What’s new in Morzine and Avoriaz this summer?
For years, summer in the mountains quietly stood in the shadow of beach holidays and seaside lounging. But those who’ve ventured up know the secret: once you’ve experienced summer at altitude, there’s no turning back. And few places capture this transformation better than Avoriaz and Morzine.
Until 2020, the summer season played only a supporting role, with occupancy rates lingering around 35%. But a strategic shift—focused on dynamic outdoor activities and accessible experiences—has completely reshaped the narrative. The result? A surge in popularity and record-breaking numbers.
In 2023, Avoriaz welcomed over 300,000 overnight stays in just two months, pushing occupancy to 58%, all without new construction. Morzine followed closely, reaching an impressive 58.8% average occupancy across the 2024 summer season.
What’s behind this growing enthusiasm? It’s the perfect alpine escape: no sweltering heat, just refreshing temperatures ideal for staying active. And the activities go far beyond hiking. From mountain biking, trail running, and paragliding to canyoning, rock climbing, via ferrata, and even yoga in the open air—there’s something for every adventurer.
With a constantly evolving offer and breathtaking landscapes to explore, Avoriaz and Morzine are fast becoming the go-to destinations for a summer that blends relaxation, thrill, and nature in perfect harmony.
New accommodation
NEW: Spend the night in a refuge, lulled by the mountain pastures in Morzine
Nestled at an altitude of 1,660 m between the Giffre and Manche valleys, the Golèse refuge is now open virtually all year round. To get there, the route starts at Chardonnière and winds through forests and mountain pastures, offering a gentle, immersive ascent. After some 350 metres of ascent, the refuge reveals itself in a majestic setting. But the experience doesn’t end with the hike. The refuge is warm and authentic, offering overnight accommodation in dormitories or private rooms, with a generous half-board full of mountain flavours. It is also the ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding peaks: Bostan, the Dents Blanches, or breathtaking panoramas of the Dents du Midi and as far as Mont Blanc. Whatever the season, an overnight stay at the Golèse refuge promises a timeless experience close to nature. Summer prices start from €53 / £45 pp for one night stay on a half-board basis. Visit www.refuge-golese.com/ for more information.
NEW: The Cabane du Col de Cou
At an altitude of 1920 meters, the Cabane du Col de Cou is a former border post recently transformed into a guarded mountain refuge. As of this summer, it will open all year round to welcome hikers and visitors in a unique setting between France and Switzerland. Guests can easily access it from Morzine via a short hike (7 km and 500 m elevation gain), but the 38-bed refuge is also located along the longer itinerant treks: the GR5, the Via Alpina and the Tour des Dents Blanches. Cabane du Col de Cou will be open to the public in Summer 2025, exact dates to be confirmed.
New activities
NEW: ‘Le Tour du Propriétaire’ mountain bike guiding with the help of a local scout in Morzine
The ‘Tour du Propriétaire’ is a new concept launched this summer in Morzine. It consists of a 3-hour guided mountain bike outing in a small group. De- signed for riders who want to get the most out of their mountain biking holiday from day one, it’s not an initiation, but a real scouting trip to find out where and how to ride effectively. It’s also the best way to get all the inside tips and tricks that only the locals know! For more information visit www.ride-ability.com/mtb-vtt-morzine/
NEW: Chill Con Carne red mountain biking trail in Avoriaz
Chill Con Carne, a new red trail, will be available in the Séraussaix area this summer. With a very aerial profile, it meets the expectations of experienced mountain bikers and will feature no less than 17 kickers. The only red rail among the 10 available, it completes the range to cover all difficulty levels. The trail has been tested and approved by Tahnée Seagrave, an iconic rider and ambassador, winner of several World cup races and multi-award winning medallist at the UCI Downhill World Championships.
NEW: Nighttime MTB sessions in Avoriaz
This summer Avoriaz is launching night sessions dedicated to mountain biking for an even more intense experience. The sessions will take place once a week from 5pm to 7pm in the Séraussaix area.
NEW: Opening of the Charniaz Express chairlift
As of this summer, mountain bikers will have a new access point with the opening of the Charniaz Express chairlift, from 5 July to 31 August 2025. Located in the Nyon sector and accessible from Le Pléney via the Granges piste, it will make it easier to travel from one side of the valley to the other, providing an easy connection between Morzine and Les Gets.
Enviromental news
NEW: The “biocycle”
As of 2025, Montagne Verte’s newest initiative is the launch of the “biocycle”, a collection system – carbon-free, of course – that picks up the organic waste produced by local restaurants and destined for the nearby methane plant. And in order to best respect the association’s environmental commitments, the waste is collected using a bicycle equipped with an electrically assisted trolley capable of carrying 250 kg of bio-waste. It’s an environmentally-friendly vehicle, which limits motorized traffic in the town centre and creates social ties, jobs and new interactions with the local community!
Event news
NEW: Classes taught in English at the Avoriaz Danse festival
The Avoriaz Danse Festival returns from 23 to 29 August 2025, featuring an exciting new addition—some classes will now be taught in English. Each year, more than 1,500 dancers gather in the resort of Avoriaz for a vibrant celebration of movement. The program showcases a rich variety of couples’ dances, including salsa, bachata, kizomba, rock, swing, west coast swing, and Argentine tango. With over 130 hours of classes available for all levels—from complete beginners to experienced dancers—it’s an unmissable event for both enthusiasts and newcomers. This year, the festival is honoured to welcome Denitsa Ikonomova, renowned French dancer from Danse avec les Stars, and François Alu, star dancer of the Paris Opera, as its official godmother and godfather.
For more information about Morzine-Avoriaz, please get in touch with Emma Berg on emmab@heavenpublicity.co.uk
Please find a copy of the press pack for Morzine available to view / download here:
www.calameo.com/read/00725051009a52a5abaa2
Please find a copy of the press pack for Avoriaz available to view / download here:
www.calameo.com/avoriaz/read/00282789297fc86b5f69b
For more information on Morzine, please visit: https://en.morzine-avoriaz.com/
For more information on Avoriaz, please visit: https://www.avoriaz.com/en/
