You don’t have to climb a mountain to enjoy some of the best scenery around Morzine.
Morzine and neighbouring Montriond have plenty of easy walks and gentle hikes that are perfect for families, mixed-ability groups, rest days or simply anyone who would rather enjoy the mountains without tackling hundreds of metres of climbing.
From shady riverside paths and turquoise lakes to waterfalls and traditional Alpine hamlets, here are some of our favourite easy walks around Morzine and Montriond.
1. Parc des Dérêches – Morzine
Best for: An easy walk straight from Morzine
Distance: Around 4.5 km for the full loop
Difficulty: Easy
Time: Around 1 hour, or as long as you like
If you don’t want to drive anywhere, the Parc des Dérêches is one of the easiest places to start.
The walking path follows the River Dranse through the valley below Morzine centre. It’s largely flat and shaded by trees, making it particularly pleasant on a hot summer day.
You don’t need to walk the whole loop either. Several bridges allow you to cross the river and create a shorter walk depending on how everyone is feeling.
Along the way you’ll pass many of Morzine’s summer facilities, including children’s play areas and sports facilities, so it’s a particularly good choice for families. The full official route is around 4.5 km with only 59 metres of ascent.
Snow and Trek tip: This is a great arrival-day walk when you want to stretch your legs after travelling without committing to a proper hike. Perfect of you are waiting to check in.
2. Walk Around Lac de Montriond
Best for: Families, picnics and an extremely easy walk
Distance: Around 3 km
Difficulty: Very easy
Time: Approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour
Probably the best-known easy walk near Morzine.
Lac de Montriond sits beneath impressive cliffs and forested mountains just outside the village of Montriond.
A mostly flat path takes you all the way around the lake. The official route is approximately 3 km with only around 13 metres of elevation gain, making it suitable for almost everyone. It is a wide path and suitable for prams and dogs on leashes.
There are plenty of places to stop and restaurants along the way, and in summer you can combine your walk with a picnic or some time beside the water.
Snow and Trek tip: Go early in the morning for calm water and beautiful reflections, or later in the afternoon once the busiest part of the day has passed.
3. Lac de Montriond to Cascade d’Ardent
Best for: An easy walk with a spectacular destination
Distance: Around 3.6 km
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Time: Around 2 hours return
If you want to extend your walk around the lake, then continue beyond Les Albertans towards Ardent.
The trail heads through the woods at the far end of the lake by L’Auberge du Bout and follows the river towards the Cascade d’Ardent.
The official route is approximately 3.6 km with 150 metres of ascent and descent. Although it is classed as moderate rather than easy, it remains a very manageable outing for most reasonably active walkers.
The waterfall itself is a lovely natural sight, hidden in the forest above Lac de Montriond. And a further 300m and you are at the Ardent Telecabine.
Snow and Trek tip: This is one of our favourites on a warm day as much of the route is shaded by the forest.
4. The Sentier du Renard – Morzine to Nyon
Best for: A gentle valley walk from Morzine
Difficulty: Easy
Time: Anything from a short stroll to around 2½ hours return
The Sentier du Renard (or Fox Trail) follows the River Dranse from Morzine towards Nyon and the Vallée de la Manche.
Rather than climbing steeply into the mountains, the route follows the valley, passing woodland and mountain streams.
You can simply walk as far as you fancy and turn around, or continue towards Nyon and further into the Vallée de la Manche.
If you reach the Nyon cable-car area, you can also make the short detour to see the Cascade de Nyon.
After Nyon, the route gains only 180 metres as far as Erigné and can be adapted to anything from a short family stroll to a couple of hours of walking.
Snow and Trek tip: Perfect if your group can’t agree how far they want to walk, just keep going until it’s time for lunch! Wh not try Restaurant de la Cascade de Nyon
5. Vallée de la Manche & Lac des Mines d’Or
Best for: Peaceful mountain scenery without the crowds
Difficulty: Easy, depending on where you start
For somewhere that feels much more remote without requiring a difficult hike, head into the Vallée de la Manche behind Morzine.
This beautiful valley has no lift infrastructure and quickly feels a world away from the centre of the resort.
One of the best destinations is the Lac des Mines d’Or, surrounded by mountains at the head of the valley. The Morzine Tourist Office specifically recommends the Mines d’Or area for beginners and families, with easy marked routes through the surrounding forests.
You can make this as easy or as long as you like by choosing where to start. During the summer season, Morzine’s Line E shuttle also runs through the Vallée de la Manche towards Lac des Mines d’Or.
Snow and Trek tip: Combine your walk with lunch and make an afternoon of it. This is one of our favourite parts of the Morzine valley when you want somewhere quieter.
6. Les Lindarets to Cascade des Brochaux
Best for: Families who want a little more of an Alpine adventure
Difficulty: Easy
Time: Around 2 hours return
Elevation: Around 130 m
Start at Les Lindarets, the traditional mountain village famous for the goats that wander between its chalets during summer.
You can take the Ardnet Telecabine up, or drive if you do this early in the morning.
From here, a relatively gentle path heads towards the Cascade des Brochaux, following the river. The route climbs gradually rather than steeply and is officially classified as an easy hike. Allow approximately two hours for the return trip.
The waterfall makes a great spot for a picnic, before retracing your route back towards Les Lindarets or following the track back to make the route a loop.
Snow and Trek tip: Children usually need surprisingly little encouragement when you tell them the walk starts and finishes in the goat village.
Which Easy Morzine Walk Should You Choose?
If you want the easiest possible walk, choose the Parc des Dérêches or Lac de Montriond.
For waterfalls, try Cascade d’Ardent or Cascade des Brochaux.
For a walk you can start directly from Morzine, choose the Dérêches or Nyon Waterfall
For somewhere that feels quieter and more traditionally Alpine, head into the Vallée de la Manche and Lac des Mines d’Or.
And for an easy walk that combines mountain scenery, traditional chalets and goats, Les Lindarets to Brochaux is difficult to beat.
A Few Tips Before You Set Off
Even an easy walk is still a mountain walk, so wear sensible footwear, take water and carry a light extra layer.
Summer weather in the Alps can change quickly, particularly later in the day, so check the forecast before heading out.
If you’re walking through areas with livestock, keep dogs under control and on leads and pay attention to signs concerning grazing animals and livestock guardian dogs.
Trail conditions, lift opening dates and shuttle timetables can also change during the season, so check the latest local information before setting out.
Easy Walking Holidays in Morzine
One of the great things about staying in Morzine is that you don’t have to choose between a relaxing holiday and spending time in the mountains.
You can enjoy a gentle lakeside walk in the morning, stop for a long lunch, cool off beside the river and still be back at your accommodation with plenty of time to relax on the terrace.
Whether you’re travelling with young children, grandparents or simply don’t fancy a big mountain day, there are plenty of easy walks around Morzine and Montriond that still deliver fantastic Alpine scenery.
Staying with Snow and Trek in Morzine? Take a look at our Morzine and Montriond accommodation and use your holiday as the perfect base for exploring the Vallée d’Aulps on foot.
