Morzine
The Alpine Triathlon Playground
Swim, bike, and run at altitude
Discover why Morzine in the French Alps is the triathlete's dream destination for smashing their peak week goals and experiencing epic mountain scenery.
For a challenging training spot with stunning scenery, look no further than Morzine. Once the snow melts, this Portes du Soleil town transforms into a high-altitude haven for endurance athletes. Enjoy pristine alpine lakes for open-water training, legendary Tour de France featured cols, and scenic valley trails for running. You'll encounter pro cyclists and fellow triathletes attracted by top-notch facilities and breath taking landscapes.
Morzine in the summer offers a classic mountain climate – perfect for hard training sessions without the oppressive heat of the lowlands.
June-August: This is the prime season. Expect warm, sunny days with average temperatures between 20−25∘C in the valley. The sun can be strong, but the altitude keeps things pleasant. Evenings can be cool, so pack layers. Be prepared for the occasional afternoon thunderstorm; they tend to roll in quickly and pass, so always check the forecast before a long session.
September: A golden month. The summer crowds begin to thin, but the weather is often still stable and pleasantly warm. The autumn colours start to appear, making for spectacular scenery on your rides and runs.
Local Climate
Exciting Holiday Offers in Morzine
Discover once in a lifetime stays and experience the mountains like never before! From breath taking landscapes to rich historical sites, our accommodation options and triathlon packages ensure that your stay in Morzine is nothing short of extraordinary.
Best Visiting Period
For the full triathlon training experience, aim for late June to early September. All the key facilities, including the outdoor pool and the lifeguarded lake swimming, are fully operational. The mountain passes are guaranteed to be snow-free, and the town is buzzing with summer energy.
The Nitty Gritty: Visa & Entry for UK Travellers
As a UK traveller, you're in luck. For short stays like a training holiday (up to 90 days in any 180-day period), you do not need a visa to enter France.
However, ensure your passport was issued within the last 10 years and is valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave. It's always smart to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers you for triathlon training activities, including medical emergencies. Keep an eye on the latest UK government travel advice for France before you head out.
Your Alpine Training Plan: Swim, Bike, Run
Morzine is a purpose-built playground for triathletes. Here’s how to tackle each discipline:
The Emerald Lake
01 - SWIM
Your open-water sessions will be in the breathtaking Lac Montriond. This is an alpine lake, so the water is crisp and clear – expect temperatures around 18−20C in mid-summer. A wetsuit is essential! There's a designated, lifeguarded swimming area during July and August, perfect for safe training. You can easily practice sighting on the surrounding cliffs and get used to the unique feel of swimming at an altitude of around 1060m. For pool sessions, Morzine’s excellent aquatic centre boasts a 50m Olympic-sized outdoor pool and a 25m indoor pool, perfect for structured workouts.
02 - BIKE
Conquer the Cols
The cycling here is legendary. You can go from a gentle spin to an epic mountain beast of a ride, all from your doorstep.
Beginner's Ride - The Valley Spinner: A relatively flat (for the Alps!) out-and-back route along the valley floor from Morzine to Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. Follow the D907 and D902 along the River Giffre. It’s a great way to spin the legs, acclimatise, and enjoy the scenery without tackling a major climb. (~40-50km)
Medium Level Ride - The Col de l'Encrenaz Loop: This is a fantastic introduction to Alpine climbing. The route takes you up a beautiful, quieter road to the Col de l'Encrenaz, offering stunning views of Mont Blanc. The descent is technical and fun, bringing you back towards Morzine. It’s a proper mountain loop that's challenging but achievable. (~35km with ~800m of climbing)
Experienced Rider's Ride - The Col de Joux Plane Assault: The bucket-list ride. Famously one of the Tour de France's toughest climbs, the route from Samoëns up the Joux Plane is relentless. Your reward is one of the most iconic views in cycling, looking directly at the Mont Blanc massif from the summit. The descent back into Morzine is fast and technical. This is a true test of climbing prowess. (~55km with ~1250m+ of climbing)
03 - RUN
River Trails and Mountain Views
The Go-To Run - Dranse River Path: Starting right in Morzine town centre, a fantastic, mostly flat, gravel path runs alongside the River Dranse. You can run for miles in either direction, making it perfect for everything from short brick runs to longer, steady endurance efforts. It's scenic, easy to navigate, and a local favourite.
The Trail Run - Up to the Nyon Plateau: For those who love a challenge and a view, take one of the many marked trails that head up from Morzine towards the Nyon plateau or the Cascade des Nyon. You’ll be swapping flat paths for forest tracks and climbing, which is fantastic for building strength. The views from higher up are your reward for the hard work on the ascent.
Beyond the Finish Line: Top 3 Sites to Explore
Lac Montriond
This is your primary swim venue, but it's also a stunning spot to relax. This emerald-green lake, flanked by dramatic cliffs, is perfect for a gentle paddleboard, a kayak, or simply a picnic and a refreshingly cool dip on a rest day.
Cascade des Nyon
A beautiful waterfall just a short hike from the town centre. It's a great objective for a recovery walk or a gentle trail run, with a cool suspension bridge offering fantastic views.
Avoriaz
Take the Prodains Express cable car up to the unique, purpose-built resort of Avoriaz. Perched on a cliff top, its avant-garde architecture is a sight to behold, and the panoramic views back down towards Morzine and across the Portes du Soleil are simply incredible.
First-Timer? Top Tips for Triathletes in Morzine
Respect the Altitude
Morzine sits at 1000m. You might feel a little breathless on the first day or two. Ease into your training, stay exceptionally well-hydrated, and listen to your body.
Fuel for the Mountains
Climbing burns serious calories. Always carry more food and water than you think you'll need. Local bakeries (boulangeries) are perfect for a pre-ride or mid-ride snack!
Open Water Acclimatisation
If you're not used to cold water, take your first few lake swims easy. Start with short periods in the water to acclimatise before tackling longer efforts.
Brick Sessions are Easy to Set Up
The area around Lac Montriond is perfect for brick sessions. You can easily set up a small transition area on the grass after your swim and head straight out on one of the quieter roads or running paths that start from the lake.
Your Alpine Basecamp: Where to Stay
To get the most out of your training, stay in central Morzine. You’ll be within easy walking distance of the swimming pool complex, supermarkets, bike shops, and restaurants. Many of the best running and cycling routes can be started right from the town centre. Look for self-catered apartments or chalets if you want to control your own nutrition. Many chalets are geared towards cyclists and have secure bike storage and workshop areas. Staying close to the main Pleney or Super Morzine lifts is also a good marker for a central location.
Go Higher, Get Stronger!
Morzine is more than just a training location; it's an experience. It's the feeling of conquering a famous col, the exhilarating shock of a cool alpine lake, and the peace of a run along a glacial river. It’s the perfect environment to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with your love for the sport.
You'll leave Morzine not just fitter and stronger, but with a camera roll full of epic mountain vistas and a bank of memories from a truly world-class triathlon adventure. This is the place to challenge yourself, push your boundaries, and come back a better, more resilient athlete. The mountains are calling!
