The most beautiful cycling climbs around Avoriaz
Discover 8 must-ride mountain passes and climbs around Avoriaz, in the heart of the Alps.
A land of mountain passes
Around Avoriaz, road cycling enthusiasts can enjoy an exceptional playground. No fewer than 25 mountain passes are accessible within a 50 km radius, combining alpine roads, sweeping panoramas and legendary climbs through Haute-Savoie.
In the tracks of the Tour de France
Joux Plane, La Ramaz and the climb to Avoriaz have all played a part in the history of the Tour de France. These legendary roads, once ridden by cycling’s greatest champions, are now open to everyone to discover and tackle at their own pace.
The climb to Avoriaz
From Morzine, the road to Avoriaz climbs up to the resort at an altitude of 1,800 metres. Around 14 km of winding roads, an average gradient of nearly 6% and a finish in the heart of Avoriaz: an iconic climb that is a must for any cyclist.
The must-ride cycling climbs around Avoriaz
Between winding roads, alpine routes and panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, Avoriaz is an ideal starting point for discovering the great mountain passes of Haute-Savoie by bike. Around the resort, cyclists can take on climbs made famous by the Tour de France, such as Joux Plane and La Ramaz, as well as quieter roads through the heart of the Chablais.
From the legendary climb to Avoriaz to the Col de la Joux Verte, Col de l’Encrenaz and Col du Corbier, every ride offers a new challenge and a new way to experience the mountains. Discover our selection of the must-ride mountain passes and climbs around Avoriaz.
1. The climb to Avoriaz
A summit finish steeped in history
From Morzine, the climb to Avoriaz winds its way along the mountainside to the resort at an altitude of 1,800 metres. The route covers around 14 kilometres with 840 metres of elevation gain and an average gradient of 6%.
But what makes this climb so special goes far beyond its sporting profile. The road to Avoriaz has a firm place in the history of the Tour de France. It welcomed the peloton for the first time in 1975, during a stage to Morzine-Avoriaz won by Spain’s Vicente López-Carril.
In 1979, Bernard Hinault became the only French rider to win in Avoriaz during the Tour de France, taking victory in the individual time trial between Évian-les-Bains and Avoriaz. The win also allowed him to reclaim the yellow jersey from Joop Zoetemelk.
The Tour returned in 2010 for another high-altitude finish. After crossing the Col de la Ramaz and then Les Gets, the main contenders battled it out on the final climb to Avoriaz, classified as a Category 1 ascent. Andy Schleck took the victory at the summit ahead of Samuel Sánchez.
Today, anyone can take on those same hairpin bends, with views gradually opening up over Morzine and the peaks of the Chablais. On summer evenings, the climb takes on an especially magical atmosphere, with beautiful sunsets as you approach Les Maisons de Zore. And once you reach the top, the reward is something special: finishing your climb right in the heart of Avoriaz.
Why we love it: for its Tour de France history, its many hairpin bends, its sunsets and the unique feeling of finishing your ride at an altitude of 1,800 metres.
2. Le col de la Joux Verte
The climb to Avoriaz and the Col de la Joux Verte are closely linked, but they should not be confused.
At an altitude of 1,760 metres, the summit of the pass lies just a few kilometres from the resort. From Morzine, one of the most beautiful routes is to approach it via Montriond. The road first runs alongside Lake Montriond before continuing towards Les Lindarets. It then climbs through forests and alpine pastures to the Col de la Joux Verte, before reaching Avoriaz.
It is undoubtedly one of the climbs that best reflects the landscapes of the Portes du Soleil: a lake, forests, alpine pastures and a finish facing the distinctive architecture of Avoriaz.
Why we love it: for the variety of landscapes and because it offers a superb alternative route to reach Avoriaz by bike.
3. Le col de Joux Plane
The legend
If you had to choose just one major mountain pass around Morzine-Avoriaz, Joux Plane would undoubtedly be among the favourites.
Reaching an altitude of around 1,690 metres, it is one of the iconic climbs of cycling in Haute-Savoie and has featured many times in the Tour de France. Its reputation comes in particular from its highly irregular profile. The constant changes in gradient make it difficult to settle into a steady rhythm, and some sections reach 13%.
From Morzine, the road climbs gradually towards the alpine pastures. Once at the summit, the views open up over the surrounding mountain ranges before the road descends towards Samoëns.
Joux Plane is also part of an alternative route of the Route des Grandes Alpes, linking Morzine-Avoriaz to Cluses via Samoëns.
Why we love it: for its history, its difficulty and its status as a true monument of local cycling.
4. Le col de la Ramaz
A Tour de France classic
La Ramaz is a true Alpine climb: long, demanding and regularly associated with major cycling stages held in the region.
It notably played a key role in the 2010 Tour de France. The riders crossed it before reaching Les Gets and then tackling the final climb to Avoriaz.
La Ramaz and Joux Plane can also be combined as part of very long rides for cyclists looking for a day with plenty of elevation gain.
Beyond the challenge, the area offers magnificent views over the mountains of Haute-Savoie and, on clear days, the Mont Blanc massif.
5. Le col de l’Encrenaz
The quieter climb
At an altitude of 1,432 metres, the Col de l’Encrenaz is less well known to the general public than Joux Plane or La Ramaz.
And that is precisely what gives it its charm.
The road crosses a quieter mountain landscape, winding through small hamlets, forests and alpine pastures, with the Roc d’Enfer as a backdrop.
The Col de l’Encrenaz is particularly rewarding when included in a loop with the Col de la Ramaz. You leave behind the famous Tour de France climbs and return to smaller mountain roads where the experience matters just as much as the stopwatch.
6. Le col du Corbier
Between the Vallée d’Aulps and the Vallée d’Abondance
At 1,237 metres above sea level, the Col du Corbier may seem relatively modest compared with the major Alpine passes that surround it. However, it should not be underestimated.
Above all, the pass is a superb gateway between two valleys: the Vallée d’Aulps on one side and the Vallée d’Abondance on the other. This makes it ideal for creating a wide variety of loops and extending a ride towards Abondance, La Chapelle-d’Abondance or Châtel.
Along with Joux Plane, l’Encrenaz, la Joux Verte and la Ramaz, the Col du Corbier is one of the climbs regularly highlighted for road cycling in the Portes du Soleil.
7. Le col de Bassachaux
To climb a little higher
Head towards Châtel to discover the Col de Bassachaux, which reaches an altitude of around 1,780 metres. The Portes du Soleil cycling map lists it at 1,783 metres.
Accessible by road from the Châtel and Pré-la-Joux area, the route climbs through a true mountain setting up to the alpine pastures. At the summit, the panorama opens out over the Vallée d’Abondance, the Vallée d’Aulps, the mountains of the Portes du Soleil and the Lake Montriond area.
The Col de Bassachaux is particularly appealing for cyclists who want to venture beyond the immediate Morzine area and dedicate a day to exploring the Vallée d’Abondance.
8. Le col des Gets
On the Route des Grandes Alpes
Less demanding than Joux Plane, the Col des Gets is another historic climb in the area.
Located at an altitude of 1,163 metres, it provides access to Les Gets from the neighbouring valleys and forms part of the official Route des Grandes Alpes itinerary. Its more accessible profile makes it a good option for extending a ride or discovering the local roads without immediately taking on the toughest climbs.
It also has an important place in local cycling history: during the 2010 Tour de France stage that finished in Avoriaz, the riders passed through Les Gets just before tackling the final climb to the resort.
The Portes du Soleil cycling map
Cyclo
Avoriaz, située à 1 800 m d’altitude, offre aux amateurs de cyclo un véritable terrain de jeu ! Adeptes du vélo de route et des belles sorties, sortez la petite reine et profitez de nos superbes cols !
Domaine VTT & Plans
Découvrez le domaine VTT d'Avoriaz et des Portes du Soleil. À Avoriaz, fini les files d’attente pour démarrer la journée : ici, on commence direct sur le vélo ! Accédez facilement aux bike parks d’Avoriaz, Châtel, Morzine ou Champéry-Morgins, et revenez en toute simplicité grâce aux remontées mécaniques.
Plus besoin d’attendre les navettes : profitez pleinement de votre journée de vélo !
