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 activities
Events and entertainment
General Activities
Image: © L.Meyer – Châtel
Local markets
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, 8am to 12.30pm
- Châtel – Wednesdays, 8am to 12.30pm
- Les Gets – Thursdays, 8am 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 summer holiday in the Portes du Soleil
Calendar of events
Image: © L.Meyer-Châtel
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
Fly Chablais challenge
Date: May 31st – June 2nd
Location: Morzine
This three-day walking and flying competition comes to Morzine in 2024. Competitors will walk and paraglide in the Chablais massif, demonstrating technique, commitment and sense of direction.
Les Gets Bike Park
Date: June 1st – 2nd, 7th – 9th & June 14th to September 15th
Location: Les Gets
With lifts to take you up the mountains and great facilities, if you love mountain biking come and enjoy it here. Whether you are experienced or a total beginner, there are plenty of marked and graded trails to choose from. There are pre-opening weekends in June and the park is open continuously from 14 June through to 15 September.
Kepis on the road
Date: June 2nd
Location: Châtel
The Pays de Savoie Porsche Club and the Képis Pescalunes (a police fund-raising group) join forces for this charity day full of motoring fun. Enjoy a ride in a Porsche over an 18km course, admire the 30 Porsches on display and enjoy refreshments from the food trucks.
Pass’Portes du Soleil
Date: June 28th – 30th
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 are 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
Reserve a property in Morzine
July
Spartan Race
Date: July 5th – 7th
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.
Savoie Cheese Festival
Date: July 6th – 7th
Location: Châtel
Enjoy a whole weekend of all things cheese at this annual event. Find out how to make the finest cheeses and of course, you get to taste them too.
Harley Days
Date: July 11th – 14th
Location: Morzine
Harley Days is back in Morzine for 2024! The Harley Davidson Owners’ Group will be bringing more than 10,000 of these beautiful bikes to the resort for the weekend, along with live music, stunts, demonstrations and a fashion show.
Bastille Day Celebration
Date: July 14th
Location: Châtel
Fabulous fireworks and music by Lake Vonnes await at this annual celebration, followed by a dance at the church square. Read more about it by clicking here.
Festival of the 4 elements
Date: July 15th – 19th
Location: Les Gets
This fun education festival focuses on the four elements that make up our planet – water, fire, earth and air. Creative workshops, discovery trails, guided tours and events will appeal to guests of all ages.
Morzine Nature
Date: July 15th – 19th
Location: Morzine
A whole week of wellness activities, guaranteed to leave you feeling refreshed and revitalised. Workshops include Pilates, yoga, hikes, and fitness classes.
Le Musée en Fête
Date: July 21st
Location: Les Gets
Les Gets’ Mechanical Music Museum is celebrating music from the past and music for the future – and this year the theme is fairground organs.
Châtel Chablais Léman Race
Date: July 20th & 21st
Location: Châtel
Take part in this popular cycle race that goes from France to Switzerland. With two types of terrain and different distances to suit different levels, there’s something for everyone. Register in advance online.
Trail des Gets
Date: July 20th & 21st
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.
August
‘Adopte 1 Col’ – Morzine to Joux Plane
Date: July 21st
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. There’s a choice of departure points, from Samoëns or Morzine and refreshments are available at the summit.
Kingdom of Children
Date: July 22nd – 26th
Location: Morzine
Royaume des Marmots is a week full of organised fun for children, with events from 10am to 7pm every day. Themed workshops, music and games, centred around the tourist office in the village square.
Châtel Festival
Date: July 28th – 31st
Location: Châtel
Four days of entertainment for children in the streets of Châtel with a show every evening! A day pass costs €10 and a four-day pass costs €30. Check the website for programme details nearer the time.
Morzine Beach
Date: July 31st – August 1st
Location: Morzine
The beach comes to the mountains for two days of sandcastle-building, cooking, face-painting and Zumba – who needs the sea?
Book your next holiday in the Portes du Soleil
August
Morzine Beach
Date: July 31st – August 1st
Location: Morzine
The beach comes to the mountains for two days of sandcastle-building, cooking, face-painting and Zumba – who needs the sea?
Trial 4×4
Date: August 3rd & 4th
Location: Les Gets
A weekend of motorsports as 4×4 enthusiasts take on a range of challenges that test their skills.
St Laurent Village Festival
Date: August 4th
Location: Châtel
Villagers and guests get together for this annual festival for St Laurent, their patron saint. It starts with mass at the church, before a procession of floats through the village and a meal, followed by dancing.
Kingdom of Children
Date: August 5th – 9th
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 10am to 7pm. A great event that kids will love.
Hauts Forts Trail Race
Date: August 10th
Location: Morzine
The Hauts Forts trail links Morzine to Avoriaz at an altitude of 1800m. There’s a choice of four races: the 50km Hauts-Forts trail, the 40km Fornet trail, the 23km Mines-d’or trail and the 22 and 28km Contre-Bandiers Relays.
46th Belle Dimanche, the festival of the pastures
Date: August 18th
Location: Châtel
A traditional festival on the Plaine Dranse, where shepherds, animals, craftsmen, musicians and folk bands come together.
September
Mont Blanc Rally
Date: September 5th – 7th
Location: Morzine
One of the stages of the French Automobile Championship, there are several routes around Morzine, such as the Joux Plane and the Joux Verte. Vintage and historic cars will also be taking part.
The Alambike
Date: September 7th & 8th
Location: Les Gets
In this 24-hour mountain bike relay, teams of four to eight try to clock up as many miles as possible around the iconic course from the MTB World Championship.
tourist offices
More information
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:
