12/05/2018 | Chilly Powder
There's more to Morzine this summer! Read the latest Chilly Powder press review as published in The Plymouth Herald:
When you think of an alpine holiday in France, most likely you imagine snowy mountain tops, skiing adventures, cosy wooden chalets and sipping on a glass or two of mulled wine by a warm fire side.
Morzine Avoriaz is a Mecca for winter sports enthusiasts and offers all the above, but whilst winter in the alps can be lots of fun, it’s when the snow melts the mountains truly come to life…
Whether you live for adrenaline fuelled activity holidays or lazy leisurely breaks, Morzine has got you covered. With everything from Mountain Biking and White-Water Rafting to Golf and Spa Days; it’s almost easier to name the things you can’t do in the Portes du Soleil region during the summer time.
Based just an hour away from Geneva Airport, Morzine is incredibly accessible from Plymouth, with plenty of flights available from Southampton, Bristol and London airports – making it an increasingly popular year-round destination for families, couples and groups.
The perfect base for a summer of adventure is Chilly Powder – a family owned chalet business based in Prodains, a peaceful hamlet conveniently situated at the base of a high-speed cable car that takes you up to Avoriaz – the highest resort in the area.
Founded by British couple, Paul and Francesca Eyre in 1996, Chilly Powder is one of the more established chalet operators in the region; with a hotel and several self-catered chalets, all built with a vision of incorporating everything you would want from a chalet experience. It doesn’t disappoint; with facilities including individually themed rooms, sauna, a beautiful yurt for massage treatments, large outdoor terrace, hot-tub, bar, crèche and kids club, mezzanine library, games room, movie room and pool table.
The food at Chilly Powder is worth the trip alone, with meals catered for on a half board basis and a menu that provides stiff competition to the best restaurants in the alps. No matter what your dietary requirements, the head chef caters for all tastes. Where a good meal is even more welcome after a day in the mountains.
Chilly Powder has a personal feel and instantly feels like a home from home – with Paul, Francesca and Chalet Manager Nick, going the extra mile to ensure you have every need catered for.
Whilst it would be very easy to spend a week within the comforts of Chilly Powder alone, a world of exploration awaits on the doorstep…
Not only is there an abundance of activities but the region is also home to a number of sporting events.
Morzine has regularly seen the famous Le Tour de France pass through its spectacular mountain roads and is a popular overnight stop off; where Chilly Powder have played host to race teams over the years. However, you don’t have to be Chris Froome to enjoy the stunning mountainous roads.
Etape du Tour is a public race that allows every day riders to participate in a section of the 2018 Le Tour de France route. Starting in Annecy and finishing in Le Grand Bornand on Sunday 8th July, Morzine is a popular choice to access the ride for cyclists and spectators alike.
This summer also sees the Morzine-Haut Chablais Cyclosportive take place on Friday 17th June including two races of 155km and 100km over the Joux Verte, Corbier, Grand Taillet, Jambaz and the famous Joux Plane cols to finish.
If mountain biking is more your thing, from 29th June to 1st July the Pass'Portes takes place, a major international mountain biking event event spanning France and Switzerland. The event follows 80 km of traced routes with lots of pit-stops serving up local specialities. There are nine resort starting points in Swtizerland and France including Avoriaz, Chatel, Les Gets, Montriond-Lindarets & Morzine. This year’s complimenting bike show will be held in Morzine with more than 200 international brands offering free bike tests.
As part the same series of festivities, Pass’Portes Kids is a special course event for children aged nine to 14 years old, supervised by trained instructors. Entrance is just €22, starting from Les Gets, Morzine or Châtel on Saturday and Sunday.
But Morzine isn’t all about bikes, the Pass’Portes Pedestre is a walking event that runs in parallel to the main MTB event. Depending on the route, you can enjoy tastings at local farms, see some of the local wildlife and take in the breath-taking scenery.
Summer temperatures in Morzine are regularly in the mid to high 20's Celsius with plenty of ways to cool down from the summer sun.
Just a five-minute ride in the gondola up to Avoriaz from Chilly Powder is Aquariaz, a tropical-themed waterpark with a lazy river, half-pipe, multiple pools and outdoor hot tubs with stunning views over the valley.
There’s plenty of swimming options too, including the Parc des Dereches - an outdoor swimming complex including a heated Olympic pool, a teaching pool, a paddling pool with water games and an 80m waterslide. In the same area, there is a bouncy castle, a beach volleyball court and sun loungers. The indoor facilities include two heated pools and a paddling pool, as well as a spa with saunas and Turkish baths. Open from late June to early September until 19:00. Facilities are also free for children under five years old.
Lac de Montriond, known as the emerald green lake, also provides the opportunity to take a dip in natural water set against a stunning mountain backdrop. Kayaks and stand up paddle boards are available for hire too.
If you prefer to cool off in a more adventurous way, you can take your pick from hydro-speeding, diving, snorkelling, caving, canyoning or white-water rafting.
For those looking for a more leisurely holiday, the ski lifts run throughout the summer season, giving walkers and hikers direct access to the endless picturesque mountain trails. The main lifts are open from early June to mid-September.
In summary, Morzine has the lot and one summer doesn’t feel like enough to pack everything in. We can easily understand why guests return to the resort year after year. There’s certainly more to Morzine in summer … we can’t wait to go back already!
To book a summer stay with us, please e-mail info@chillypowder.com or call 020 7289 6958.