If you love massive ski development in the high mountains, this is the walk for you. Early in June it was something of a ghost town with just a few workmen around. The valley is complete with the paraphernalia of a ski resort so the first stages of the walk are a bit like a wander around a quarry. Nevertheless it is a great way to get up high with the opportunity to climb easily up to the Swiss border at 2200m (late snow on the hills permit-ting) on gravelled, vehicle-width tracks starting at 1800m. Sightings of Golden Eagle and Marmot as well as early flowers coming through the snow all made the wander of interest. The drive up to the village also takes you though the alpine meadows.

From the beginning of Morzine, follow signs to Avoriaz (avoiding the direct route up the valley to Prodains which is also signposted Avoriaz but via the cable car that doesn’t run between the winter and summer seasons). Once into the town you will find yourself within the hotel and car-parking complex. Take the arch at the left-hand side of the covered complex and follow the network of roads through the complex right down to just above the lake.

Avoriaz

We took 3 hours! We were up at the other end of the lakes by the refuge within 50 minutes and a further 35 took us up to the small lake half way to the summit which offers a possible stopping point for picnics and views