Montriond is a fine hiking base in the Portes du Soleil, between lake, forests and pastures. From the easy lake loop, with the family, to long days towards the Franco-Swiss ridges, the routes leave from the village, the lake or the hamlet of Ardent. And there’s a local star: the Lindarets goats, which roam freely through the “goat village”.
Where to walk
The loop around Lake Montriond is the family walk par excellence (about an hour, shaded). Higher up, from Ardent or by the gondola, you reach Les Lindarets and its free-roaming goats, then the Nyon plateau, the pastures and the passes towards Switzerland. Seasoned walkers aim for the Portes du Soleil summits and the links towards Avoriaz and Morzine. The Ardent waterfall and viewpoints punctuate the routes.
Booking
The trails are free to access; the Ardent gondola (open in summer) shortens access to Les Lindarets and the pastures. For a guided outing — wildlife, plants, border passes — call on the area’s mountain leaders.
Good to know
Season. June to September; the summer gondola eases high-altitude routes.
Level. From the lake loop (easy) to the Portes du Soleil passes (a committing day): for everyone.
Les Lindarets. The “goat village” delights children; don’t feed the goats.
Gear. Walking shoes, water, a windbreaker; ID if you cross into Switzerland.
Also worth seeing in Montriond
Round it out with Lake Montriond and the Ardent waterfall; in winter it’s all about skiing. Back to the destination: Montriond.