Mountain bike hire
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.
Col de la Joux Verte
An advanced route with steep uphill sections, hairpin bends and fast descents
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 155 Steakhouse Restaurant
Le 155 Steakhouse in Avoriaz specialises in quality steaks and gourmet burgers with toppings like Camembert, Reblochon and goat’s cheese. The menu also includes hearty breakfasts, vegetarian options and tempting desserts. Open daily in winter and summer, it’s a great choice for a satisfying meal.
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La Reserve Restaurant
Located in the heart of the resort, this restaurant serves a traditionally French Savoyard menu with meat and fish dishes too.
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Les Ancelles Restaurant
Traditional bar and restaurant accessible on skis in winter or by foot in summer, within close reach of the Cascade des Brochaux.
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La Petite Cuisine Restaurant
Situated at the top of Avoriaz resort, enjoy a delicious meal after a morning on the slopes with family or friends.
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Chez Flo Restaurant
With inside and outside dining as well as a bar, this is a popular, large restaurant in Avoriaz. Dine on local Savoyard dishes, croque monsieur or frites, it all comes at a reasonable price.
What to do
Things To Do in Avoriaz
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Horse drawn sleigh taxis
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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Outdoor Ice Rink
Located in the centre of Avoriaz is the outdoor 'patinoire' or ice rink.
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Village Igloo aperitif and dinner
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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Le Strike Roc Bowling Bar
Le Strike Roc Bowling Bar in Avoriaz is a year-round destination for fun, food, and friendly competition. During the off-season, the venue welcomes guests from Monday to Friday, 12pm to 2pm and 6pm to 10pm, and on Saturdays from 4pm to 10pm, including public holidays and May bank holidays.
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Aquariaz
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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Whitewater rafting, near Avoriaz
A selection of exhilarating rafting excursions to suit all abilities.
