Every summer, the Portes du Soleil resorts swap their ski runs for hiking trails. Morzine and Les Gets, two of the liveliest in this cross-border domain between Haute-Savoie and Valais, open their paths from June onwards to walkers looking for space, fresh air and generous alpine scenery. The winter infrastructure works entirely in the hiker's favour: well-maintained access roads, plenty of accommodation and carefully waymarked trails. If you want to hike in Haute-Savoie without heading deep into a remote valley, this area is worth pencilling into your summer plans.
Two resorts, one mountain
Morzine and Les Gets share the same massif while keeping their own distinct character. Morzine is larger and livelier, with a bustling village centre that runs just as smoothly in summer as in winter. Les Gets has a more traditional village feel: older chalets, narrower lanes. The two villages are connected on foot by several trails crossing forest and alpine pasture. This dual base gives you access to a wide range of starting points covering all levels, from gentle discovery walks to ridge routes.
The area sits within the Chablais, a mountainous territory stretching from Lake Geneva to the foothills of the Alps. In summer, the Chablais reveals flower-filled alpine pastures, dense forests and open ridges, often without the crowds found in the more celebrated neighbouring massifs. That is one of the area's genuine advantages: fine mountain scenery without having to fight for a parking spot or a quiet lunch break.
From Morzine, the Joux Plane plateau
The Joux Plane plateau is one of the most rewarding outings above Morzine. You can reach it on foot from the village via a steadily climbing path through forest and pasture, or by cable car when the lifts operate in summer. Up top, the atmosphere shifts to traditional alpine chalets, with far-reaching views stretching toward Mont Blanc to the east and the Valais peaks to the north on clear days.
The La Bourgeoise, Angolon and Nyon via Joux Plane hike is a fine loop that starts from this plateau and links several successive viewpoints over the surrounding valleys. Pastures, open woodland and grassy ridges alternate throughout the route. It suits hikers with some mountain experience, without crossing into demanding high-alpine terrain. A great way to get a feel for the heights above Morzine while staying on well-marked paths.
Les Gets and the Mont Chéry tour
Mont Chéry towers above Les Gets and is the natural first objective for a hiking day in this part of the Portes du Soleil. The ascent can be done entirely on foot from the village centre. The elevation gain is sustained but gradual, and the trail is well marked throughout. From the top, the panorama takes in the Chablais ridges, the Aravis chain and, on clear days, Mont Blanc.
The Mont Chéry loop via Mont Caly is the longer version of this outing: a full circuit that swings round via Mont Caly before returning to Les Gets. It delivers views over both sides of the ridge and a rewarding high traverse in the middle section. Allow a full day if starting on foot from the village, and set off early to avoid afternoon convective storms.
For experienced hikers: the Hauts Forts
When you're after serious altitude and elevation gain, the Hauts Forts deliver. This summit, reachable from the Morzine-Avoriaz sector, is one of the highest points you can reach in a single day in this part of the Alps. The Hauts Forts loop is a high-mountain outing requiring good fitness and proper mountain gear. The summit view is sweeping: Alpine chains unfold from the Chablais to the Mont Blanc massif, with Lake Geneva and Lake Annecy visible on the clearest days.
This circuit suits hikers comfortable on steep and exposed terrain. Skip it if afternoon thunderstorms are forecast: the ridges offer no shelter whatsoever and lightning exposure can be serious.
June in the area: what to expect before you go
In early June, the resorts are still between seasons. Some accommodation and restaurants have not reopened yet, and the lifts rarely run before mid-June depending on the year. Trails at altitude can still carry late snow, especially on north-facing slopes. A few practical points:
- Check trail conditions before heading out: the Morzine and Les Gets tourist offices publish regular snow and trail reports.
- Pack light gaiters if you are aiming for the ridges, snow patches can linger well into June.
- Start early: convective storms often build by early afternoon in June in this sector.
- The lake at Montriond, a few minutes from Morzine, offers easy valley walks if you prefer staying low to ease into the season.
Morzine and Les Gets in summer offer all the advantages of a well-oiled tourist setup at the hiker's service: waymarked trails, plentiful accommodation and easy valley access. To round out your itinerary with more ideas from the area, explore the Chablais hiking trails or browse the full range of Haute-Savoie walking routes on Le Yaute Mag'.