property

Chalet de L’Elé, Montriond

The perfect combination of a modern home with traditional styling, this 6-bed, 5-bath chalet has super views and a fantastic location on the ski bus route. Recently constructed, the energy performance of this home is second to none, featuring a heat pump and tripleglazed windows. Accommodation spans 4 floors, the main residence features a spacious living area, a superb kitchen and 4 bedrooms, there’s also a separate 2-bed apartment on the ground floor.

MORE INFO: Marie-Anne Denicolo +33 6 08 15 46 54 | marieanne@alpine-property.com alpine-property.com

Chalet Piste B, Les Ys, Morzine

This modern, sunlit 283m² chalet is ideally located between Les Gets and Morzine in the sought-after Les Ys area. With quick access to ski slopes and scenic walking routes, it’s perfect for families or groups. Built in 2014 and recently renovated, it features a striking entrance with ample storage, a bright living area with breathtaking views of Roc d’Enfer and 5 bedrooms. The area enjoys excellent sunshine and beautiful mountain views.

MORE INFO: Lucy Pilcher, My Home in the Alps +33 (0) 6 95 73 17 79 | lucy@mhita.com myhomeinthealps.com

Chalet Cerf, La Cote D’Arbroz

Chalet Cerf epitomises the quintessential Portes du Soleil chalet; a traditional and stylish property with 5-bedrooms, beautiful alpine vistas and tranquility. The chalet has been well maintained and is in very good condition. With an excellent rental history, the chalet is sold fully furnished, ready to enjoy.

MORE INFO: Knight Frank Mountain Base +33 (0)4 80 96 50 03 | sales@mountain-base.com mountain-base.com

If your summer holiday in our valley leaves you wanting more time in the mountains, allow us to tempt you with some wonderful properties for sale in the Vallee d’Aulps right now. Whilst central village properties are perhaps more expensive than they’ve ever been, it’s still entirely possible to find your dream weekend bolt hole or your forever alpine renovation project if you work with a local, experienced estate agent. Here’s our pic of some of the hottest properties on the market right now.

€1,895,999

€1,680,000

€1,375,000

€1,175,000

Chalet La Pierre, Essert La Pierre

Chalet la Pierre, located in the peaceful hamlet of Essert-la-Pierre, offers the perfect blend of modern comfort and Alpine charm. Built in 2013 and extended in 2024, this immaculate chalet sits on a 660m² plot. With a selfcontained apartment, open-plan living spaces, and a mezzanine, it’s ideal for family living, entertaining, or holiday rentals. Enjoy stunning views, sunny terraces, a low-maintenance garden, and energy-efficient features. Just minutes from Morzine and the Portes du Soleil ski area, this property is a rare find!

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

€680,000

Chalet Darbon, Morzine

This superb triplex near central Morzine offers 85.42m² of living space, 98m² of floor area, and a 16m² garage. Built in 1993, it features 3 bedrooms, a large laundry room/cellar and is ideal for families or as a rental investment. The bright living area opens to a spacious terrace and garden with stunning views of Nyon and Pleney. Highlights include a fireplace, high ceilings, semi-open kitchen, dining room, and a southfacing orientation ensuring sunlight all day.

MORE INFO: Lucy Pilcher, My Home in the Alps +33 (0) 6 95 73 17 79 | lucy@mhita.com myhomeinthealps.com

| Conciergerie

For all your real estate needs; purchases, sales or new projects, come and meet Lucy & Camille in our central Morzine agency.

We're an experienced French-British team here to support you.

315 rue du Bourg, 74110, Morzine +33 (9) 54.76.22.30 | info@mhita.com www.myhomeinthealps.com FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM

Ferme Le Gys, Le Biot

Le Gys is a spacious yet refined 6-bedroom farmhouse, tucked away in the peaceful hamlet of Gys by the charming village of Le Biot. From the beautifully enclosed garden to the mazot and cellar, every element has been thoughtfully considered. Whether you're looking for a family home, a flexible rental opportunity, or a serene retreat, this property brings together space, character and practicality in a unique way.

MORE INFO:

More Info: Knight Frank Mountain Base +33 (0)4 80 96 50 03 | sales@mountain-base.com mountain-base.com

Ferme Le Ruisseau, Le Biot

This character-filled property offers authentic features and a rare opportunity to add value and create a unique home. Set in a peaceful location with stunning mountain views, it has great potential as a family home, holiday retreat, or rental investment. With a barn for renovation, this is a perfect project for those looking to craft their ideal alpine property in a tranquil setting

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

Chalet Des Combes, Essert Romand

Just minutes from Morzine, in Essert-Romand, this stunning 2017 chalet combines modern luxury with alpine charm. Built with highquality materials, it offers a warm, inviting atmosphere. Features include a spacious living area with wood stove, open-plan kitchen, five bedrooms (including two en-suites), multiple terraces and balconies, garage, laundry, and ample storage. Large windows flood the space with natural light and open onto scenic views. A perfect mountain retreat for unforgettable holidays in the Alps.

MORE INFO: Lucy Pilcher, My Home in the Alps +33 (0) 6 95 73 17 79 | lucy@mhita.com myhomeinthealps.com

Chalet Corbier, Le Biot

Chalet Corbier is a 2-bedroom chalet with development potential to extend, with scenic views and a peaceful setting close to Le Biot. Whether you’re drawn to mountain adventures or the tranquil shores of Lake Léman, this location offers the best of both worlds, from hiking on nearby trails to skiing in winter, all just moments from your doorstep.  It is on a generous plot with potential to build an additional chalet or subdivide and sell part of the land.

MORE INFO: Knight Frank Mountain Base +33 (0)4 80 96 50 03 | sales@mountain-base.com

€850,000

€1,295,000 €395,000

€720,000

Chalet Alaya, Avoriaz

Located at the heart of pedestrianised Avoriaz, this magnificent chalet accommodates up to 16 people over 338m2 of floor space, spanning three and a half levels. Here you’ll find eight bedrooms, five bathrooms and two distinct entrances; one dedicated to winter activities and including a boot room, another which offers quick and easy access to the village. The double living room is perfect for family living, the two terraces are perfect for summer holidays and there’s also a sauna, cinema lounge, fitness room and rooftop terrace.

MORE INFO:

L’Immobiliere des Hauts Forts

+33 (0) 4 50 74 21 63 | transaction@avoriaz-holidays.com avoriaz.immo

Amenda Loft, Avoriaz

This exceptional loft perfectly embodies the combination of mountain authenticity and contemporary design. Upon entering the loft you’ll discover a ski room leading to a sumptuous 66m2 living area. High ceilings and impressive volumes are combined with high-end amenities. There are six bedrooms in total with five bathrooms, a sauna and hammam, plus a laundry room and cellar. Throughout this property is enhanced by refined interiors, authentic materials and contemporary touches.

MORE INFO:

L’Immobiliere des Hauts Forts

+33 (0) 4 50 74 21 63 | transaction@avoriaz-holidays.com avoriaz.immo

€5,2000,000

€2,950,000

worth walk THE

by amie henderson

‘Hiking the Col de Cou’ is a Morzine mustdo and it’s one of the very first adventures I had when I moved here. The trail begins at Lac des Mines d’Or and it’s deceptively gentle to begin with. You’ll pass the wonderful Ferme des Freterolles, after which you’re presented with two routes; a (considerably steeper) path to the top, which begins on the left of the trail, or a more meandering, shaded route through the forest and I’m sure you can guess which of these is my recommendation. Roughly an hour and 30 minutes later you’ll arrive at the famous Col de Cou with views of the Dents du Midi in one direction, the Dents Blanche in the other and the slightest hint of Morzine on the valley floor, roughly 920m below.

Combined, the incredible views and the fascinating history of this spot are enough to motivate you during the climb; yet this summer there’s a new reason to visit the Col de Cou. Over the last two years a brand new cabane has been constructed and it’ll be inaugurated this summer. It’s historic location - straddling France and Switzerland, on a spot shared by the communes of Morzine, Samoëns and Champéry - was once a former hospice, a chapel, a hospital and then, in more recent times, a customs post. Commissioned by an association established by the three communities, the new cabane will now be open year-round, welcoming weary hikers, skiers and adventurers completing the famous GR5 route from the French Alps to the Mediterranean. When it finally opens, La Cabane du Col de Cou will be a supervised mountain refuge featuring 38 beds to host overnight stays, while the 50-seater restaurant will open at lunchtime, serving quality, local dishes.

The new cabane was designed by Champéry-based architect François Nantermod. At first glance you’ll notice that the architectural style is a bold move away from the traditional buildings which once occupied this spot, and I had questions. Fortunately François was happy to answer them!

François, can you tell me a little about yourself and describe your architectural style?

“I’m a 39 year old architect; I studied in Lausanne and then gained professional experiences in both Switzerland and the UK before founding my own firm in 2017. I’m a certified member of the Swiss Society of Engineers and Architects, as well as the Royal Institute of British Architects. Since 2022 I’ve been practising independently. Whilst I work largely for the preservation of architectural heritage in Valais region of Switzerland my own style of architecture is contemporary; it’s informed by the analysis of old and vernacular buildings. I believe that good architecture is specific to the era in which it was designed, it should be informed by the successes and failures of the past.”

La Cabane du Col de Cou is located at an altitude of 1,920m. Did this present any particular challenges during the architectural design?

“Altitude is one of many criteria that determined the architectural design of this building. At 1,920m, we must consider the amount of snow that can surround the building, this changes things radically. »

Your partners in property.

We’re moving ! Opening for this summer, come and see us in our new premises in the centre of town.

Mountain Base | Knight Frank 82 Route de la Combe à Zore 74110 MORZINE

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

MORZINE - CHAMONIX - LES HOUCHES

the new cabane

the original customs post

Firstly, the structure must be designed to meet current standards and also to withstand a potential heavy snowfall. The wood engineers (Gustave in Bonneville) were very proactive in proposing structural elements that also supported the architectural concept of the cabane.

Secondly, the snow deposit completely changes the context between winter and summer because the natural terrain level can change considerably in either season. The building itself must adopt a specific attitude to function in both configurations. The daytime spaces, such as the restaurant for example, are located on the first floor, in order to keep the heads of visitors above the snow.

Additionally, the original customs house had undergone an expansion that altered the

original footprint, thereby eliminating the wind vortex effect and generating a snowdrift around the building in winter. As a result, the building was sometimes completely covered in snow. With the building's new architectural plan, we noticed during this last winter that the snow deposited by the wind had drastically changed in a favourable way.

I also designed an exterior stairwell that can be accessed on different levels in the event of heavy snowfall, by quickly dismantling a couple of the facade panels.”

The cabin has a unique heritage and a long history. Did you feel a sense of responsibility for this legacy when planning the design?

“The site of the Col de Cou constitutes a heritage and historical interest, more than the original

building, I feel. Before the advent of cars and roads, the routes of travellers were defined by the distance between the starting point and the arrival point, not by the presence or absence of a road. Morzine and Champéry were physically much closer then than they are today! This is what gives the project a heritage aspect; by providing a meeting place at the closest point between these two communes. There was also a small hospice and a refreshment bar at the pass, long before the customs post. Only a few foundation stones remain today.”

What were the specifications of the association founded to develop this project? Did they give you specific guidelines for the architecture, or did they give you carte blanche?

“The architectural specifications determined the cabin's capacity. There's little to invent when

designing a mountain cabin! The specifications largely drew on the guidelines of the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC), which is based on an analysis of all the cabins in the country. Environmental factors primarily determined the building's architecture.”

How long did the process take?

“The design process began exactly three years ago, in May 2022, and it continued right through to execution and even once the Cabane is in use. Construction was scheduled to take place during the summers of 2023 and 2024. Certain factors caused construction time to be lost last year, forcing us to extend the construction of the project by one season.”

What environmental or sustainability elements did you integrate into this project?

“Environmental factors were crucial to the design of the building. The location is an important transit point for migratory bird populations; this was an important issue, we couldn’t disrupt this ecosystem. Therefore, glass elements were virtually excluded from the project - you’ll notice that there are no glass railings or large panoramic windows at the cabane.

In terms of technology, the building is designed to operate 100% on renewable resources. We worked with building physicists Perenzia

engineers in Lausanne as they are familiar with mountain cabins in Switzerland and they assisted with the design. Electricity is provided by 120m² of photovoltaic solar panels and 40kWh of storage batteries. Water is collected downstream of the building and conveyed using a ram (a mechanical device operating without electricity) into a tank located 100 meters higher, so that the cabin can dispose of it without requiring energy.

A urine-diverting dry toilet also allows for the management of environmentally harmful waste. Hot water and heating are produced by solar thermal panels located on the roof terrace. On cold and cloudy days, the wood-burning stove in the dining room takes over and produces hot water.”

It's refreshing to see contemporary structures and architecture in the mountains. Do you think this is the future of mountain design?

“Outside the building zone, as is the case with the Col de Cou, the authorities require quality architecture which is contemporary to the time of its design. We should exclude any simplistic approach aimed at reproducing the popular image of Heidi's chalet. The architecture of the old building was very contemporary (you might remember a cube covered in austere cement render, topped with a flat copper roof), and responded to the environmental factors of the site. Similarly, the beautiful farms of our

regions did not imitate a traditional regional style; instead they constituted a contemporary prototype for their time, which was very efficient and intended to meet the needs of the users; man and beast in a hostile environment. All design is therefore intrinsically contemporary.”

La Cabane du Col de Cou is owned by the Association de la Cabane du Col de Cou and will open to visitors in 2025. Follow the journey at cabane-col-de-cou.net You’ll

François Nantermod

By Carrie Greer of little wild

It’s May in Morzine. This is one of the weeks that puts the fear into the self employed worker in a seasonal town. I meet many of you during the winter season, often you’re curious about how we manage to make it work.

It’s a funny one, the work/life balance living here. Of course it can look like an Instagram dream, but as a large part of the population are of working age, we’re all still trying to figure out what that elusive ‘balance’ looks like.

I’m sitting here on a Thursday afternoon in May, with a nice list of admin jobs, a coffee and the lovely view of Pleney out of my window. If this was a Thursday in February or August, absolutely no way would I be sat here. I’d be in my treatment room, working through to the evening with a two week waitlist for an appointment.

When we moved here I had no idea what my work life would look like. I was prepared to go with the flow but I did worry a lot; would I just be massaging during the season? Would I manage to build a regular client base? What would I do for money in the quiet months? These are the things that you have to learn to deal with if you’re self-employed, running a business or even working for a seasonal based business in what is - currently - a two season town.

My husband, who works remotely, contracting for businesses all over the world, has

essentially the same work model that he had in the UK. So what works best for a year round life in the mountains?

More than ten years on from the incarnation of my holistic therapy business, I can safely say that I’m glad I stuck with it, even when it felt like the chips were down. I don’t describe my business as ‘seasonal’ anymore and this last couple of years I’ve really lived my work life like it’s not. That even included going away over February half term week (the shock!) this year! Ultimately this is a choice we all have to make in any aspect of our work and life. What

works for us? How do you balance doing what you do for work, with what you really want to do with your days?

There are a lot of us here who work purely to be able to live in the mountains. Consequently, some people will do anything, they’re not bothered what the role is, so long as mountain time is a priority. They work to live. There are also those of us who have created incredible businesses, providing services that have helped the resort grow and adapt to the massive influx of tourists that come in the winter and the summer. These are year-round businesses with super intense days and weeks during the season, balanced by the interseason period. Although work still continues during the spring and autumn months, its much more relaxed and flexible. Work for what you love.

We’ve seen so many changes to the ‘mountain year’ in recent times. Summer is so much busier than it was, starting earlier every year. Even the interseasons are picking up, with more and more people realising how beautiful and peaceful the town is in spring and autumn. Again, that leads to a change in how those of us working more local jobs operate. More chalets and apartments are being rented outside of the traditional season, more restaurants, cafes and shops are experimenting with their opening hours, so the work hours change yet again.

For me, I play with my opening hours throughout the year, adjusting the days I work during what I now know to be the busier times. I’ll replace treatment room time with admin

When we moved here I had no idea what my work life would look like. I was prepared to go with the flow but

I did worry a lot;

time, learning and development or just dog walks and guilt free rest in the quieter periods. For years I’d have what I now call ‘seasonal

freak outs’ - I’d panic about a drop in demand during May and November, wondering why my waiting list wasn’t as long as usual. These will always be the quietest months for those of us in roles that traditionally support the life of the town. May is filled with bank holidays for example, which means many residents see the whole month as a holiday, and a reward for the hard work of winter.

If you’re governed by school holidays (as I am) and can’t nip off to Bali, then you really do have to learn to adapt to these quieter times, without that ‘freak out’ that does nothing but give you anxiety and self-doubt. By June, it’s usually all back to normal. I’ve learnt to stay calm, collected and shift what my day to day looks like. I’ve managed to keep my bank balance stable and deal with all that pesky admin, maybe I’ve learnt something new and I’m ready and waiting for Morzine’s outdoor swimming pool to open. All with a clear head and an organised diary, ready to dive in to a new busy season.

My advice to anyone thinking of a move to the mountains, and to anyone wondering how they’ll make that work as a self-employed person, is to move with the seasons. Accept the busy times, accept the calm. Your business won’t look like the next persons, because we’re all different. Embrace the seasons, sink into them. That’s where the balance is.

Discover Little Wild treatments, including Carrie’s signature rituals, Wild Space meditation practise and more at littlewildspace.com

trending

- interiors -

As I compile this summer’s collection of my favourite interiors items, the spring blossom is simply ravishing, the mountains are turning a vibrant green, the sky is blue with white fluffy clouds and sunshine and there is finally a softness in the air that hints of a beautiful summer to come. In anticipation of my favourite season of the year, here are six products that I would love to have in my garden.

Nkuku are a shep&kyles design favourite. They work with small independent businesses, cooperatives and social projects on their collections, using reclaimed or sustainable materials. Their Givra lanterns are made from a flat piece of metal, heated and hand-shaped before being welded and applied with an antique bronze finish to create a beautifully aged aesthetic. Available in two sizes, they will look gorgeous on your balcony or terrace.

du Monde Genova Parasol maisonsdumonde.com

Few things are more summery and relaxing than unwinding in a hammock! I love the vintage feel of this tasselled model by Graham and Green. The pine frame is hand crafted in El Salvador, and the fabric is a mix of cotton with recycled denim offcuts.

As ever, Maisons du Monde are on trend and have a huge, sometimes overwhelmingly large selection of products at very competitive prices. We love the bold collection of colours in which their parasols are available – not just the beiges and greys of many companies. The Genova model is a generous three metres x three metres in size and comes with a weighted base.

kyles garrett interior architect shepandkyles.com

Maisons

Graham and Green Ivy Tasselled Hammock grahamandgreen.co.uk

Nkuku Givra Lanterns nkuku.com

A potted lemon tree brings beauty, freshness and a lively burst of colour to your terrace or balcony. Its glossy green leaves and bright yellow fruits create a cheerful atmosphere, while the fragrant blossoms add a pleasant citrus scent. Plus, having fresh lemons on hand for gin and tonics makes it both a charming and invaluable addition to your outdoor space. Well, mine at least!! These are available in our local garden centre, Delbard in Morzine.

This is my most coveted item of the summer, and as bonkers as you would expect from the glorious Rockett St George! The Enamel Metallic & Pale Pink Flamingo Wine Cooler isn’t your average design. It is clad in pale gold with a soft yet luscious pink interior and just needs filling with ice before you add bottles of champagne or rosé. It then keeps your drinks perfectly chilled while stealing the show. We’re totally obsessed.

Garden cushions can add colour and pattern to your outdoor seating, but many on the market will not stand up to our unpredictable alpine climate. The cushions from Celina Digby are not only fabulous, but they are water resistant and also have an anti-fungal coating. Available in a wide selection of colours including both plain and patterned designs, there are options that will complement any outdoor scheme. We love them!

Enamel Metallic & Pale Pink Flamingo Wine Cooler rockettstgeorge.co.uk

Delbard Lemon Tree delbard.fr

Celina Digby Water Resistant Garden Cushions celinadigby.co.uk

montagne verte UPDATE

The Green Housing Fair

This is an exciting new event and it takes place at the Palais du Sport in Morzine between 26th and 27th September 2025. In France, around 25% of homes are poorly insulated and around 15% rely on heavy fuel such as oil, coal or wood for their heating systems. Combined, these two factors make energy consumption a significant household expense and at the same time a driver of significant climate emissions. The French government has adopted both a carrot and a stick approach to fixing this problem, encouraging homeowners to invest in better insulation and improve the efficiency of their energy consumption. At this event in September you’ll learn more about what solutions are available, the costs, local suppliers and available financing. Exhibitors already on the list include local eco-chalet constructors ECSUS Design, solar panel providers Voltare and France Rénov’, a local public service offering free advice on your home renovation and adaptation project. There’s a full schedule of conferences, workshops, film screenings and activities for children while exhibition spaces are also available, priced from just €50. If you’d like to get involved, email bonjour@montagneverte.org

The Mountain Verte Shop

Making things last longer is a huge focus for Montagne Verte and no where is this more evident than at the Montagne Verte Shop on Morzine’s rue du Bourg. Here you can take part in ‘Fix-It’ events, which teach people how to repair or repurpose their belongings. The shop is also packed with pre-loved clothes and sports gear to buy, much of which has been donated to the shop whilst still in excellent condition. Rather than replace an outgrown kids ski jacket or a lost pair of sunglasses during your next holiday, pop in to the shop and replace them at a fraction of the cost. Montagne Verte also take clothing donations in the (very obvious) box outside the shop, but please make sure your kit is clean.

Train Travel Guides

Research estimates that 60% of the carbon emissions generated by an average ski holiday come from your travel to and from resort. Talking the train is one of the best ways you can act to reduce emissions and preserve our mountains. Its for this reason that Montagne Verte are taking huge efforts to make train travel more attractive via their AlpinExpress platform. Make the majority of your journey by train and you’ll be rewarded with a long list of genuinely useful discounts from local businesses to offset any increased travel costs. To further enhance the idea of train travel, the Montagne Verte team have been hard at work creating a series of Train Travel Guides. They make any station changes involved in your route a breeze, they include precise instructions on connections from your train station to your resort of choice and there’s a useful list of facilities, dining options, toilets and even notes on how to recognise your onward bus! Timetables are constantly updated and taxi numbers are included too, just in case.

Move to Lilo

Here’s a simple, impactful way that you can support Montagne Verte financially, from the comfort of your own desk, without spending a centime. Lilo is a French search engine that donates advertising revenue to social and environmental projects. Each time you use Lilo to search the internet, you earn a ‘drop of water’, which you can then donate to the cause of your choice. Lilo is entirely free to download and use, the platform collects zero personal data, their servers are based in France and they’ve already distributed over €4 million in ad revenue to meaningful causes. Scan this code to add Lilo to your browser and begin earning for Montagne Verte straight away!

THE STATE OF THE

property market

by gareth jefferies marketing director at alpine-property.com

After the whirlwind of the Covid years, the property market in Morzine and the Vallée d’Aulps has settled down. The initial post-pandemic excitement has faded and we have entered a more cautious phase. There are many rival things that affect the market, including inflation, interest rates, the weather and general global uncertainty.

Of course, we’re all living with the uncertainty caused by global politics. Trump continues to do his best to destabilise things, but oddly enough, that sometimes works in our favour. When markets wobble, money is often moved out of stocks and into tangible assets like property. That’s exactly what we saw recently in Chamonix, where high-value sales spiked— something we’ve seen more than once over the years. In fact overall interest and enquiries were up significantly in April for both francophone and anglophone buyers.

As for the war in Ukraine, are we approaching the end? Maybe. It’s impossible to say, but the sense is that broader geopolitical concerns like this are weighing less heavily on buyers than

they were a year ago. Another positive point is relative stability in the French parliament, and I say relative. But at least it is functioning at the moment.

Interest rates are coming down and are forecast to drop further, this makes mortgages cheaper and that is always a strong driver for interest in property. Inflation is easing, so people are less worried about affordability in the future. That helps too.

We had a good winter in terms of snow, conditions held up well throughout the season. That said, many businesses closed a week or two earlier than usual. With Easter falling late, many of the usual late-season bookings shifted

to the south coast instead of the Alps. In the end it was probably an average season for ski businesses, it felt busier during January but this was probably just the effect of squeezing the usual numbers into a shorter season.

Difficulties concerning the cost of living in these ski towns for full time residents continue, so rising house prices and rising rental prices are still - rightfully - a hot topic. Chamonix has taken a strong stance, with UK headlines suggesting a “ban on second homes.” That’s an exaggeration, there’s no ban, but new planning rules do prioritise the construction of housing for full-time residents. It’s a significant shift, and one to watch.

Then there’s the DPE (Diagnostic de Performance Énergétique), France’s energy rating system. The government has legislated to tighten the rules, though as of now, they’re hesitating. Either way, it’s something buyers increasingly need to consider. What’s the current rating of a property? Can it be improved? The answers to those questions will affect both valuations and renovation plans going forward.

We’ve had reliable, data-driven insights into price trends for sometime now, something we couldn’t say a few years ago. I’ve dug into the numbers and can say that chalets in Morzine saw strong price growth up to 2023. Prices then plateaued in 2024, but have since climbed by another 10%. Apartments in Morzine have enjoyed a consistent annual growth of roughly 10% per year since 2023.

“Difficulties concerning the cost of living in these ski towns for full time residents continue, so rising house prices

Let's look further down the valley, at places like St Jean d’Aulps, Le Biot, and Seytroux. Chalet prices there surged up to 2023, more so than in Morzine and Les Gets; they have since levelled off. However, apartment prices are still rising, particularly for smaller, lowerpriced flats in La Grande Terche, which are currently selling very well!

Braseros Hexagone in your garden

Forget your Ooni pizza ovens and your Weber barbecues, the team at Deffert Baud Architecture are now official suppliers of the much-coveted Braseros Hexagone range of outdoor cooking appliances. Manufactured in France, these innovative fire pits combine the functionality of a traditional brazier with a plancha (a flat cooking surface), which is perfect for grilling, searing and - of course - outdoor heating. Crafted from durable materials such as steel or epoxy-coated metals, they’re designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, which makes them perfect for mountain gardens. Each unit serves as both a fire pit and a cooking surface and there are different sizes and shapes to choose from. The Paul Bocuse Terra 85 is our preferred option! Contact Deffert Baud via their website for more details - deffert-baud-architecture.com

A New Home for Mountain Base

You’ll find the team from Knight Frank Mountain Base in a new home this summer. They’re moving from their original office on Morzine’s Rue du Bourg to 82, route de la Combe à Zore (previously the Ross’Hair salon), which is arguably Morzine’s busiest shopping street. The office gets a complete renovation and as director Andy Symington explains, “with an expanding team, we need a larger agency and we were looking for a more prominent location to give us additional visibility in Morzine.” The new agency is close to Morzine’s pedestrianised main square with parking close by. “We’re excited about the move and we’re looking forward to welcoming our clients to our new premises,” Andy continues.

Super-sized photography on your walls at home

sweep - info@proramonage.com

Local photographer Jacquie Cutler established Finesse Art in 2020 in response to

ONE SLY FITS ALL

SLY belongs to each and every one of us. To you too. A new breed of e-Bike blending Stealth aluminium with a Bosch SX motor and a 400Wh battery. Providing a balanced power delivery to make you the master of your rides.

It’s not about who you are when you’re riding an e-Bike. It’s about who you want to be.

DEALERS

Once again we’re showcasing The Portes du Soleil’s new partnership with Mondraker by introducing you to this exceptional, high-performance, full suspension kids mountain bike. It’s been designed specifically for riders aged between eight and 11 years, while at the same time featuring adult-level technology across the bike. The frame is crafted from Stealth Evo hydroformed 6061 aluminum and incorporates Mandraker's Forward Geometry for stability and confidence on descents. The F-Trick 24 ensures excellent shock absorption and trail compliance while the 12-speed SRAM SX Eagle group set offers precise shifting. The bike also includes a 100mm dropper seat post and internal cable routing too. It’s an excellent choice for the wanna-be pro in your family.

Bucket hats are the perfect option for small children during their mountain holiday and this Dakine option is versatile and specifically designed for outdoor enthusiasts seeking reliable sun protection during water activities. With a wide brim including reinforced front and rear panels to prevent collapse, UPF 50+ rating and floating capability, it's tailored for surfers, kayakers, and lake-side paddling. The mesh panels enhance breathability, the rope provides a secure fit but be aware that sizes run quite small.

We love this fun and fast-paced game as it's perfect for outdoor activities anywhere! Played with a round net and a small ball, the objective is to hit the ball so that the opposing team can’t return it properly, similar to volleyball but with a smaller, more dynamic setup. The game is highly portable, with a compact and easy-to-assemble design, making it great for picnics, the beach, or back garden. It’s easy to learn but offers enough depth for competitive play; the rallies can get quite intense! The kit includes a sturdy net, a ball and a carrying case for convenience.

Michael Henderson

Morzine Source magazine creative director

No summer holiday in the mountains is complete without a game of pétanque and we love both the affordability and the portability of these Decathlon boules. The smaller size and weight makes them perfect for the hands of small children, the carry bag keeps things orderly and the bright orange makes it easy to spot inside a car boot that’s stuffed with other equipment!

It can be tricky to find water bottle fixings that are also small enough to fit on a kids bike frame, but this option solves that problem, and more! It utilises a magnetic-mechanical connection so the bottle can be effortlessly attached and detached with a simple twist. The 450ml capacity is perfect for shorter rides and the whole thing is lightweight and easy to install. Let’s also show some appreciation for the dust cap… because there’s nothing worse than taking a sip from a mucky bottle top!

PETIT BATEAU | KALOO | LITTLE DUTCH | JOLLEIN | DONE BY DEER

Countdown Begins THE at Le Tremplin

More than likely you’ll find yourself at the bottom of Morzine’s Pleney at some point this summer and the extensive renovation currently underway at Le Tremplin is impossible to miss. This iconic Morzine venue is now owned by Flock Inns, the hospitality business owned by Timpson, the UK’s biggest service retailer. New owner Roisin Timpson wrote about her families plans for Le Tremplin in our Winter 25 magazine, explaining their intentions to retain the spirit of Le Tremplin and detailing what we can expect when the venue reopens. With those reopening dates getting closer and closer, I asked Roisin for an update.

Roisin, I spotted that the crane was removed from the Tremplin site this week, are things progressing quickly now?

They absolutely are and these are very exciting times. As many of your readers will have seen, we’ve done a lot of work on the site since we bought it in 2022. We worked for 12 months with the previous owners as a sort of handover period, ensuring that we learned the ropes and the various quirks of this building! Since then we’ve undertaken a lot of groundwork to extend the underground car park, we’ve replaced the roof and made modifications to the internal layout of the building. All while continuing to offer an apres-bike or apres-ski experience at Camp Tremplin, our pop-up venue… it’s been a busy few years but the end is now in sight! Behind the scenes we’ve been working on menu development, an upgraded live music schedule, interior design, recruitment and many more important projects.

What’s happening at Le Tremplin this summer?

My family and I have enjoyed many family holidays in Morzine and we know how enjoyable it is to enjoy a cold drink and a daily debrief at the bottom of Pleney, in all seasons. It’s for this reason that we keep popping up with Camp Tremplin! This summer you can expect a very relaxed bar, informal seating and an opportunity to catch up with family and friends after a day on the trails. Meanwhile, on the very conspicuous building site behind Camp Tremplin, we’re beginning to put the

old girl back together. With the majority of the structural work now complete, it’s time for the exciting bits, including the beautiful wood cladding, the extended terrace and a few surprises too. I hope that over the next couple of months you’ll begin to see our vision for the eventual Tremplin; it’s a fun venue where everyone is welcome.

Can you confirm the reopening schedule? Is everything on schedule currently?

I can confirm that we’re currently on schedule, thanks to our fantastic build team, lead by our project manager Antoine. We’re going to reopen in a couple of stages and I’m delighted to share these with you. In September 2025 we’ll introduce our new website; it’ll showcase everything that Le Tremplin is set to become and it’ll give you the opportunity to join our relaunch family, so look out for that. In December 2025 we’ll reopen the bar, restaurant and apres-ski terrace and as you might imagine, this is a huge step foreword for us! Our General Manager Nathalie Nicey - who many of you know and love - takes the lead and we’ve recently appointed a fantastic new chef, we’re all very excited to work with him.

Tell us about the apartments at Le Tremplin.

It was always our intention to launch the bar, restaurant and terrace first, and the holiday apartments a little while later. Our Timpson brand is based on the principle of ‘great service by great people’ and to fulfil that objective,

we want to take a slightly softer approach to this opening. We’ll put all of our efforts into perfecting what is essentially the ground floor of the venue during the winter 25/26 season before opening the twelve apartments gradually from summer 2026. We imagine opening reservations for the apartments in January 2026 and we’re excited to welcome our first guests! The apartments range in size from two to five bedrooms, they’re self contained so they’ll include kitchens, lounges, everything you need for a relaxing break in the mountains.

Is it still your plan to open Le Tremplin throughout the year?

Very much so. We bought a home here a few years ago because we love the village in both the spring and the autumn when the atmosphere is calmer and quieter; it’s really during these seasons that we can all appreciate the beauty of mountains. We hope to introduce other travellers to Morzine throughout the year and we plan to host a variety of different groups, from corporate trips to cookery groups, art retreats and more.

How can we all stay up to date?

We appreciate that there’s a huge interest in the reopening of Le Tremplin so we’re doing all we can to keep everyone up to date. On our Facebook and Instagram pages you’ll find some sneak peeks from inside the building site and we’ll share more details over the weeks and months to come.

Bar, Restaurant & Terrace Reopening December 2025 Holiday Apartments Reopening Summer 2026

trending

- travel -

Perfectly portable and designed to deliver impressive sound quality, this bluetooth speaker should absolutely be on your kit list this summer. It’s a compact, easy-to-carry package and as you’d imagine from Beats, the design is stylish and the performance is solid. Don’t let the small ‘pill’ size fool you; the speaker delivers rich, clear sound with an impressive bass, especially in the outdoors. It slides easily into a backpack and the battery life offers up to 12 hours of playback. There’s also a handy built-in microphone on the speaker so you can take calls (or work meetings…) through it too.

A firm favourite amongst the Source team, this jacket is a great option for outdoor adventurers looking for a lightweight, breathable mid-layer with good warmth and flexibility. It's perfect for activities like hiking during the summer months or as an extra layer during the winter season. It’s also windrepellent with a waffle fleece and flat seams but what we love the most is the super stretchy fabric, which provides excellent freedom of movement.

We love this well-designed, functional and stylish carryon option for travellers who want a sleek bag that fits within airline carry-on limits. It balances durability with comfort, making it ideal for short trips or everyday use. If you’re heading for the mountains, it could be the only bag you need. It’s made from robust, weather-resistant metals and the internal compartments are well organised with space dedicated to all of your kit. The shoulder straps and back panel are padded for comfort too.

beats pill RRP from €169.95 beatsbydre.com

Michael Henderson Morzine Source magazine creative director

Mōken are a French brand founded in Hossegor and their sunglasses are a great choice if you’re in the market for functional, stylish eyewear that combines both performance and good looks in all seasons. The polarised lenses make them perfect for a day in the mountains and they serve up 100% UVA/UVB protection. The lightweight, durable frame ensures comfort throughout the day without feeling heavy. They’re ideal for those looking for a high-quality, minimalist design in their sunglasses collection and we love that the frames are made from plants! Suitable for both summer and winter adventures with the removeable side covers.

We highly recommend this practical and affordable first aid kit option for everyday adventures, offering peace of mind with its comprehensive yet compact design. It’s perfect for families, outdoor enthusiasts or anyone looking for a reliable first aid kit that fits in small spaces. Within the 80-piece kit you’ll find a variety of bandages, antiseptics, gauze, plasters and medical tape. The case is also watertight, which comes in handy in the mountains. We love how the contents are well organised and easy to find when you need them.

THE MORZINE SOURCE MAGAZINE

Restaurant & Bar Guide

IBEX The Wood Yard - Montriond

The Wood Yard is the restaurant and tap room and adjoining the Ibex Brewery. Inside you’ll discover ten lines of beer including your Ibex favourites and guest beers too, alongside an exciting, unique menu that features street food and a changing lunch menu. This summer we can expect live music, brewery tours and more. The Wood Yard is located in Montriond, walk there along the Dereches river path.

discover more at ibexbeer.com.

L’Etale - Morzine

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 & view the menu

+33 (0) 4 50 79 09 29

etale-morzine.com

We love this new brasserie in the centre of Morzine, centred around savoury and sweet crepes, sharing platters and lighter bites. On the menu you’ll discover your favourite crepes and galettes alongside some contemporary alternatives. There’s also a delicious list of tapas and sharing plates, wines, beers and a tasty range of gins too. Pif Paf is a very cool venue run by Guillaume and Estelle who offer a very warm welcome.

find pif paf & Reserve your table

93 Taille de Mas du

If you’re gathering up a picnic to enjoy on the mountain or in the cable car, 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. This is a great place for a street-side morning coffee too!

Reserve your picnic in advance (or pop in on your way to the lift station):

+33 (0) 4 50 75 94 24

This is a very exciting addition to the Morzine take-away scene. Located in the centre of the village, the sushi at Yoki is hand made on site so it’s as fresh as it can be. The menu includes individual selections and also platters, which can be ordered in advance for collection. You’ll also discover ready-to-eat sushi boxes in the chiller cabinet, alongside all of the necessary accompaniments too.

Find Yoki Sushi: 9 Rond-Point de la Crusaz

Head to Action Sports Bar for the exceptional location, facing the summer meadows of Pleney with the parapents in the back garden. Stay for the very warm welcome and excellent lunchtime menu served between midday and 3pm and featuring local salads, burgers and grilled meat dishes. Action Sports is also the perfect spot for a refreshing afternoon cocktail or ice cream while the kids play in the fields or on the pétanque pitch. We love the apero sharing board which includes local cheeses and cooked meats; it’s the perfect way to end the day!

Find Action Sports: 543 Avenue de Joux Plane

Au P’tit Casse Croute - Morzine

Action Sports - Morzine

Pif Paf - Morzine

Yoki Sushi - Morzine

Two separate venues in one beautiful Avoriaz location. Lounge Roc is a chic, luxurious cocktail and wine bar with an adjoining restaurant and it makes the perfect location for a late night out. The fun continues next door at Strike Roc, Avoriaz’s famous bowling alley which also includes arcade games, a pool table, baby-foot and more.

discover more: roc-avoriaz.com

Le Local - Morzine

Le Local has evolved in recent years to include a cosy, covered terrace area out front, a lively bar inside and a restaurant area that’s perfect for families and groups. Food is served throughout these areas, there’s an informal, ‘local pub’ atmosphere and this is the perfect spot for anyone staying along the Route de la Plagne in Morzine. The menu includes lighter bites, spicy Asian flavours and classic dishes such as burgers too. Fresh ingredients and imaginative combinations make Le Local a stand out favourite of ours, the kids menu is also excellent.

Reserve your table & view the menu:

+33 (0) 4 50 72 74 65 lelocalmorzine.com

Fat Tom’s Deli - Le Biot

Located in the village of Le Biot and delivering across our valley, Fat Tom’s Deli & Delivery serves up fresh, delicious meals, delivered to your door or available for collection from the deli. They can be reheated at your convenience, making them perfect following a day on the slopes. Expect seasonal ingredients, regional cheeses, cooked and cured meats with loads of added flavour.

discover more at: fattomsdeli.com

One of the most popular fast food stops in Morzine serves a hearty menu all day long, from breakfast to lunch, from apero plates to dinner. But this is not fast food as you know it; the team at Au Bon Coin focus on fresh, local ingredients and everything is cooked to order. It just arrives quickly so you can proceed with your day! This is also a great stop for a quick coffee and we love the focaccia served with a list of delicious toppings and a green salad.

Find Au Bon Coin: 784 Avenue de Joux Plane

n a marvellous alternative to ham, cheese and bread, Kamado Kitchen serves up delicious pan-Asian dishes to eat inside the cosy restaurant or to take away. Think Thai Massaman, Japanese Katsu, Cambodian Aubergine and Korean Japchae, all available at the bottom of the Pleney telecabine. There’s outdoor seating too, grab a coffee and a pastry on your way into the mountains each morning.

Order in advance or reserve a table:

+33 (0)7 57 67 02 72

Enhancing Morzine’s speciality coffee scene and located on the rue du Bourg in the centre of the village, Solide serves up a long list of hot beverages, a delicious range of homemade cakes and a lunch menu that changes regularly and relies heavily on the freshest, local produce. There’s a cosy space inside for those colder days and a sunny terrace out front that’s perfect for summer time people watching.

Opening Hours & Menu: facebook.com/solide.cafe

One of the busiest 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. Of course that means you’ll need to book in advance.

This is a very chic new restaurant right next door to (and run by) Le Crepu. The menu is sophisticated, unique and reminiscent of a classic French brasserie with fresh flavours and an excellent kids menu. There’s also an exciting board of chef’s suggestions and an excellent wine list to accompany. The interiors are also very cool and this summer you’ll discover a huge new streetside terrace from which you can soak up Morzine’s wonderful atmosphere. Les Halles is open all day, every day but book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Reserve your table & view the menu

+33 (0) 4 15 54 18 05 halles-morzine.com

Les Halles by Le Crepu

Le Lounge Roc & Le Strike - Avoriaz

La Grange - Morzine

Au Bon Coin - Morzine

Solide Cafe - Morzine

Kamado Kitchen - Morzine

Le Colibri - Morzine

With a menu to suit all appetites and including some delicious and unique salads and fresh bowls, homemade burgers and a great kids menu, Le Colibri is a lively and informal spot in the centre of Morzine with a beautiful terrace that’s perfect for summer. Whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy chic cocktails in the sunshine or a base for a family dinner, Le Colibri never disappoints.

Book your table in advance at: lecolibri-morzine.com

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 embraces fresh, local and seasonal ingredients to offer you a true taste of the mountains. There’s a cosy bar for pre- and post-dinner drinks and a beautiful terrace 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.

Book your table in advance: +33 (0) 4 50 75 92 92

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 tea room is open each day between midday and 6.30pm.

discover more: abbayedaulps.fr

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 usually packed 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.

instagram: @le.crepu

For those nights when you want to simply snuggle up on the sofa and enjoy a simple, home cooked dinner, minus the actual cooking. Bon Appetite deliver delicious frozen dinners directly to your accommodation. Simply pre-order on their website and they’ll arrive the following day, ready for you to cook. Think warming cottage pies, really excellent curries and even deserts too.

Pre-order now: bonappetitalpes.com

-

Famous for contemporary cuisine and exceptional service, the restaurant sits within this exceptional four-star hotel. As you’d expect, the vibe is tres chic and the bar is a very cool place to hang out in the early evening. Open for lunch and dinner, there’s an intimate, cosy vibe that feels very different to everywhere else in the resort.

View the full menu & request a table: hotelmil8.com

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!

for menu details Search: Wild Beets Kitchen Morzine

La Hutte is the name of the sports shop that originally occupied this space before becoming Intersport. But it’s all change these days! Inside you’ll find a lively venue and bistro with sports bar vibes, a tasty menu and a lunchtime plat du jour that’s excellent value. La Hutte is perfect for sunny afternoons, it’s great for families and there’s a huge terrace overlooking the valley.

Follow along at on Instagram: @hutte.morzine

Abbaye Aulps - St Jean d’Aulps

Hotel Mil8

Avoriaz

Dahu Hotel & Restautant - Morzine

Bon Appetite Alpes - Alpes-wide

Wild Beets Kitchen - Morzine

La Hutte - Morzine

Le Crepu - Morzine

Primo Pizza - Les Gets

Purveyors of good pizzas and good times at the heart of Les Gets, Primo is a very cute little restaurant in the centre of the village. They use only authentic Italian ingredients such as San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella and Gran Biscotto cooked hams and the menu is packed with delicious pizzas and salads. Open for both lunch and dinner every day except Monday, it’s best to book a table in advance to avoid disappointment!

Reserve

L’Improviste - Morzine

In many ways a pizza makes the perfect apres-bike meal and 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. Available to order by telephone for take-away or to enjoy inside the really cosy yet contemporary restaurant for a very casual dinner. If you’re felling adventurous, try the Sicilienne, you won’t regret it!

Book your table or order a takeaway: +33 (0) 4 50 04 63

Le Quarante-Sept - Lindarets

This is much more than a snack bar and it’s perfectly located in the centre of the Lindarets bowl to fuel all of your mountain adventures. Open every day, call in for a coffee and a morning pastry and return for a freshly-cooked burger or a tasty sandwich. There’s also a sunny terrace at Le Quarante-Sept, or you can use the adjoining picnic room if the weather is less than perfect.

View the menu at: lequarantespet.com

Accessible mountain restaurants don’t come much better than Les Cheverelles, perched on the sunny side of Mont Chery at an altitude of 1490m. If you’ve any small people in your group, or anyone with restricted mobility, this restaurant is ideal as you can drive almost to the door. On the menu there’s traditional Savoyarde delights such as tartiflette and blueberry tart, whilst the views are incredible from the sunny terrace, shaded by huge trees.

& Reserve

Chalet Fo mili e

www.chaletfourmiliere.com

Les Chevrelles - Les Gets

Satellite Coffee - Morzine

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.

to view the menu visit: satellitecoffee.fr

L’Ancolie - La Côte d’Arbroz

Just a short walk from the Col de l’Encrenaz you’ll discover this traditional mountain refuge overlooking the pistes of Mont Chery and even as far as Mont Blanc. The garden at L’Ancolie hosts glorious, long lunches in the sunshine and there’ll often be a roast pork BBQ to enjoy. The menu is packed with regional specialities and groups of more than 10 can book for a unique dinner experience at the refuge too. L’Ancolie is unmissable!

discover more & reservations: lancolie-morzine.fr

+33 (0) 6 08 52 91 83

Cavern Bar - Morzine

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 if superb touring bands regularly taking to the stage. Check Facebook for gig announcements facebook

TheCavernBarMorzine

Restaurant Kern - Seytroux

Recently awarded its first Michelin Star, at Kern the menu is refined and sophisticated with dishes inspired by local and seasonal produce. Located just 10 minutes by road from Morzine in the charming village of Seyroux, Kern provides a unique and extra special dining experience for the true foodies amongst you.

make reservations and more: restaurant-kern.fr

La Petite Auberge - Essert Romand

The charming village of Essert Romand, just a couple of kilometres from Morzine, is home to La Petite Auberge, a familyrun 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.

table reservations:

+33 (0) 4 50 37 31 96

La Rotonde - Morzine

La Rotonde in the centre of Morzine is perfect 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. During the summer months, the pretty garden is the perfect place for lunch.

Book your table by calling:

+33 (0) 4 50 79 16 30

La Biskatcha - Les Gets

Located within the Hotel Les Marmottes in the centre of Les Gets, this chic restaurant serves up regional specialities, contemporary alternatives and a cosy, up-market atmosphere. The restaurant is a particular favourite a lunchtimes, when the set-price menu du jour is excellent value, freshly prepared and served quickly so you can proceed with your day.

Table reservations: +33 (0) 4 50 84 55 35

Hotel du Lac - Montriond

A rite of passage during every holiday in our valley, Hotel du Lac is the perfect setting on the shores of Lac de Montriond. Settle into the hotel’s cosy restaurant to enjoy a menu that carefully considers fresh, local and seasonal ingredients or dine on the terrace overlooking the lake.

Table reservations: lacdemontriond.com

Hideout - Morzine

One of the busiest restaurants in Morzine, which makes advance booking essential, the menu at Hideout is packed with panasian 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.

call or email to reserve your table:

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

Le Rocher - Montriond

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!

call For table reservations: +33 (0) 4 50 75 78 47

This restaurant, with its sunny terrace and spectacular views, is well worth the walk from Morzine. It’s situated on the shores of the famous Lac Mines d’Or so you can watch the fishermen trying their luck as you enjoy regional specialities. We love the fresh salads at this restaurant, the kids menu is also well thought out but we recommend booking in advance, especially during the summer holidays.

For table reservations: +33 (0) 4 50 79 03 60

Widely regarded as the best burger bar in Morzine, the menu is available to eat in or to take away. The selection is huge and its great for families too. Here’s a top tip for vegetarians; every burger on the menu is available as a veggie alternative! Savoury and sweet crepes are also available, as are bagels, which make a really great breakfast on the run. You’ll find O'Chalet on the Route de la Combe a Zore in the centre of Morzine and on the Rue du Centre in Les Gets.

get in contact:

+33 (0) 4 50 79 17 18

This is the late night watering hole your holiday needs! Open until 2am every night and with live music or a live DJ every evening, the Tibetan is a lively bar with an enormous range of speciality gins. It’s also a great place to watch live sport with several HD TVs around the bar for your viewing pleasure. Stay up to date with gigs and sports coverage on their Facebook page. - TibetanCafeMorzine

facebook: TibetanCafeMorzine

Can there be a better treat after a hike through the mountains than a freshly-prepared, Nutella-loaded crepe with an accompanying hot chocolate? You’ll find this and more on the menu at this lovely cafe at the hart of Les Gets, where the menu also includes freshlyprepared bagels and wraps, delicious cakes and salads too.

View the menu at: claudie-coffee.com.

While the extensive renovation project continues at the bottom of the Pleney, the fun doesn’t stop at Le Tremplin this summer. Camp Tremplin is the pop-up, festival-style temporary venue in the same location, with refreshments available every day from 1pm.

For more details head to Instagram: @letremplin

La Marmotte d’Or - Montriond

You’ll find this cosy pub-style bar and restaurant in the centre of Montriond, serving up a large selection of beers including locally-brewed options in addition to a tasty menu that features French classics and global flavours. The bar is open from 3.30pm until 11pm each day with food served between 4pm and 9.30pm.

view the menu: lamarmottedor.com.

O’Chalet - Morzine

Camp Tremplin - Morzine

Chalet Les Mines d’Or - Morzine

Claudie coffee & Co - Les Gets

Tibetan Cafe - Morzine

The Spot Cafe, Avoriaz

Located within the newly redeveloped Prodains top station and perched on those famous cliffs of Avoriaz, The Spot is a brand new cafe, meeting point and social space with some of the best views in the area. Open between 10am and 5.30pm each day, inside you’ll discover a menu packed with fresh dishes, quick bites and warming drinks too. Available to eat in or take away, The Spot is sure to become your meeting place of choice this swim.

-

Located on a mountain pasture en-route to Avoriaz, this farm is home to various herds of cows; they graze around the farm each summer, their job is to produce the Abondance, Tomme, Raclette and Reblochon cheeses that make this farm famous. You can buy them from the farm shop, where there’s also a simple menu of classic cheese dishes, sharing plates and more to enjoy on the tables outside. If you’re lucky you may also get to join a tour of the farm!

find the farm: 9609 Route d’Avoriaz

La Crapahute

If you’re looking for an extra special dining experience, La Crapahute is located at the end of the beautiful Vallée de la Manche; it’s just a short walk up towards Lac des Mines d’Or and the views from the restaurant are absolutely worth it. Open for dinner on request, the menu includes traditional Savoyarde classics. Book to dine in one of the individual outdoor cabins for a unique experience, or inside the beautifully cosy restaurant.

Apeeling Cakes

Afternoon tea is one of the highlights of a mountain holiday, and if you’re staying self catered, there’s no need to miss out. Sarah at Apeeling Cakes bakes fresh, tasty treats to order and she’ll deliver them to your accommodation each afternoon. She also makes birthday and celebration cakes too, so if you’ve got a special occasion during your trip, you need to know about Sarah.

discover more:

@apeelingcakes.com

Restaurant Les Mouilles

One of our favourite mountain restaurants, Les Mouilles shares its name with the ski lift that sits right outside and it makes a great meeting point half way up Pleney. Open every day and offering stunning views across the valley, the menu features all of your favourite mountain dishes including tartiflette, omelettes, great kids dishes and more. The team is super friendly and there’s a lovely deck outside for sunny afternoons. For more details head to facebook

facebook: restaurantlesmouillesmorzine

Restaurant Les Pêcheurs - Sciez

Technically, this isn’t a local restaurant but it’s well worth the trip down to the shores of Lac Leman (AKA Lake Geneva) to experience the warm hospitality and delicious dishes of owners Juliette and Nico. Les Pêcheurs is located on the shores of the lake with a pebbly beach out front. The menu is packed with fresh fish, grilled meats and more, which are best enjoyed on the terrace. The restaurant is open every day except Monday for both lunch and dinner.

Table reservations: restaurant-lespecheurs.com

One of the oldest cheese producers in our region, for more than a hundred years farmers have gathered at La Fruitières to turn the milk from their cows into a delicious cheese. The adjoining restaurant is now widely regarded as one of the best in Les Gets, resembling an authentic Savoyarde dining room complete with original stone walls, a huge fireplace and a very cost atmosphere. As you can imagine, the menu is packed with fondue, Berthoud, raclette and more whilst the atmosphere is Savoyarde hospitality at its finest.

Located at an altitude of 1480m, you really feel like you’re in the mountains, but pedestrian access is easy via the Nyon telecabines. Inside the restaurant is cosy, the menu features all of your favourite mountain classics as well as seafood. There’s a good children’s menu, the service is warm and friendly and the views from the terrace are lovely on a sunny day.

View the menu and book your table at: restaurantlapointedenyon.fr

La Ferme de Seraussaix

Avoriaz

Auberge de la Fruitières des Perrières - Les Gets

La Pointe de Nyon

winter LOADING..

As the mercury tops 30º on the shores of Lac de Montriond, it’s barely dark at 10pm and the smell of a barbecue fills the air, it’s hard to imagine that winter will roll around once again. Here’s a preview of some new and exciting developments across the Portes du Soleil this winter, because it’s never too early to begin the countdown…

Winter 25/26 Season Dates

Morzine begins its winter season with a pre-opening week, commencing Saturday 13th December 2025. Until Friday 19th December we can expect part of the ski area to be open, subject to snow conditions. Continuous opening is then scheduled from Saturday 20th December and the season comes to a close on Monday 6th April 2026. Meanwhile in Les Gets, pre-opening of a partial area is also scheduled for the same dates - 13th to 19th December, with continuous opening from Saturday 20th until Sunday 12th April 2026. We’ll add the Avoriaz season dates to our website when they’re officially announced. Of course the best place to watch the winter season arrive is on the Morzine Source Magazine Instagram channel.

instagram @morzinesourcemagazine

A Replacement Rosta Chairlift

It was one of the oldest ski lifts in the entire Portes du Soleil but we’re looking forward to riding on its high-speed replacement this winter! Built in 1992, the original four-person Rosta telesiege in Les Gets travelled at a speed of two metres per second, clocking up a total journey time of seven minutes, 40 seconds - the whip as it caught the back of your calves in the departure station was pretty unforgettable too. I’d argue that the journey time and the bruises were worth it; the pistes from the top of Rosta are some of the best in the Portes du Soleil, with superb views to match. The new eight-person lift is promised in time for Christmas 2025; it’s a detachable chairlift, boarded via a sliding floor mat. It’ll travel at a speed of six metres per second, reaching the summit in less than three minutes. We will of course be documenting the progress on our social media channels, so look out for that!

A Replacement Linga Gondola

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the Portes du Soleil, the lift system in Châtel gets a major upgrade with the replacement of the old Linga gondola. The original ‘bubble’ lift came into service in 1986 and it turned for the final time at the end of the Winter 24/25 season. From a base station of 1120m, it carried around 2230 skiers per hour during a journey that lasted around six and a half minutes. It’s being replaced by a six-person chairlift in time for the Winter 25/26 season, which promises to be quicker and more comfortable.

Special Offers on Ski Passes

The early bird really does enjoy fantastic savings on ski passes, so if you already know your holiday dates, it’s absolutely worth buying them now. A quick reminder that children aged under five ski for free across the Portes du Soleil, but they do still need a physical pass so don’t forget to order that. If you’re planning multiple trips this winter, a Portes du Soleil season pass could be excellent value for money; adults save 25% on the pass when you book online before 20th September 2025. You’ll also receive free passes to a long list of other ski areas during the season, including the 4 Vallées and the Espace San Bernardo. There’s also a separate offer for children under 12 years old; they’ll receive a free Portes du Soleil season pass alongside the purchase of their parent’s pass, which is priced at €958. Finally, the Portes du Soleil ‘Borderpass’ offer continues, giving those aged under 26 a full season pass for just €470 instead of €1149. We’ll round up all of the early bird offers on our website.

source magazine

Our Landscape Photography Calendars

Each year we produce a landscape photography calendar, donating profits from sales to local causes such as our Piste X Code campaign; 2026 will be no different. If you’re a local photographer with a stash of beautiful images, please get in touch, we’d love to hear from you. Calendar fans, the 2026 edition will go on sale in August, once again it will include a selection of stunning local images and it’ll be priced at just €15 per copy.

Pre-order yours here

Our Weekly (ish) Mailer

If you’d like my random ramblings to land in your inbox each week, then it’s time to sign up for our free weekly (ish) e-newsletter. We spend a lot of time updating our Facebook and Instagram pages, but it’s in this weekly newsletter that I share the most up-to-date news from your favourite mountain villages, as well as behind the scenes news, special offers and discounts, updates from the ski area and local businesses… I also include a couple of properties for sale to inspire you. They arrive *most* Fridays and I hope you’ll join us!

Subscribe here

Our Magazine Subscriptions

Quite a few of you already know this, but you don’t need to wait until you’re in resort to grab your latest copy of Morzine Source Magazine, because we deliver! Our list of postal subscribers has skyrocketed over the years and we now dispatch copies of our printed magazine every six months - in December and in June. Our magazines are still free of charge, there’s just a small €15 postage and packaging charge for two issues.

Order your postal subscription here »

Our Piste X Code Campaign

In 2022 we launched a piste safety campaign with local physiotherapist Louise Paley. A little girl had just died following a high speed collision while she enjoyed her Saturday morning ski lesson in Flaine, not far from here. Since then we’ve made it our mission to remind skiers and snowboarders of their responsibilities to other mountain users during their time on the slopes. Did you know that most collisions happen on blue slopes? Did you know that many, many skiers don’t even know that a safety code exists? If you’re heading to the mountains this winter, the Piste X Code is here to help you stay safe.

Discover all of our useful resources at pistexcode.org