Summer Activities
There is something for everyone here. Family trails, the full range of downhill tracks from beginner to expert, north shore tracks, bike parks and a fantastic mix of cross country loops in French and Swiss Portes du Soleil.
Hiking
You can walk from the Chalet Abbaye doorstep and very soon be on stunning forest and mountain tracks. Try a gentle 40 minute walk for lunch in Le Biot or a day out taking in a peak or two. Nearby Seytroux also offers great alternatives.
Dave's favourite walk takes in the Pic de la Corne. Having mounted it you can come back, sit on the chalet terrace and stare up at it with a sense of great satisfaction. Click on place names for routes.
Further afield the possibilities are endless. There is a vast network of routes most of which are maintained and signposted brilliantly.
We'll enjoy the opportunity to get maps out and look at what route suits! And for the more energetic bring your trail running shoes.
Summer Activities
If, like many, you have only experienced the Alps in the Winter, you are missing out - BIG TIME.
Here are your options.
Road Cycling
We are spoilt for choice. You have to be prepared to expend some energy but it's worth it. Quiet mountain roads take you to Cols in all directions. Combine fantastic scenery with the satisfaction of conquering some of the most famous climbs in the world, all from the Chalet doorstep. Whether you prefer a relatively gentle tour of the villages, or a trip up something steep but manageable, or a bigger circuit taking in something hors categories - there is something for all aspiring roadies. Froome and Wiggins both spotted training here in the build up to their Tour successes.
Here is a couple of routes to get you going - 40 km circuit over the Col de l'Encrenaz, 100km circuit including Col de Joux Plan.
Other cols to head up are, in order of difficulty, Grand Taillet, Corbier, Joux Verte, Colombiere, Ramaz.
A free beer courtesy of Chalet Abbaye to any guest who can complete them all in one holiday!
There is space in the chalet hallway to store a number of bikes and Dave is happy to talk through routes. Depending on the weather the cycling season starts in Spring and can go on well into Autumn, perfect if you want to avoid school holidays.
Mountain Biking
Morzine, Les Gets and the whole Portes du Soleil offer some of the most varied, extensive, well maintained and accessible tracks IN THE WORLD. Just ask St Jean d'Aulps resident and junior World Champion, Tahnee Seagrave.
And plenty more activities for children and childish grown ups alike, take your pick from...
Summer Luge -superfast toboggan run from the Crusaz chairlift at Pleney.
Paragliding - awesome views solo or tandem from La Grande Terche, see Kate's Mum, Sarah, below.
Tennis - outdoor courts opposite the Palais du Sports.
Accrobranche - adventure tree circuits above the Nyon waterfalls or in Morzine beyond the swimming pool.
Horse riding - from children's pony rides to overnight trips. Located beyond the accrobranche, beyond the swimming pool.
Canyoning - scrambling, jumping, abseiling in and over rocks, streams and pools.
Whitewater Activities - rafting, hydrospeed, canoeing or kayaking on La Dranse, the river running down to Thonon from St Jean d'Aulps.
Climbing - you can see the the Elephant at Bas-Thex from Chalet Abbaye. It is within walking distance and offers a fantastic range of climbs.
Golf - great golf and great views at Avoriaz and Les Gets. Mini golf at Seytroux Lake, a 5 minute drive.
Fishing - excellent fishing in the Lac des Mines d'Or, Lake Montriond or the River Dranse. Licences available at the Tabac in Montriond.
Find more information and contact details for all these activities here.
Swimming
Excursions to the outdoor/indoor pool in Morzine are always a success. There are five pools and a great water slide, so you can splash about with the kids or do some lengths in the 50m pool outside. Aquariaz has brought something completely different - a unique indoor tropical environment at 1800m altitude - crazy, but great fun with the kids.
The area has become increasingly popular as a base for triathlon training. As well as the 50m pool in Morzine there is superb open water swimming in Lake Geneva, Lake Montriond and Les Gets Lake.
