Morzine Events - Summer

In summer 2008, Avoriaz hosted the very first Urban Roof 'n' Slopestyle freestyle MTB event. Totally unique in concept, this event doesn't take place at street level, but high up on the roofs of the resort providing freestyle fans with a jaw dropping spectacle. ... see "Avoriaz Urban Roof 'n' Slopestyle" for more

This mountain biking weekend sees cyclists of all abilities tackling the VTT routes of the Portes du Soleil. There are 3 designated categories to enter: 75km, 50km and 30km as well as a special 'Rando Kids' track. You can start from a number of resorts throughout the region and each trek takes just one day so you can enter on either Saturday or Sunday (or both if you're a bit keen!) Refreshment points and marshalls ensure that everything runs smoothly so turn up and get muddy! Participants can register in advance on this website. ... see "Pass'Portes du Soleil Mountain Bike Event" for more

This incredible endurance race really puts the athletes through their paces as they demonstrate 5 sporting disciplines, over 5 days, passing through 5 different resorts! Competitors must complete one trail running stage and one outdoor discipline each day, gaining points as the event progresses. The outdoor disciplines can include such diverse sports as mountain biking, mountaineering, canoeing, hydrospeed, canyoning, caving and abseiling.

(NB The organisers of the Saab Salomon Mountain X Race have decided to take a sabbatical for summer 2009, but they are confident that they will return to organise another great X Race in time for summer 2010.)

Every summer France is gripped by the biggest and best cycle race in Europe - Le Tour de France. The Alps have played a large part in the race over the years with the gruelling mountain climbs providing some of the most exciting spectacles of the event. The route changes slightly each year, taking in different towns and villages along the way. Even if the race doesn't pass near to where you are this summer you can guarantee that it will still be avidly watched in bars and cafés around the country with everyone joining in to cheer on the famous yellow jersey! ... see "Le Tour de France" for more

If leathers, fumes and interesting facial hair are your thing then you will be in your element this weekend as the annual Harley-Davidson Owners Group (HOG) descends on the town. Don't miss the opportunity to drool over these beautiful machines as approximately 3000 bikes arrive for the weekend.

The HOG currently has about 950 000 members worldwide and about 10% of those are in Europe. Each year, club members are invited to gather together in Morzine to coo over each others bikes, watch/take part in demonstrations, see some cool Harley stunts and round it off with a fashion show (leathers??!!). There is normally a couple of live bands playing as well to mosh and headbang to.

For petrol heads in the Alps the Mont Blanc Rally is one of the big events of the summer. First held in 1947 it was originally organised as part of the Fete d’Evian and was known as the “Rally Paris-Evian”. Over the years the rally’s course and focus shifted and it became the “Rally Evian – Mont-Blanc” and then in its tenth year, the “Rally Mont-Blanc Iseran”.  It was not until 1961 that it finally became the “Rally Mont-Blanc”.

Today the race exists as the fifth stage of the French National Rally Championships and draws many of France’s top drivers to the mountain town of Morzine to compete. The race takes place over two days, during which the drivers will cover over 600km around the Portes du Soliel and the Massif du Chablais.
The Mont-Blanc Rally is a road rally and therefore differs in a number of ways, from the more recognisable stage rallies which drive through snow and dirt along forestry trails. Firstly, as the name suggests, these races take place on roads that are open to the public. The emphasis therefore, is not on point-to-point speed but on accurate time keeping, navigation and vehicle reliability. Each driver and co-driver must cover long distances in each stage along twisting, open roads attempting at all times to maintain a constant pre-determined speed.

Along the course the cars will come to “Special Stages” where the road is closed and the cars are timed. These stages are shorter and require faster driving and controlled cornering and the road from Morzine to Avoriaz is one such stage. Between these stages are the much longer “transport stages” where the cars must travel under their own power. It is necessary therefore for the cars to be road legal and in a working order that is conducive to both short sprints and long cruises.

This form of Rallying is popular as both a spring board for the younger generation who want to compete at a higher level and as an amateur hobby for those who never lost that need for speed.

In recent years the Rally has been a highlight in the Morzine summer calendar drawing large crowds to the resort. The sight of the cars parked around town is enough of an incentive to visit during the event, especially now that it is twinned with the classic car rally as well.  However, once they head up the road to Avoriaz, the real excitement starts.  Whilst the noise does break the tranquillity of the mountains, there is something undeniably cool about seeing a car not too dissimilar to the one you drive to the shops in, hurtling up the road and screeching around the bends!