Morzine by bike: Legendary mountain passes to be discovered.

Presentation

The Col de Joux Plane, revered hill climb of the Tour de France.


Road cyclists love to have a crack at the mythical feats of the Tour de France, one of those being the Col de Joux Plane, setting off steeply from Morzine with a gradient rising to 13%. If there’s one piece of advice we would offer it’s to warm up your calves with a few laps of the roads around Morzine before setting off on this daunting climb. But one thing’s for certain, the view of Mont Blanc from the top is ample compensation for your efforts on the way up.

Morzine to Avoriaz climb: Who can beat the record of 33 minutes?


To date, nobody has been able to better the time of Bernard Hinault. Leaving from the Church Square the climb measures 14.6km with 860m altitude gain. It’s a fairly easy roll to the finish line once you get past the 11.1% gradient between the 5th and 6th kilometre. If you want to be timed for this ride don’t forget that every summer the Cycle Club of Morzine-Avoriaz organises the « Grimpée Morzine-Avoriaz ». The next event will take place on the 12th of August 2018.

Col de la Ramaz and a breath-taking view of Mont Blanc.


Col de l’Encrenaz is often said to be one of the most beautiful mountain passes of the whole of Haute-Savoie. If you’re looking for a short bike ride on quiet roads then this is the one for you. Leaving from Morzine the loop measures 32km. On the way round don’t forget to admire the peaks of Roc d’Enfer and Mont Blanc.

Variation: Up and over the whole Col de l’Encrenaz descending towards Taninges and coming back up via the Hameau de Rond. This adds 14km to the circuit.

Joux Verte

Leaving from Morzine, head off in the direction of Montriond. The road will first take you through the village of Montriond before continuing up past the magnificent lake of the same name. Follow the road on and up through the wooded valley. You could make a pit stop at Les Lindarets where the village goats are sure to give you a warm welcome. On past Les Lindarets the incline eases off until you reach the summit of the Col de Joux Verte.

Good planning

For more ideas of cycle rides leaving from Morzine don’t forget to download the Cycling Guide which we have kindly prepared for you. Happy pedalling!