Rupert Parker Uses His Multi Pass To Explore Summer in Les Portes Du Soleil Ski Resorts
Les Portes du Soleil spans the French and Swiss Alps, a region renowned for its winter sports, but it also offers a wide range of activities and attractions throughout the rest of the year. There are over 470km of signposted paths catering to all abilities.
Walkers are rewarded with endless views of Alpine peaks, meadows filled with wildflowers and mountain lakes with crystal-clear water. Thrill-seekers can tackle canyoning, Via Ferrata and white-water rafting.
At altitudes over 1,000 metres, the area is pleasantly green in summer while the clear air is a welcome respite from the heat of many of France’s coastal resorts. Pick up the Portes du Soleil multipass and you’ll get free entrance to the swimming pools, as well as the use of the lifts and tourist trains in the twelve resorts of the Portes du Soleil.
Morzine
I start in Morzine, one of the most popular ski resorts for Brits, a lively village in the summer with the mountains beckoning. Perched high above at 2019m, is the Pas d’Aigle sky bridge, a stunning engineering feat constructed in 2018. To get there, it’s a cable car ride from the centre, a chairlift and then a short hike.
Suspended more than 350 meters above the valley floor, with a narrow walkway, the bridge is perfectly safe and stable. Yet the dizzying height and exposed nature of the walkway make it an exhilarating experience that’s not for the faint of heart. You’re rewarded with views across to Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva. To get down, take the hiking trail to the Nyon-Guérin Lake and lunch at the Pointe de Nyon restaurant.
Another summer experience is Alta Lumina, an interactive light show that takes visitors on a magical kilometre trail through the forest. It begins at sunset, as you make your way through the woods on a winding path that’s illuminated by a series of glowing lanterns. The “Tree of Wishes,” is a towering installation that’s made up of thousands of sparkling lights. Other installations range from shimmering curtains of light to glowing orbs and interactive soundscapes.
Avoriaz
Avoriaz was created in the 1960s, with the focus on sustainability and is environmentally friendly. It blends in seamlessly with its natural surroundings, and the entire resort is car-free. I get there from Morzine by gondola, chairlift and then an hour’s walk along the ridge. This is a mecca for mountain bikers, all readying themselves for an exhilarating ride down.
Avoriaz is surrounded by lush green meadows and towering peaks, with a network of well-maintained hiking trails that cater to all levels of ability. I take a chairlift down to Lindarets then another up Pointe des Mossettes at 2240m, from here it’s a pleasant walk downhill to Lac Vert, its green colour caused by the presence of algae in its waters. I get a bite to eat at the restaurant by the lake before setting out for Champery in Switzerland.
Champery
A combination of hiking, chairlifts and gondola brings me to the Swiss village of Champery. It’s dominated by the characteristically craggy peaks of Les Dents du Midi but one of the most rewarding experiences is the hike to the Arete de Berroi and Col de Cou. It starts in the small village of Barme, located in the Vallée d’Abondance on a well-marked trail that winds its way up through the forest and into the high mountains.
The highlight of the hike is the Arete de Berroi, a narrow ridge that offers breathtaking views in every direction. From here, the trail descends slightly before climbing again to the Col de Cou, a high mountain pass that marks the border between France and Switzerland. The descent back to Barme passes through beautiful alpine meadows and forests, with the sound of cowbells ringing in the distance.
Exploring Les Portes du Soleil on foot is easy with the Multi Pass, a good value way of effortlessly gliding between resorts and countries. Even better it allows access to the most interesting parts of the hundreds of kilometres of trails that climb up and around the mountains.
Tell Me More About Summer In Les Portes Du Soleil
Les Portes du Soleil has information about the region.
The Multi Pass allows access to a range of activities and lifts and is priced from €2.50 per day.
Alta Lumina Enchanted Night Walk costs from €19 for adults and €10 for children under 15.
Return flights to Geneva from London Gatwick with EasyJet cost from £65.
Rooms at Hôtel l’Equipe in Morzine cost from €95, based on two sharing with breakfast.
Rooms at Hôtel MiL8 in Avoriaz cost from €88, based on two sharing with breakfast.
Rooms at Hotel National in Champery cost from 105CHF based on two sharing with breakfast.
La Chamade in Morzine serves French cuisine and has a huge cheese bar.
La Crémaillère in Les Lindarets, is good for mountain food.
Alta 1874 in Avoriaz serve Italian cuisines including pizzas and pasta.
Le Refuge Nyon Guerin offers fresh trout from the lake as well as excellent desserts.
Mil8 Restaurant in Avoriaz has excellent hamburgers
