User:Judycrowe
Drouzin Le Mont
[edit]Drouzin Le Mont[1] is a small family resort in the Haute Savoie region of the French Alps. Situated on the Col du Corbier on the edge of the Portes du Soleil piste map, it is a small “satellite” ski village between the Chatel & Morzine valleys.
A purpose built ski station with 14 ski runs ranging from green to red, the ski resort is suitable for a range of abilities and is particularly ideal for families, beginners & intermediates as the as the slopes are rarely crowded.
Alternative ski areas are close by on the Portes du Soleil system which is one of the largest linked ski areas in the world with over 650km of prepared pistes. The nearest resorts are Morzine, Les Gets, and the high level resort of Avoriaz, which are only 15 to 25 minutes drive away.
How to get there
[edit]From Geneva airport the distance is approximately 50 miles and will take around an hour. There're two easy routes you can take:
This route is best at peak traffic times
Follow the signs for France straight out of the airport. A1 motorway then follow signs for A40 towards Annemass.
Carry on the A40 and exit at Cluses D902.
Follow the D902 through Tanginges, Let Gets, past Morzine, through Montriod, past St Jean D'Aulps. Head for Le Biot, Col du Corbier, Drouzin le Mont (all signposted) on the D32.
Approximately 2 miles past St Jean D'Aulps on the right there will be a sign to le Biot on the Right. Take this road up the hill.
This route is best if you wish to avoid as many winding roads as possible
This route takes you through Geneva city center so it is not best suited at peak times. Head for Geneva city centre as soon as you leave the airport.
Pick up signs for Thonon les Bains and Evian on the N5 (when you get into France). At Thonon les Bains, follow signs to Morzine on the D902 to take you south of Lake Geneva and up into the mountains.
Follow the D902 through Le Jotty and then look for the sign to Le Biot and Drouzin le Mont on the D32. This will be a road on your right climbing up the hill.
Keep going up the hill through Le Biot until you come to the top of the hill. This is quite a hairpin road. At the top of the hill you will pass a sign to Col du Corbier.
Winter activities
[edit]Cross country skiing - nearby circuits for all levels go around Lake Montriond (10km) and along the river Dranse (6km).
Ice skating - there are ice skating rinks in many of the nearby towns.
Dog-sleigh - driving a dog-sleigh is an original activity, which takes place at La Baume or around Drouzin le Mont.
Snowshoe walks - snowshoe trekking is easy and fun and everyone can do it. Trekking begins at Le Biot. For more information ask at the ski school at Drouzin le Mont.
Under ice diving - you can dive under the ice on nearby Lake Montriond. You are protected from the cold by a dry suit.
Summer activities
[edit]Walking/Cycling/mountain biking - the mountain walks have spectacular views and some routes begin at Drouzin le Mont. These routes take you through the forest with sign posts made by the school children in Le Biot. There are many other circuits which are ideal for children. A days trekking is available with a guide beginning in Le Biot.
Fishing - at Drouzin le Mont there is a man made fishing lake, which is stocked with trout and there are other lakes and rivers nearby. Fishing permits are available in the village St. Jean d'Aulps.
Tennis - tennis courts are available for hire nearby (Le Biot, St. Jean d'Aulps, Montriond, and several at Morzine).
Rock climbing - in Le Biot (the nearest village) there are 3 cliffs with climbs up to 80 meters in length. There is a beginners rock face with climbs up to 30 meters in length. There are also artificial climbing walls nearby. Climbing lessons are available for children from the age of 6.
Swimming - Morzine has an outdoor water park which is open in July and August. There is an Olympic sized pool, a smaller pool, a paddling pool and a water slide. At Evian on Lake Geneva there is a lovely outdoor pool complex on the shores of the lake.
Horse riding/Pony Trekking - at Montriond and St. Jean d'Aulps.
Canoeing/Kayaking - lessons are available.
White water rafting - this is available for anyone who can swim. Groups of 4-8 people go down in an inflatable dingy, led by a qualified guide. Trips for children are also available.
Canyoning - you descend a river by abseiling down waterfalls, sliding down the natural toboggan runs and jumping into deep pools!
Hydrospeed - this is swimming, slaloming or surfing as you go down the white water rapids.
Mini-golf - there is a leisure park in nearby Seytroux, which is open in the summer.
Archery - archery is available at Montriond for both beginners and experienced archers.
Summer toboggan runs - at Morzine there are two summer sledge runs which are reached via a ski lift.
Paragliding - different courses are available. You can fly over the valley with an instructor or go on a beginners or intermediate course. These last for a week and both include a solo flight.
Go-karting - this activity is available at Montriond.
There is a tennis court and a fishing lake both almost opposite the apartment and several walks which start at Drouzin le Mont. A boat ride on Lake Geneva (Lac Leman) is lovely and it is possible to take the boat from Evian to Lausanne in Switzerland for the day. Chamonix is a one hour drive away and a trip up Mont Blanc is spectacular.