Fresh Mountain Air, Traditional Village Life and Sports Galore in Morzine, the French Alps
With its magnificent mountains, lush-green meadows, far-reaching forests and good old-fashioned fresh air, Morzine is the perfect place to visit. On 2 June, the French Alps entered its second phase of easing lock down; restaurants, cafés and bars have reopened with reduced capacity and strict sanitary measures. Alpine terraces frequently overlook snow-encrusted peaks, pristine-blue lakes or meadows festooned with wildflowers, so this news is a beautifully timed gift to kickstart the summer season.
With its host of activities, Morzine is the perfect destination for holidaymakers wanting to be active in the mountains. Boasting some of the world’s best biking terrain, it’s also a mecca for paragliding, rock climbing, golf, fishing, horse riding and canyoning. Retaining much of its Old-World charm, Morzine remains free of high-rise buildings with many original wooden chalets still in service, and despite its modern facilities, the resort has a traditional-village feel with boutique hotels, independent shops and a weekly market featuring local produce.
NEW: Hike, Fish and Frolic
This summer, the doors are set to open at the Refuge de Nyon , a beautiful traditional mountain chalet. With spectacular views of the mountains, this little corner of paradise is next to the Nyon Guérin Lake. Families can enjoy an easy walk from the top of the Nyon gondola and keen (and novice) anglers will love the mountain lake that is full of Trout (equipment is provided by the refuge). After an exhilarating day, all guests can then dine at the restaurant, where the owner, Betty, will be happy to prepare any fresh catches.
The Refuge de Nyon is open from 25 June to 6 September 2020.
How much? A night’s stay in the dormitory, with a traditional Savoyard meal and breakfast, costs from €120 / £106 pp. Sleeping bags can be rented on site. Contact: +33 (0)7 72 44 82 93
NEW: Downhill Mountain Bike Trails
Morzine is known to mountain bikers across the world for its high-quality trails. This year, two more downhill trails have been added to the already large network on offer across the Portes du Soleil. The new red downhill trail, leaving from the top of Pléney and descending to the village centre, close to lifts, uses the run that was created exclusively for the French Championships in 2018 and is 3 km long with 500 m of descent. Secondly, the new blue run ensures a link back to Morzine from Les Gets, that’s both easy to ride and safe, avoiding roads.
The mountain bike trails are open from 27 June to 20 September 2020.
How much? A day’s mountain biking lift pass for the Portes du Soleil area costs from €29 / £26 per adult and €22 / £19 per child.
VALUE: The multi pass – more than 50 activities made available to everyone
Known as the happiness pass, it gives everyone access to more than 50 activities in the Portes du Soleil for just €2 / £1.80 per day. Passholders can enjoy access to countless attractions in the region, including swimming in pools and lakes, playing tennis, visiting cultural sites, gliding around ice rinks and trying golf on one of the mini courses. The pass also means walkers can use lifts throughout the region, allowing them to explore the routes around the Nyon peak. The multi pass also provides holders with a substantial discount at many more locations, with considerable savings to be made on bike rentals, paragliding, archery, clay pigeon shooting, spa treatments, yoga – the list goes on.
For more information, visit: www.morzine-avoriaz.com/multipass.
ENVIRONMENT: Hôtel la Bergerie is partnering with Unisoap
Unisoap is the first French charity to recycle soaps from hotels for humanitarian purposes. The objective is to transform the waste into resources for those in need, and to give disadvantaged people – at home and abroad – access to important hygiene products, which are especially key during Covid-19. Unisoap is working with Hôtel La Bergerie in Morzine, a charming chalet-style property that has been owned by same family since its construction in 1976.
For more information about Unisoap, visit: www.unisoap.org
How much? A night’s stay, at Hôtel La Bergerie, costs from €75 / £66 pp (€150 / £133 total) for two people sharing a room. Meals extra. www.hotel-bergerie.com/en
For more information about Morzine during the summer months, please visit: www.morzine-avoriaz.com
