Facing the Future

facing future THE

Times are changing here in Morzine, Avoriaz and Les Gets. Brexit, COVID-19 and climate change will take a considerable toll on the mountain tourism industry in the weeks, months and years to come. Charting the course of our industry has never been more important and in a valley that relies heavily on tourism, where do we turn to steady the ship?

Life in each of our villages is organised and overseen by the Mairie (similar to a town hall in the UK), headed by an elected Mayor and a team of representatives. It’s their job to keep one eye on the present - the immediate needs of our villages - and another on the future. Each Mairie will publish regular updates, informing us of future initiatives during their mandate. Let’s use these communications to look towards the future. What’s planned for Morzine- Avoriaz (one commune, one Mayor!), Les Gets and Montriond in the years to come?

Focus on Summer

The much-discussed pedestrianisation of the rue du Bourg in Morzine became a reality during summer 2021, at least for the key holiday weeks. This was in addition to the summerlong pedestrianisation of the square adjacent to the Office de Tourisme, which was closed to traffic between 2nd July and 6th September. Most agreed that the trial was wellreceived by holiday-makers, who enjoyed safer conditions for children and the extra activities and entertainment that were possible due to the road closure. It’s expected that these areas of the village will be periodically pedestrianised during Summer 2022.

Recognising the importance of Lac de Montriond to their four seasons tourism initiative, the Mairie de Montriond have increased the depth of the smaller swimming lake by 80cm, improving its capacity to better cope with spring snow melt and any flooding that may result. A new liner was installed this autumn to improve the quality of the swimming area for tourists next summer.

Mountain biking on unofficial trails across our valley becomes a contentious topic each summer. A consultation took place between the mayors of Morzine-Avoriaz, Les Gets, Montriond and private land owners to study the flow of bikes between the resorts. In the meantime, it was confirmed that the Ardent carpark will be open for camper vans next summer, while the Ardent lift is open (dates still to be confirmed). Lac des Ecoles in Les Gets is a firm family favourite during the warmer months. Recognising this, the Mairie de Les Gets initiated a series of new developments over the last 12 months. The swimming lake itself has been enhanced to include better pathways, a new entrance pool for the slide and a fantastic new Splashpad facility, providing a fun water play zone for children.

Focus on Tourists

If you’ve ventured up the Col de Cou in winter or summer, you’ll know doubt know the Cabane, an old customs post which sits on the col. Straddling the three municipalities of Morzine-Avoriaz, Samoëns and Champéry in Switzerland, a new collaboration will bring to life a 35-bed refuge on this important spot in 2023.

In order to guarantee snow coverage on the lower slopes of the Super Morzine at the end of each winter season, the Mairie de Morzine-Avoriaz has approved the development of a new reservoir by Avoriaz lift operator SERMA. The small lake will collect and conserve water for snow canons during the winter season.

Focus on Families

Adjacent to the football club in Montriond you’ll discover a brand new park and recreation area complete with outdoor gym equipment, a mini football pitch and basketball court.

Its development was a significant investment, improving facilities for children of all ages in Montriond and the surrounding villages.

If you’re following us on Instagram, you’ll note that we spend a lot of time at the brand new pump track in Les Gets. The current green track is intended for small children and beginners, while the Mairie de Les Gets also plans additional, more advanced tracks on the same site in the months to come. As presented in our Summer 21 magazine, a pump track is a significant investment for a small alpine village, it’s been incredible to watch the pump track in St Jean d’Aulps come to life over the last 12 months. You’ll find that one in the La Moussiere square. .

Focus on the Environment

To preserve wildlife and encourage biodiversity in the green spaces of Morzine-Avoriaz, a number of new sustainable procedures have been implemented. No pesticides are used in the commune, manual weeding is undertaken in communal spaces and considered mowing and pruning is undertaken to encourage the survival of bees. In Avoriaz, perennial specials are now grown, reducing the need for summer-only flora and forna each year.

The traditional alpine hamlet of Mont-Caly is popular in Les Gets and beyond for offering wide open spaces, stunning views and a breath-taking tranquility. Unfortunately this popularity often resulted in congestion on the surrounding roads. The Mairie de Les Gets has constructed a new welcome area for 50 vehicles below the hamlet, restricting vehicle access and carbon emissions within the village itself. Landscaping and a pedestrian trail from the parking area to Mont Caly will also be installed.

It’s six years since Les Gets pioneered the first self-service, communal e-bike stations in the village. Designed to reduce our reliance on cars in and around the resort, GETLIB has been expanded to include seven pick-up points across the village. These bikes are perfect for short trips to the shops!

Focus on Business

Access to the fibre optic network is now rolling quickly through our valley. In Morzine-Avoriaz, businesses have been able to access the new high speed internet service for a little while (albeit at a prohibitively expensive cost), in the second half of 2022 this will be extended to individuals and residents in the village.

Focus on Feedback

During the autumn months the Mairie de Morzine-Avoriaz hosted nine feedback clinics in the various quarters of the villages, encouraging local residents to ask questions of town hall representatives, discuss new ideas and issues while offering opinions on current projects. A constructive and positive spirit was encouraged.

In Montriond, Mayor Jean-Claude Denné has established a question box inside the Mairie, responding personally to all suggestions each week.

You can register to receive the regular updates published by each Mairie on their respective websites:

mairie-montriond.fr mairie-morzine-avoriaz.com lesgets-mairie.fr