Mountain Biking Holidays in Morzine and Les Gets

Enjoy Mountain Bike Riding in the French Alps Portes du Soleil Area

Aug 16, 2009 Jo Jackson

Morzine and Les Gets are very popular mountain bike destinations with a large selection of trails for riders of all levels plus an extensive ski lift system for bikers.

Morzine is a long-established French alpine town mid-way between Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva. Located at 1,000 metres (3,300 feet) it is popular for its easy road access and traditional atmosphere. It is surrounded on all sides by tall mountains and is directly below the popular resort of Avoriaz. Avoriaz Morzine, Les Gets and Chatel are referred to as the Portes du Soleil region.

The region is a mountain biking paradise that can satisfy the hard core mountain biker but also has novice trails and something for every level of ability. During the summer months the area has over 30 ski lifts open to bikers which opens up a massive variety of terrain and allows bikers to cover many kilometres of terrain both in France and Switzerland.

Morzine Mountain Biking

There is a common misconception that Morzine is only for downhill mountain biking, but there are many kilometres of excellent cross country mountain bike trails too. The hundreds of kilometres of marked trails suit all levels of abilities and technical skills. There are steep and technical downhills at the top of the mountains, fast forest trails, technical twisting singletracks, exposed high mountain routes, epic climbs and bigger descents, and gentle cross country journeys through amazing scenery in the valleys.

Les Gets Mountain Biking

Les Gets has the most extensive Singletrack and Downhill mountain biking in the Alps, with many permanent man-made Downhill courses and Freeride cyclo cross and enduro tracks for all levels of rider. There are two distinct downhill mountain bike areas, on opposite sides of the village. The Mt Chéry downhill mountain bike run has been used in the Mountain Bike World Cups in 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, and in the Mountain Bike World Championships in 2004.

When is the Best Time for Mountain Biking in Morzine and Les Gets?

The peak MTB season in the Portes du Soleil area is July and August, with the full lift system operating from the last weekend in June to the first weekend in September, and most people visit then to take advantage of the downhill runs. June and September are good months to visit for cross country riders, or those prepared to do more pedalling, as the weather is a bit cooler.

Other Portes du Soleil Activities

In winter the Portes du Soleil region is famous for skiing and snowboarding, while in summer it is popular for mountain biking but is also excellent for road cycling. The Tour de France is a regular visitor to Morzine and Les Gets. Other summer activities include walking, paragliding, climbing, horse-riding, white water rafting, golfing and fishing.

Morzine has a 50m outdoor pool with amazing mountain views, and close by are 10 tennis courts and a fitness trail that follows the river banks. Morzine accommodation is cheaper in summer than winter, and visitors can stay book into a Morzine chalet with shutters at the window and lovely alpine charm.

Interested readers might also enjoy the 2009 Mountain Bike & Trials World Championships.

The copyright of the article Mountain Biking Holidays in Morzine and Les Gets in W Europe Travel is owned by Jo Jackson. Permission to republish Mountain Biking Holidays in Morzine and Les Gets in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.