What is the Pleney DH track?
The Pleney DH is the original downhill track in Morzine and remains the defining descent of the resort. Lift access from Morzine village to the top of Pleney mountain via the Pleney gondola opens up a network of downhill, enduro and flow trails on the south-facing slopes above town.
The main DH line drops approximately 750 m of vertical over 4 km, featuring sustained natural terrain — rock, roots, ruts and clay — with several mandatory technical sections. It’s been ridden by every generation of European downhill racer since the early 2000s.
Pleney DH difficulty and rider profile
The main Pleney DH (black-graded) is rated expert and is best suited to confident downhill or strong enduro riders. The terrain is unrelenting once you commit — there are bail-out points but no easy lines for long stretches.
Less experienced riders should ride the parallel blue and red tracks down Pleney mountain, which share the same lift access but follow gentler, less technical lines. Progression from blue to red to black across multiple visits is the standard learning curve.
How to access Pleney
Pleney is accessed via the Pleney gondola from Morzine village centre — a 2-minute walk from most central hotels and chalets. The gondola is included in the Portes du Soleil Multi-Pass.
Lift opening is typically 9:30 AM with a brief afternoon close at the operator’s discretion. Check daily opening hours on the Morzine-Avoriaz resort site before riding.
Key sections of the Pleney DH
The Pleney DH breaks into three distinct sections. The upper third is fast and open with high-speed sections through forested singletrack and rocky rolls. The middle third is the technical core — sustained natural terrain, roots, ruts and one or two mandatory drops or step-downs.
The lower third runs into the forested gradient back toward Morzine, with tighter trees, fast corners and a final flat-out run-in to the lift base. Most riders are physically cooked by the bottom.
Alternative tracks on Pleney mountain
- Pleney Blue — flow track parallel to the DH, suitable for intermediates and progressing riders.
- Pleney Red — natural singletrack with rock and root features, faster than the blue.
- Vink Line — bespoke jump line built by Sam Vink, mandatory air, expert only.
- Lower Pleney enduro tracks — long, raw enduro descents linked from the main DH.
Where to stay to ride Pleney
Morzine village centre is the ideal base for Pleney DH because the Pleney gondola sits directly in the village. Most central hotels and chalets are within a 5-minute walk of the lift base, making first-lift starts trivial.
Look for properties with secure bike storage, a wash station, drying room and ideally a relationship with a local bike shop for repairs and tyre swaps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pleney DH suitable for intermediate riders?
The main black Pleney DH is expert-only. Intermediate riders should ride the parallel blue and red tracks down Pleney mountain — these share the same lift access but follow gentler, more flowing lines.
Do I need a downhill bike for Pleney?
A downhill bike is ideal for the main black DH track. An enduro bike with 160 to 170 mm of travel and reinforced tyres is more than capable for the blue and red tracks, and works for the black with stronger riders.
How long does the Pleney DH take to ride?
The main Pleney DH is around 4 km long. Most riders complete a lap in 8 to 15 minutes depending on pace and stops; race pace is under 5 minutes.
Can beginners ride Pleney mountain?
Yes — Pleney mountain hosts blue-graded flow tracks suitable for intermediate riders. True beginners are better suited to the Les Gets Green loop or the dedicated beginner zone at the bottom of the Pleney sector.
