Morzine and the Portes du Soleil Domain rank among the world’s top mountain biking destinations and are considered a mecca by the majority of riders. In Morzine, the terrain truly offers ideal conditions for mountain biking.
BIKE PARK SUMMER 2024 OPENING DATES
(Opening dates subject to weather conditions)
Morzine – Le Pléney Bike Park opening dates
May 31 to June 2 and June 7 to 9 > Pre-opening weekends
June 14 to September 15 (inclusive) > Full opening
After Bike Park : Extended hours until 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays (from July 11 to August 31 – weather permitting).
Avoriaz Bike Park opening dates
June 15 to June 27 (included) > Partial opening
June 28 to September 1 > Full opening
Du 2 Septembre au 15 Septembre inclus > ouverture partielle
Les Gets Bike Park opening dates (Chavannes Express and Nauchets chairlifts)
Mai 24 to 26, May 31 to June 2, and June 7 to 9 > Pre-opening weekends
June 14 to September 15 (included) > Full opening
Les Gets (Mont Chéry Gondola)
June 21 to September 1 (included)
Mountain bike trails for all skill levels
The largest mountain bike park in Europe, with its endless variety of terrains and trails, offers descents, free ride, and cross-country options for every taste and skill level. The green-marked mountain bike trails in the Portes du Soleil are suitable for beginners and families; they are generally easy, well-maintained, and provide a gentle slope.
For those with more experience who want to tackle some of the best mountain bike trails in the French Alps, there are blue, red, and even black trails available—similar to ski trails, mountain bike trails are color-coded. Riders can challenge themselves on steep and technical trails that require excellent control, confidence, and impeccable technique.
Morzine, a playground and training ground for the Syndicate Santa Cruz
Since 2016, the iconic American brand Santa Cruz has chosen Morzine as its European headquarters. The collaboration between the resort and the brand has continuously evolved, encompassing a showroom, Bike Patrol, trail development, and numerous mountain biking events—there’s no shortage of ideas. Thanks to the efforts of the resort and Santa Cruz, Morzine was named the best Bike Park in Europe and 8th in the world by readers of Vital MTB, one of the most followed American specialized websites, in 2020.
Many members of the Syndicate Santa Cruz have also chosen Morzine as their base for summer training. It’s not uncommon to spot renowned mountain biking legends on the trails of Morzine, including Coach Steve Peat, who boasts 52 World Cup podiums, 17 victories, and 3 series titles.
A collaboration between the Pléney team and Santa Cruz ambassador Romain Paulhan, a former French downhill champion, has also led to the revitalization and redesign of the red trail, now called Super 8. This name is a nod to the first downhill model from Santa Cruz, which prominently featured the color red.
Since the summer of 2021, a bike wash station has been set up near the Pléney gondola. Access is free with a mountain biking pass, a nice bonus that our mountain biking friends are sure to appreciate!
You can find a 3,800 m² initiation area along with a 430 m course located at the top of the Pléney gondola. This area allows riders to hone their skills before tackling the Bike Park trails, such as the blue trail that spans nearly 4.5 km with a gentle slope and a 500-meter elevation drop.
Once a week, challenge yourself at the Pléney stadium for the “impossible climb.” This evening event rewards the participant who can climb the farthest on a slope exceeding 40°. It’s a fun and competitive way to test your skills and endurance!
