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Free · Open access

The Lappiaz Mine

An interpretive trail dedicated to Avoriaz's 'Grey Gold': the slate quarried since 1732 in the Sous-le-Saix valley. The Lappiaz mine, worked from 1856 to 1963, overlooks the Vallée des Ardoisières. Orientation table and panoramic views.

View on mapOfficial site
Former Lappiaz slate mine above Avoriaz at Morzine in Haute-Savoie, interpretive trail
At a glance
Type
Slate-heritage interpretive trail
Access
Free access
Price
Free
Duration
1 h to 2 h round-trip
Best season
Mid-June to mid-October (snow-free)
Parking
Avoriaz car park (paid)
Animals
Allowed on lead
Stroller / Reduced mobility
No (mountain path)
Town
Morzine (Avoriaz sector)

Official source →

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Price

Accès libre
0,00 €Sentier en accès libre, hors saison de neige

What is The Lappiaz Mine

The Lappiaz mine is a former slate quarry above the Pas de Chavanette, on the heights of Avoriaz (commune of Morzine). One of the main industrial remnants of the Haut-Chablais, it witnesses the extraction of "Grey Gold" — the Morzine slate — which marked the local economy for more than two centuries. The cliff above the Sous-le-Saix valley (known as the "Slate Quarry Valley") was worked from 1732; at Lappiaz itself, the mine operated from 1856 to 1963.

The site is now laid out as an interpretive trail signposted from the Avoriaz tourist office, passing between the Malinka and Saskia buildings down to the old works. Orientation table; free year-round access.

Activities

What you can do here

Practical

Practical information

Address
Start: Avoriaz Tourist Office, 74110 Morzine (Avoriaz resort) View on map
Coordinates
46.192116° N — 6.775567° E
Altitude
approx. 1,800 m (Avoriaz start) to 1,900 m (mine belvedere)
Opening hours
Free access year-round, depending on weather and snow conditions. Mainly passable from mid-June to mid-October. Verified 10 June 2026.
Phone
+33 (0)4 50 74 02 11 (Avoriaz Tourist Office)
Official site
avoriaz.com and morzine-avoriaz.com
Access / Parking
Avoriaz resort is pedestrianised in winter; in summer, paid car parks on the plateau. From Morzine, shuttle or Avoriaz road (D338a). Trail starts at the tourist office.
Visit duration
1 h to 2 h round-trip (mine only). 3 to 4 h on the loop including the Ferme de Séraussaix.
Required equipment
Closed walking shoes (stony and sometimes slippery terrain). Water, cap, sun cream. Windproof at altitude.
Pets
Dogs allowed on lead; pastures with livestock along the route.
Access

How to get there

Nearest stops

  • Avoriaz · Cars Région Haute-Savoie · Y91, Y92 · 749 m

Transport data verified on 2026-06-15 · source transport.data.gouv.fr (Licence Etalab 2.0)

Parking

Avoriaz car park (paid)

  • Falaise · Paid · 381 m · 300 spaces · Go →
  • Proclou · Paid · 437 m · 540 spaces · Go →
  • Plateau · Paid · 449 m · 880 spaces · Go →

Parking checked on 2026-06-15 · © les contributeurs d'OpenStreetMap sous licence ODbL

Winter

Winter season

Winter access window
Not specified
Winter infrastructure
Not specified
Snow panorama
Not specified
Equipment mandated
Loi Montagne II — winter tyres or chains required (1 Nov – 31 Mar)
Nearby

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Photos

Gallery

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Lappiaz mine in Morzine?

The Lappiaz mine is at Avoriaz, in the commune of Morzine, above the Pas de Chavanette. The interpretive trail starts at the Avoriaz tourist office.

Is there an entry fee for the Lappiaz mine?

No. Access to the Lappiaz mine trail is free and open. Only parking at Avoriaz is paid in season.

How long should I allow for the Lappiaz mine?

Allow 1 h to 2 h round-trip to visit the Lappiaz mine alone from the Avoriaz tourist office. 3 to 4 h on the loop to include the Ferme de Séraussaix and the Lil'Stash.

When can I visit the Lappiaz mine?

The Lappiaz mine trail is passable from mid-June to mid-October, depending on weather and snow conditions. In winter the sector is entirely under snow.

Is the Lappiaz mine suitable for families with children?

Yes. The Lappiaz mine trail has no technical difficulty and is family-friendly, but bring sturdy shoes (stony, sometimes slippery terrain) and water.

What is there to see at the Lappiaz mine in Morzine?

On the Lappiaz mine trail, you discover the old Morzine slate quarry worked from 1856 to 1963, educational panels on the extraction of the 'Grey Gold', and an orientation table with panoramic views.

Can I combine the Lappiaz mine with other hikes?

Yes. The Lappiaz mine can be extended to the Ferme de Séraussaix and the Lil'Stash summer snowpark on a loop. It is also an official Espaces Trail Portes du Soleil route.

How do I get to the Lappiaz mine in Morzine?

Reach the Lappiaz mine by going up to Avoriaz from Morzine via the D338a road, or via the cable cars in season. The trail starts at the Avoriaz tourist office.

Sources

Sources & verification

Multi-source verification at publication. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.

Published 10 juin 2026·Updated 15/06/26

DirectionsOfficial site