Garda, Morzine

[G.Quinn]

Doing a (young) family road trip down to Lake Garda and was planning on sticking the MTB on the roof. I have found a few sites with details of treks around lake Garda, has anyone experience of these? - I will be alone so nothing crazy....

Also thinking of stopping in Morzine on the run home for a night or 2, any links to mtb routes in this area?

Cheers!

[mig25_foxbat2003]

I've done a bit of riding around Garda - there's some lovely rides into the hills from Riva as I remember it. I didn't go on anything approaching MTB territory, but there were some lovely trails to ride.

[P-Jay]

You can't move for cycle routes in Morzine, I'm sure there are some very hard/worthy ones that start at resort level and climb 1000m's or so and come back down - but all the ones I know are lift/descent ones.

Depends how much you want to scare yourself, but they're much better at sign-posting them now! Years back you found a trail head and hoped for the best! They're graded like Ski Runs, Green/blue/red/black just be careful as a Red Downhill run is a very different beast to a Red XC run.

[S10GTA]

I can sort you some cheap accommodation for the night or two you are there if you like?

[G.Quinn]

Thanks, im not a skier so have no real experience of the lifts etc, ideally would like to grab a map somewhere with some detailed treks....and info on lifts and signs etc.
Only websites I have found so far are offering guided tours etc,

Regarding accomodation - not really my dept but glad if you can reccomend something!
I stayed there whilst working on the Mont Blanc rally, usually in complete stholes....(typical ski/party block of apts) will be looking for something decent as travelling with young baby.

[P-Jay]

G.Quinn said:

Thanks, im not a skier so have no real experience of the lifts etc, ideally would like to grab a map somewhere with some detailed treks....and info on lifts and signs etc.
Only websites I have found so far are offering guided tours etc,

For longer stuff people tend to use guides I think.


Lifts are easy, you buy a ticket for the day / couple of days / week whatever, it's around 12 euros a day, and that gives you access to every lift in the region, it's HUGE! There are a few different types over there and 2/3 way of loading your bike, some they even do it for you, if not the instructions are clear and there will be a grumpy French person on hand to give a clue.

If I were you, day one I'd take the Pleney lift out of Morzine towards Les Gets. Take the Green graded XC route towards Les Gets and have a play on the Les Gets 1 or Chavennes lift (different name for the same thing) this will give you a good chance to get into Alpine style MTB (think steep / fast) and then go for a wonder around the area, you can cover huge distances pretty easily using the lifts. Just (and I'm being careful as I haven't a clue what sort of rider / level you're at) keep in mind you can't really go down a lift - I've seen it done with guys with really messed up bikes, but it's far from common - so check what sort of trial you're going to have to ride down by committing to a life.

Map below - as I said MASSIVE area.

http://www.about-morzine.co.uk/winter/piste-maps/m...

[P-Jay]

Accomodation.

We stayed here last weekend, it was perfect. super market 2 doors up, very quiet (I'm old and boring) and well appointed.

Underground secure carpark too

http://www.riders-retreat.co.uk/morzine/accommodat...

[G.Quinn]

Great info, thanks!
Not been riding long, moved to the ardennes so was crazy not to have a mtb.
All xc in the forests here so wouldnt be crazy about mental dh stuff.... but im sure ill find something for my pace!