Summer

The Portes du Soleil region is called the ‘gateway to the sun’ for a very good reason and a whole host of summer activities await you on your arrival. Penthouse Caribou is perfect for those wanting a summer holiday that’s a little bit different and offers a great chance to explore the magnificence of the Alps in summer.

A Mountain Biker’s Paradise

The Portes du Soleil is famous for its summer mountain biking as well as its snowsports. The ski lift network stays open during the summer and modified chairs allow you to take your bike right to the top of the mountain. Enjoy the scenery and wind your way back down a gentle trail or launch yourself down the Alps on one of the many challenging technical sections.

The Alps from a Different Angle

If you prefer to tackle the mountains from a different angle, Penthouse Caribou offers a great location from which to go climbing and abseiling or try out the Via Ferrata overlooking Abondance at sunny Saix de Miolène. Equipment is available for hire at most sports rental shops and local guides are more than willing to show you the ropes! In Abondance is the Abr’Acadabra allowing you to explore the treetops by a network of rope walkways. Two difficulty levels mean that young children can play Tarzan while adults really experience the thrill of canopy climbing. Just up the valley in Châtel, there is a summer bobsled run and karting track and La Chapelle d’Abondance itself is host to paintballing. For those of you that really like to get your pulses racing, there is the Fantasticable. Suspended in a full-body zip wire, Fantasticable hurtles you from one side of the valley to the other at up to 100kph – an unforgettable experience. Just watch a video here! Above Penthouse Caribou among the clouds is a world of adventures in paragliding. There is surely no better way to get a bird’s eye view of some of the most awe-inspiring scenery on the planet than to glide around the Alps on thermal air currents.

Relax and Unwind

Unwind in the hot springs at les Bains de Lavey or in the spa at Châtel where a comprehensive set of beauty treatments, massages, baths and saunas prove to be the perfect detox for the body and mind. Get involved in village life and take high tea on the farm or try your hand at cheese-making after a game of French boules on the specially prepared free pitches. Don’t forget the local brewery at le Fer Rouge, wine tasting and the range of alpine restaurants just a short stroll from Penthouse Caribou. Breathe in the mountain air during a game of tennis or a round of golf or have a go at archery or air-rifle or take a pedalo out onto Lac Vonnes. Explore Châtel by horse-drawn carriage or le Petit Train or go further afield and explore the whole valley on horseback with a guided pony trek or horse-riding lessons.

Watersports on the River Dranse

Penthouse Caribou is only 2 mins from the River Dranse which runs the length of the valley. With both rapids and calm water, the river is perfect for a multitude of watersports from white water rafting and hydro-speeding to kayaking and canoeing. Why not try canyoning and make your way down the river by mixing  scrambling, climbing, jumping, abseiling and swimming? If you are looking for something a little more restful, fishing for the best population of native trout in the region amidst stunning mountain scenery is a fantastic way to make the most of being in the Alps. Licences for the river are available from the local Tabac and fishing competitions for the array of rainbow trout, fario trout, speckled trout, minnows and blue trout at Lac Vonnes and Lac la Mouille are held throughout the summer. Evening fishing sessions on the water let you benefit from the long summer days and glorious alpine sunsets.

A More Leisurely Holiday

For the more leisurely holiday-maker, there is plenty on offer. Dozens of walking trails take you from the chalet up into the mountains and provide a real opportunity to take in the splendour of the alpine flora and fauna in the meadows in and above the valley. Hiking up to the mountain refuges is a great way to earn a memorable picnic and the peace and tranquillity by the mountain lakes is incomparable. Comprehensive maps are provided for your whole party at Penthouse Caribou whichever direction you choose.

Visit our Rates and Availability page to choose your dates and reserve your holiday at Penthouse Caribou.

If you require any further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us.