Why Morzine and Les Gets are Europe’s top mountain bike destination
Morzine and Les Gets anchor the Portes du Soleil bike region, the largest lift-served mountain biking area in the world. A single Multi-Pass unlocks more than 20 lifts and over 600 km of marked trails spanning 12 resorts across France and Switzerland.
The terrain is what sets Morzine and Les Gets apart from other Alpine bike destinations: alpine meadows, forested singletrack, manicured bike-park flow trails, raw enduro descents and natural freeride features all sit within a single lift-served network. Riders of every level can ride the same area without compromise.
Morzine has hosted UCI Downhill and Enduro World Series rounds; Les Gets hosted the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in 2022 and continues to host World Cup downhill, four-cross and cross-country rounds.
Quick comparison: the 6 iconic Morzine and Les Gets trails
The trails below cover every discipline a mountain biker would want, from beginner family flow to UCI World Cup downhill. Each has a dedicated guide on impt.io.
- Les Gets Bike Park (Chavannes sector) — DH, flow and enduro across 30+ tracks for all abilities.
- Pleney DH (Morzine) — the classic Morzine downhill descent and the resort’s defining track.
- The Stash (Avoriaz) — Whistler-style natural freeride and enduro built by Trailforks-pioneering crew.
- Super Morzine / Avoriaz to Morzine — 1,200m+ long all-mountain descent.
- Col de Cou / Rosta sector — XC and all-mountain crossing into Switzerland.
- Les Gets Green loop — beginner-friendly family flow ride.
When is the best time to ride Morzine and Les Gets?
The Portes du Soleil bike park season runs from late June to early September, with the official lift opening dates published by Morzine-Avoriaz and Les Gets each spring. The best conditions and quietest lifts are typically in late June and the first half of September.
July and August are peak season, with longer lift queues, higher prices and the busiest trails. School holidays in France (July to late August) drive most of the volume.
Where to stay for a Morzine / Les Gets bike trip
The two main base options are Morzine (busier, more dining and nightlife, larger lift network on the doorstep) and Les Gets (quieter, more family-focused, direct access to the bike park). Both share the Portes du Soleil Multi-Pass.
Bike-friendly hotels and chalets in Morzine and Les Gets typically offer secure bike storage, wash stations, in-house workshops, drying rooms and laundry. Many also offer chalet board with cooked breakfast and a three-course dinner — the dominant accommodation format in the area.
Getting there and getting around
Morzine and Les Gets sit in the Haute-Savoie region of France, about 90 minutes from Geneva Airport. Geneva is the nearest international hub; transfers run daily in summer with multiple operators.
Once in resort, the lift network does most of the heavy lifting. A Multi-Pass (Portes du Soleil bike pass) gives access to lifts across both villages and the wider 12-resort network. Many hotels include or partner with shuttle services for trails outside the lift footprint.
Related Reading on impt.io
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Morzine or Les Gets better for mountain biking?
Morzine is better for riders prioritising trail variety, nightlife and proximity to the wider Portes du Soleil network including Avoriaz. Les Gets is better for families, beginners and riders who want a quieter base with direct bike park access. Both share the same Multi-Pass and are linked by lift.
How many days do I need in Morzine or Les Gets?
Most riders plan five to seven days. A long weekend covers the headline tracks (Pleney, Chavannes, The Stash). A full week lets you ride every signature trail plus cross into Switzerland via Châtel and Champéry.
Do I need a guide in Morzine or Les Gets?
A guide isn’t required — the bike park trails are graded and signed like ski runs. But hiring a local guide for one or two days is the fastest way to unlock the best lines, especially across the wider Portes du Soleil network.
What bike do I need for Morzine and Les Gets?
An enduro bike with 160 to 170 mm of travel is the sweet spot for the Portes du Soleil. Dedicated downhill bikes are great for Pleney and the lower Chavannes tracks but limiting for cross-country and Avoriaz. E-MTBs are extremely popular for the all-mountain and XC routes.
Plan Your Stay in Morzine or Les Gets
Ready to book? Compare every bike-friendly hotel and chalet in Morzine and Les Gets on impt.io.
