If you thought that a family adventure to the Alps was restricted to winter, it’s time to think again! While you may already be familiar with the child-friendliness of Morzine, which is a favourite family ski getaway in France, you may not have considered it as a summer destination. But you really should, because when the snow melts you’ll discover an entirely different side to a magical winter wonderland, which simply sizzles in summer!
Summer Thrills for the Fun-Loving Family
Summer in Morzine offers a smorgasbord of energetic outdoor pursuits – ranging from laidback and relaxing to adrenaline-inducing super thrills. Let this small selection provide some inspiration for your action-packed summer agenda. And don’t hold back…
Fantasticable
It’s a bird. It’s a plane. No! It’s you and the kids on Fantasticable! There’s no bigger thrill than flying, and you’ll do just that on this incredible two-stage zip-line, which is suspended up to 240 metres over the picturesque town of Plaine Dranse. Strapped into a harness, you’ll reach speeds of up to 100kph along the two cables, with the first one stretching for 1200m and the second for 1325m. Guaranteed to take your breath away in the best possible way, this memorable attraction is the only one of its kind in the world. It’s one of the most exciting family adventures in the resort, and there’s really no better way to sightsee!
Top Tip: Fantasticable is open to children over 35kgs and adults up to 120kgs. For those youngsters not quite up to going alone (or working their way up to it!), you can fly together – with a maximum weight of 150kg. (Restrictions apply.)
Summer Luge
From flying through the sky to hurtling down a mountain in not more than half a tin can, the best thing about Morzine in summer is that you can do it all! While luge is an activity more associated with winter, you don’t need ice to satisfy your need for speed on the Pleney Luge. With two tracks to cater to different levels of thrill seeking, beginners can start on the slow track and work their way up to the fast one.
It’s easy to get the hang of the controls (just don’t forget to brake before the corners!), and with gravity and courage on your side, your family just might be in for the ride of their life. Forget downhill mountain biking; the luge takes things a step further – and, while it’s not without its challenges, it’s catnip for adventurous teens! Younger or slightly less confident kids can ride with parents, so everyone gets a chance to enjoy this fast and fabulous ride. You’ll never look at the Winter Olympics in the same way again…
Geocaching
Say what? If you’ve never heard of Geocaching before, there’s no shame, as this fun family activity hasn’t been around for all that long. It harnesses the technology of a GPS (Global Positioning System) to create a modern-day treasure hunt – with a difference. The ethos of Geocaching is “take some stuff, leave some stuff”, so when you find the treasure that you’ve been looking for, you mark your name in a logbook, take the treasure and leave something in its place.
While it’s certainly not rocket science and you won’t get rich, it’s a truly wonderful family bonding experience – not to mention a whole lot of fun! The “caches” are hidden all over the mountains, in rivers, town centres and even places only accessible by rock climbing. With such a diverse range of caches (more than 100 in a 10-kilometre radius of the resort), and some harder to solve than others, it’s suitable for everyone. You can go as hard or laidback as you like – all while exploring the fabulous Alpine landscape.
Canyoning
Suitable for confident kids over the age of twelve, the craze of canyoning is an adventure like no other – and if you’re afraid of getting your feet wet, forget it! A combination of rappelling down waterfalls, rock climbing and slip-sliding down the river, canyoning is not for the fainthearted. But, for those who dare, it’s one of the most high-octane summer experiences that you can have.
Kitted out in wetsuit, bootees and a helmet, you’ll launch off a cliff and into the swirling waters of numerous waterfalls, scrambling over rocks and propelling down the river as you cover the route. Along with countless drops and slides along the river, you can also choose a route that allows you to go canyoning inside a cave. Thrills and spills to the max!
How to Get to Morzine
Getting the family to Morzine for your summer adventure is simple, and with a flight time of just 90 minutes to Geneva Airport (GVA), the kids won’t have time to get restless. Multiple airlines fly direct routes from the UK to Geneva, with a range of convenient times and budget prices.
Once you land at the airport, a pre-booked ride with Shuttle Direct is the best way to get straight to the door of your accommodation without having to navigate the hassles of public transport or expensive taxis.
Where to Stay
Le Montana: The fantastic self-catering Le Montana is set right in the gorgeous centre of Morzine, 200 metres from the lifts and all the summer fun of the mountains. With mountain views, a kitchenette, comfortable, homely décor and free Wi-Fi, everyone’s a winner at Le Montana.
Chalet Sous l’Saix: The cosy Chalet Sous l’Saix provides welcoming family accommodation in the heart of the resort. The apartment enjoys lovely views over the mountains from the balcony, and features all the mod cons, including a kitchen with dishwasher and free Wi-Fi access.
Chalet Le Feufy: Set in a fantastic central location and only a short walk from the Supermorzine lift, Chalet Le Feufy provides spacious accommodation with a very friendly host. The large apartments feature warm, traditional décor, well-facilitated kitchens, balconies, private bathrooms and all of the comforts of a holiday home away from home.
About Shuttle Direct
Whatever time of the year you’re travelling and no matter where you need to go, we’ve got your ride. Shuttle Direct is the most trusted provider of airport transfers throughout Europe and North Africa, offering a range of shared and private services. Simply make an easy online booking before you leave home, and a friendly driver will be there to meet you and get you and your family swiftly and safely to the door of your accommodation in Morzine.
