Training at altitude in summer: the best resorts in France for trail running, cycling, and triathlon

Why train at altitude?

Altitude training is a strategy widely adopted by elite athletes to improve their performance. From 1,800 meters above sea level, atmospheric pressure decreases, leading to lower oxygen availability. This hypoxia stimulates the natural production of erythropoietin (EPO), resulting in an increase in the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin. This enables better oxygenation of the muscles when returning to lower elevations, with an increase in VO₂ max and endurance.

According to the work of Levine and Stray-Gundersen (1997), the strategy "live high - train low" (living at altitude and training lower down) is particularly effective for maximizing physiological adaptations. Other studies confirm that stays ofat least 2 to 3 weeks above 1,800 meters are necessary to observe significant improvements (Ççelik et al., 2016).

According to studies, total hemoglobin volume (Hb mass) could increase by 3 to 7% after a 2- to 4-week training camp at >1800 m. And the increase in VO2max is estimated at between 2 to 5% after a 3-week stay at 2,000–2,500 m. Improved aerobic endurance and cellular and muscular adaptations are also observed. 

If you are considering an altitude training camp, nutrition, particularly supplementation with certain micronutrients, is very important. We invite you to read this article to best prepare for your stay.

Here is a selection of the best French resorts for a summer altitude training camp, suitable for trail runners, cyclists, and triathletes.

Val Thorens (2 300 m) – Savoie

Source: https://www.alpes4ever.com/

Val Thorens is the highest resort in Europe. Ideal for altitude training camps, it offers a variety of trail-running routes, hiking trails, and access to legendary cycling passes. Every summer, it hosts the Val Tho Summit Games, a trail-running event bringing together amateurs and elite athletes.

Advantages: optimal altitude, varied terrain, sporting events.
Disadvantages: high prices, road isolation.

Isola 2000 (2,010 m) – Alpes-Maritimes

Source: https://petit-montagnard.fr/

Located in Mercantour National Park, Isola 2000 combines high altitude with a Mediterranean climate. Less busy in summer, it offers ideal conditions for trail runners and cyclists. The surrounding mountain roads are challenging and varied.

Advantages: excellent altitude, peace and quiet, unspoiled nature.
Disadvantages: fewer facilities, relative isolation.

 

Tignes (2,100 m) – Savoie

Source: https://www.tignes.net/

Tignes is a leading destination for altitude training camps, with many professional teams staying there every summer. It also has an aquatic center for triathletes, marked trail-running routes, and direct access to iconic passes (Col du Petit Saint-Bernard, Col de l'Iseran...)

Advantages: top-level facilities, ideal altitude, sporting atmosphere.
Disadvantages: high prices, summer crowds.

Font-Romeu (1,800 m) – Pyrénées-Orientales

Source: https://www.montagne-vacances.com/

A renowned training center, Font-Romeu is often chosen by Olympic athletes. It offers comprehensive facilities (pool, track, simulated altitude room) and an exceptional natural setting for trail running and cycling.

Advantages: high-level training center, pleasant climate, good base for triathlon.
Disadvantages: altitude just at the threshold, remote from major roads.

Courchevel (2,000 m) – Savoie

Source: https://www.oxygeneskicollection.com/

Well known for its upscale winter profile, Courchevel also offers high-altitude trails and quality sports facilities. It is an excellent starting point for varied mountain activities.

Advantages: sports facilities, sufficient altitude.
Disadvantages: very expensive resort, tourist crowds.

Alpe d’Huez (1,860 m) – Isère

Source: https://www.francebleu.fr/

A true cycling legend, Alpe d’Huez is also an excellent base for trail running and triathlon (pool, lakes, mountain routes). Pic Blanc, at over 3,300 m, allows activities at very high altitude.

Advantages: trail running/cycling/triathlon versatility, high-altitude access.
Disadvantages: tourist resort, crowds.

Les Deux Alpes (1,650 to 2,000 m) – Isère

Source: https://www.les2alpes.com/

Located around 1,800 m, the resort offers a good compromise between training and acclimatization. The glacier provides access to higher altitudes, and the mountain biking and trail routes are challenging.

Advantages: varied terrain, glacier access.
Disadvantages: slightly low base altitude, technical sections on some trails.

Risoul (1,850 m) – Hautes-Alpes

Source: https://www.laprovence.com/

Less well known, Risoul is an ideal option for athletes seeking peace and quiet. The surrounding area offers opportunities for long mountain biking, trail running and cycling outings.

Advantages: target altitude, peaceful surroundings.
Disadvantages: few facilities for triathletes.

Orcières-Merlette (1,850 m) – Hautes-Alpes

Source: https://www.orcieres.com/

A lively resort with varied facilities, Orcières is a good choice for triathletes and cyclists, with access to numerous high-altitude loops. Training camps are regularly organized by clubs and federations.

Advantages: sunny setting, suitable altitude, family-friendly atmosphere.
Disadvantages: less well known, more limited access by public transport.

Avoriaz (1,800 m) – Haute-Savoie

Source: https://www.valleedaulps.com/

A car-free resort perched above Morzine, Avoriaz is popular for mountain biking, trail running and cycling climbs (Col de Joux Plane, Avoriaz-Morzine). It offers an excellent base for altitude training with direct access to numerous routes.

Advantages: trail/mountain biking access, good base altitude.
Disadvantages: crowds, altitude only just at the threshold.

Chamonix (1,035 m) – Haute-Savoie

Source: https://www.terre.tv/

Although located below 1,800 m, Chamonix allows you to train at altitude by quickly reaching the surrounding mountain huts and summits (Aiguille du Midi, Plan de l’Aiguille, Montenvers, etc.). It is the world capital of trail running, with Mont Blanc as its playground.

Advantages: very quick access to altitude, exceptional trail infrastructure.
Disadvantages: base altitude too low for passive adaptation, particularly busy in July and August.

Conclusion: which resort should you choose for an altitude training camp?

To fully benefit from the effects of altitude training, it is recommended to stay at least 2 weeks above 1,800 metersStations such as Val Thorens, Tignes, Font-Romeu, Isola 2000, or Alpe d’Huez offer optimal conditions for trail runners, cyclists, and triathletes. Depending on your goals, budget, and primary sport, each of these resorts has strengths to help you reach a new physiological level this summer.

Summary table

 

How to choose?

• Altitude training + performance: Tignes, Font-Romeu, Val Thorens, Isola 2000, Alpe d’Huez or Courchevel.

• Cycling: Alpe d’Huez, Risoul, Peyragudes, Tignes

• Mountain biking and technical trail: Avoriaz, Les Deux Alpes, Orcière-Merlette

• Triathlon: combining lake/pool + altitude → Font-Romeu or Alpe d’Huez remain the most versatile.

Scientific references

• Levine BD, Stray-Gundersen J. "Living high-training low: effect of moderate-altitude acclimatization with low-altitude training on performance." Journal of Applied Physiology, 1997.

• Ççelik, P. et al. "The effect of altitude training on hematological parameters." Journal of Human Kinetics, 2016.

Millet GP, et al. "Altitude and hypoxic training in endurance sports." Swiss Medical Weekly, 2010.