The Col de la Joux Verte is a popular steep circuit that climbs the road from Morzine to the ski station of Avoriaz some 800m on the cliffs above.
Col de la Joux Verte
An advanced route with steep uphill sections, hairpin bends and fast descents
The Col de Joux Verte is a classic alpine climb, starting right from the heart of Morzine. The route begins near the Mairie’s office by the bridge over the Dranse River, quickly navigating a couple of roundabouts before launching into a 14km ascent packed with hairpin bends.
Climb overview:
The first half of the climb is a classic alpine experience with tight switchbacks, ski chalets perched above the road, and the Super Morzine ski lift passing overhead, loaded with mountain bikers and walkers. As the chalets give way to open meadows, the sound of cowbells from grazing livestock becomes a constant companion. Around the halfway mark, near the small hamlet of Zore, the road straightens slightly, running along the cliffs above the village of Prodains at the head of the Vallée des Ardoisières.
Avoriaz comes into view ahead, but the final stretch remains challenging, especially for those who may have pushed a little too hard earlier in the climb.
Records and timing:
- Cycling legend Bernard Hinault holds the record for the fastest ascent: 33 minutes during the 1979 Tour de France.
- The annual Joux Verte race typically sees elite amateur riders finish in just under 40 minutes.
- Strong club riders can expect times of around 50 minutes, while a more comfortable pace takes about an hour.
- Less experienced or casual riders might complete the climb in 60–75 minutes.
For those who like a challenge, the Morzine Tourist Office provides official time-stamping cards. Riders can stamp their card at the start (at the small blue box by the painted start line) and again at the finish near the Avoriaz tourist office, earning themselves a certificate to mark their achievement.
The descent:
The ride back down is thrilling, with fast straights in the upper section before hitting the tighter, more technical hairpin bends from the halfway point. Many of these corners are bordered by low concrete walls, acting as barriers between the upper and lower sections of the road. Though speeds can be high particularly in the top half of the descent, most riders will take the hairpins at no more than 20 mph, making for a controlled and exhilarating ride.
An alternative descent avoids the main road back to Morzine. After about 1km, take a right turn towards Les Lindarets, known as the ‘goat village’ due to the free-roaming goats that attract plenty of tourists. The road then continues past the stunning Lac de Montriond before rejoining the main road back to Morzine. This route offers a fantastic mix of tight hairpins, sweeping fast corners, and steep straight sections. Some corners are blind, and unlike the Tour de France, oncoming traffic is a real consideration, so caution is advised.
Alternative route:
For those looking for an even tougher challenge, tackling the climb in reverse—via Les Lindarets—is significantly harder, with steeper gradients throughout.
Key stats:
Distance: 32km
Time: 1–2 hours
Vertical gain: 860m
Highest point: Avoriaz (1,800m)
A rewarding climb with fantastic views, the Col de Joux Verte is a must-ride for cyclists in the Morzine area.
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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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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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.
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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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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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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.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Avoriaz
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La Cachette Restaurant
Enjoy Savoyard specialities at a cosy alpine chic restaurant in central Avoriaz
La Cachette is located in the heart of the historical Dromonts area in Avoriaz. It has a cosy alpine interior that will make you feel instantly at home.
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Le Lounge Roc Restaurant, Cocktail Bar & Wine Cellar
Chic restaurant, cocktail bar and wine cellar in the centre of the resort
Located in the Dromonts area of Avoriaz, this restaurant, cocktail bar and wine cellar offers several ways to enjoy an evening during your stay. Whether you’re looking for dinner, an aperitif or a bottle of wine, you can make the most of the different spaces and menus in one place.
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Le R Restaurant, Wine Shop & Delicatessen
Treat yourself to some delicious local delicacies in this chic restaurant
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat, pick up dinner for your apartment or stock up on good food and wine during your stay in Avoriaz, this restaurant, wine shop and delicatessen brings several options together under one roof.
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La Fruitière Restaurant
Gourmet restaurant at the Folie Douce on the Avoriaz plateau at the top of the resort
La Fruitière at Folie Douce in Avoriaz serves gourmet regional dishes with a buzzing mountain atmosphere. Burgers include a pulled beef option and the plant-based Le Boyond, plus casual burgers at La Petite Cuisine. Open daily with après-ski entertainment, it’s a must-visit on the plateau.
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Mamo's Café Lindarets
Lindarets bowl Avoriaz, great food stop if you're skiing, hiking or biking
Open for breakfast, brunch and lunch, this is a beautiful spot to grab some food during a long day in the mountains.
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Le Fangle mountain restaurant
A mountain restaurant directly on the piste in Avoriaz, the perfect spot for lunch
During the winter you can take your lunches in the heart of the fabulous skiing area Les Portes Du Soleil because Le Fangle is a mountain restaurant located on the slopes heading down from Avoriaz to Morzine. This charming restaurant has a spacious traditional alpine interior with a roaring log fire to keep you warm on chilly days.
What to do
Things To Do in Avoriaz
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Village Igloo aperitif and dinner
Traditional fondue dinner in a huge igloo, suitable for all the family
A dining experience like no other! A spectacular and unique 200m2 ice grotto, bar, restaurant and mini hotel in Avoriaz, where you'll enjoy a typical Savoyard cheese fondue or aperitif in a unique setting.
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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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Le Strike Roc Bowling Bar
Very cool bowling and arcade classic gaming bar in the centre of Avoriaz
Le Strike Roc Bowling Bar in Avoriaz is a year-round destination for fun, food, and friendly competition.Â
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Aquariaz
An indoor aquatic paradise with heated pools and fun for all the family
Aquariaz is an aquatic paradise set in the heart of Avoriaz offering a huge water park made up of a gentle flowing indoor river, a slidewinder (an aquatic halfpipe), a toddlers paddling pool and water playhouse, a large pool with natural climbing walls.
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Outdoor ice rink
Ice skating fun outdoors for all the family during the winter
Located in the centre of Avoriaz is the outdoor 'patinoire' or ice rink.
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Avoscoot snowmobiling
Snowmobile or skidoo tours from Avoriaz and through the super Morzine forest
Snowmobiling can be a fun, fast, snowy activity. Starting from Avoriaz resort, outings start from 17.30 to midnight, giving you free range of the snow and the Alps.
