The Chamonix valley: the ideal mountain-biking playground
Chamonix is a destination that appeals to winter sports enthusiasts, but we shouldn't forget that the high mountains are also one of the best summer playgrounds for outdoor activities. And one of these is mountain biking in Chamonix. What's interesting is that beginners can enjoy themselves on flat routes, while experts can find numerous trails that start from the heights, from where they can do downhill mountain biking to Chamonix and get their adrenalin pumping. All with Mont Blanc as a backdrop! What could be better than a trail made up of dirt and pebbles for more technical riding? And let's not forget the sections over lush green hills, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains and snow-capped peaks.
Mountain biking in the Chamonix valley is one of the most popular activities to try during a holiday in fine weather. Alpine sports professionals also organize guided tours so you can discover Mont Blanc by bike, whatever your level. You don't need to bring all your own equipment either. Specialized stores offer rental solutions for classic or electric mountain bikes, for a tour lasting a few hours or several days. Remember to check out their offers in advance and ask for a reservation for the activities you're interested in, especially if you're visiting Chamonix and Mont-Blanc by mountain bike during a busy period.
Chamonix's best mountain bike routes
The Chamonix valley in Haute-Savoie is undoubtedly one of the most famous areas in France for mountain biking. The Alps provide thrilling descents for those with a fairly advanced technique, while trails of more reasonable distance await less experienced cyclists.
Les Bois du Bouchet
From the Refuge des Aiglons, there are a number of trails for those who want to enjoy mountain biking in Chamonix. To get started at low altitude, you can head for the Bois du Bouchet area. The trails here are flat and perfect for family outings with children who also want to take part in the bike rides. You can cycle along the river and enjoy the panoramic views over the hills. There are no difficult mountain passes to cross, but the easy-to-pass mountain bike track provides an ideal itinerary for a very relaxing time.
Le Petit Balcon Nord and Le Petit Balcon Sud
Once you're more comfortable, you can take another mountain bike route in Chamonix in the Petit Balcon Nord or South sector. There's no need to take the gondola or lifts to access these routes: just follow the signs. All you have to do is follow the signposts, and you'll be practicing your climbing skills, with some slightly more technical paths in places, but no major difficulties. The views over the valley are exceptional! These trails invite you to get a bit of height without having to face a frightening gradient: ideal for an introduction to the joys of downhill mountain biking.
Le Tour
For those who feel comfortable with an intermediate level, then a mountain bike rental in Chamonix is full of surprises. In the commune of Le Tour, take advantage of the green slopes to practice your downhill skills, and take a break when you've reached the best viewpoint of Mont Blanc. These more enduro-oriented routes are flat in places, so you can enjoy the scenery. They are also more technical, allowing you to enjoy the pleasures of a slightly more ambitious gradient. A green run is accessible from the middle station at the bottom of the village, and a blue one awaits you at the top of the chairlift that follows. If you prefer a more tree-lined route, take the back slope towards Vallorcine. The ascent is by gondola or on the little train back to Chamonix.
Le Prarion
Experts looking for a thrill can take the gondola to the Prarion plain. This mountain bike route in Chamonix offers a wide variety of pleasures, from flower-filled meadows to ridge paths and tree-lined trails. A good command of the handlebars is required, but one thing's certain: you'll get an eyeful. At the top of the lifts, you'll find some of the best cycling routes in Chamonix. All the beauty of Haute-Savoie awaits you!
Planpraz
Another alternative is Planpraz, which you can reach with the Brévent gondola. The mountain bike descent to Chamonix then takes you down a steeply sloping route. This is the time to play with the brakes and test your ability to pick up speed and avoid small obstacles. And then, as a reward, the path gets easier and easier as you go down, and you end up slowly making your way back to the commune of Chamonix, your wheels full of thrills and your head full of beautiful panoramas.
Ski areas
Well-known to intermediate to advanced cyclists, the Les Houches ski area, which opened in 2013, is accessible from the top of the Prarion. It offers blue and red trails to test all your skills. If you choose to go to the Les Houches area for your mountain biking activities in Chamonix, beware of the old Bellevue cable car trails which, while they still exist, are no longer maintained.
Les Grands Montets, Brévent-Flégère, Col de Balme Vallorcine, Servoz, Les Tines and Argentière also offer superb routes of varying distances and gradients. The itineraries starting from Argentière will particularly delight fans of traditional architecture.
Tips for mountain biking in Chamonix and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region
If you don't know the area by heart, don't set off to conquer the passes without a map of the mountain bike trails in Chamonix. These are available free of charge from the local tourist office or mountain bike schools. These maps will also tell you when the lifts and gondolas are open during the summer.
Knowing the times of the Mont-Blanc Express trains will also come in handy. As for the cable cars, they are generally open from mid-June to mid-September, but don't set off to discover any valley without first checking. Many circuits are reserved for pedestrians in July and August. If in doubt, stick to the Les Houches and Tour du Mont-Blanc trails. An electrically-assisted bike is recommended for less experienced cyclists. Far from being the preserve of beginners, electric mountain bikes can revolutionize mountain biking for even the most seasoned riders!
Last but not least: don't forget a bottle of water and a camera! Even if no snapshot can do justice to the splendor of Mont Blanc against the backdrop of the Chamonix valley, it would be a shame not to immortalize your adventure.
