From Hotel du Lac you’ll descend into Montriond, crossing the valley floor to begin the first climb of the day in Essert Romand. The 7km route that follows includes several challenging hairpin turns with stunning views to distract you en-route. Your arrival at the Col is punctuated by a refreshment break in a characterful local bar.
Morzine has played host to Le Tour de France multiple times over the years, but the arrival of L’Etape du Tour in 2023 was a wonderful moment. The route began in Annemasse but our suggestion takes in several of the 2023 L’Etape climbs, commencing from your base at Hotel du Lac. The Col de L’Encrenaz from Essert Romand is the first challenge on this tough route passing through the charming village of La Cote d’Arbroz en-route. The Col is followed by a descent into the winter resort of Praz de Lys and there’s a chance to enjoy the views before the famous Col de la Ramaz begins to loom large in the distance.
The Col de la Ramaz has witnessed many important Tour de France moments over the years and it’s certainly one of the most popular rides in our area. It descends into Sommand, continues through Mieussy and Taninges before the long, fast sprint into Samoëns at the base of the menacing Col de Joux Plane. Are you ready?
This is a suggested route and we’ve a team of experienced, local experts on hand to help you plan a route that suits the objectives of your group. You’ll be spoilt for choice in the Haute Savoie!
The route to the Col de Joux Plane is typically quiet of road traffic, winding through the forest and offering spectacular views towards the mighty Mont Blanc in the distance. Don’t get distracted. Once you make it to the Col at at altitude of 1,691m you’ll enjoy the fast, challenging descent all the way to Morzine. Save something in those legs for the final blast back up to Lac de Montriond and your base at Hotel du Lac.