Mountain Biking

On a mountain bike, hit the trails, rush down the hills, and discover the specially equipped slopes and parks.  Mountain biking can be for pleasure, a way to enjoy the natural surroundings and discover the hidden mountain villages, and can also be a sport, making your heart pound as you tear along trails prepared specifically for the activity.  Possibilities for the whole family, adapted to all levels.

With thousands of kilometres of marked trails and more and more parks equipped specifically for mountain biking, the French ski resorts offer endless possibilities to enjoy this sport.  An increasingly popular activity, there are many ways to enjoy mountain biking, tailored to all tastes.  With so many marked trails dedicated to outdoor activity, the resorts have for the past several years opened their doors to mountain bikers. 

Today, the chairlifts are accessible for cyclists who practice downhill or freeride, two popular options for mountain bikers.  A spectacular sport which finds its pleasure in the speed of the descent, downhill practitioners can take advantage of many equipped slopes, with raised turns, moguls, and jumps spanning several kilometres, accessible by chairlift. 

Once reserved for hardened athletes, this spectacular activity can now be enjoyed by all in the French mountain resorts thanks to itineraries adapted to all levels.   Modern bicycles, specially adapted to each discipline such as family, downhill, or cross country, ensure a comfortable and efficient ride.

Mountain biking is all about fun, one must, however, take certain precautions : wearing protective equipment and knowing how to handle the bike are top priorities.  Thus, even for casual, fun outings, a helmet is strongly advised.  For those who venture the steep descents, add dorsal protection, which can most often be rented from the bike shops.  To help you learn to handle your bike, monitors and instructors offer initiation courses which allow you to discover the different techniques. 

They can also accompany you on the trail, which allows you to ride in safety while discovering the mountains with an expert.  More than ever, cycling is one of the great pleasures of the mountains, regardless of age, type of practice, or skill level.  So why wait ?

Photos: F.Provost, P.Schreyer, P.Royer