It is rare to find facilities like this in such close proximity, and the 1000m+ altitude provides additional training benefit. Road cyclists can choose from several famous routes climbed in the Tour de France.

Road Cycling

There are several classic Tour de France climbs in the area, including the infamous Col de Joux Plane climbed in the 2006 Tour de France (the Floyd Landis stage) and also the road climb to Avoriaz at 1800m which Bernard Hinault holds the record for. We try & accompany you on the occasional ride and provide route-guides & maps where we can't.

For the touring cyclist there are several days of classic alpine cycling to be had, all from the door of the chalet. Here's an example of two for you:

Joux Plane day (60km / 1800m ascent) - an easy start through the town of Morzine before the steep climb up to the Col de l'Encrenaz. From here a beautiful back-road down to the valley below then along to the pretty village of Samoens. Finally the classic climb up to the Joux Plane, a great cafe stop at the top before the spectacular descent back to Morzine.

Tour of Col de Ramaz (70km / 2000m) - again an easy start down the gorge before the short steep climb up the Col de Corbier. Great twisting descent before making your way across through Vernaz and the long climb up the Ramaz. Choice of routes back to Morzine depending how you're feeling!

The cols provide great leg-strength building opportunities and there are other shorter climbs or alternative routes to practice speedier sessions on. For flatter rides the Samoens valley provides a great circuit. The views along the way are often magnificent and most routes include several refreshment opportunities en-route to help with fluid & food intake

Swimming

Guests can train in the 50m outdoor-heated swimming pool, which is open from June - early September each year. There are always two lanes kept free for lane swimming and the pool opens both early in the morning and in the evening on certain days. Alternatively, Lac Montriond lies just a short distance away by car or bike, and is a 2km long lake providing a larger expanse for the longer swims. Wet suits may be required early or late season but are not normally necessary in July & August.

Running

The local Parc-sportif next to the swimming pool has a flat running circuit which can be made into a fast 5km loop on good terrain tracks. Alternatively, longer track / road routes are available and can be constructed into either (or both) hill sessions or downhill leg speed training. Take a look at our running section if you fancy something more challenging up the hills!

In addition, we can arrange in-house massages to ease those tired limbs from a fully qualified English-speaking masseur.

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