The Portes du Soleil isn’t just for winter! In summer the mountain villages come to life with a wealth of activities, sports and entertainment for all the family. With famed resorts such as Morzine, Avoriaz, Châtel and Les Gets, come and discover why a summer mountain holiday is becoming more and more popular every year.
Please note: All details were accurate at the time of publishing this article, however events and activities are subject to change. Please check the details of the event before setting out to visit. Wherever possible we have included links to English information pages.
Summary
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General info
Events and entertainment
General Activities
Market Days in the Portes du Soleil
Enjoy shopping at one of the area’s local markets, where you can find everything from fresh produce and charcuterie to pottery and handmade gifts.
- Morzine – Wednesdays, 8h to 12h30
- Châtel – Wednesdays, 8h30 to 12h30
- Les Gets – Thursdays, 8h to noon
Throughout the season
Farm visits
In most resorts, you’ll be able to visit some of the local farms and try the cheeses. A fascinating insight into the traditions of the mountains and you’ll be able to buy some cheese to enjoy at home.
Swimming pools
Your OVO Network chalet may have its own pool, but if it doesn’t, you can still enjoy a swim.
There’s a 25m pool and plunge pool at the Parc des Dérèches in Morzine, and you can even relax in the sauna afterwards. This is a perfect pool for serious swimmers, but there’s a great family-orientated water park in Avoriaz – called Aquariaz – with slides, rapids, a tropical jungle and a hot tub with mountain views!
Alternatively, head to the Forme d’O in Chatel where you’ll find indoor and outdoor pools, aqua fitness classes, waterfalls, saunas and steam rooms.
Hit the gym
You don’t have to let your training routine slip just because you’re away from home. Mountain Rehab boasts a fully-equipped gym, as well as Pilates, yoga, massage and sports physio. And if you can’t get to them, they will come to your OVO Network chalet!
In Châtel, you’ll also find a choice of fitness training, yoga and pilates, as well as aqua gym classes.
Book your stay this summer in the Portes du Soleil
Events and Entertainment
Image: ©Morzine-Avoriaz.Lionel Beylot @morzineofficiel #morzine
Calendar of Events and Entertainment in the Portes du Soleil
Want to know what’s on during your stay in the Portes du Soleil? Take a look at our calendar of things to do in the area, including Morzine, Les Gets and Châtel.
(We have tried to provide the latest information available at the time of writing.)
June
Throughout the summer season, you’ll find all sorts of activities and entertainments taking place in our resorts. Here are some of the highlights…
Les Gets Bike Park
Date: June 17th
Location: Les Gets
With lifts to take you up the mountains and great facilities, if you love mountain biking come and enjoy it here. Opening continuously from 17 June through to 18 September.
Pass’Portes du Soleil
Date: June 24th to 26th
Location: Morzine, Les Gets & Châtel
Come and take part in this major mountain biking event – or just come and support the competitors and enjoy the atmosphere! There’s 80km of marked routes and lots of pit stops where you can fuel up on local specialities. There are also options for kids and a walking Pass’Portes event, plus a bike show in Les Gets.
July
July
Spartan Race
Date: July 2nd and 3rd
Location: Morzine
Come and cheer on the competitors in this crazy obstacle race, including swimming in white water rivers, crossing lakes and climbing steep slopes.
Châtel Chablais Léman Race
Date: July 2nd and 3rd
Location: Châtel
Take part in this popular cycle race that goes from France into Switzerland. Register in advance online.
The Secrets of the Druid
Date: July 5th
Location: Morzine
A great fun event where children have to find the magic ingredients to a secret potion to help the druid. Takes place from 9h30 until 12h.
Image: ©Morzine-Avoriaz.Spartan Race @morzineofficiel #morzine
Family Walk in Nature
Date: July 6th
Location: Morzine
All the family will enjoy discovering this nature walk which reveals the evolution and behaviours of a range of species. From 9h30 until 12h.
Early Childhood Music Workshop
Date: July 6th and 20th
Location: Les Gets
Musical events for little ones at the library, with singing, rhythms, sounds and games. 9h15 to 10h15 is for 0-3 year olds, 10h30 to 11h30 is for 3-5 year olds.
DH Kids Cup
Date: July 9th and 10th
Location: Les Gets
If your kids love mountain biking then the DH Kids Cup may be for them. A competition for children aged 7 to 14, there are two timed runs and a prize-giving ceremony.
Tour de France
Date: July 10th
Location: Châtel
Châtel is the finishing town for Stage 9 of the famed Tour de France. With an electric atmosphere, come and watch the competitors finish this 183km mountain stage.
Tour de France
Date: July 11th to 12th
Location: Morzine
Come and enjoy the spectacle of the world’s greatest cycling race. Cheer on the competitors and enjoy the incredible atmosphere that accompanies this event. The 11 July is a rest day, with the 12 July seeing Stage 10 start from Morzine and head to Megève.
National Day Guingette Party
Date: July 14th
Location: Les Gets
Celebrate the best of France with this celebration which includes an aperitif, concert and a live DJ, all in a friendly atmosphere. The dress code is vintage! Starts at 18h.
Harley Days
Date: July 14th to 17th
Location: Morzine-Avoriaz
This ‘pure rock’ edition of Harley Days will see 10,000 motorcycles and around 30,000 people come to celebrate all things Harley and enjoy great entertainment – exceptional rides in the Alps in the day and rock concerts in the evening.
Festival – Châtel is going back to children
Date: July 17th to 20th
Location: Châtel
A four day festival celebrating the fun of childhood, with games, activities and entertainment for children.
Festival of 4Elements
Date: July 18th to 22nd
Location: Les Gets
Water, air, fire and earth are at the heart of this festival, which includes everything from workshops and nature outings, to meetings with local actors and fireworks.
Morzine en Pleine Nature
Date: July 18th to 22nd
Location: Morzine
Revitalise, relax, and rejuvenate during this week dedicated to well-being amid the beautiful mountains. Workshops, fitness classes, Pilates, Yoga, sophrology and more are all available.
Trail des Gets
Date: July 23rd and 24th
Location: Les Gets
A choice of trail runs showcasing the beautiful mountains around Les Gets. Saturday sees the Mont Chery Challenge and the children’s race take place, followed by the red, blue and green trails on Sunday.
‘Adopte 1 Col’ – Morzine to Joux Plane
Date: July 24th
Location: Morzine
An event made for cyclists – the roads are closed for this event which climbs the legendary Col de Joux Plane at 1690m high.
August
August
Lounge Music Festival
Date: August 1st to 6th
Location: Les Gets
A week of fantastic concerts taking place in different locations around Les Gets. There will also be a range of activities and entertainment, making for a great atmosphere.
The Secrets of the Druid
Date: August 2nd, 16th and 23rd
Location: Morzine
A great fun event where children have to find the magic ingredients to a secret potion to help the druid. Takes place from 9h30 until 12h.
Hauts Forts Trail Race
Date: August 6th
Location: Morzine
The Hauts Forts trail links Morzine to Avoriaz at an altitude of 1800m. With a choice of races, including the 51km flagship race, this event is always popular.
Trial 4×4
Date: August 6th and 7th
Location: Les Gets
A weekend of motorsports as 4×4 enthusiasts take on a range of challenges that test their skills.
Morzine Kingdom of Marmots
Date: August 8th to 12th
Location: Morzine
A week of workshops, music and shows, all dedicated to children. All of the events are free and you’ll find something happening every day from 10h until 19h. A great event that kids will love.
MTB French Cup
Date: August 12th to 14th
Location: Châtel
If you’re in the area come and watch some of the best mountain bikers compete in this competition. Find out more here.
44th Belle Dimanche
Date: August 21st
Location: Châtel
A traditional festival on the Plaine Dranse, where shepherds, animals, craftsmen, musicians and folk bands come together. Click here to find out more.
UCI Mountain Bike World Championship
Date: August 24th to 28th
Location: Les Gets
With a programme of fantastic races throughout the week, this is a major event in the world of mountain biking. Come and support the competitors and enjoy the electric atmosphere.
Triathlon Morzine – Montriond
Date: August 27th
Location: Morzine
A choice of individual and relay triathlons are available at this fantastic mountain event that includes the swim in Lake Montriond and the Avoriaz bike climb used in the Tour de France. There’s also a junior event for young triathletes!
September
September
Alpine Châtel Show
Date: September 3rd and 4th
Location: Châtel
Car enthusiasts will love this show, which brings both historic and modern vehicles to Châtel.
74th Mont Blanc Rally
Date: September 9th and 10th
Location: Morzine
One of the renowned stages of the French Automobile Championship, there are special routes such as the Joux Plane and you can see vintage cars.
The Alambike
Date: September 10th
Location: Les Gets
In this first Alambike event, teams of four to eight try to clock up as many miles as possible in a relay around the iconic course from the MTB World Championship.
5th Historic Ascent of Châtel
Date: September 17th and 18th
Location: Châtel
An event, on closed roads, for vintage and exceptional cars. With some fabulous vehicles taking part on this ascent, it’s a great opportunity for car enthusiasts to see them up close.
tourist offices
Tourist Offices
There are many other events taking place throughout the summer, including concerts, shows, nature walks and more. Visit the local Tourist Office website for more information:
Summer in the Portes du Soleil
Take a look at our fabulous properties across the area with all the facilities required for a memorable summer in the French Alps.
