Avoriaz is famous as a winter ski resort, but in summer the surrounding mountains transform into a completely different world.
Green alpine meadows replace snowy slopes, waterfalls roar through the valleys, and the extensive lift network becomes the perfect way to explore the mountains without long hikes.
One of the most memorable summer adventures we experienced in the area was a scenic journey from Avoriaz to Pointe des Mossettes, a spectacular viewpoint on the border between France and Switzerland.
The trip combines chairlift rides, a charming alpine village, a beautiful waterfall, and a panoramic summit high in the Alps.
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| A direction sign at Pointe des Mossettes pointing toward surrounding Alpine destinations, with a chairlift and mountain scenery in the background. |
Starting the Adventure: Taking the Lindarets Chairlift Down
Our journey began in Avoriaz by taking the TD4 Lindarets chairlift down into the valley.
While many lifts in the Alps take visitors up the mountains, this one descends from the resort into the lush green valley below. During summer, the views are especially beautiful as the surrounding slopes are covered in alpine flowers and pastures.
After reaching the bottom station, it’s only a short walk to Lindarets village, a small mountain village known for its traditional wooden chalets and free-roaming goats.
It’s a lovely place to pause before continuing the adventure deeper into the valley.
Visiting the Beautiful Cascade des Brochaux
From Lindarets, we continued walking toward Cascade des Brochaux, one of the most impressive waterfalls near Avoriaz.
Hidden among the forests and mountains, the waterfall crashes down the rocks with incredible force, creating a refreshing and dramatic natural scene.
In summer, when the snowmelt feeds the mountain streams, the waterfall is particularly powerful and well worth the short walk.
If you’re exploring Avoriaz in summer, this is definitely a place you shouldn’t miss.
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| The beautiful Cascade des Brochaux waterfall is one of the most impressive natural sights near Avoriaz. |
A 20-Minute Chairlift Ride into the Alps
After visiting the waterfall, we continued our journey by taking the TD4 Mossettes chairlift. The chairlift station sits just a short walk from the waterfall.
This lift ride is one of the highlights of the entire trip.
Lasting about 20 minutes, it slowly climbs high into the mountains toward the Swiss border, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding alpine landscape.
As the chairlift rises higher and higher, the scenery opens up dramatically.
You can see:
- rolling green alpine slopes
- deep mountain valleys
- rugged peaks stretching across the horizon
The peaceful ride gives you plenty of time to simply sit back and enjoy the beauty of the Alps.
Arriving at Pointe des Mossettes
At the top of the lift you reach Pointe des Mossettes, a high alpine viewpoint located right on the border between France and Switzerland.
Despite its spectacular location, the summit area feels calm and uncrowded.
There is also a mountain restaurant, where we stopped for a warm coffee while enjoying the mountain atmosphere.
Even in summer, the temperature can be noticeably cooler at this altitude.
During our visit the weather was quite foggy and cold, which added a dramatic atmosphere to the landscape and reminded us that mountain weather can change quickly.
Walking to the Summit Viewpoint
From the lift station and restaurant, it’s only a short walk to the highest point of Pointe des Mossettes.
Standing there, you’re surrounded by an incredible panorama of the Alps.
Although the fog partially covered the mountains during our visit, the views were still impressive and the experience of standing high in the Alps felt unforgettable.
If you visit on a clear summer day, the views stretch across vast alpine landscapes on both sides of the border.
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| The chairlift station at Pointe des Mossettes sits high in the mountains near the border of France and Switzerland. |
A Helpful Tip: Using the Lift Network in Summer
One of the best things about visiting Avoriaz and the Portes du Soleil region in summer is the extensive lift network.
Instead of hiking long mountain routes between valleys, you can easily travel through the mountains using chairlifts.
By purchasing a day lift pass or multi-day pass, you can ride many lifts throughout the region and explore different mountain viewpoints, trails, and villages.
This makes it incredibly easy to discover places like Pointe des Mossettes in a single day.
Returning to Avoriaz
After spending some time enjoying the alpine scenery, we took the lifts back down and returned to Avoriaz.
The journey back offered another chance to admire the landscapes, waterfalls, and mountain valleys that make this part of the Alps so special in summer.
By the end of the day, it felt like we had explored an entire alpine region through a mix of lifts, short walks, and scenic viewpoints.
Why Pointe des Mossettes Is a Great Summer Excursion
A trip to Pointe des Mossettes from Avoriaz is one of the most enjoyable summer outings in the region.
Along the way you experience several highlights:
- a scenic chairlift ride through alpine landscapes
- the charming village of Lindarets
- the powerful Cascade des Brochaux waterfall
- a panoramic viewpoint high in the Alps
- a relaxing mountain restaurant at the summit
Together, these stops create a perfect mountain adventure.
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| Cows roam freely along the hiking trails near Cascade des Brochaux and the chairlift route toward Pointe des Mossettes. |
Practical Tips for Visiting Pointe des Mossettes
Starting point: Avoriaz
Route: TD4 Lindarets → walk to Lindarets → Cascade des Brochaux → TD4 Mossettes
Lift ride duration: about 20 minutes
Best season: summer and early autumn
Tip: always bring a warm layer, even in summer
Discovering the Alps Beyond the Ski Slopes
Many travelers know Avoriaz as a winter destination, but in summer the surrounding mountains become a paradise for exploring.
Green valleys, waterfalls, scenic lifts, and peaceful viewpoints make it an unforgettable place to discover the Alps at a slower pace.
And sometimes the best adventures are simply the ones that start with a chairlift ride into the mountains.