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Could Morzine be the new home of trail running in the Alps?
A new Mecca for running in the mountains
Trail running has been growing in popularity over the last few years with more people putting on their trainers and heading for the hills. With new races and challenges popping up all across the world, people of all abilities are giving it a go.
But could Morzine, with its fantastic offering for this exciting sport, be rivalling places such as Chamonix for the title of trail running capital? We think so. With Morzine’s biggest trail race, the Hauts Forts, just around the corner, we’ve been speaking to the people in the know to find out why Morzine is so good for this brilliant sport.
Over the last couple of years, the tourist office in Morzine has been working hard to promote trail running as one of the town’s main sports. As I pounded the trails myself, I started to notice more and more signs appearing directing me towards different routes around Morzine and the surrounding hills. All of these signs are graded according to the level of difficulty of the trail and make it really easy to go for a run with next to no planning. There’s also an app and a selection of maps with different routes for people of all abilities to try. This makes training in the Portes du Soleil safe and simple and means you can explore some of the most incredible parts of the region easily.
Similarly to this fantastic offering, there are also loads of brilliant races and events in the area for trail running enthusiasts to get involved in. The Hauts Forts race has been around for a long time but this year is introducing a new distance of 50km alongside its popular 23km and 40km races. This fantastic event sees runners from around the world descend on Morzine to run the mountains and trails linking the resort with Avoriaz. It’s a well respected race providing UTMB qualification points for competitors. We also have the excitement of the KMV vertical kilometre in August. A challenging race for runners who love to climb.
“Falling in love with trail running is very easy, it quickly becomes addictive, the search for vertical metres, for the highest waterfalls, for only the sound of your breathing and the calls of eagles overhead. To just climb one more metre. To see views that you know only a few will see.“ The words of Edwina Sutton, an International Ultra Runner and coach who lives and trains in Morzine. We’ve been speaking to her to find out why she chose to move to this part of the world with her husband and children.
Why is trail running in Morzine so good?
“Because it's a little undiscovered gem. From the centre of town you can literally run off for any direction for miles and miles of quiet, undisturbed and breathtakingly beautiful trail. There is also a trail level for everyone, from a nice gentle trot along the Dereche to a long busting charge up our local Vertical KM - Nantaux. It is easy to link the trails together and to make loops as hard or as easy as you want. There are plenty of vertical metres to be found, but also lots of rolling grassy tracks or fire roads which allow you to run easily enjoying the magnificent views of the Portes du Soleil. There are plenty of signposts to help you find your way and all you need to do is follow the number of your given route of choice. These tracks are really well marked and easy to follow”.
Where’s your favourite trail?
“That would be telling. I think its the rolling section between Col de Cou and Fornet. Not only is the trail unbelievably beautiful, remote and quiet, but the views take my breath away every time I run this route. You really feel like you are on top of the world. This trail is not for the faint hearted, but is also totally accessible to those looking for a slightly more technical and scrambling trail. All you need to do is take your time and take a moment to savour what I promise you will be one of the best views of the Portes De Soleil”.
What brought you to Morzine?
“Actually one of the first reasons we looked at Morzine was a video we saw of the trail running on offer. I was blown away. Funny to think I run these routes everyday now, but they never fail to surprise me with a new view. Alongside this we wanted to bring our children up in the mountains, for them to be as passionate about the outdoors as we are. Morzine is a really friendly and family orientated place and it's no surprise the kids love running, skiing, hiking and enjoying the trails as much as we do”.
Can people of any ability enjoy trail running in Morzine?
“Whatever your level of running or experience there is a trail for you in Morzine. In fact I think the surrounding area is just perfect for both beginners and experts alike. The lower trails are a great introduction to running in the mountains and off road and you can run these as fast or as easy as you like, they are a great way to get used to running over roots, stones and up and down hills. Then as you venture further away again the hills gets a little steeper and you can begin to practice hiking and technical descending. The routes are all graded by the tourist office so you can carefully plan your route and your progression as you get more confident with trail and length”.
What’s your advice to first time trail runners?
“Find a friend to go out with you, forget about pace and distance, and just enjoy the freedom of running on trails. Have a decent pair of trainers, some water and a snack and tell someone where you are going and then enjoy seeing the mountains as many will never see them”.
Trail running has become a focus of the tourist offices, have you noticed more facilities for running?
“The marked trails around Morzine are growing every year. I’m always amazed how well they are signposted and how well they are looked after. The maps available are really well put together as well as there now being an app you can download on your phone. One of the nicest parts of trail running I have noticed in the area is how the local race - the Hauts Forts attracts both elite and local runners alike. There are a number of distances available and the routes really do take you on a magical tour of the local area. This encourages lots of people to train and visit the area which is so exciting and I love seeing new people nervous about running off road fall in love with trail running and Morzine.
