The Portes du Soleil is an Internationally renowned area for mountain biking with European and World Cup events held regularly. Spanning 12 resorts across France and Switzerland ther are over 700km of marked trails. From the end of June until early September there are 24 ski lifts equipped to carry bikes. Whether your preference is downhill, freeride or cross country the choice of terrain is enormous both above and in the treeline.

If you are new to mountain biking or have a young family there are graded green routes and more gentle routes following the valley and rivers.

Justin is on hand to show you the best routes and we have a large garage for bike storage and servicing.

• 700km of marked trails and single track
• 24 ski lifts
• 30 graded downhill tracks
• 7 north shore routes
• 6 bike parks

Events: The www.passportesdusoleil.com. held every year at the end of June is a fantastic event which attracts thousands of riders to test their skill and stamina across 75km through 8 resorts in one day. It is a very well organised event with refreshments and mechanical support provided. 7000m downhill and only 1000m up!

1 day lift pass (PDS) - approximately 20 euros

1 day bike hire (full suspension) from 50 euros

Locally, there are 5 recognised climbing venues and La Reblais is 5 minutes from the Pas de l’Ours, which has over 50 bolted routes between 15 and 75m. Instruction is available.

Indiana Park. Morzine

This tree top climbing centre, beside the River Dranse in Morzine, is one of several in the area. It allows you to follow a static cable through the canopy, also incorporating zip wires. Different routes for children from age 3.

Fantasticable, Chatel

Fly like a super hero 240m above the Alpine pastures of Plaine Dranse on a 3km cable! Once clipped into your harness you will achieve speeds of up to 100kph! Minimum weight - 35kg, maximum weight - 120kg. Not for the faint hearted!

Glide effortlessly across this magnificent landscape and see the Alps from a birds eye view! For details, www.morzineparapente.com

The River Dranse offers some exciting white water with grade 3-5 rapids. The rafting centre, 15 minutes away, provides qualified guides, tuition and equipment for the following:

• Rafting - 6-8 people in an inflatable raft
• Hydro speed - Take on the river with only a float, flippers and wetsuit!
• Hot dog - Inflatable kayaks for 1 or 2 people
• Canyoning - A mixture of climbing and swimming following the course of the river over waterfalls and rock pools.

For more information on any of the above please go to www.a7aventures.com

Lakes

Lac Leman (Lake Geneva) is 25 minutes drive from us and has crystal clear water for swimming. There are several beaches, which back onto mature parkland and many small harbours with water front restaurants. Boat trips can be taken from Evian and the stunning medieval village of Yvoire.

For sailing and waterskiing there are centres in both Evian and Thonon.

Lac Montriond is 20 minutes away and is also a great place for swimming, canoeing or kayaking.

Swimming Pool

There is an outdoor swimming pool complex in Morzine with 3 pools. An Olympic sized one, a smaller one perfect for children and a baby one with slides and toys.

This beautiful area provides unlimited walking with June, July and August being the best months for viewing the abundant Alpine flowers and also a chance to see the varied wildlife, including marmot and chamois. The cable cars and chair lifts, which are open in July and August, allow you to gain height quickly. There are several good walks starting from La Reblais and in particular one to Mont Ouzon (1800m) where you are rewarded with a spectacular panorama of Lac Leman to the north and Mont Blanc southwards. All the walking routes are well sign posted.

Teeing off with a back drop of Mont Blanc above Les Gets at 1600m is always special. There is a 9 hole course in Avoriaz at 1800m and a Championship course in Evian above Lac Leman.