Perfect Summer destination - Morzine, France

Imagine lush green mountain pastures abundant with wild flowers, soaring snow capped peaks, fast flowing rivers and crystal clear lakes. All this and more can be found in the summer months in the Haute Savoie region of the French Alps.

If you are looking for an idyllic Alpine getaway then the Savoyard village of St Jean d'Aulps near Morzine is perfect.

There are plenty of activities here in the French Alps including walking, golf, white-water rafting, climbing, cycling, swimming and sight seeing. If you wish to explore, then the towns of Annecy and Chamonix are only an hours drive away, whilst the spa towns of Thonon and Evian les Bains on the shores of Lac Leman are even nearer.

Travelling here is easy. Simply fly to Geneva where you can hire a car for the 75 minute transfer. Alternatively, if you drive from the UK, it’s about 8 hours from Calais.

3 VTT - THE MOUNTAIN BIKE EVENT 4 - 8TH JULY 09 - Meribel, France

LOVE THE MOUNTAINS? LOVE BIKING?

A week of mountain-biking, trials riding and road biking for all the family.
Freebike, group rides, courses and entertainment throughout the valley!

- 3 VTT : THE MOUNTAIN BIKING EVENT 4 & 5 July
Mountain-biking week-end, with two open events:

"Free Bike" :
Timed descent from the summit of Saulire to Brides-les-Bains!

"Cross country Tour" :
Mountain-biking circuits of varying difficulty levels around the 3 Vallées.

- RIDE N' BIKE 6, 7 & 8 July
Mountain initiation for kids : safety & handling instruction. Riding over an initiation area equipped with trial type modules. Supervision by certified instructors.

MUSIC AIR, MUSIC FESTIVAL 10th - 15th AUGUST 09 - Meribel, France

MUSIC'AIR - MERIBEL MUSIC FESTIVAL

Meribel is not only an amazing ski resort and a fantastic place to walk and ride, it also plays host to MERIBEL`AIR, 10 acts perform during 5 days in varying styles in music, something for all to enjoy.

This is an easy theme: music, rhythm, nightly concerts in the resort’s bars, aperitif-concerts &, the main feature, an outdoor show on Saturday, August 15th!

Encompassing music of every variety, held in a range of bars, restaurants and hotels in Méribel.

Montchavin, at the heart of Paradiski - La Plagne - Montchavin, France

Montchavin offers the best of two worlds: fabulous skiing at the heart of Paradiski, with over 400kms of pistes and skiing from 1250 - 3250 metres; and old –world charm and friendliness.

Montchavin is on the La Plagne side, linked to Les Arcs by the Vanoise Express. Visitors to Montchavin can get to Les Arcs in minutes; or explore the 224 kms of La Plagne.

The runs range from pretty tree lined tracks to wide open pistes and include plenty of choice for all abilities. Beginners learn amongst the trees on gentle drag lifts; intermediates can get from one side of the resort to the other on blues and reds; good skiers can take on the 2km descent, or enjoy the powder and moguls on both sides. 70% of the ski area is above 2000m and with 2 glaciers to ski and widespread artificial snow making facilities the resort is snow sure at all times.

The piste-side restaurants above Montchavin are charming and welcoming. Our favourites include Le Plein Soleil, for Austrian specialities (go just for the puddings); and Le Sauget for authentic old Savoyard ambience.

In the village itself, explore cobbled little alleyways, apple orchards, and working farms. The ski shops, ski schools, restaurants and bars ensure you have everything you need for a modern skiing holiday. At the foot of the pistes is the Ferme de Cesar with a large sun terrace and cosy, traditional interior; the Camp de Base is hugely popular for drinks and lunchtime snacks. La Zaccota offers excellent pizzas at family friendly prices; Le Moulin a Poivre and Le Dos Rond serve French and Savoyard specialities. The hotel offers a spa, open to all: sauna, jacuzzi, and hamman.

For a holiday that combines charm and authenticity with unlimited skiing opportunities, Montchavin is a winner.

Tour de France July 2009 - La Plagne - Montchavin, France

In 2009 the Tour de France has a stage finish in Bourg Saint Maurice.

Will Lance be back? We hope so. What we do know is that the Tour is coming to Bourg St Maurice in July 2009. Arriving via the Col du Petit St Bernard on Tuesday 21st July and departing the next day via the Cormet de Roselend. Two spectacular mountain passes to explore later in the week when the circus has moved on.

The DORFFEST!! Alpbachs village festival!! 3.07.09 – 5.07.09. - Alpbach, Austria

Every village in the region has a festival one weekend during the summer. Next weekend it’s the Dorffest in Alpbach, Tirol, Austria.

It is the highlight of the year with the village becoming alive with lots of beer drinking and roast chicken eating, live music, and partying. All the village comes together to celebrate!


Fri, Jul 3 warm-up party
Sat, Jul 4 village festival
Sun, Jul 5 musical brunch of Bundesmusikkapelle Alpbach.

Come and join the party!! The beers are on me!!

mit freundichen Grüssen! (with friendly greetings)

Claire

Golf Meribel & Courchevel - Meribel, France

Merbel

One of Méribel’s biggest summer attractions is the 18 holes golf course. Open from early June until October, it is often described as one of the most beautiful mountain courses in France, offering wonderful views of the Saulire peaks and over Méribel valley. A hilly, ranging from 1565m to 1850m The course has grown in length from 5281 to 5538m and has risen to par 71.

The golf club is very friendly and speak good English. All levels of player are welcomed as are children, and there is no minimum handicap to play the course. Competitions are held throughout the summer and are open to all. Many offer competitors a lunch at the ninth hole and numerous prizes for all levels.


Take a lesson
Golf lessons are available in English from the course pro Didier Audin and his team. One-week courses are available to adults and children of all levels from complete beginner to advanced.

Courchevel

A course that meets high expectations
Situated at the foot of the Saulire mountain, in the ski area of Verdons, this golf course is at the heart of Courchevel 1850.
The superb view of the lake from hole number 1 stretches out before you and there is a green carpet as far as hole number 9.
So those who love mountains will be able to enjoy both nature and golf.

Summer Walks and Biking - Meribel, France

Summer, Summer, Summer Time!

Meribel is as spectacular in the summer as it is in winter. The French Alps provide a stunning backdrop for a wide range of summer activities to keep you active during your time in the mountains.

Meribel has some world class mountain biking and is also the gateway to the Vanoise National Park, which covers over 2000 sq kms and is home to the increasingly rare ibex, the chamois and numerous alpine species of flora and fauna. A network of over 500 Kms of marked walking trails and long distance hiking paths provides opportunity to explore the beauty and the true Alpine experience. Other activities available in the local area include climbing, white water rafting, grass skiing, horse-riding, hot air ballooning, fishing, paragliding, swimming and skateboarding.

If you’re looking to entertain your children during the holidays then Meribel has plenty of options to keep them busy.

- 3 months - 5 years are catered for by Kidz Etc in the daily crèche or private nanny service.
- 4- 8 years Les Petit Louis Club including pony riding, mini tennis, bouncy castles, gondola tours plus more
- 8-17 Years Alain Falcoz includes mountain biking, archery, paint balling, crazy golf, kayaking tennis lessons and much much more

Summer in Samoens - Samoens, France

Samoens is a meca for hikers and bikers alike. There are so many marked trails and wonderful refuges where you can spend a night in the great outdoors and sample the local mountain cuisine - saves having to take your tent up and carrying your own food! There are a few chairlifts open in Morillon and Sixt for those mountain bikers who love the thrill of the downhill.

If you prefer a gentler sport like yoga, you can enjoy outdoor yoga near the lake, where you will breathe the wonderful mountain air and have great views too. Prices start at 10 euro for a session that lasts over 1 hour with a professional instructor. You will love the experience.

Don't miss this years Tour de France, as it passes nearby Samoens and the time trial is in Annecy, only 45mins from Samoens!

Mountain Biking - Chatel, France

Summer has arrived in Chatel, with the up-lifts open this weekend, 13 June we enjoyed well prepared & new trail throughout the area. Chatel, the most charming village in the Portes du Soleil offers you almost endless riding without frontiers on 650km of well-marked MTB tracks across France & Switzerland.
Tracks will take you through alpine meadows & forests using an extensive network of 24 linking lifts, all with the breath-taking backdrop of the French & Swiss Alps.
Chatel is situated just 80 minutes from Geneva airport. It is a beautiful alpine farming village set on the French/ Swiss border, mixing local traditions & rustic charm with a lively village centre with superb modern facilities.

FREERIDE, CROSS COUNTRY OR DOWNHILL
Chatel & the Portes du Soleil region has endless terrain on offer for all abilities - from gentle family outings through to world cup downhill runs. Adventure is guaranteed whatever your level. Plus amazing freeride on the swiss side of lake Geneva, take a guide & explore endless deserted trails with views of the lake far below.

ONE LIFT PASS
Chatel has it’s own 90km of marked trails & 2 bike parks but your Portes du Soleil lift pass gives you so much more with direct access to 650km of trails taking in 14 villages including: Morzine, Avoriaz, Les Gets, Morgins, Torgon, Champery, Champoussin & Montriond. Without doubt, the Portes du Soleil offers the best selection of riding anywhere in the Alps!.

VILLAGE FACILITIES IN CHATEL
Excellent child care facilities • Bars • Live music • Restaurants • Tennis • Bowling • Cinemas • Free navette busses running in around the resort plus much more including the new multipass scheme, unlimited access to numerous activities throughout the Portes du Soleil for 1 € per day!