The Col de la Colombiere is one of the Tour de France classics and when combined with the climb over the Col des Aravis it makes for a picturesque but very tough route.
Col de la Colombiere and Col Des Aravis
A long route for advanced riders with fantastic views and satisfying climbs
It is possible to set off from Morzine take the road out through Les Gets and then follow the D902 through Taninges to Cluses but the most interesting part of this circuit are the climbs over the Col de Colombiere and Col des Aravis and as they are tough it might make sense to drive to Cluses and take fifty kilometres off the total route.
From Cluses take the D4 over the Col and down towards Le Grand Bornand. The D4 turns into the D909 at Saint Jean de Sixt and from here you will begin climbing over the Col des Aravis before decending once again to Flumet. The climb out of the Gorge d'Arly on the on the D1212 is narrow and winding but not steep by comparison to what you have just tackled and from Megeve it is down hill all the way back to Cluses.
Distance - 150km (From Morzine)
100km (From Cluses)
Vertical Gain - 3000m (From Morzine)
2050m (From Cluses)
Highest Point - 1613m Col de la Colombiere
Time - 6 to 8 hours
Cycle hire
Bike Hire in Avoriaz
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Mountain bike hire
Mountain bike and e-bike adventures for all levels
Explore Avoriaz and the Portes du Soleil on top-quality bikes with this company. Choose from guided rides, bike hire and tailored courses for beginners to experts.
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Mountain bike hire
Your go-to bike hire and service shop in Avoriaz
This shop offers bike and e-bike rentals for all ages, expert repairs, and a great range of outdoor accessories.
What to see
Sights in Avoriaz
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Les Gorges du Pont du Diable
Walk through spectacular rock formations in a deep gorge close to Morzine and Avoriaz
A great walk through a beech forest and dramatic limestone gorges carved by the Dranse de Morzine. Expect vibrant rock colours, safe cliffside paths and even a daring glass walkway you can try.
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Lac Montriond
A tranquil alpine lake offering outdoor activities, family fun, and stunning mountain scenery near Morzine and Avoriaz
Lac de Montriond is a peaceful natural retreat surrounded by cliffs and forest. Enjoy swimming, paddle boarding, walking trails, and more in this scenic lakeside spot.
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La Ferme de Seraussaix
Guided visits around the farm and visit the farm shop, open in summer and winter
This family run farm is open for visits in summer and winter where you can take a tour or simply buy some of their delicious cheeses.
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Horse drawn sleigh taxis
Unique horse-drawn sleigh taxi in and around the pedestrianised resort of Avoriaz
Avoriaz is a completely pedestrianised resort, no cars, vans or lorries. The best way to travel around, especially if you have little ones or lots of luggage is by horse drawn sleigh.
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Cascade des Brochaux
Fabulous waterfall on a great hiking route from Les Lindarets
The Cascade des Brochaux is a stunning waterfall located above Les Lindarets, the charming "goat village". Just a 1h30 walk from Avoriaz, or 30 minutes from Les Lindarets.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Morzine
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Wild Beets Kitchen Restaurant
Healthy, fresh and delicious cuisine with veggie and vegan options in Morzine at the Hive Gym
The perfect spot for breakfast or lunch or a coffee break with cakes, this restaurant is a delight for foodies.
What to do
Things To Do in Morzine
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Evening snowshoe and dinner adventure
Three hour evening snowshoe hike and dinner in an alpine hut or refuge
Discover the wintry mountains on foot and enjoy an evening meal in a mountain refuge or igloo.Â
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Paragliding
Tandem paragliding flights over stunning mountain scenery, suitable for everyone!
See Morzine and Avoriaz from the air with a thrilling tandem flight where you can take in the stunning scenery and even do some aerobatics.
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Equestrian centre
Horse riding lessons and discovery, hikes and overnight treks
Discover this equestrian centre in Morzine for a variety of different horse riding experiences, whether you are a novice or proficient rider.
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Parc des Dereches
Sports Centre with swimming, tennis, fitness, indoor climbing, horse riding and ice skating
The Morzine Parc des Dérêches sports centre offers a wide range of sports and fitness activities in summer and winter.
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Cascade aventure
Adventure park, canyoning, via ferrata and more at the Nyon waterfall
This is an adventure company based next to the Nyon waterfall in Morzine.
