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Avoriaz Activities - Summer
| Summer Activities in Avoriaz |
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The majority of things to do in Avoriaz relate to being outdoors, and whilst there are many organised activities, getting out there is mainly what it is about - at a leisurely pace or at warp speed, it's up to you. The list of activities available in the summer is endless and there is always something to suit everyone; whether it be families with small children, seasoned hikers, thrill-seekers or simply those who want to get away from it all and try something new. |
| Adventure Waterfalls |
The adventure park Cascade Aventure at nearby Nyon allows you to swing through the trees above roaring waterfalls on ziplines, monkey bridges, rope ladders and swinging stirrups! The Nyon waterfalls are set in the beautiful wooded suroundings of the Vallée de la Manche.
The park is designed for adults and children (height limit of 1.35m/4.6ft) to test their nerves in complete safety. For those who want a greater challenge you can try canyoning on the River Dranse with a mountain guide.
For those who don't want to take part you can watch the action from the safety of the restaurant, which serves drinks, pancakes, ice creams and a Savoyard menu. |
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last updated 8-Apr-2008 |
| Canyoning |
A not-so-gentle but extremely refreshing summer activity is one way to describe canyoning! Plunge yourself into the mountain streams via a series of abseil descents, jumps and natural water slides – just make sure you choose a warm day! You will make your way along rivers and rapids, using the river bed as a natural obstacle course.
Not suitable for very young children, but anyone over the age of about 8 can take the (very cold) plunge and try canyoning. With the safety of a guide everyone can abseil down cascades, splash into pools and ride the river rapids. You can choose from short beginners’ routes or longer ones for the more adventurous.
Hydrospeed is an alternative to rafting where you shoot down the river on a kind of inflatable body-board. Half-in half-out of the water you are closer to the action and guaranteed a soaking!
Different companies will have their own policies on age limits but usually, unless they are booked onto a children's activity course, anyone under the age of about 14 years old will have to be accompanied by an adult. A basic level of swimming ability is required for safety reasons.
There are a number of local companies that offer guided descents down the local waterways. |
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last updated 8-Apr-2008 |
| Children's Entertainments |
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The Village des Enfants in Avoriaz offers a great array of activities for children aged from 3 to 16 years old. Younger children can play on the mini-trampoline or bouncy castle, learn circus skills, try out the climbing wall, go pony trekking and learn gymnastics amongst other things. Older kids will enjoy archery, judo, pony trekking, mountain biking, fencing, building log cabins, taking part in various nature workshops and more. There are also football pitches, street basketball areas and a skate park, all free of charge.
For festivals and other entertainments enquire at the Tourist Office for details or check our What’s On Calendar to see what is happening when. |
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last updated 15-Aug-2008 |
| Fishing |
There are several places in the nearby area in which you can fish; Lac Mines d’Or, Lac Montriond, Lac Plan du Rocher... You can also fish the River Dranse, which runs from Morzine to Evian, in which the much sought after Lake Geneva (Lac Leman) trout spawn their eggs.
You must, however, ensure that you have the correct fishing permit and are aware of local fishing regulations. Enquire at the Tourist Office for details.
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last updated 10-Apr-2008 |
| Glacier Walking |
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For a truly unique experience, clamp on your crampons and go hiking on one of the many glaciers in the surrounding area. The breathtaking views and spectacular crevasses make this an incredible adventure. There are a number of glacial hikes, of varying difficulty, in this region of the Alps. Most mountain guiding companies will run organised excursions to the most accessible. To read more about glaciers and the environment please go to our Glacier Meltdown article. |
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last updated 11-Apr-2008 |
| Golf |
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The nearest course would be the 9 hole Morzine-Avoriaz golf course. Situated at the entrance to Avoriaz the course is bordered by pine forests and has the spectacular back drop of the Chaîne des Aravis. You are welcome to dine at the clubhouse, pick up a few essentials from the pro-shop, or just relax with a drink on the terrace.
There is also an 18-hole course in Les Gets. This fairly technical golf course offers panoramic views and great facilities. The clubhouse is a welcoming place to enjoy a drink and the restaurant has a lovely terrace on which to enjoy lunch. Coaching, equipment hire and electric buggies are all available.
With stunning mountain views and pleasant summer weather this is a wonderfully relaxing way to spend the day. |
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last updated 15-Aug-2008 |
| Horse Riding |
The Porte du Soleil offers a wide expanse of spectacular terrain on which you can saddle up and go exploring. The Haras des Essordilles stables has a range of lessons and hacks to suit all ages and abilities.
The equestrian centre in the Parc des Dérêches in Morzine, near the Palais des Sports, offers a full range of activities, catering for all ages and levels of expertise. For the little ones there are pony rides along forest paths, while the older ones can learn how to saddle up and handle their steed in the paddock. A variety of accompanied rides through the mountains are available and provide an extremely enjoyable way to make the most of the scenery. |
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last updated 7-Jul-2008 |
| Hot Air Ballooning (Vol en Montgolfiere) |
Hot air ballooning looks serene, but there are moments of excitement; once the creaking wicker basket rises off the ground you are uncomfortably reminded that you are suspended hundreds of metres above the ground in a small twig structure! The views are stunning, and as you glide over the forests you may see deer and other animals normally hidden from view. The pilot controls the height but the wind determines which direction you take, so the flight can take anything from one to two hours, depending on when a suitable landing site comes into view.
There are a number of local companies that can arrange your ballooning trip. |
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last updated 22-Apr-2008 |
| Mountain Biking |
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Avoriaz and the Portes du Soleil was the original and remains the best mountain biking (MTB) and specifically the mountain biking (VTT - Vélo tout-terrain!) area based in a winter ski resort. Its popularity with the MTB and wider cycling community has increased year on year, aided and abetted by the stunning alpine scenery and world class trails. The variety of terrain ensures that everyone from beginners to expert and pro level downhill and freeride riders can get many days riding on trials suited to their preferences and ability level. So whether you enjoy a leisurely cycle around some of the lower level trails encircling the village and surrounding valley, or a day's “X-treme” superlative filled downhill mountain biking action, Avoriaz definitely has something to suit all tastes. One thing is certain; after a week’s holiday here everyone leaves a considerably better rider than when they arrived! |
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last updated 7-Jul-2008 |
| Paintball |
This exciting activity offers fun for groups of all ages. A variety of scenarios are offered at the beginning of all games, with each game lasting approximately 2 hours; the ultimate aim is to shoot your oppenents with paint pellets and capture their flag before they get hold of yours. The site is spread out among the woodland beside the River Dranse in Morzine with lots of natural obstacles to dive behind, jump over and fire from!
The games are run by Indian 'Aventures, and all equipment and safety clothing is provided. Sessions costs 25€ per person and booking in advance is recommended. |
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last updated 22-Apr-2008 |
| Panoramic Helicopter Tours |
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Sit back and admire the mountains from even higher up! Daily panoramic helicopter flights are available (weather permitting) with a number of local flight companies or some mountain guide companies. Relax and enjoy the stunning views as you fly over the snowcapped mountain tops, glaciers and alpine forests. |
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last updated 22-Apr-2008 |
| Paragliding in Avoriaz |
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If you’ve never tried paragliding before (…..or maybe you’re not entirely sure what it is!) then Avoriaz is a great place to learn how to fly. Known as “parapenting” in France, today there are a great number of clubs and organisations in the area whose sole purpose is to get you flying. So, if it is something that you have always fancied trying, or if you would just like to know a bit more about what it involves and who can do it... ... see "Avoriaz for Paragliding" for more |
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last updated 7-Jul-2008 |
| Road Biking |
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Have you ever aspired to test yourself on the same climbs as those on which the professional Tour de France riders earn there living? Opting for Avoriaz as a base in the Alps will allow you to do just that. Avoriaz, when it is not being the best known resort at the heart of the famous Portes du Soleil ski area, is perhaps better known as “the” summer destination for the mountain bike fraternity. Less well known is the fact it is perfect for the road rider wishing to experience the challenge of conquering endless Alpine hairpin ascents and the corresponding vertiginous high speed descents. Avoriaz is located in the Haute Savoie region of France where geology has blessed it with exactly the type of topography made famous by the world’s biggest sporting event. ... see "Avoriaz & Portes du Soleil for Road Biking" for more |
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last updated 7-Jul-2008 |
| Rock Climbing |
For budding Spidermen the Avoriaz Children's Village offers climbing courses for 3-16 year olds, with mini-climbing walls for the little ones and full-size ones for older children.
For the older or the more adventurous there is plenty of natural rock to scale all around the Portes du Soleil, either under your own steam or with a guide. |
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last updated 7-Jul-2008 |
| Swimming Pool |
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Avoriaz has a heated outdoor pool on Route des Rennes in Village des Dromonts. There is a small supervised pool for young children as well as plenty of sunbathing space on the artificial beach. You can buy drinks and lunch at the snack bar.
The water park at the Morzine Palais des Sports is the ideal way to cool down during the hot summer months. Boasting an Olympic swimming pool, children’s pool, water slide, volleyball court, sunbathing terrace, lawns, bar, restaurant and children’s play area this is somewhere you can relax while the kids entertain themselves! There are swimming lessons on offer as well as an aqua-gym club and every Tuesday there is an introduction to scuba diving, a beach volleyball tournament and a mini-football competition. |
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last updated 15-Aug-2008 |
| Tennis & Squash |
Avoriaz has 10 tennis courts and a number of squash courts available for hire around the resort. They hold a weekly tournament throughout the summer, open to anyone who fancies giving it a shot!
For those of you who really like to build up a sweat there are also squash courts at the Sports Park in Morzine. |
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last updated 30-May-2008 |
| Tourist Train |
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One way to find your way around town in the summer is to hop aboard the miniature tourist train that trundles daily through the resort, offering a free transport service. The Avoriaz 'Petit Train Touristique' is a great way to take in the sights and get your bearings! |
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last updated 24-Apr-2008 |
| Via Ferrata |
If climbing up sheer rock on the end of a piece of rope sounds a bit scary then Via Ferrata climbing offers an element of security that still allows beginners to enjoy the achievement of having scaled a mountain! This form of climbing was invented by Italian soldiers in the Dolomites who used it to enable them to scale vertiginous faces easily and quickly. These days it is a popular sport that makes the thrill of mountain climbing more accessible to children, beginners and those who want a bit more security when they climb.
Following marked routes through the mountains you are helped along by steps, bridges and ladders whilst being roped up for extra safety. Suitable for adults and children over the age of 8; guides can be arranged on request.
The main Via Ferrata site in Morzine Avoriaz is the Saix du Tour; it is 600m in length and affords some beautiful views over the valley. It features foot bridges, monkey bridges and ladders and should take around 2-2 1/2 hours to complete. It is accessible from May to October, if there is no snow. |
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last updated 23-Apr-2008 |
| White Water Rafting |
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If you haven't experienced this before then this is a definite 'must try' on your list of activities to do! Avoriaz has a number of trained guides who will let you experience some of the best white water rafting available in the Alps. From the middle of May until September, the river Dranse flows furiously as it is fed from the melt waters running off the glaciers high above the town. There are various options available from a 3 hour adrenaline rush to a full days excursion - this activity is guaranteed not to disappoint. |
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last updated 25-Apr-2008 |
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