The noise of the Mont Blanc rally has dissipated, the bubbles and gondolas have stopped bouncing their way over the rollers of the pylons and with it the end of the summer season comes to a peaceful close. Morzine and Montriond are year-round resorts however, meaning, although quiet, life goes on in the mountains. Indeed, Hotel du Lac remains open until 17 October. Autumn is one of the most peaceful times to visit our stunning region.
Right now, it’s as though someone has just started dabbing the very highest branches of the trees with a feint hint of yellow paint. Sure enough though, a full palette of colours will be upon us in no time as the amazing array of flora which surrounds us starts their annual changing of colours.
As mammals we are known to store fat over the winter months to help us stay warm. What better way to help nature on its way than with a mouth-watering raclette in our restaurant?
If you think you’ve helped things on their way a little *too* much then there are plenty of hikes available right from the hotel’s doors. Breathe in the crisp autumnal air and enjoy the crunch of fallen leaves underfoot along the quite trails as you take in the amazing colours the season brings. As the air gets cooler and the humidity reduces remember to moisturise and apply lip balm more regularly to avoid dry skin and chapped lips.
Although the lifts opened for the final time last weekend for bikers, it doesn’t mean you can’t still get out and enjoy the roads and hills. If you do’t have your own, our cycling partner Torico offers 10% off for Hotel du Lac guests, is open until the end of the month and has e-bikes to help with uphills if required.
If you’re looking to go for a drink or eat out in Morzine during interseason then Crépu is a popular cocktail bar in the centre of town and open throughout inter season from Wednesday-Saturday. Restaurants La Rotonde and La Chamade also remain open.
Embrace the slowing down of the pace of life by booking yourself a massage with our partners at Mobile Mountain Massage. From deep tissue to ayurvedic and plenty in between, the team are sure to help you find the right treatment for you this autumn. You can also get yourself into good habits early by practising their ski and snowboard stretches.
With the damper air comes plenty of opportunity for foraging. The Alps is home to a plethora of mushrooms, from bright yellow girolles and chanterelles to traditional looking cèpes to creamy popcorn reminiscent pieds-de-mouton. We use them here at hotel du Lac in several of our dishes, such as the roast sea bass fillet with pea & girolle ragout and a chicken butter sauce. You can use them in fondue, make soups, or season lightly to make a delightful side dish. Learn more about foraging for mushrooms here.
Whatever autumn means for you, we encourage you to embrace this slowing down and change… before gearing up for what we hope will be the first full winter season since 2018/19. Be sure to book your stay in advance.
