Mountain bike: Breathtaking Biking Breaks Around Morzine

When talking about the Alps and Morzine, the first, and perhaps overpowering image that comes to mind, is of snow, skis and other winter activities. Yet there is another side to this area - the opportunities offered for mountain biking. Morzine makes a great base location for this type of holiday, and from there you'll have a huge choice in terms of tracks and directions to set off in.
What's on offer?
It slightly depends upon which reference you are using, but it's commonly estimated there are over 1,000 kilometres of prepared track running through various parts of the countryside surrounding Morzine. Some of these tracks have names that have become synonymous with quality biking opportunities - such as the Colorado Singletrack, the Mont Cherry Circuit and the sometimes seemingly unassailable Col de Con.
Many trails have ski and bike lift facilities or support transport and, for mountain biking, Morzine offers terrain and conditions to suit just about everyone - irrespective of their fitness and experience levels. There are great opportunities for cross-country biking, BMX and downhill. In particular, for experienced bikers, some of the downhill runs are considered to be among some of the world's most demanding.
Equipment purchase or hire is also available locally, though if you are planning to pick something up after arrival it might be a good idea to check in advance to make sure that what you want will be available.
The background
For mountain biking, Morzine can offer something that you may find it difficult to find elsewhere in the world - the incomparable scenery, clean air and tranquillity. Biking up a steep climb may not be able to be described as 'easy', but if you are doing it with the Alps as a backdrop, it just may somehow make it that much easier!
Of course, Morzine is not just about skiing and biking.There may be times when you simply want to do something that doesn't involve putting on a helmet and, if so, this area won't disappoint in terms of its other attractions.
To start with, this is not a resort that was thrown together only in the last 10 or 20 years. The history of the village goes back at least 1000 years, and long before it became famous for winter sports, it was a centre for slate mining and agriculture. What that means is that it has a culture and charm that are well worth exploring - including some interesting opportunities to witness local crafts. There is an excellent range of restaurants and bars, and even a cinema which occasionally shows English-language films.
There are some great walking opportunities and a number of the local towns and villages surrounding Morzine are well worth exploring. Accommodation is typically chalet style and extremely comfortable, if unfussy (although luxury accommodation is available for those who like a little bit of extra comfort).
So, if you are considering a holiday including mountain biking, Morzine offers some great trails and tracks but also alongside that, the best of comfort and facilities. What more could you ask for?
Liz Olkowicz is the Business Development Manager for Ski and Summer Morzine, a Morzine Tour Operator, based in Surrey, offering tailor-made holidays. For mountain biking, Morzine has world-class trails and is the perfect location to explore the French Alps. For a great-value Alpine holiday mountain biking, Morzine is the ideal location.