As winter loosens its grip, Morzine emerges from its chilly slumber, offering a fresh perspective for outdoor enthusiasts. In this post, we’ll guide you through a curated selection of 7 trails that capture the essence of the season.
From leisurely strolls along flower-lined paths to more challenging routes revealing panoramic mountain vistas, these hikes showcase the natural beauty that blossoms around this idyllic alpine location during the spring months. Plus, the Portes du Soleil region is home to some great gentle hikes which are ideal for families of novice hikers. So lace up your hiking boots and join us as we navigate through the rejuvenating landscapes of Morzine!
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The top spring hikes around Morzine
1. Char des Quais Tour
Distance: 6.5km
Duration: 2h
Elevation gain: 300m
The first hike in our selection departing from Morzine takes you through the green pastures of the Encrenaz pass, bedecked in multicoloured flowers in the spring months. Cows graze here in these peaceful surroundings, which is of course the first step to making the delicious local Abondance cheese.
The walk begins at the parking area above the village of La Côte d’Arbroz, and you will loop around the Char des Quais via the Basse pass. From here, you can enjoy superb views of the Aravis mountains, the Mont Blanc range and the majestic Roc d’Enfer (Hell’s Rock).
In the local Savoyard language, a “char” (or “chard”) is a low mountain. If you’re feeling up to it, there’s also a path up to its summit, which sits at an altitude of 1,677m.
2. Pointe de Nyon
Distance: 8.6km
Duration: 1h 15m
Elevation gain: 600m (downhill)
This short walk links the car park at the Nyon plateau and Nyon point, where the summit at 2,019m offers a panoramic view of Morzine and the Aulps Valley. An orientation table will help you identify the main mountains in the area.
Halfway to the summit, you will find a leisure area with a restaurant, life-size nature-based games for children, and even a mini educational farm where you can meet the animals.Return by the same route or take the open-air chairlift from Nyon Point for a breathtaking flight over the valley.
3. Montriond Lake interpretation trail
Duration: 2h 15m
Elevation gain: 150m
Lake Montriond is the perfect place to take a breath of fresh air in the shadow of the mountains. It is one of the 20 must-see sites in the Chablais UNESCO Global Geopark. One lap around the lake takes just under an hour, and the pathway is pushchair-accessible.
An entire world of geology and history is hidden in the surroundings of this enchanting lake. A reading table and information panels along the trail will tell you all about the glacial history of the valley, the formation of the lake and the story of the Baron de l’Espée.
An ideal place to take a stroll and recharge your batteries, while taking time to contemplate…
4. Pointe de Réssachaux
Distance: 6.9km
Duration: 5h (return trip)
Elevation gain: 1118m
You’ll need good walking shoes, a good level of stamina, and possibly hiking sticks, to tackle the path leading to Réssachaux Point, which towers above Morzine at 2,173m.
The climb is steep and continuous, a real challenge for sporty hikers. But it will be worth the effort to take in the incomparable panoramic view of the Chablais peaks, Mont Blanc and the Morzine valley, as well as a bird’s-eye view of Avoriaz.
Winding your way through the idyllic setting of the Chablais UNESCO World Geopark, you’ll pass through a forest, stroll through mountain pastures and follow a panoramic ridge path.
5. Chemin du Renard (Fox’s Path)
Distance: 3.9km
Duration: 1h 15m
Elevation gain: 177m
This pleasant walk along the water reveals another sector of the Chablais Geopark. Most of the walk takes you along the shaded banks of the Dranse de la Manche, one of the many tributaries of the Dranse river. The Nyon waterfall is a perfect spot for a refreshing picnic break, with a few games and puzzles for the children.
The return journey takes you on a peaceful route through several villages, including the traditional hamlet of La Grangette. You’ll enjoy fantastic views of the mountains that encircle the valley.
This hike, suitable for everyone, is a chance to enjoy spending precious time with family or friends.
6. Morzine – Le Pleney
Distance: 8km
Duration: 3h 25m
Elevation gain: 563m
The Chablais UNESCO Geopark is a paradise of natural wonders. This trail winds through pastures and coniferous forests, up to the summit of Le Pleney, the highest point in the Morzine ski resort.
From the summit, you’ll have an uninterrupted view of the local villages with their evocative names, as well as the high peaks of the Chablais range. You can even see the summit of Mont Blanc on the horizon.
Despite its steepness, this route is suitable for all the family. However, beware of mountain bikers, who are particularly fond of the slopes of Le Pleney.
7. La Combe – Pointe de Nyon – Nyon-Guérin Lake
Distance: 7km
Duration: 3h 15m
Elevation gain: 540m
Departing from the village of La Combe, this loop continues our linear hike to Nyon Point (see hike no. 2). From this mountain you can admire the peaks of the Chablais and Mont-Blanc ranges and the Dranse de la Manche and Charniaz valleys.
If you still haven’t had enough of the Alpine panorama, take the steep path down through the forest to Nyon-Guérin Lake, visible behind the hamlets of chalets. This artificial lake supplies the resort’s snow cannons during the winter.
You can return to La Combe along the mountainside. Dogs can be let off the lead in certain areas but beware of mountain bikes on the trail.
