Things to do in Les Gets, Morzine, and Avoriaz

Morzine is a traditional market town originally formed around the agriculture and slate mining industries. It sits in the heart of the Portes du Soleil ski area, with Lake Geneva to the North and Mont Blanc to the South. Morzine is the liveliest of the resorts in the Portes du Soleil with a great après scene in winter and a world class mountain biking setup in summer.

The idyllic town with its wooden chalets straddles a river gorge and is surrounded by lush wooded slopes, giving it an air of tranquillity, which contrasts its party town reputation. This serenity is continued at Lac Montriond, a short journey from Morzine town centre and well worth a visit particularly in summer.

Morzine’s skiing links into the Portes du Soleil’s vast 650km of pistes. The area is considered to be suitable for the intermediate skier; however there are a number of black runs at “the bowl” if your group is made up of more experienced skiers. In addition to skiing, those seeking thrills of a more unusual kind can find everything.

A great deal of focus is given to families, for which they have been given a national award of “Famille Plus Montagne”. In town there are games set out in the streets, performers and a carousel. Meanwhile on the slopes, the pistes of Le Grand Cry provide an area of the mountain that is ‘children only’, with a Wild West theme.

To support the families that frequent Les Gets a choice of high quality, British ski and board tuition is available. Lessons tend to start from the lively ‘Chavannes’ area which is at the top of the red telecabine from the village.

In 1960 Jean Vuarnet won the Winter Olympics and became the director in charge of transforming Avoriaz into a ski resort. When he was finished he realised his dream of creating a ‘small Savoyard Colorado’, built high on an escarpment above Morzine. It is one of the top snowboarding destinations in the world, with the impressive Snowpark d’Arare acting as the focal point for many of the riders that come from far and wide to hit the various kickers, rails, and boxes.

The resort retains a quiet feel, despite being a station on the main circuit of Les Portes du Soleil. The whole resort is pedestrianised, which means children can go sledging in the heart of the village in complete safety. The only other mode of transport in the village is the horse-drawn sleighs, which give a festive feel.

Avoriaz also plays host to the Aquariaz Waterpark. This aquatic paradise contrasts a tropical feel with the snowy mountains outside in winter and its lush vegetation, rocks pools, slides and gently flowing river make it a great facility for all the family.