Chilly Powder Chalet: Review of a summer break in Morzine-Avoriaz

I'm not sure if it's the exercise involved in getting there, the impossibility that anybody ever could get there or the wonder of being able to see for miles - or a combination of it all - that leaves you feeling reinvigorated, motivated and grateful for life.  

It could also be the exceptionally clean air, the dose of Vitamin D from being closer to the sun or the wonderfully rejuvenating effects of a stay at Chilly Powder chalet.  

Whatever it is, once you've experienced the French Alps in summer - it would be hard to ever go back to the standard Brits abroad package holiday in the Balearics.  

Chilly Powder chalet is nestled in the tiny village of Au Coin Du Feu, part of the much bigger Morzine-Avoriaz area, in the Portes du Soleil.

When we say tiny, we mean just a handful of chalets and guest houses, with associated restaurants, plus a bus stop with a service that turns around and takes you to Morzine town centre - a bustling hub of activity - and a cable car that takes you up to the giddy heights of Avoriaz, a purpose-built ski resort that still has lots to offer in summer.  

The chalet has 16 rooms, but its cosines adds to its charm, and a stay here always sees you welcomed into the family behind it.  

English couple Paul and Francesca started Chilly Powder in 1995, born from a dream to make a better life for their family - and after seeing their business and their three children grow, Chilly Powder has found its grove. It's got the familiar charm, warmth, smell and sense of your favourite winter jumper.  

The chalet hugs you, its set up has been tried and tested by thousands of guests, and every one of them leaves feeling valued. It’s not surprising that most of the guests on the week we stayed are return customers.  

Guests meet other guests and turn into friends, relationships start over wine shared in the communal dining room, and the whole place feels like a coming together of minds.  

We all know the secret - a holiday at Chilly Powder is like no other, it's a mental hug for the soul, as well as a great place to unwind.  

Children play out in the garden, adults can relax on the terrace with a glass of fizz, or in the hot tub, while everything is efficiently provided by the Chilly Powder staff, who are used to catering for the busier winter season, so themselves are breathing a sigh of relief.  

If summer in Morzine feels relaxed - that's because it is.  

The snow has melted, and green has taken its place, the sun feels warmer and brighter, and the clientele have swapped skis and snowboards for hiking boots and mountain bikes. 

That's where we find ourselves, at the top of the Pas de l'Aigle.  

A confession though, we did not hike all the way, we took the Pointe de Nyon Chairlift, which runs frequently and is included with our multipass.   

Underneath our ascension, we spot a couple who genuinely are hiking all the way up, once at the top we speak to them, and exchange taking photos at the summit (a great balcony viewing platform that hangs precariously over the edge in a feat of engineering).   

Their hike, with their lean physiques, has taken them two hours - or more depending on whether you ask spritely husband or red-faced, out of breath, wife.  

But they are happy, we are happy, and the view below - however you have got there - makes it all worthwhile.  

The panorama of the mountains and the feeling of being quite literally top of the world, is worth soaking in.  

From the top, we spot the blue of the swimming pool in Morzine and it looks appealing. Calling us down like a mirage.  

We head down, with a pitstop for lunch at one of the many mountain restaurants, all as exceptionally good as each other - if there's one thing to be said about France is that it's difficult to fund a duff restaurant, as a nation, eating out is a serious business.  

A spell of relaxation in the sun by the large lido, surrounded by mountains and blue skies, is a memory that will last long into the winter months.  

It was included in our multi-pass too, which gives unrestricted activities for just 2 € per day. As well as all the pools, this pass covers the ski lifts, tennis courts, crazy golf, buses, plus much more. 

Another beautiful memory was a trip to one of the four crisp and clear lakes. People relax at the side, soaking in sun, while taking dips in the mountain water. There are places to picnic, restaurants, kayaks to hire, pedalos, and everything feels clean and healthy.  

For the more adventurous, there are also many other activities to take part in. An inflatable assault course on one lake captivates some of our more boisterous guests and their teenage kids, whereas others book in for rafting or canyoning (jumping off rocks into pools with a guide).  

As well as walking, the mountains also hold adrenaline packed fun in the form of BMX-ing. The pistes are transformed into tracks, and the vast ski area turns into a biker’s paradise.  

There’s so much choice here. You really can pick just how relaxing – or exhilarating - you want your holiday to be. The French have been extolling the benefits of mountain holidays for centuries.  Clean air, beautiful scenery, good food. There are said to be many health benefits. What’s not to love?  

Fact box  

Chilly Powder operates year-round, offering active summer holidays for individuals, groups and families looking to experience the stunning Portes du Soleil region. Summer prices start from €665 per person based on two adults sharing a standard bedroom for seven nights, or €1,853 for two adults and two children sharing a standard family bedroom. Prices are based on a half-board basis with wine included in the evening meals. Self-catered chalets and winter ski holidays are also available. To learn more or to making a booking, contact Chilly Powder on info@chillypowder.com or 020 7289 6958 or visit chillypowder.com