Activities
Summer is here, bringing with it sunshine, a thirst for wide-open spaces, and the desire to make the most of your summer holidays in Haute-Savoie. Between hikes around Avoriaz, do you feel like cooling off in a mountain lake surrounded by nature? The Portes du Soleil area fulfills your wishes and invites you to relax at its most beautiful bodies of water.
Need some fresh air? Lac Vert, located in the heart of the pastures, reflects the green of the tender grass on its surface and takes on unique hues, offering a different spectacle every day. Located along the GR5 trail, it is accessible on foot or by cable car. At 1,980 meters above sea level, it will take some effort to enter the cool waters of Lac Vert, but it’s worth it—the view of Pointe des Mossettes and the peaceful surroundings are perfect for relaxation.
Lac Vert is well known among anglers. You can enjoy this activity after obtaining a fishing permit, available at the Chésery refuge. We highly recommend stopping there—it was originally a cowshed built in the 19th century—for a lunch or snack break. It is for the serenity it offers that Lac Vert, near Avoriaz, is considered one of the must-see mountain lakes.
Formed by a dam on the torrent below, itself caused by a landslide from part of Nantaux Mountain, Lac de Montriond is undoubtedly the area's key body of water. Its impressive cliffs, the Roc d’Enfer, and the surrounding greenery add to the lake’s beauty.
In addition to swimming, you can enjoy the activities offered by the leisure center at the edge of Lac de Montriond: canoeing, paddleboarding, mini-golf, or even donkey and pony rides. The lakeside has barbecue pits, perfect for grilling after a dip in the water. Restaurants overlooking the lake welcome hungry visitors who prefer to sit down.
Our tip? Spend your day at Lac de Montriond following the trail to Ardent Waterfall and make a detour to the Goat Village.
Lac des Mines d’Or has the advantage of being accessible on foot from Chemin du Renard, by bike, by bus from Morzine, or by car. Located at the bottom of Vallée de la Manche, it is the starting point for various hikes near the Swiss border. From the lake’s shores, you can admire the Bostan rock formation, a local landmark, relax facing the surrounding cliffs, or walk to the Freterolles inn, just a half-hour away.
You can enjoy fishing on-site (with a valid fishing permit), but swimming is not allowed. Lac des Mines d’Or is one of the must-see mountain lakes near Avoriaz due to its designation among the remarkable geosites of the Chablais UNESCO Global Geopark. Exceptional nature where tranquility reigns.
Still near Avoriaz, Lac des Écoles is particularly popular with families. Being private, it requires an entrance fee. Lac des Écoles is more than a traditional swimming spot—it has a water park that immediately encourages fun. A day full of laughter is guaranteed with slides and water platforms, as well as the high ropes course, ping-pong tables, and football and beach volleyball courts around the lake.
From Avoriaz, plan around 30 minutes by car. You can also take a bus from Morzine to reach the center of Les Gets, then walk about fifteen minutes to Lac des Écoles. Finally, mountain biking enthusiasts will enjoy taking the Pleney cable car (for safety, don’t forget your Avoriaz piste map) from Morzine and following the downhill trail toward Les Gets to reach the lake.
Mountain lakes like Joux Plane and Nyon are also must-sees around Avoriaz. It’s hard to choose just a few, as each offers a unique spectacle and an idyllic setting. With family, alone, as a couple, or with friends, these places deserve to be savored to fully soak in the magical atmosphere of the Haute-Savoie mountains.