Morzine is open for business

The Pleney lift in Morzine opened on Saturday 6th June, kicking off a new mountain bike season in Morzine. From this weekend riders can access: The permanent DH track at Pleney, created in 1996, one of the first DH tracks in France. For over 10 years this has brought amateur and professional riders to Morzine. After host ing Internat ional Championships and the Avalanche Cup (from 1997-2001) Pleney remains an influential track. The Pleney DH is 3300 metres long with 560 met res of vertical descent that’s both playful and technical. For the less experienced there are chicken runs round all the toughest sections. A new Bike-Park at the foot of the lift, with Nor th Shore sections at different heights, berms and turns, plus an impressive wall ride. There are easier sect ions to enable beginners and children to have a go at freeriding. A new link to Les Gets, getting you onto Chavannes. This opening weekend sets the tone for a summer where Morzine of fers more to mountain bikers than ever: On the last weekend of June more than 3900 participants will be riding the Portes du Soleil for the yearly event, the Pass’Portes du Soleil MTB. This year Morzine is hosting the exhibition. From July there will be a new green graded track, starting at the top of the Pleney gondola, and ending in Morzine, after passing the hamlet of Fys. The gradient is gentle, wi th sweeping turns rather than tight switchbacks and a magnificent view of the Valley. This is a perfect introduction to mountain biking, or a good warm up run! This summer also sees a new f ree MTB guidebook, available from the Tourist Office, this is full of information on mountain biking in Morzine and around. *Opening hours for Pléney : from 6 to 26 june, 9am to 5pm / from 29 june to 22 august 9am to 5.30pm / from 23 august to 6 september, 9am to 5pm. Bikes can be hired on a daily or weekly basis. www.flowmtb.com