The Portes du Soleil area is an ideal destination for enjoying the mountains in summer. Sports activities, cultural events and local festivities set the pace of the season, in a friendly atmosphere and a spectacular setting with vast natural spaces and busy villages. These are the unmissable events that will bring Morzine, Avoriaz, Châtel and Les Gets to life throughout the summer.
To help you plan your stay, you’ll find a list at the end of the article of the regular events and activities taking place throughout the season.
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The highlights of the summer in the Portes du Soleil
Here are the events personally recommended by the OVO Network team…
Pass’Portes du Soleil MTB
26–28 June
Several resorts
The Pass’Portes du Soleil MTB is an unmissable event for all mountain biking enthusiasts, regardless of where they are staying within this vast area.
Spartan Race
3–5 July
Morzine
If you’re not familiar with the Spartan Race yet, prepare to be amazed! It is the most varied and demanding running race of the summer.
“Royaume des Marmots” children’s festival
20–24 July
Morzine
We think the “Royaume des Marmots” in Morzine is one of the most beautiful festivals dedicated to children in the whole of France. And all the activities are free!
UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Haute-Savoie
20–23 August
Les Gets
Les Gets is the French capital of mountain biking, and this annual event proves it. It is an opportunity to see the world’s greatest champions shine in competition.
Avoriaz dance festival
22–28 August
Morzine-Avoriaz
This festival has gained an international reputation since it began 15 years ago. It promises a lively atmosphere celebrating all types of dance.
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Calendar of events in the Portes du Soleil this summer
JUNE
Pass’Portes du Soleil MTB
26–28 June
Several locations
Several routes are available throughout the area, either using mountain bikes or gravel bikes. The route can also be completed on foot or by electric bike. In addition, Avoriaz hosts the mountain bike exhibition throughout the weekend.
Heritage Days: “Little ones in the mountains”
27 June
Châtel
Children can discover the mountains through outdoor workshops at this family-friendly event. These will take place in the morning at the Bassachaux mountain pass. Admission is free, offering a great opportunity to share a fun and cultural experience with the family.
JULY
Spartan Race
3–5 July
Morzine
Come and cheer on the participants in this extraordinary obstacle race, as they take on river and high-altitude lake crossings, dive into natural waterfalls, and climb up the mountainside.
DH Kids Cup
4–5 July
Les Gets
This downhill mountain bike competition is just for children aged 7 to 14. The track is adapted for young riders, there is professional supervision and the atmosphere at the Les Gets Bike Park promises to be great. Registration is required, and a full-face helmet and protective gear are mandatory.
Harley Days
11–14 July
Morzine
Harley Days is a huge event dedicated to fans of motorbikes and rock music. More than 10,000 bikes and 30,000 visitors are expected to gather in the centre of Morzine. Concerts, exhibitions, activities and rides will set the pace of the days, with completely free access.
Bastille Day
14 July
Châtel
Châtel lights up for the National Day celebrations, with a spectacular musical fireworks display reflected on the waters of Lake Vonnes, followed by a dance in the Church Square.
Museum festival
18-19 July
Les Gets
The Mechanical Music Museum in Les Gets organises special events every year, featuring compositions and performances. This year’s theme, “Mechanical Music and Games”, will showcase fairground and amusement park instruments.
Les Gets trail
18–19 July
Les Gets
The Les Gets Trail offers several running routes through the wonderful scenery of the Portes du Soleil. On Saturday, the Mont Chéry challenge and the children’s race will take place. The red, blue and green races will be held on Sunday, with the option this year to run as a relay team.
Adopte 1 Col
20 July
Morzine, Samoëns
The Col de Joux Plane is a favourite meeting point for cyclists, as the road is closed to car traffic. There are several possible starting points from Samoëns and Morzine, and refreshments are available at the summit.
Bike week
20–24 July
Les Gets
The Les Gets Bike Park offers free activities, mountain bike lessons, mechanical workshops and guided rides for all levels. Access is included with a lift pass or bike rental, with some activities available for children as young as 6.
Morzine Royaume des Marmots children’s festival
20–24 July
Morzine
This festival in the heart of the charming village of Morzine is open every day from 10am to 7pm. There’s fun and entertainment for children aged 2 and over, and all activities – shows, themed workshops, and inflatable games – are free.
Châtel goes back to childhood
26–29 July
Châtel
Châtel offers four days of activities for children of all ages, with a show every evening. The activities will take place in the church square and on the shores of Lake Vonnes.
Festival of the 4 elements
27–31 July
Les Gets
This fun and educational festival will teach you more about the four elements that make up our planet: water, air, earth, and fire. Creative workshops, discovery trails, and guided tours will take place throughout the event.
Morzine in the heart of nature
28–31 July
Morzine
Come and discover the natural treasures of the mountains through outings, workshops and activities dedicated to wildlife, flora and the environment. The activities will take place across the resort.
Champéry Musical Encounters
31 July – 14 August
Champéry
This annual music festival welcomes internationally-renowned classical musicians for two weeks of magical performances. Ticket prices vary, depending on the concert.
AUGUST
Trial 4×4
1–2 August
Les Gets
The weekend is dedicated to motorsports at this driving competition where off-road vehicles compete in an obstacle course race. This free event in the Perrières car park is open to everyone.
Pottery festival
1–2 August
Les Gets
A whole weekend to discover the world of pottery, this year with the theme of love. Demonstrations of pottery wheel throwing, workshops for children, exhibitions and a ceramic artists’ market will take place in the hamlet of Lassarre. Admission is free and the workshops are either free or at a low price.
Saint-Laurent village festival
2 August
Châtel
During the traditional village festival the streets of the centre will come alive, offering a wonderful glimpse of the traditions and heritage of Châtel. The day will begin with mass and end with a concert in the church square.
Old village festival
3 August
Les Gets
Rue du Vieux Village will host a huge celebration from 4pm. Street games, karaoke, quizzes, an aperitif and food will bring Les Gets to life into the evening. The event is free to attend and offers a chance to discover village life in a festive and welcoming setting.
Introduction to archery
3 August
Les Gets
This 40-minute introduction will help you discover the basics of archery under the guidance of a qualified instructor. Organised in a secure area, the activity is suitable for both beginners and those wishing to test their accuracy in a friendly and accessible atmosphere.
Medicinal plant walk
4 and 12 August
Les Gets
Discover mountain medicinal plants and their traditional uses on this guided walk. Accompanied by an expert, you will learn to identify several local species while enjoying a pleasant walk through the alpine pastures of Mont Chéry.
Gourmet rally
7 August
Les Gets
Enjoy an 8km hike with stops at key village locations where you can taste local specialities. Enjoy the wonderful natural surroundings of Les Gets, all in a friendly atmosphere.
Trail des Hauts-Forts
8 August
Morzine, Avoriaz
Whether you are a runner or a spectator, you’ll discover the most beautiful views from Morzine to Avoriaz on this race at an altitude of 1,800 metres. There are several routes of varying difficulty: the Hauts-Forts course (52km), the Fornet course (36km), the Mines d’Or course (23km) and the Contrebandiers relay race (52 km).
Morzine Beach
11–12 August
Morzine
The beach is coming to the mountains for two days of sandcastles and deckchairs. On the agenda: creative workshops, face painting and even zumba…
“Atempo” acrobatic show
12 August
Châtel
This outdoor show will combine acrobatics and comedy in an original production designed for the whole family. It’s a spectacular experience where technical feats and visual poetry come together to delight both young and old.
Craft fair
13 August
Avoriaz
Discover local skills and craftsmanship through artisan stalls, workshops, and fun activities. Visitors will be able to chat directly with the makers, discover their working techniques, and leave with unique pieces to take home as gifts or souvenirs.
UCI Mountain Bike World Cup of Haute-Savoie
20–23 August
Les Gets
This event offers four days of international cross-country and DHI (downhill individual) competition on the trails of Les Gets. You can also enjoy concerts, entertainment, and an exhibitors’ village alongside the races.
Avoriaz dance festival
22–28 August
Morzine-Avoriaz
If you love dance, don’t miss this poppular festival which has been running for more than 15 years. Salsa, bachata, hip-hop, rock, and even tango – you will be able to take classes, attend lively parties and watch shows led by international instructors.
Belle Dimanche, the Alpine Pastures Festival
23 August
Châtel
This traditional festival celebrates the customs and skills of the past in a relaxed atmosphere on the Dranse plain. Local crafts and folk music promise an unforgettable day! There is no access for cars, but free shuttle buses run to the venue.
MMA Triathlon
23 August
Montriond–Morzine–Avoriaz
This competition, which is open to amateurs, sees competitors completing a swim in Lake Montriond, cycling the climb to Avoriaz and running in a breathtaking mountain setting. Registration is open to participants aged 18 and over.
Motor Addict Léman Classic
28–30 August
Morzine
More than 100 stunning cars from before 1980 will be on show in Morzine, in exhibitions, parades and rallies, accompanied by concerts. Visitors will be able to admire these iconic models while supporting a good cause at this charity festival.
SEPTEMBER
Mont-Blanc Rally
3–5 September
Morzine
For more than twenty years, Morzine has been one of the legendary stages of the French Automobile Championship. Alongside the rally, car enthusiasts will be able to admire historic and classic cars.
French DHI Mountain Bike Downhill Cup
4–6 September
Châtel
The 4th and final round of the French Downhill Cup will bring together the best French mountain bikers on one of the most renowned trails in the area. Competitors will take on a challenging course while spectators enjoy an impressive sporting spectacle throughout the weekend.
Châtel Historic Hill Climb
12–13 September
Châtel
This historic hill climb will bring back the golden age of motoring as vintage vehicles tackle a specially designed course. Car enthusiasts will be able to admire classic models up close and watch demonstrations at Pré la Joux and the Plaine Dranse.
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Events and activities throughout the season
Market days in the Portes du Soleil
Do your shopping at one of the busy markets in the resorts. You will find regional specialities such as cheese and cured meats, as well as crafts and souvenirs to take home.
- Morzine: Wednesdays, 8am to 12.30pm
- Châtel: Wednesdays, 8.30am to 12.30pm
- Les Gets: Thursdays, 8am to noon
- Saint-Jean-d’Aulps: Saturdays, 8am to noon
Farm visits
There are plenty of opportunities to visit local farms in most of the Portes du Soleil resorts. It is the perfect chance to discover Alpine traditions, meet the farm animals, and taste local products.
La fruitière des Perrières, Les Gets
Every day, except Tuesdays and Sundays
For more information: click here
La ferme du Feto, La Chapelle d’Abondance
Every morning, book ahead
For more information: click here
Educational farm, Morzine
Every day
For more information: click here
Ferme de Seraussaix, Avoriaz
Every day
For more information: click here
Regular activities
Haute-Savoie at the summit
Every Tuesday, throughout the summer
Châtel
Every Tuesday morning, the Col de Bassachaux is closed to traffic and opened to cyclists who wish to test their limits by tackling a legendary mountain route.
Yin Yang Yoga
Every Tuesday, throughout the summer
Les Gets
Led by a professional instructor, these outdoor sessions offer a moment of wellbeing at Mont Caly, in an environment where you can reconnect with nature.
“The Little Mountaineer’s Snack” workshop
Every Tuesday, from 7 July to 25 August
Châtel
This fun food workshop led by a dietitian will teach children how to make their own cereal bars using healthy and easily available ingredients.
Orienteering Race
Every Wednesday, from 8 July to 19 August
Châtel
Combining thinking, observation and teamwork, this orienteering race encourages participants to discover the Super-Châtel area while taking on a sporting challenge suitable for all ages.
Kids Games
Every Thursday, from 9 July to 27 August
Châtel
Your children will love this series of fun and sporty activities, supervised by activity leaders. The weekly sessions at Châtel Tourisme viewpoint include games, challenges and workshops.
The information presented in this article is accurate as of the date of publication. As organisers may change dates, times, prices or access conditions without notice, we recommend checking the official channels of each event before your visit.
Practical advice to help you plan your holiday
Tourist offices
Check the websites of the tourist offices to find out about the other concerts, exhibitions, and guided tours taking place during your stay:
Transport
By car: take the A40 motorway (Autoroute Blanche). Take exit 18 (Cluses) to reach the resorts of Les Gets, Morzine, or Avoriaz. For Châtel or Abondance, it is better to take the route via Thonon-les-Bains.
By train: the nearest train stations are Cluses (around 40km away) and Thonon-les-Bains (around 45km away). Regular bus services and taxis provide connections to the resorts in 30 to 45 minutes.
By plane: the nearest airport is Geneva Airport (GVA), just 1.5 hours by road (around 80 km) from the heart of the Portes du Soleil.
Book your holiday in the Portes du Soleil
Thanks to its spectacular landscapes and the variety of activities on offer, the Portes du Soleil area appeals to all types of visitors during the summer. With sporting events, traditional festivals and opportunities to discover nature, summer offers countless chances to make memories. It is an ideal time to discover the full richness and authenticity of this vast Alpine area.
Book your chalet in the Portes du Soleil
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