Trail Running in Morzine: A Guide to Get Started

Why Go Trail Running in Morzine?

Trail running in the mountains offers a completely different experience to road running. The varied terrain — roots, rocks, grassy slopes, and steep descents — challenges your balance, pace, and focus. It’s a full-body workout that keeps both mind and muscles engaged.

Unlike road running, where pace and distance often dominate, trail running is more about the journey than the destination. The mix of walking and running allows you to cover surprising distances while staying present and immersed in your surroundings. And in Morzine, those surroundings are spectacular — think gushing rivers, alpine pastures, winding valleys, and rocky ridgelines.

It’s no wonder trail running is booming here. Morzine has embraced the sport, investing in dedicated routes, trail maintenance, and events that welcome all levels. With over 470 km of marked trails in the Portes du Soleil, you’ll find everything from gentle forest loops to high-altitude ridgelines with views of Mont Blanc, the Dents du Midi, and Lac de Montriond. Trails are clearly signposted and easy to follow.

Best of all, you don’t need to be an ultra runner to enjoy it. Many routes start right from the village, offering beginner-friendly options, and the lift system makes accessing higher terrain a breeze. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned mountain runner, Morzine is a fantastic place to hit the trails.

Planning Your Route

Before you lace up your running shoes, it’s important to suss out your route. There are 44 designated hiking and trail running routes across the region, supported by 27 pedestrian-friendly lifts.

Routes are colour-coded by difficulty:

• 14 green trails – perfect for beginners and easy runs
• 15 blue trails – moderate difficulty with manageable elevation
• 11 red trails – more technical, for experienced runners
• 1 black trail – a serious challenge for advanced mountain runners

Start with a loop that matches your current fitness level — for example a 5–10 km route with moderate elevation is usually ideal for a moderately fit runner getting used to the mountain trails. Choose an official marked trail running route and consider starting early to avoid midday heat or summer storms.

The Morzine tourist office offers free resources, like this user-friendly trail map with route descriptions, distance, elevation gain, and estimated times. Apps like Visorando, Komoot or AllTrails are also useful for GPS tracking and finding real-time reviews.

If you need a bit more reassurance, chat with a local guide or drop by one of the village’s sports shops — they’re usually more than happy to recommend routes based on conditions and ability.

What to Bring

Even on short runs, a few essentials can make all the difference:

• Trail running shoes with good grip — essential for rocky or muddy sections.
• Water and snacks — hydration is key, especially on longer or sunnier routes.
• Lightweight layers — conditions can shift quickly at altitude. A windproof or waterproof jacket is a smart addition.
• Navigation — a paper map, GPS app, or downloaded route on your phone.
• Phone or whistle — for emergencies, especially on quieter trails.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses — mountain sun can be surprisingly strong.
• If you’re heading higher or running solo, a small first aid kit and foil blanket are wise extras.

Weather and Mountain Considerations

Weather in the Alps can change quickly, even in summer. A clear morning can turn into a thunderstorm by mid-afternoon — especially in July and August. Always check the forecast before heading out, and avoid exposed ridgelines if storms are predicted.

Temperatures drop rapidly with altitude, so dress accordingly. Fog and sudden rain can also affect visibility, so stick to marked trails unless you’re experienced in navigation.

Be aware of livestock in alpine pastures (keep a respectful distance from cows and avoid running through flocks of sheep guarded by dogs). And remember to follow good trail etiquette — offer a friendly greeting to fellow runners and hikers, yield on narrow paths, and always leave the trails as you found them.

Trail Running Events in Morzine – 2025

Morzine has become a premier destination for trail runners, offering a variety of events for entry and expert levels. Whether you’re aiming to challenge yourself with your first mountain event or participate in a multi-day ultra, the 2025 calendar offers opportunities to test your limits amidst the stunning Alpine scenery.

Morzine-Avoriaz RunThrough Trails (June 20–22, 2025)

This flagship trail running event offers a range of distances to suit various abilities:

Vertical Kilometer (VK): A 2.8 km race with a 1,000 m ascent, starting on Friday evening.
23K: A scenic route through Avoriaz, ideal for intermediate runners.
50K: A challenging course showcasing the eastern side of the Morzine Valley.
100K Ultra: An epic journey through the Portes du Soleil region, with a 24-hour cutoff.

Spartan Ultra World Championship & Trifecta Weekend (July 4–6, 2025)

For those seeking an obstacle course challenge, the Spartan Race returns to Morzine with its only Ultra event in France

Ultra 50K: 60 obstacles over rugged terrain.
Beast 21K: 30 obstacles.
Super 10K: 25 obstacles.
Sprint 5K: 20 obstacles.
Kids Race: 1–3 km with obstacles
Set against the backdrop of the French Alps, this event tests endurance, strength, and mental fortitude.

Trail des Hauts-Forts (August 9, 2025)
This high-altitude mountain trail race connects Morzine to Avoriaz, offering four challenging courses:

Les Hauts-Forts (51 km): 3,850 m elevation gain.Le Fornet (40 km): 3,040 m elevation gain.
Les Mines d’Or (23 km): 1,950 m elevation gain.
The Smugglers’ Relay (30 km / 21 km): Team relay with significant elevation gains.
All races are UTMB® World Series Qualifier events, attracting both seasoned runners and ambitious newcomers.

Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just out to enjoy the views, trail running in Morzine is a brilliant way to explore the Alps. For a comfortable base close to the trails, AliKats’ self catered summer chalets offer cosy beds, hot tubs, BBQ areas, and everything you need to relax after a day on the move.

Image credits: image 1 & 6 Morzine-Avoriaz@JB Joly; image 4 @vtlphoto; image 5 @Spartan Race France