Road cycling Alps holidays
For the ultimate alpine cycling holidays, the Portes du Soleil region that straddles the borders of France and Switzerland is a top destination with a fantastic variety of cycling routes. The quality of its infrastructure and the classic hill climbs on offer – many of which see inclusion on Tour de France routes – make it unbeatable. One of the best bases for a road cycling 'Alps' holiday is Morzine, the largest town in Portes du Soleil.
This well-developed resort town offers everything that visitors on alpine cycling holidays need, from evening leisure to great accommodation. Morzine is also close to some of the iconic hill climbs used in past Tour de France routes, which are ideal for those seeking a bigger challenge on their alpine cycling holidays. Road cycling ‘Alps’ holidays here can incorporate the Col de Joux Plane, Col de la Ramaz and the Col de Colombiere, to name just a few.
The Tour de France in Morzine
Col de Joux Plane
This challenging route, rated as a ‘hors categorie’ ascent in the Tour de France, stretches between Samoëns and Morzine. It is particularly famous for giving Lance Armstrong some real trouble in the 2000 Tour de France – the tenth time that the Col de Joux Plane has featured in the race. It has since been included another time.
On the Tour de France, cyclists start in Samoëns and climb 11.7km to the pass. Although the climb is short, with an average incline of 8.5% it is very steep. The stage ends after the downhill ride to Morzine. However, anyone staying in Morzine on alpine cycling holidays can take the reverse route, climbing 10.9km with an average incline of 6.9% to the pass. If they then want to try out the climb that gave Lance Armstrong trouble, they can cycle down to Samoëns and turn around. Road cyclists who want to put themselves to the test will find a good challenge here.
Col de la Ramaz and Morzine to Avoriaz
These two classic high category hill climbs were last featured as part of the 8th stage in the 2010 Tour de France, won by Andy Schleck. Winding through beautiful alpine meadows with some decidedly tough stretches – and a thrilling narrow stretch along a cliff’s edge – they offer an excellent challenge to any cyclists staying in Morzine. The Col de la Ramaz climb ends in Morzine, with the stage continuing on to the climb from Morzine to Avoriaz. Perfectly positioned in the middle, Morzine is the ideal base on alpine cycling holidays for cyclists who want to try out this two-part challenge.
Col de la Colombiere
Another hill climb in the area is the Col de Colombiere, a frequently used stage in the Tour de France ever since its first inclusion in 1960. With a vertical rise of over 1km over the course of the 16.3km climb, it presents a good challenge. The steepest section comes right at the end, with an incline of 10.2% – just as cyclists are enjoying the idyllic views of green mountain pastures.
Accommodation for road cycling Alps holidays
With close proximity to numerous incredible cycling routes, Morzine is a great choice as a base for alpine cycling holidays. Choose from a range of self-catering accommodation or stay at one of our great value catered chalets.
We offer the very comfortable Chalet Flo and Chalet Savoy, which give guests splendid chalet accommodation to rest in and recover after a long day spent cycling. Alps cycling is an exciting experience, and our chalets are designed to provide the perfect home throughout your stay.
Want to learn more?
We’re always eager to help find and organise the perfect road cycling 'Alps' holidays in Morzine. If you’d like to speak to our friendly and knowledgeable team and learn more, please give us a call on 0845 370 1104. We are always happy to help.
