Summer Activities in Morzine

If you’re looking for some adrenalin-fuelled activities to partake in during your summer holiday, Morzine is a great choice of destination!  We asked our local operations manager Hannah to give us some of the highlights:

Tree Top Adventures

The Indiana Parc located in Parc des Dérêches offers a nature circuit, made up of ladders and footbridges between the trees.   The park welcomes young and old alike in the heart of preserved natural areas and offers you to discover the forest from another angle.

For the adults: Indiana Park – 3 courses with progressive levels of difficulty: blue, red and black, and features a 110-meter zip line and a big Tarzan jump rope swing.

For the children: The Indiana Kid, a special course for children from 4 years old and from 1.05 meters with a specific safety system meaning that children cannot detach themselves.

For the very little ones: Le P’tit Kid, a circuit especially designed for children from 2 years old which is done under the supervision of an adult and allows small children a first discovery of adventure parks.

Cascade Adventures also offer a Tree Top walk; this is an 1h30 circuit in the heart of the forest, with the Neon waterfall in the background.  The large circuit is situated about ten feet above the ground, and offers options for those who aren’t as keen on athletic activities, as they can go effortlessly on two large zip lines, located 40m above the waterfall.

White Water Rafting

The French Alps are renowned for their white water activities, and are a perfect opportunity to have an unforgettable experience!  Enjoy a fun-filled half day white water rafting experience on the Dranse river which runs through the Haute-Savoie towards Thonon-les-Bains, where the river meets Lake Geneva.  Approximately and hour’s ride where the course offers you a great atmosphere alternating rapids and calmer sections.  An activity to do with family or friends: spray, sensations and laughter guaranteed!  Accessible to anyone who can swim and over 8 years old. You will be supervised by a state-qualified instructor and all the technical equipment will be provided.

AN Rafting and Frogs Rafting are just a couple of the great rafting operators in the area.

Paragliding

If you fancy an aerial view of the alpine scenery, tandem paragliding lets you experience the beautiful terrain or Morzine and the surrounding Portes du Soleil from a different perspective.  This riveting adventure is perfect even for anyone as you can discover the sensations of the flight in full safety with a qualified instructor.

Aireole are just one of the operators offering paragliding flights in the area. Get closer to nature and get away from it all, from one of their three take-off points.  Their different expositions will allow you to take off and fly all day long before returning and landing at the Pleney ready for a well deserved drink in one of the many bars and restaurants at the foot of the landing point.

Les Gorges du Pont du Diable

Located in the exceptional forest environment of Sylvester Park, the gorge at Port du Diable offers a striking picture of the power of erosion. The gorge is the result of the slow work of limestone erosion that began thousands of years ago by subglacial torrents.  Today Morzine’s Dranse river rushes through the deep crack, which is dominated by an imposing arch.

Information sheets are available to explain the formation of the gorge and tell you of the legend of the Devil’s Bridge!  The visit continues in the gorge, in complete safety, on fixed footbridges above the river.

A first staircase crosses a chaos of huge blocks embedded between the walls and delivers an unexpected spectacle: the river flows nearly 50m below at the bottom of a real abyss.  The walls unfold like immense curtains and curious excavations, “the potholes of giants” hollowed out by the whirlwinds of the torrent, reinforcing the fantastic character of the site.  Everywhere, erosion has produced real sculptures in a hard limestone.  Run-off water has covered it with richly coloured deposits which forms a magical setting!

Canyoning

Canyoning is a natural activity, related to white water sports.  Thrills guaranteed!  Fun and adrenaline in complete safety.

As with most activities, there are multiple providers of canyoning trips in the area.  Cascade Adventures offer a great trip supervised by Fred, a high mountain guide, where you will head down the bed of the stream in most beautiful canyon in the region.  You will cross gorges and narrow ravines, abseil down and slide down natural slides, and jump from the top of several waterfalls!

Via Ferrata

Prefer going up than down!?  Via Ferrata is hugely popular in the French Alps, and offers an amazing peak experience.  It includes high mountain rambles, climbs and walks that do not require any special climbing skills.  You’ll navigate your way along pre-laid routes through rock faces and cliffs, high-mountain passes, and spectacular alpine scenery. Your harness and equipment mean you stay attached to the aids throughout your ascent. Via Ferrata is suitable for all ages and abilities from 12 years and above.