4 Must-Do Trail Running Routes Not to Be Missed
Discover 4 trail running routes in Avoriaz and run through the heart of the Portes du Soleil, surrounded by alpine meadows, mountain peaks and breathtaking panoramas.
Trail running in Avoriaz
At an altitude of 1,800 metres, Avoriaz is a true playground for trail running enthusiasts. From the resort, you can access numerous trails directly, leading through alpine meadows, forests, ridgelines and the peaks of the Portes du Soleil.
For all levels
From short loops to discover mountain running, to panoramic routes and more challenging outings with several hundred metres of elevation gain, Avoriaz offers trails suitable for both beginners and experienced trail runners.
The Trail des Hauts-Forts
A must-do event on the summer trail running calendar, the Trail des Hauts-Forts showcases the incredible variety of terrain between Morzine and Avoriaz. Challenging routes through the heart of the mountains offer the perfect way to experience trail running in the Portes du Soleil.
4 Must-Do Trail Running Routes
Running at an altitude of 1,800 metres, crossing alpine meadows, following the shores of a mountain lake and climbing up to the ridgelines with the Chablais peaks as a backdrop… In Avoriaz, trail running takes on a whole new dimension.
Located in the heart of the Portes du Soleil and directly connected to a vast network of trails between France and Switzerland, Avoriaz is an ideal destination for trail running, whether you are discovering the sport for the first time or already used to long mountain outings.
The Portes du Soleil area boasts more than 470 km of marked trails and singletracks, with routes ranging from just a few kilometres and less than 200 metres of elevation gain to true mountain adventures with more than 3,000 metres of ascent. The ski lifts open in summer also make it easy to create original routes and vary both the terrain and elevation gain.
And in Avoriaz, there is one more advantage: there is no need to take the car to go running. From the pedestrian resort, the trails are directly accessible on foot from your accommodation.
Portes du Soleil Trail Map
Here are 4 trail running routes to discover around Avoriaz, from the most accessible to the most challenging.
1. Chavanette Loop (Route 49)
Ideal for discovering mountain trail running
Distance: 4.8 km
Elevation gain: 180 m D+
Level: Easy
Looking to take your first steps into trail running or simply enjoy a short morning run? The Chavanette Loop is probably the ideal route to get started.
Starting from Avoriaz, the route gradually descends towards the lake before reaching the Chavanette area. The trail alternates between accessible paths, gentle climbs and more runnable sections, always with the mountains as a backdrop.
At under 5 kilometres with 180 metres of elevation gain, this loop is a great introduction to running at altitude without committing to a long mountain outing.
It is also an excellent route for an easy run, getting back into training or enjoying a short session before making the most of the rest of your day in Avoriaz.
The +: a route directly accessible from the resort, perfect for discovering trail running and learning how to manage your first changes in terrain and elevation in the mountains.
2. Avoriaz - Joux Verte (Route 50)
Panoramic trail running at its best
Distance: 8.1 km
Elevation gain: 290 m D+
Level: Easy to intermediate
Want to go a little further while making the most of the scenery? Head towards the Col de la Joux Verte and the Zore ridgelines.
From Avoriaz, the route gradually descends towards the golf course before reaching the Col de la Joux Verte. It then continues along the trails of the Zore ridge, through particularly enjoyable terrain for running.
The rest of the route alternates between panoramic sections, forest tracks and mountain trails before gradually climbing back towards Avoriaz.
At just over 8 kilometres with around 290 metres of elevation gain, this route is a great transition between a mountain run and a true trail running outing.
The +: the variety of landscapes. In just a few kilometres, you move from wide-open high-altitude scenery to forest trails, with plenty of viewpoints over the surrounding mountains.
3. Fornet - Chavanette Loop (Route 52)
Gain some altitude
Distance: 10.9 km
Elevation gain: 650 m D+
Level: Intermediate
The Fornet – Chavanette Loop is ideal for runners who want to discover a more mountainous trail and start taking on greater elevation gain.
From Avoriaz, the route climbs above the lake before reaching the area around the Col du Fornet and then the summit of Chavanette, at more than 2,100 metres above sea level.
The effort is rewarded with superb views over Avoriaz, the surrounding peaks and the Dents du Midi on the Swiss side.
The descent then offers more playful sections on trails where the terrain becomes part of the fun, with changes of pace, varied footing and mountain singletracks all the way back.
At nearly 11 kilometres with around 650 metres of elevation gain, this is an excellent route for discovering everything that makes trail running in Avoriaz so special: altitude, climbing, panoramic views and technical trails in a spectacular alpine setting.
The +: reaching the heights of Chavanette and enjoying a true high-mountain atmosphere just a few kilometres from the centre of Avoriaz.
4. Morzinette Loop (Route 51)
Time for a challenge!
Distance: approximately 10 km
Elevation gain: approximately 800 m D+
Level: Difficult
Don’t be fooled by the distance: the Morzinette Loop may look short on paper, but it is particularly demanding!
Starting from Avoriaz, the route drops down towards Morzinette, a former alpine hamlet made up of traditional chalets nestled beneath the impressive cliffs of the Hauts-Forts.
The contrast is striking: in just a few kilometres, you leave Avoriaz at an altitude of 1,800 metres and descend into the alpine meadows to discover a completely different side of the mountains.
The descent continues towards Les Prodains before reaching the highlight of the route: the climb back up to Avoriaz.
A demanding ascent that will put both your legs and cardio to work, while also providing an excellent training ground for runners looking to improve their uphill performance.
The +: a concentrated dose of alpine trail running with elevation gain, a traditional mountain hamlet, the Hauts-Forts cliffs and a final climb that is sure to leave an impression.
Avoriaz, a true base camp for trail runners
These four routes offer just a glimpse of the many trail running possibilities around Avoriaz.
From the resort, trail runners can enjoy all kinds of outings: a short run at sunrise, a panoramic loop along the ridgelines, an elevation training session, a long-distance run or even an adventure between France and Switzerland.
The vast network of marked trails across the Portes du Soleil makes it easy to create routes suited to every level. The area offers more than 470 km of trails dedicated to the activity, with an extremely wide variety of profiles and terrain.
The ski lifts open to pedestrians during the summer provide even more possibilities. They allow you to reach high-altitude areas, create point-to-point routes or simply adapt your outing to your fitness level.
Add to this a fully pedestrian resort located at 1,800 metres above sea level, with trails directly accessible from your accommodation, and Avoriaz becomes a true base camp for a trail running holiday.
Before every outing, remember to check trail conditions and openings, the weather forecast and local information. Conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Make sure you also carry water, suitable clothing, a fully charged phone and your GPX route.
Trail running
Fancy a high-altitude run this summer? Come and discover our 400km of waymarked trails.
Sports holidays in Avoriaz in summer
In Avoriaz, the mountains become a true open-air playground for all lovers of sport and outdoor activities. Thanks to its natural environment and fully pedestrian layout, everything is easily accessible, without hassle, directly from the heart of the resort.
The Trail des Hauts-Forts – Morzine-Avoriaz’s major trail running event
For those looking to move from discovering trail running to taking on a real challenge, it is impossible to talk about trail running in Avoriaz without mentioning the Trail des Hauts-Forts.
Held every summer between Morzine and Avoriaz, the event takes runners along some of the most beautiful trails in the Portes du Soleil, around the Hauts-Forts massif, the highest point in the Chablais.
Several race formats allow participants to take on the demanding terrain of the region, culminating in the flagship 52 km course with 3,820 metres of elevation gain. The Trail du Fornet offers a 36 km route with 2,820 m D+, while the Trail des Mines d’Or features a 23 km course with 1,850 m D+. The main race can also be completed as a two-person relay.
Demanding climbs, technical trails, alpine meadows, spectacular panoramas and a finish in Avoriaz: the Trail des Hauts-Forts brings together everything that makes the area a must-visit destination for trail running and mountain enthusiasts.
