Encompassing 12 resorts and straddling the Franco-Swiss border, the Portes du Soleil always has something to offer the inquisitive traveller. Summer 2016 is no exception; here are our top 5 events and activities if you’re lucky enough to be out in the Alps this season.
Harley Days, Morzine
From July 11th – 14th the Harley Days festival returns to Morzine after a two year break. Thousands of members of the Harley-Davidson Owner Group (or HOG for short) will flock to the alpine resort to swoon over other members’ machines, watch and take part in stunt shows and demonstrations, and round it all off with live bands playing every evening. Legendary rock stars Toto are due to headline this year’s event with a special appearance from Beth Hart, however hundreds of lesser known performers are dotted around the village if you fancy something a little quieter. Don your finest leather jacket, grow out your moustache and polish up any nearby chrome, for Harley-Davidson fans it’ll be like all Christmases have come at once!
Riverside Gourmet Walk, Morgins
Now running into its 7th year, the ‘Local flavours along the river’ (or Goûts du Terroir au Fil de l’Eau as it’s locally known) allows participants to sample the delights of traditional They Valley delicacies whilst immersed in the natural beauty of the area. Examples of the gourmet stops include breakfast at the Fécon alpine farm with its home-made jam and milk, and lunch which includes Raclette combined with ‘la Bleue’ absinthe. The walk takes place on Saturday 22nd August in all weather conditions and passes some breathtaking scenery such as the Red Water Springs, this is a unique mountain hike not to be missed!
Mont Blanc Morzine Rally
First held in 1947, the Mont Blanc Rally is one of the biggest events of the summer in Haute-Savoie region. Taking place on 3rd – 5th September 2015, the high profile road rally and will see drivers cover over 600km over roads open to the public, with some being closed for ‘Special Stages’ where drivers are timed. The sound of high powered engines echo throughout the mountain valleys and just the mere presence of the cars parked in both Morzine and Avoriaz draw in a huge number of enthusiasts, especially with the new inclusion of the classic car category. A must for every petrol-head!
The Desalpes Festival, Morgins
During the summer the hills are alive with the sound of moo-sic. After the spring snow melts away, farmers take their prize cows and release them into the alpine meadows to graze. The Desalpes festival celebrates exactly the opposite of this. Farmers adorn their cows with glorious flower headdresses and lead them down from the meadows in time for the winter snow to start falling. Children in costume dance to traditional folk music whilst the locals sit outside bars drinking wine, gorging on regional cheese and cured meats. It really is a fantastic chance to sample the delights of mountain life.
With a vast area of 650km through valleys and across country borders, the Portes du Soleil is one of the biggest mountain bike areas in Europe. Spanning across 12 resorts, such as Les Gets and 4 internationally renowned Bike Parks across the Franco-Swiss domain and with both freeride and cross-country routes, there really is something for everyone. Challenging descents, scenic vistas and 22 reliable chairlifts that you’ll be thankful for, await novices and professionals alike. The area also has 20 or so bike patrols working every day throughout the year to make sure that all the trails are kept on top form for your riding pleasure. It’s very likely that you’ll happen across a professional biker or two due to the Portes du Soleil’s fantastic partnership with the Lapierre Gravity Republic team.
If you have any questions about resorts or luxury chalets in the Portes du Soleil please drop us an email or call us on +44 (0)1202 203659
