The Chamonix Valley: the ideal mountain bike playground
Chamonix is a destination that seduces winter sports enthusiasts, but we must not forget that the high mountains are also one of the best playgrounds in summer for outdoor activities. And among them, there is the Mountain biking in Chamonix. The advantage is that beginners can have fun with flat routes, and that experts find numerous trails that start from the heights, from where they can do some Downhill mountain biking to Chamonix by getting the adrenaline going. All always with Mont-Blanc as a backdrop! Indeed, what could be better than a path made up of dirt and pebbles for a more technical practice? Not to mention the parts on the green reliefs, and which offer breathtaking panoramas of the mountains and snowy peaks.
There is no need to hesitate for a single second, the Mountain biking in the Chamonix valley is one of the activities to try at all costs during a stay during the summer. Alpine sports professionals also organize guided hikes to allow you to discover Mont-Blanc by bike, regardless of your level. There's no need to bring all the equipment yourself either. Specialized stores offer you solutions for renting classic mountain bikes or electric mountain bikes for a tour of a few hours or for several days. Remember to check their offers in advance and ask for a reservation for the activities you are interested in, especially if you are visiting in Chamonix mountain bike and Mont-Blanc during a very busy period.
The best mountain biking routes in Chamonix
La Chamonix Valley in Haute-Savoie is undoubtedly one of the most famous places in France when it comes to enjoying mountain biking. The Alps provide thrilling descents for those who have mastered fairly advanced techniques, while more reasonably distance trails await less experienced cyclists.
Les Bois du Bouchet
From the Refuge des Aiglons, there are many trails for anyone who wants to enjoy a stroll in Mountain biking in Chamonix. To start at low altitude, you can go to the Bois du Bouchet area. The trails are flat and perfect for family outings with children who also want to participate in bike rides. You follow the river while enjoying the beautiful panoramas of the reliefs. You won't cross a difficult pass, but the Mountain bike trail easily accessible provides an ideal itinerary for a very soothing moment.
The Petit Balcon Nord and the Petit Balcon Sud
Once more comfortable, you can borrow another Mountain biking itinerary in Chamonix in the Petit Balcon Nord or Sud sector. There is no need to take the cable car or the ski lifts to access these routes: all you have to do is follow the signs. You then practice climbing, with slightly more technical paths in some places, but no major difficulty. The view over the valley is exceptional! These trails invite you to gain a little height without subjecting yourself to a frightening difference in altitude: ideal for learning about the joys of Mountain bike descent.
The Tour
For those who feel comfortable with an intermediate level, then a Mountain bike rental in Chamonix has nice surprises in store. In the town of Le Tour, take advantage of the green slopes to practice the descent and give yourself a break when you have reached the best view of Mont-Blanc. These more focused courses “enduro” are flat in places to better let you admire the landscape. They also know how to be more technical to allow you to enjoy the pleasures of a Height difference a bit more ambitious. One Green trail accessible from the middle station is offered towards the bottom of the village, then a blue one awaits you at the top of the following chairlift. If you like beautiful tree-lined trails, take the back slope in the direction of Vallorcine. The lift is done by cable car or on board the small train that will take you back to Chamonix.
Le Prarion
Experts who just want to get a good feeling will take the cable car that leads to the Prarion plain. Ce Mountain bike course in Chamonix allows you to vary the pleasures, and to go from flowery meadows to ridge paths through paths between the trees. Good control of the handlebars is necessary, but one thing is certain: you are in for a real treat. At the top of the ski lifts await you paths that are among the best cycling routes in Chamonix. All the beauty of Haute-Savoie awaits you!
Planpraz
Another alternative is available to you in Planpraz, which you can reach with the Brévent cable car. La Mountain biking in Chamonix is then done via a well-inclined route. It's time to play with braking and test your ability or not to gain speed and overcome small obstacles. And then, as a reward, the path becomes easier and easier as you go down, and you end up quietly reaching the town of Chamonix, full of sensations and beautiful panoramas in your head.
The ski areas
Well known to intermediate to advanced cyclists, the Domaine des Houches, open since 2013, is accessible from the top of Prarion. It offers blue and red trails that will allow you to test all of your skills. If you choose to go to Domaine des Houches for your Mountain biking activities in Chamonix, beware of the old trails of the Bellevue cable car which, if they still exist, are no longer maintained.
Les Grands Montets, Brévent-Flegère, Col de Balme Vallorcine, Servoz, Les Tines and Argentière also offer superb courses of varied distances and elevations. The itineraries departing from Argentière will especially delight lovers of traditional architecture.
Some tips for mountain biking in Chamonix and in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region
If you don't know the region by heart, don't set out to conquer the passes without a Map of mountain biking trails in Chamonix. You can get them free of charge from the tourist office or from mountain biking schools in the region. These maps will also inform you when the ski lifts and cable cars will open during the summer.
Know the schedules of Mont-Blanc Express trains will also be very useful to you. The cable cars, on the other hand, are generally open from mid-June to mid-September, but don't start exploring any valley without asking yourself some information. Many routes are in fact reserved for pedestrians in July and August. When in doubt, you can stick to the slopes of Les Houches and the Tour du Mont-Blanc. One electric bike is then recommended for the least trained cyclists. Far from being the preserve of beginners, these Electric mountain bikes can also revolutionize the practice of mountain biking even for the most experienced athletes!
Last tip: don't forget to bring a bottle of water and a camera! Even if no photo can do justice to the splendor of Mont-Blanc on Chamonix valley floor, it would still be a shame not to immortalize your adventure.
