Cycling in Morzine

Morzine and its surrounding climbs boast stunning Alpine scenery. The weather, although variable, is typically warm and sunny for most of the summer. The Sky Team is often seen training in the immediate area, and both the Tour de France and Criteruim Dauphine regularly pass through or stop overnight in the town.

Local Climbs

Within 3km of Morzine lies the start of four great climbs:

• Col de Joux Plane, N-S (Cat 1)
• Col de la Joux Verte (Cat 1)
• Route d’Avoriaz (Cat 1)
• Col d’Encrenaz (Cat 3)

And within a further 30km radius there are numerous other challenging and
some not so challenging ascents including:

• Col de Joux Plane, S-N (Hors Cat)
• Col de Corbier (Cat 2) – often features in the Criterium Dauphine
• Col du Grand Taillet – a favourite training climb for Team Sky
• Col de la Ramaz (Cat 1) – a Tour de France regular
• Col de Pierre Carree (Cat 1)
• Col de Cou & Feu – great views of Lake Geneva

Ride the best Routes

We have developed the most intuitive and comprehensive road cycle route planning resource for the region, exclusively for our guests. As such, it is extremely easy for you to choose the routes that are right for you and your party, and experience the very best riding that the region has to offer. The geography of Morzine and the surrounding area lends itself perfectly to self-guided holidays, with a great range of exceptional day-routes starting and finishing in the town.

Pre-prepared route library

We have 20+ excellent pre-prepared day rides that start and finish in Morzine, available to guests on printed map and tcx download. They are graded by vertical ascent so you can easily choose a ride that fits your aspirations for the day. The route maps also have recommended coffee & lunch stops marked on them. Guests are free to help themselves to pre-printed route maps from the display in our chalet. You will be given access to the tcx files on booking your holiday.

Route planning map

This is a uniquely valuable resource for anyone who wants to create their own route. It is based on our knowledge of the local roads built up over the years from first-hand experience. This map shows all the roads in the local area that we consider to be good for cycling, and colour codes them by gradient. The result of this is an extremely intuitive route planning resource. Someone who has never been to the area can, at a glance, gather a great depth of knowledge of where would be best to cycle, depending on what length/profile of ride they would like to undertake.

This works hand in hand with the pre-prepared routes to give an unrivalled route planning resource, for the exclusive use of our guests. Of course, the Forever Cycle Tours team will be on hand, and are always happy to give guidance regarding routes and any other queries.

Excursions

Some climbs are simply too far to ride there and back from Morzine comfortably in a day. For a nominal charge, we offer a minibus transfer service to enable you to take on these cols too. Many guests request a transfer to Megeve so they can ride the course of the 2016 Etape over Col des Aravis, Col de la Colombiere, Col de la Ramaz and return into Morzine over the Col de Joux Plane.

Morzine Sportive

Morzine is home to its own annual Alpine sportive. In 2017 it is on Sunday 18th June, so be sure to book your self-guided holiday over this weekend if you intend to compete. We will assist you with registration and orientate you with regards to the route. There is no extra charge for this, it is all part of our self-guided holiday service. For details and race info, see our Morzine Sportive package.

Informal competition

All our guests are welcome to enter the Forever Cycle Tours ‘Bottom Gear Challenge’, and set a time of the 13km ascent of Route d’Avoriaz. It’s a bit of fun, but can get rather competitive! All official times will be ceremonially added to our leader board in a pre-dinner presentation. Times verified by Strava segment timing.

Emergency rescue

In the event of mechanical failure or injury while on a ride that prevents you returning to Morzine under your own steam, we will come and collect you and your bike free of charge, and bring you back to the chalet.

Food & Accommodation

Our base in Morzine is Chalet Eira. A delightful, British owned and run chalet-hotel with entirely English speaking staff. It’s located just 300m from the centre of Morzine so within easy reach of shops and bars.

Built in 2001, the chalet features modern facilities throughout including free wifi. There are 18 bedrooms in twin, double and family room formats. All are en suite with either shower & WC or bath, shower and WC.

The chalet has an extensive lounge bar area with its own pool table and a great view across the town. The masses of comfy seating provide an ideal place for a pre-dinner drink. The bar is fully stocked and reasonably priced. In one corner is a large Sky TV so you can catch up on the latest sporting action. Leading off from the bar is a delightful terrace which is used for the occasional barbeque.

Cycle-friendly dinning

We sit at our own dedicated table for dinner which will be 3 courses and waiter-served. Menus are designed for cyclists with tasty nutritious ingredients and plenty of carbs. Although drinks are not included a selection of reasonably priced wines are available for you to purchase.

An extensive cyclist’s breakfast is served buffet style. Tea and coffee is available, free of charge, at any time with freshly baked cake on hand in the afternoon for a post ride sugar boost.

Bike facilities at the chalet

There is a secure indoor bike storage adjacent to the front entrance for both guest bikes and our rental bikes. We have provided a selection of the usual bike maintenance kit for guest use together with, track pumps, workshop stands etc. Bike cleaning facilities, pressure washer are also on hand.

We operate an ‘Honesty bar’ for energy gels & powders, spare inner tubes, replacement tyres etc, just drop a few euros in the tin.

Morzine Activities

MTB

Morzine is at the centre of world class mountain bike country. As our self guided holiday has no fixed program you are free to take a day or two off the road bike and test yourself on the 650km of marked off road trails. Suitable bikes are available to hire at a number of shops in the town, pre booking is recommended.

Other activities

Morzine is a summer holiday resort in its own right with countless activities, sports and pastimes in which to take part. A short walk from the chalet there are 25m indoor and 50m outdoor swimming pools, mountain cable cars and lifts, tennis courts and an ice rink.

The stunning 1500m Lake Montriond is a 3km ride from the chalet; for any serious swimming in June, we recommend you bring a wetsuit. There is also the opportunity to try your hand at paragliding or via ferrata, test the local rivers with white water rafting or just walk the mountain trails. Most facilities are available from early June.