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 meters above sea level, atmospheric pressure decreases, leading to a decrease in oxygen availability. This hypoxia stimulates the natural production of erythropoietin (EPO), which leads to an increase in the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin. This allows for better oxygenation of the muscles when returning to the plains, with a increased 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) is particularly effective in maximizing physiological adaptations. Other studies confirm that stays ofat least 2 to 3 weeks at over 1 meters are necessary to observe significant improvements (Ççelik et al., 2016).

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

If you are considering a high altitude training course, nutrition, and in particular supplementation with certain micronutrients, is very important. We invite you to read this article to best prepare your stay.

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

Val Thorens (2 m) – Savoie

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

Val Thorens is the highest resort in Europe. Ideal for high-altitude preparation stays, it offers varied trail running courses, hiking trails, and access to legendary mountain passes for cycling. Every summer, it welcomes Val Tho Summit Games, a trail event bringing together amateurs and elites.

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

Isola 2000 (2 m) – Alpes-Maritimes

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

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

Advantage: very good altitude, calm, wild nature.
Disadvantages: less infrastructure, relative isolation.

 

Tignes (2 m) – Savoie

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

Tignes is a leading destination for high-altitude training, with many professional teams staying there each summer. It also boasts an aquatic center for triathletes, marked trail runs, and direct access to iconic mountain passes (Col du Petit Saint-Bernard, Col de l'Iseran, etc.).

Advantage: high-level infrastructure, ideal altitude, sporty atmosphere.
Disadvantages: high prices, summer attendance.

Font-Romeu (1 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 (swimming pool, track, simulated altitude room) and an exceptional natural setting for trail running and cycling.

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

Courchevel (2 m) – Savoie

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

Well known for its winter excellence, Courchevel also offers high-altitude trails and quality sports facilities. It's an excellent starting point for a variety of mountain outings.

Advantage: sports infrastructure, sufficient altitude.
Disadvantages: very expensive resort, tourist traffic.

Alpe d'Huez (1 m) – Isère

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

A true cycling legend, Alpe d'Huez is also an excellent base for trail running and triathlon (swimming pool, lakes, mountain trails). The Pic Blanc, at over 3 m, allows for very high-altitude outings.

Advantage: trail/cycling/tri versatility, high altitude access.
Disadvantages: tourist resort, crowds.

Les Deux Alpes (1 to 650 m) – Isère

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

At around 1 m, the resort offers a good compromise between training and acclimatization. The glacier provides access to higher altitudes, and the mountain bike/trail courses are demanding.

Advantage: varied terrain, glacier access.
Disadvantages: slightly low base, technical nature of certain trails.

Risoul (1 m) – Hautes-Alpes

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

More discreet, Risoul is an ideal option for athletes seeking peace and quiet. The surrounding area is ideal for long mountain biking, trail running, and cycling outings.

Advantage: target altitude, peaceful environment.
Disadvantages: few infrastructures for triathletes.

Orcières-Merlette (1 m) – Hautes-Alpes

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

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

Advantage: sunny setting, suitable altitude, family atmosphere.
Disadvantages: less known, more limited access by transport.

Avoriaz (1 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 a great base for altitude training with direct access to multiple routes.

Advantage: trail/mountain bike access, good base altitude.
Disadvantages: crowds, altitude just at the threshold.

Chamonix (1 m) – Haute-Savoie

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

Although located below 1 m, Chamonix allows you to train at altitude with quick access to the surrounding refuges and peaks (Aiguille du Midi, Plan de l'Aiguille, Montenvers, etc.). It is the world capital of trail running, with Mont Blanc as its playground.

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

Conclusion: which resort should you choose for a high-altitude training course?

To fully benefit from the benefits of altitude training, it is recommended to stay at least 2 weeks above 1 meters. Stations like 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 its advantages to help you reach a physiological milestone this summer.

Summary table

 

How to choose ?

• Altitude + performance preparation: 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: combine 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.