Cycling Routes in Morzine — 8 of Our Favourites

Drop out of Morzine in the direction of Thonnon on the D902 through the village of St Jean D’Aulps and onwards to le Jotty. At le Vernaz take the left turn climbing to Vailly on the D22. Carry on to Bellevaux on the D26 climbing the relatively easy Col du Jambaz on route to Megevette via the D226. This ultimately brings you out just short of Mieussy on the D907. 

Ride through the town and follow the signs, situated at the roundabout at the head of town, for the Col de la Ramaz which rears up immediately. If you’re low on energy and the supplies to remedy the situation you could try the Patisserie in the centre of town. At this point you’ll have been riding for 1½ to 2 hours and will need another 1 ½ to 2 hours to complete the route. 

Up to an hour or so of this is the climb of the Ramaz itself - be prepared. After descending through the Praz-de-Lys join the D903 at the Pont des Gets and return to Morzine via the main road through Les Gets. The little climb to Les Gets can be very tough if you have spent all your energy on the Ramaz.

Time 3 to 4 hours

Distance - 75km

Vertical gain - 1150m

Highest point - Les Gets 1172m

The 'One Day, One Col' initiative in the Savoie Mont Blanc region offers cyclists the unique opportunity to ascend some of the area's most renowned mountain passes without the interference of motor traffic. On select Sunday mornings, specific cols are closed to vehicles, allowing cyclists of all abilities to tackle these climbs in a serene and safe environment.

Event highlights:

• Traffic free ascents: With roads reserved exclusively for cyclists, participants can fully immerse themselves in the challenge and beauty of the climb without concerns about vehicular traffic.
• Inclusive atmosphere: The event attracts a diverse group of cyclists, from seasoned enthusiasts to newcomers, all united by the shared experience of conquering these iconic ascents.
• Support and refreshments: Organisers often provide support stations along the route, offering refreshments and encouragement to participants as they make their way to the summit.

Notable climbs featured:

• Col de Joux Plane: Famous for its challenging gradients and its role in the Tour de France, this climb offers breathtaking views and a true test of endurance.
• Col de la Ramaz: Known for its picturesque switchbacks and alpine meadows, this ascent provides a rewarding experience for those seeking both challenge and scenery.

Tips for participants:

• Timing: To avoid the heat and ensure a pleasant ride, it's advisable to start early in the morning.
• Pacing: Tackle the climb at a comfortable pace that suits your fitness level. Remember, it's about the experience as much as the achievement.
• Fueling: Bring along snacks and ensure you're well-hydrated. Taking advantage of the refreshment stations can also help maintain energy levels.
• Descent caution: While the ascent is a challenge, descending requires attentiveness. Be mindful of your speed, especially around bends, and always prioritise safety.

Participating in the 'One Day, One Col' event is not just about the physical challenge; it's an opportunity to immerse oneself in the camaraderie of the cycling community, enjoy the stunning alpine landscapes, and create lasting memories on some of France's most iconic climbs.

Read more about cycling in Morzine in our handy guide and cycling routes pages.

Climb details:

From Samoëns (south side):

This ascent spans approximately 11.7km with an average gradient of 8.5%, peaking at sections as steep as 10%. The route is characterised by a series of challenging hairpin bends; 17 in total and steep sections, offering little to no respite throughout the climb. 

The initial half is somewhat less demanding, featuring stretches at 8-10%. However, after the sixth kilometre, the gradient intensifies, frequently approaching 10%, with certain segments reaching up to 13%. The latter part of the climb winds through forested areas, providing some shade, but as you near the summit, the landscape opens up, offering expansive views of the surrounding valleys and peaks.

From Morzine (north side): 

This route covers about 10.9km with an average gradient of 6.5%, though some sections ramp up to 11%. The initial 8 km present the most significant challenge, with gradients ranging between 9% and 11%. After passing the Col de Ranfolly at 1,658metres, there's a brief descent followed by a final 2km climb at a gentler 3.5% gradient leading to the summit. Along the way, cyclists traverse a mix of mountain pastures, hamlets, and small forests, encountering ski lifts and enjoying varied scenery.

Tour de France Legacy:

The Col de Joux Plane has been featured in the Tour de France 13 times since its debut in 1978. Notably, during the 2000 Tour, Lance Armstrong faced significant challenges on this climb, underscoring its difficulty. The pass has earned a reputation as a decisive segment in the race, often influencing overall standings.

Cycling tips:

• Preparation: Given the steep gradients and minimal recovery sections, it's essential to pace yourself from the outset. Ensure your bike is equipped with appropriate gearing to handle the sustained inclines.
• Weather considerations: The climb is exposed to the sun, especially on clear days, which can intensify the effort required. Starting early in the morning can help you avoid the peak heat. Conversely, weather conditions can change rapidly in mountainous regions, so be prepared for varying conditions.
• Descent caution: The descent, particularly towards Morzine, can be technical with sharp bends and variable road surfaces. It's advisable to descend cautiously, especially if unfamiliar with the route.

Conquering the Col de Joux Plane is no small feat, but the sense of achievement and the breath taking vistas of the Mont Blanc massif from the summit make the effort well worthwhile.

Cyclists heading from Morzine to Avoriaz have two main route options: via Montriond, passing Lac de Montriond and Les Lindarets to the Col de Joux Verte, or the direct ascent up the Route d’Avoriaz.

When the Col de Joux Verte is inaccessible due to lingering snow, the 14km climb from Morzine to Avoriaz via the Route d’Avoriaz provides a challenging but rewarding ride.

The initial few kilometres from Morzine are relatively flat towards Prodains. After turning left at the roundabout towards Avoriaz, the real climb begins. From this point, the ascent is 12km long with a consistent gradient ranging from 6% to 8%.

The first half of the climb features a series of steep hairpins, offering frequent glimpses back down to Morzine. After approximately five kilometres, the road opens up, revealing expansive alpine pastures and scattered villages dotting the landscape.

The distinctive architecture of Avoriaz is visible early on but can be deceptive, it appears closer than it actually is. The resort sits at just over 1800m, requiring a total elevation gain of approximately 800m from Morzine.

The ascent and descent can typically be completed within 1.5 to 2 hours. During the height of summer, it is advisable to avoid tackling this climb in the middle of the day, as the road offers little shade, making high temperatures an added challenge.

The Col de la Ramaz is a fantastic climb offering stunning Alpine scenery and a challenging but steady ascent. The preferred route begins in the small town of Mieussy, situated on the D907 in the Vallée Verte, and follows the road for 14km at an average gradient of 7%.

Climb overview:

The lower slopes feature classic alpine switchbacks, winding through picturesque chalet-style houses before opening up into lush meadows, where the sound of cowbells accompanies the ride. As you ascend, the impressive rock faces of the Pointe de Marcelly dominate the right-hand side, while the Col de Foron and Haute Pointe rise to the left. The road itself is often marked with the names of Tour de France favourites, adding to the sense of riding through cycling history.

Approaching the upper slopes, the route passes through avalanche tunnels and the steepest sections of the climb. While not as severe as the Col de Joux Plane, the combination of gradient and a rough road surface worn by winter freeze-thaw cycles makes this part particularly demanding. The view from the tunnels offers a dramatic perspective of the altitude gained since leaving Mieussy, with a breathtaking drop below.

Reaching the ski station of Sommand, identified by its open alpine bowl and ski lifts, the gradient eases significantly, allowing for a moment of recovery before the final push to the summit at 1,619m.

Climbing times:

• A fit rider pushing hard can expect to reach the summit in around 50 minutes.
• A steady pace sees most riders complete the climb in 65–70 minutes.
• The climb is considered more forgiving than the Joux Plane, as it allows strong riders to maintain a steady rhythm without requiring all-out efforts just to keep moving.

The descent:

The descent into the ski resort of Praz-de-Lys is relatively straight and steady but remains fast, narrow, and slightly bumpy. The empty ski lifts of summer create an eerie atmosphere as you pass beneath them at speed. Once beyond the resort, the road steepens dramatically, transitioning into a series of classic hairpin bends that require sharp braking before launching into gravity-assisted accelerations towards the next corner.

After reaching the D902 at the Pont des Gets, the ride isn’t over, there’s still a 20-minute climb into Les Gets before enjoying the final 5km descent into Morzine.

Tour de France history:

The Col de la Ramaz last featured in the Tour de France in 2003 during a gruelling 226km stage from Lyon to Morzine. French favourite Richard Virenque claimed victory after an exhausting six hour ride.

Key stats:

Distance: 60km

Time: 3–4 hours

Highest point: 1,619m (Col de la Ramaz)

Vertical gain: 1,350m

With its mix of scenic beauty, historic significance, and a rewarding challenge, the Col de la Ramaz is a must-ride for cyclists exploring the region.

It is possible to set off from Morzine take the road out through Les Gets and then follow the D902 through Taninges to Cluses but the most interesting part of this circuit are the climbs over the Col de Colombiere and Col des Aravis and as they are tough it might make sense to drive to Cluses and take fifty kilometres off the total route.

From Cluses take the D4 over the Col and down towards Le Grand Bornand. The D4 turns into the D909 at Saint Jean de Sixt and from here you will begin climbing over the Col des Aravis before decending once again to Flumet. The climb out of the Gorge d'Arly on the on the D1212 is narrow and winding but not steep by comparison to what you have just tackled and from Megeve it is down hill all the way back to Cluses.

Distance - 150km (From Morzine)

100km (From Cluses)

Vertical Gain - 3000m (From Morzine)

2050m (From Cluses)

Highest Point - 1613m Col de la Colombiere

Time - 6 to 8 hours

The Col de Joux Verte is a classic alpine climb, starting right from the heart of Morzine. The route begins near the Mairie’s office by the bridge over the Dranse River, quickly navigating a couple of roundabouts before launching into a 14km ascent packed with hairpin bends.

Climb overview:

The first half of the climb is a classic alpine experience with tight switchbacks, ski chalets perched above the road, and the Super Morzine ski lift passing overhead, loaded with mountain bikers and walkers. As the chalets give way to open meadows, the sound of cowbells from grazing livestock becomes a constant companion. Around the halfway mark, near the small hamlet of Zore, the road straightens slightly, running along the cliffs above the village of Prodains at the head of the Vallée des Ardoisières.

Avoriaz comes into view ahead, but the final stretch remains challenging, especially for those who may have pushed a little too hard earlier in the climb.

Records and timing:

• Cycling legend Bernard Hinault holds the record for the fastest ascent: 33 minutes during the 1979 Tour de France.
• The annual Joux Verte race typically sees elite amateur riders finish in just under 40 minutes.
• Strong club riders can expect times of around 50 minutes, while a more comfortable pace takes about an hour.
• Less experienced or casual riders might complete the climb in 60–75 minutes.

For those who like a challenge, the Morzine Tourist Office provides official time-stamping cards. Riders can stamp their card at the start (at the small blue box by the painted start line) and again at the finish near the Avoriaz tourist office, earning themselves a certificate to mark their achievement.

The descent:

The ride back down is thrilling, with fast straights in the upper section before hitting the tighter, more technical hairpin bends from the halfway point. Many of these corners are bordered by low concrete walls, acting as barriers between the upper and lower sections of the road. Though speeds can be high particularly in the top half of the descent, most riders will take the hairpins at no more than 20 mph, making for a controlled and exhilarating ride.

An alternative descent avoids the main road back to Morzine. After about 1km, take a right turn towards Les Lindarets, known as the ‘goat village’ due to the free-roaming goats that attract plenty of tourists. The road then continues past the stunning Lac de Montriond before rejoining the main road back to Morzine. This route offers a fantastic mix of tight hairpins, sweeping fast corners, and steep straight sections. Some corners are blind, and unlike the Tour de France, oncoming traffic is a real consideration, so caution is advised.

Alternative route:

For those looking for an even tougher challenge, tackling the climb in reverse—via Les Lindarets—is significantly harder, with steeper gradients throughout.

Key stats:

Distance: 32km

Time: 1–2 hours

Vertical gain: 860m

Highest point: Avoriaz (1,800m)

A rewarding climb with fantastic views, the Col de Joux Verte is a must-ride for cyclists in the Morzine area.

Climb up out of Morzine (or down from Avoriaz and then up out of Morzine) in the direction of Les Gets on the main road D902. Drop down the descent through Pont des Gets and onwards to Taninges. Ride briefly through the town and take a right turn signposted Rond to climb up to the Pont des Gets and return to Morzine, or Avoriaz, the way you came through Les Gets. Although the D902 is a busy road the descent to Taninges is fast so not many cars will overtake. The climb up to Rond for the return to the Pont des Gets is very quiet.

Distance - 50km

Time - 3 to 4 hrs

Highest point - Les Gets 1172 m