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, 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 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
Les Gets Bike Park
Date: June 2nd-4th, 9th-11th & 16th, September 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 June 16th through to September 17th.
Pass’Portes du Soleil
Date: June 23rd – 25th
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 1st and 2nd
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.
Étape du Tour
Date: July 9th
Location: Morzine
This year the hugely popular Étape du Tour takes place on the route of the 14th Stage of the Tour de France. 16,000 amateur cyclists have the chance to compete in the same conditions as the professional teams do just a week later! Come and cheer them on.
1861 Mountain Film Festival
Date: July 12th & 9th
Location: Châtel
Watch incredible films on mountain sports on four dates in July and August. Each evening starts with a live concert at 6.30 pm, followed by the open-air screenings. There’s a bar and a food truck too, to add to the party atmosphere. Find out more here.
Bastille Day Celebration
Date: July 14th
Location: Châtel
Fabulous fireworks and music by Lake Vonnes await at this annual celebration. Read more about it by clicking here.
Le Musée en Fête
Date: July 15th – 16th
Location: Les Gets
To coincide with the visit from the Tour de France, Les Gets’ Mechanical Music Museum is celebrating music from the past and music for the future – and in particular, any instruments with pedals. Click here for the programme.
Tour de France
Date: July 15th – 16th
Location: Morzine, Les Gets
The Tour de France visits Morzine and Les Gets this year, for stages 14 and 15 of the race. With an electric atmosphere and plenty of entertainment, come and watch the competitors arrive in Morzine on 15 July and leave from Les Gets on 16 July.
Châtel Chablais Léman Race
Date: July 2nd and 3rd
Location: Châtel
Take part in this popular cycle race that goes from France to Switzerland. Register in advance online.
Morzine Nature
Date: July 17th – 21st
Location: Morzine
A packed programme of well-being activities in the heart of the mountains that will leave you feeling better than ever! There will be workshops and fitness classes including Pilates, yoga, hiking and many more.
Nature and Plants Fair
Date: July 22nd & 23rd
Location: Morzine
Discover the health benefits of plants and how you can look after them and use them in your daily life at this weekend festival, which features a plant market with organic and natural products, workshops for children and adults and guided walks.
Trail des Gets
Date: July 22nd & 23rd
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 23rd
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.
Morzine Kingdom of Marmots
Date: July 24th – 28th
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.
Book your next holiday in the Portes du Soleil
August
Lounge Music Festival
Date: July 31st – August 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.
Morzine Beach
Date: August 2nd – 3rd
Location: Morzine
The beach comes to the mountains for two days of sandcastle-building, cooking, face-painting and Zumba – who needs the sea?
Hauts Forts Trail Race
Date: August 5th
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.
St Laurent Village Festival
Date: August 6th
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.
Trial 4×4
Date: August 5th and 6th
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 7th to 11th
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.
1861 Mountain Film Festival
Date: August 9th & 16th
Location: Châtel
Watch incredible films on mountain sports on four dates in July and August. Each evening starts with a live concert at 6.30 pm, followed by the open-air screenings. There’s a bar and a food truck too, to add to the party atmosphere. Find out more here.
MTB Downhill French Cup
Date: August 11th – 13th
Location: Châtel
If you’re in the area come and watch some of the best mountain bikers compete in this competition. It’s the second time that the village has hosted this competition, on a track designed for the occasion by World Cup riders.
DH Kids Cup
Date: August 12th & 13th
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.
45th Belle Dimanche, the festival of the pastures
Date: August 20th
Location: Châtel
A traditional festival on the Plaine Dranse, where shepherds, animals, craftsmen, musicians and folk bands come together.
September
Triathlon Morzine – Montriond
Date: August 26th
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
74th Mont Blanc Rally
Date: September 1st & 2nd
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 2nd & 3rd
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.
Enduro MTB World Cup
Date: September 6th – 17th
Location: Châtel
Check out the website for more details about this exciting mountain bike event coming to Chatel this year.
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:
