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Road Cycling Morzine

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Introduction

ROAD CYCLING IN MORZINE

Morzine, during the summer months, becomes a road biking Mecca. Thanks to its ideal climate, picturesque scenery and well-maintained roads; Morzine, along with its neighbouring villages, are teeming with people who have planned their road biking holiday here. For some, it’s a social outing, sticking to the flatter circuits with friends as they chat along the way. For others, it’s serious business, keeping their head down and tackling the steeper climbs, chatting here is out of the question.

Map of the area

Click on the cyclist icons below to read about these popular cols and climbs near Morzine.

Cols and Climbs near Morzine

There are Road Cycling circuits in and near Morzine to suit all levels of riders. From the less gruelling, flatter routes such as Col Des Gets, Châtillon Sur Cluses and Col de Terramont, to the steeper, more challenging climbs like Col de la Colombiere, Col de la Joux Verte, Col de la Ramaz and Col de Joux Plane.

While Col de la Joux Verte, Col du Ranfolly and Montee d’Avoriaz all depart from Morzine, the other routes listed here will involve either cycling or taking a motorised vehicle to their start points.

COL DE LA JOUX VERTE

This stunning ascent is divided into four sections. A gentle ascend to Lake Montriond, followed by a more strenuous journey to the Ardent Ski Station. The area from Ardent to Les Linderets, known as the Goat Valley, is challenging but, if you can get your head up, amazingly picturesque!

14.3 km

842 m

avg. 5.9%

From: Morzine

Col du Ranfolly

Even though the average gradient for this climb comes in at just under 7%, there are a number of challenging sections closer to the summit. Easier climbs are nicely spread across the start, middle and end sections, giving welcome breaks throughout.

10.7 km

739 m

avg. 6.9%

From: Morzine

MONTEE D'AVORIAZ

This is the official tourist cyclist route, and gives you a less gruelling opening compared with Route de la Piaz. The two routes combine before Sous le Crê, and prior to this, there is an easier gradient and even a bit of a descent.

14 km

844 m

avg. 6%

From: Morzine

COL DES GETS

Given that this route is the main point of access for both Morzine and Les Gets, you can expect relatively heavy traffic. An easier climb compared with the back road via Fry to Pont Des Gets. After you pass Pont du Gets, things get a little steeper before levelling off as you approach the summit.

7.5 km

277 m

avg. 3.7%

From: Morzine

COL DE L'ENCRENAZ

While the climb from Pont des Gets has its gentle sections, departing from Essert-Romand is challenging from the off. The gradient is consistent at least, allowing you to get into your groove pretty quickly. There is relief in the middle section, before a final push towards the end.

8.9 km

591 m

avg. 6.5%

From: Taninges

COL DE LA RAMAZ

A longish climb, for the area, surrounded by idyllic scenery. There are three tunnels running along the steepest part, one of which is pretty long and two fairly short. The gradient levels out once you reach the resort of Sommand, before picking up again as you head towards the summit.

15.9 km

1001 m

avg. 6.2%

From: Mieussy

COL DU CORBIER

Travelling to St Jean d’Aulps, by way of Le Biot, is the most strenuous of three routes. After coming off the D902 road, there is a steep climb for a few kilometres – before connecting with the route again from La Baume.

5.5 km

402 m

avg. 7.3%

From: La Solitude

COL DU GRAND TAILLET

Before reaching Le Cruet after 2km, you’re faced with a taxing start. It’s all worth it though as the valley below comes into sight, making for some amazing views. The last leg, as you approach the summit, is a welcoming flatter section. Here, you can either head straight for Col de Tréchauffée, or down to the other side.

6.5 km

447 m

avg. 7.1%

From: Route du Drand Taillet

COL DE TRECHAUFFEE

Offering stunning views of Lake Geneva, the climb towards Col de Tréchauffé is met, on the other side, with a descent through the pass itself. Valley d’Aulps can be seen, in all its glory, through this section. This area is also popular with walkers and hikers.

4.2 km

239 m

avg. 5.7%

From: Col du Grand Taillet

COL DE FEU

2.9 km

269 m

avg. 9.3%

From: Lullin

COL DE TERRAMONT

Both approaches here are relatively gentle. The longer of the two, the climb from Vailly, is flatter and runs for 8km. Coming from Habère-Poche is steeper, still only 5%, and runs for just 2.5km. Both ascents offer stunning valley views; Vallée Brevon from the Vailly climb and Vallée Verte from Habère-Poche.

8.1 km

303 m

avg. 3.7%

From: Sous la Côte

COL DE PIERRE CARRÉE

While less steep than some more famous French climbs, Col de Pierre Carrée is not to be underestimated. Clocking in at just over 21 km and with a whopping 1,343 m ascent, it is seen as the gateway to Flaine; a four km descent on the far side.

21.1 km

1,351 m

avg. 6.3%

From: Arâches-la-Frasse

CHÂTILLON SUR CLUSES

A tough climb by any standards. Its steep gradient and overall length are balanced off with easier chunks, found in the start and middle sections. Energy will need to be kept in reserve for the top section, gradients reach over 9%. For the final 3 or 4 km, you’ll be able to see your endpoint; the summit.

17.3 km

1,127 m

avg. 6.5%

From: Scionzier

COL DE LA CROIX FRY

Starting at Thônes and passing through the village of Manigod, you can reach the summit after 12.8 km. With an average gradient of 6.6% and an ascent of 842 m.

13.3 km

846 m

vg. 6.4%

From: Thônes

COL DES ARAVIS

The views, as you climb from the village of Flumet, are stunning. And the gradient is gentle. The area around the village of Giettaz is a little more challenging. But, soon after, things relax back to about 6% as you head towards the summit.

11.7 km

597 m

avg. 5.1%

From: Flumet

COL DES MOISES

The Col des Moises road branches off the Col de Cou climb, about 1.3km from the start by Driallant. This is seen as a more challenging climb, compared Col de Cou, although with a shorter distance of around 3km. With a more unsteady gradient and a few steeper sections.

5.7 km

411 m

avg. 7.2%

From: Boëge

COL DE COU

Known to have a steady gradient throughout, Col de Cou is an ideal first climb for anyone new to cycling in the Alps. Jaw-dropping scenery awaits you at every turn. Passing the foothills of Lake Geneva, through the Vallée Verte and a host of picturesque Alpine woodlands.

7.8 km

570 m

avg. 7.3%

From: Fessy

COL DE SAXEL

Part of a collection of gentler climbs, south of Lake Geneva, Col de Saxel is run at just under 5km. Its ascent is steady throughout. If you’re looking for more of a challenge, (a gradient average of over 4.3%, along with some sections over 9%), the nearby climb to Monastery of Bethlehem also runs at about 5km.

4.8 km

204 m

avg. 4.3%

From: Boëge

PAS DE MORGINS

Located on the border of France and Switzerland. On the French side, you’ll pass Abondance Valley – worth a stop to sample some of their famous cheese. Heading uphill from Monthey, there are two routes. Both clock in at 16 km and split off after the first 6 km, joining up for the last 3 km, and have pretty much the same profile.

16 km

968 m

avg. 5.9%

From: Monthey

COL DE L'EPINE

Starting off at Marlens, the Col de l’Epine’s average gradient is 7.1% and runs for a total of 7.8 km, with a climb totalling 485 meters.

7.8 km

560 m

avg. 7.1%

From: Marlens

MONTÉE DE PLAINE-JOUX

Heading for Bogève via the main road is the less challenging of two routes. You won’t be offered the stunning views of some neighbouring climbs, but it is a charming route in its own right. Well worth it when you’re looking for a no-frills, steady climb.

5.5 km

319 m

avg. 5.8%

From: Bogève

COL DE JOUX PLANE

If you’re looking for an abundance of hairpins in a quiet setting, this is a great col. Although it gets busier during the weekend as it is popular with hikers and tourists in general, it is always a relaxed route. Featuring stunning views of Mont Blanc and a good mixture of flat, steep and downhill sections.

12.9 km

986 m

avg. 7.6%

From Samoëns

Nauchets Downhill Trails

Taking the Chavannes Express further uphill brings you to the trails of Nauchets. There trails tighter and a little rougher, under wheel, than Chavannes… with seemingly endless berms.

L'ENCAPE

A suspension-tester; L’Encape is a bumpy and rough run, especially when dry. Tight turns and large bumps are woven together with some challenging gap jumps, most of which have flat sidetracks (known as chicken lines). The lower section of L’Encape was remodelled for the summer of 2020. It now features larger berms, combined with a few hips and walls and a technical switchback section towards the end.

Intermediate

1.5 km

-253m

avg. 6 mins

Morzine Bike Hire

If you’re looking to avoid the hassle of bringing your own bike and equipment, or you’re not quiet ready to invest in your own bike while you’re here, you can find a great range of bike hire shops in Morzine.

ALPS BIKE HIRE

BIKE HIRE

Located on Taille de Mas du Pleney, and offering a selection of high-quality Pearson and Giant bikes.

+33 (0)6 42 50 38 74

info@alpsbikehire.com

alpsbikehire.com

TORICO

BIKE HIRE

Offering high-performance road bikes and servicing, located on Rue du Bourg in the heart of Morzine.

+33 6 52 95 79 97

hello@toricomorzine.com

toricomorzine.com

BCYCLET

BIKE HIRE

The store itself is located 10 minutes from Geneva airport, but they offer a home delivery service to Morzine.

+33 (0)48 451 06 04

Contact Page

bcyclet.com

HEYDAY CHALET - COLIVING IN THE ALPS

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