The French Alps has so much to offer families, especially those that love to bike. Find out everything you need to know about planning a two wheel adventure in Morzine.
Why choose Morzine for biking with kids?
If you are a bike mad family, or you’re simply looking for a fun way to experience the mountains, Morzine is an excellent holiday choice for your cycling adventures. The resort sits in the heart of Portes du Soleil mountain range – one of Europe’s biggest bike parks (and ski areas in winter). Family friendly trails through valleys, forests and along the beautiful river Dranse make wonderful days out, and for older kids – over 5 years – the summer lift system (which works for bikers rather than skiers in summer) opens up a whole new world of amazing mountain biking terrain, with spectacular views and exciting attractions along the way.
As well as being a great destination for mountain biking, Morzine is an extremely family-friendly resort with lots of fun activities for kids of all ages, adventure play grounds, an amazing swimming complex and endless opportunities for discovering nature amongst forests, lakes, waterfalls and mountain peaks.
Located a short transfer (of 90 minutes) from Geneva airport it is also one of the easiest Alpine destinations to reach from the UK, and with plenty of kid-friendly restaurants and accommodation, it couldn’t be easier to plan your summer escape to the mountains.
Overview of bike terrain and family-friendly trails
In summer Morzine is a Mecca for bike riders of both road and trail, and regularly hosts major events including The Tour de France and UCI Mountain Bike World Series. Yet despite it’s reputation as a destination for pro riders, the resort has very successfully kept the trails and vibe very welcoming for families with kids of all ages.
Under 5s
Starting at the youngest end of the spectrum, the trails along the valley floor and river Dranse are perfect for young riders and parents pulling a baby bike carrier. Stops along the way include the Dérêche park – an activity area with a swimming pool, tree top adventure from 2 years and outdoor play park – as well as the stunning Nyon waterfall.
5 and over
Morzine’s bike park offers a great range of entry level runs, clearly marked and all categorised by difficulty – with green being the easiest and black being the hardest. Children as young as 5 can use the lifts to each epic trails at high altitude when accompanied by an adult. Kids will love the novelty of taking a gondola to the top of the mountain and riding all the way down. What’s more, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes for lunch stops, and that all important ice cream!
Morzine has bike trails on either side of the town. By hooking your bikes up to the Super Morzine gondola, you’ll have access to a variety of green trails, which are as easy as you will find in the Portes du Soleil. They are smooth with a gentle gradient, and perfect for kids and less experienced riders. Once you have got the feel of the green trails, you can go for the blues.
On the opposite side of town, the Pleney gondola lift takes you up to a number of slightly harder trails. These are very natural, and not particularly steep (for the alps), but they do have many roots – so it’s best to start with young riders on the Super Morzine side first and work up to the Pleney side.
Non-bike family things to do
Morzine is a natural adventure playground in the summer months, with an unlimited number of activities to try and excellent family facilities. Here are some of the best activities to do with kids:
A day at Lac Montriond
This stunning alpine lake surrounded by mountain cliffs is easily reachable by car or by bike. In addition to the main lake, there is a smaller, paddling lake and sand pit for young kids. On the shores you’ll find a crazy golf course, pony rides, and a water sports facility where you can rent canoes, kayaks and paddle boards; along with a small – but good – selection of restaurants.
A dip in Morzine’s pool
It’s not often you can stand in a swimming pool whilst watching mountain bikers and gondolas go past. Morzine has a fantastic swimming complex boasting three indoor pools, two outdoor pools, a toddlers play pool, a bouncy castle and a lovely cafe. Kids won’t want to leave and parents will enjoy the surrounding mountain views.
The summer luge
This town is addicted to downhill exhilaration and a ride on the luge is a fun way to join in. The driver controls the speed of the sledge by operating the brakes, so it is up to you whether you take a speedy dash down or enjoy the mountain views at a more gentle pace.
The Goat Village
Les Linderets is an idyllic mountain hamlet with narrow streets and pretty chalets, and thanks to its free-range goats it is known locally as ‘the goat village’. The area is full of goats of all colours, shapes and sizes. They are also not shy and will allow children to get close and even pet them if they wish. The goats wander around freely, seemingly enjoying the attention of tourists as much as the fresh grass in the near by pastures.
White water rafting
In an 8-seater raft, you and your raft mates will learn how to navigate the twists and turns of the river under the guidance of an instructor. You will be provided with all the necessary equipment including a wet suit, helmet, boots, a life jacket and a paddle. There are several trips down the river, from beginner level right up to Grade IV rapids.
Where to stay in Morzine
Staying near Morzine centre will put you in an excellent spot to access the summer lifts and picturesque trails of the valley, as well as enjoy a lively Alpine town with excellent bars, restaurants, swimming spots, bike shops and spa facilities. Discover The Farmhouse, a bike-friendly hotel in Morzine’s pretty old town and find out more about planning your cycling holiday in Morzine.
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