We all know Morzine is an absolute banger of a destination for riding Downhill bikes, drinking beers and lapping up the high Alpine air and this looks set to continue well into the future. This old farming town nestled in the Northern French Alps is once again growing rapidly with more tourists visiting each year, new trails, new facilities and some huge events such as the World Cup coming to town.
Have you ever been on a mountain biking holiday in Morzine and wondered what else is out there to ride? Maybe you don't know where the trails are or maybe you don't have the bike to tackle them?
Enduro, or to call it by it's real name, mountain biking is the fasted growing discipline in our sport, if only for number of do it al mountain bikes sold. Enduro loops exist all around Morzine. Many of them can be accessed by lift to allow for small climbing with the same epic descents. Alongside the Passportes du Soleil event where 5000 riders descend on Morzine during the last weekend of June to ride the 80km loop there are many more trails tucked away. One of the rides, the Tour de Plateau de Loex starts in Les Gets accessed via the Nauchettes lift and brings you back down into Les Gets Village.
Marked (F) on the map, this is a 14km loop with an 800 M vertical drop and some decent climbing. Singletrack, loam, roots, rivers and epic views of Mt Blanc all play a part in this awesome trail that takes you away from the main bike park, there many other sections that shoot off the main trail, the most famous being locals favourite Colorado.
Les Gets trail map, Look for the black F
Morzine has always been known for it's savage Downhill trails and the Pleney takes the crown for this as some of the local tracks on that hill are for want of a better word, mental. Steep, steep gullies, roots more mangled than the Amazon and step downs that scare seasoned pro's, the Pleney secret trails are not for the faint hearted. Yet this is exactly what brings Morzine holiday makers back year on year, that and the 600km of trails spread across 2 countries connecting 12 resorts with over 50 official downhill trails and Enduro loops over 80km in length.
Another epic Enduro loop which will take a good portion of your day is the Col de L'Encrenaz loop, or Tour du Chars des Quais. You may know of have heard of the variation of this ride, that finishes at the gully of dreams in Essert Rommand, you'll need a good guide to show this hidden gem. We did this on a day out with Fox, read about it here.
Fresh trails and the views to last a lifetime
The World Cup & World Championships in Les Gets
Following on from the success of previous Crankworx events and World Cups of the early 2000's, Les Gets made a return to the World Cup circuit in 2019. The downhill and XC races were highlights of the calender, the track a rider favourite, and the event saw thousands of spectators over the week.
Les Gets will host the World Championships in 2022.
Over 50,000 spectators attended the 2019 World Cup in Les Gets
Want to hit up some if this singletrack gold? We can hook you up with a guide and make dreamy days like this a reality in Morzine. The back country here is full of secrets and all you need is folks with the ability to unlock them. Dial in and get stoked.
We have added options to our clients who want to explore more of the Portes du Soleil with our guiding partner Season. From bespoke, custom experiences to set tour routes bookable as an individual or as a group, we have a guide on hand to show you the best riding in Morzine.
Big Alpine riding near Morzine
The riding in neighbouring resorts like Samoens is always a highlight for anyone that makes the short trip. You can ride into Samoens via the Bourgeoise, a long descent all the way from the back of Les Gets into Samoens. However you'll need a shuttle, an E-Bike or strong legs and a plucky attitude to get back to the top as there is no lift connecting this side of the valley.
If you have the taste for adventure, are experienced in mountain climbing and have no fear of heights, riders have been attempting the Hauts Forts. Accessed from Avoriaz and a long hike up, the tallest peak in the vicinity of Morzine has some insane views and a trail to the bottom that has some amazing riding. Though be warned this is a shared access trail with walkers and trail runners, it has severe exposure which has seen several deaths over the years. You should not attempt this without a qualified guide willing to take you or your own qualifications relevant to riding alpine peaks. Under no circumstances do we recommend riding this trail without the proper etiquette, equipment or guidance.
Morzine's new skate park, tennis courts and more
The skate park was finished in at the end of 2015 and has proved very popular with the Morzine locals and tourists alike. Be it little rippers on their BMX's or the old school skateboard crew there is always someone down there, drinking a stubby doing some power slides, check it out.
There is also an indoor Olympic size swimming pool and Spa area, so something for the ladies or fellas to soak those bruised muscles in after a serious ride. These facilities are included in your multi-pass, more information can be found here.The list goes on and includes white water rafting, paragliding and golf amongst others, read our extensive blog here.
