Col de la Joux Verte
An advanced route with steep uphill sections, hairpin bends and fast descents
The Col de la Joux Verte is a popular steep circuit that climbs the road from Morzine to the ski station of Avoriaz some 800m on the cliffs above.
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.
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Cycle hire
Bike Hire in Morzine
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Mountain bike hire
Located just 50 metres from the tourist office and 200 metres from the Pleney cable car, this mountain bike hire shop has everything you need for a summer holiday in the French Alps.
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Mountain bike hire
This company offers a range of bikes for hire, including downhill and enduro mountain bikes, fatbikes, cross-country bikes, road bikes, and family bikes.
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Mountain bike hire
This trusted Les Gets bike shop has been offering quality rentals, top gear from leading brands, and expert mechanical support for years.
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Mountain bike hire
This MTB store is located on Rue du Bourg, just up the hill from Bar Robinson in the centre of Morzine.
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Mountain bike hire
This company offers a great range of mountain bikes for hire, from full-suspension downhill and enduro bikes to full-suspension models for kids.
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Road bike hire
This road biking specialist shop is located on Rue du Bourg, just up the hill from Bar Robinson in the centre of Morzine.
What to see
Sights in Morzine
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Lac Montriond
Lac de Montriond is a peaceful natural retreat surrounded by cliffs and forest. Enjoy swimming, paddle boarding, walking trails, and more in this scenic lakeside spot.
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Slate workshop
Discover and explore the slate mines of Morzine.
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Les Gorges du Pont du Diable
A great walk through a beech forest and dramatic limestone gorges carved by the Dranse de Morzine. Expect vibrant rock colours, safe cliffside paths and even a daring glass walkway you can try.
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Trout Fish Farm
Visit the local fish farm to discover how arctic char and trout are raised in alpine waters. Join a tour, try your hand at fishing or pick up fresh fish to take home.
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Pointe de Nyon hiking and trails
The Pointe de Nyon area is dedicated to hiking trails and discovering the fauna that lives in the mountains.
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Mechanical Music museum
Explore the mechanical music museum where you will learn about the history and development of mechanical musical instruments through the ages.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Avoriaz
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Le Fangle mountain restaurant
During the winter you can take your lunches in the heart of the fabulous skiing area Les Portes Du Soleil because Le Fangle is a mountain restaurant located on the slopes heading down from Avoriaz to Morzine.
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La Folie Douce Bar
The first Folie Douce opened in 1980 and it quickly became the place to be for après-ski on the slopes. This is thanks to their unique combination of live music, DJs, dancers and performers.
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Les Ancelles Restaurant
Traditional bar and restaurant accessible on skis in winter or by foot in summer, within close reach of the Cascade des Brochaux.
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Mamo's Café Lindarets
Open for breakfast, brunch and lunch, this is a beautiful spot to grab some food during a long day in the mountains.
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La Cremaillere Restaurant
Located in the small village of Les Lindarets, specialities at this restaurant include fondue, charcuterie, snails, trout and various snacks.
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Le Refuge des Brochaux Restaurant
Accessible in summer and winter from the Lindarets plateau, on foot or on skis. This is a popular spot for a sunny lunch on the terrace or a cosy drink inside.
What to do
Things To Do in Avoriaz
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Aquariaz
Aquariaz is an aquatic paradise set in the heart of Avoriaz offering a huge water park made up of a gentle flowing indoor river, a slidewinder (an aquatic halfpipe), a toddlers paddling pool and water playhouse, a large pool with natural climbing walls.
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Avoscoot Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling can be a fun, fast, snowy activity. Starting from Avoriaz resort, outings start from 17.30 to midnight, giving you free range of the snow and the Alps.
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Whitewater rafting, near Morzine
A selection of exhilarating rafting excursions to suit all abilities.
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Hydrospeeding
This is an amazing activity where you can have fun on the river, suitable for good swimmers from 14 years and above.
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Snowshoeing
Get to know the mountains at a steady pace while being guided by high mountain instructors.
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Night sledging
Stick on your head torch and enjoy the sledging down the pistes at night.
