The Chamonix Valley is the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely mountain bike ride. Not that seasoned sport enthusiasts won’t find countless Chamonix mountain biking trails to challenge them! Whatever your level of confidence, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Rent a mountain bike in Chamonix or bring your own and get ready to experience the incredible feeling of plenitude that comes with admiring the imposing stature of the Alpine mountains while practicing your favorite activity. Here is our selection of amazing mountain biking trails for everyone!
1 – Les Houches – Chamonix Mountain Biking Trail
If you are staying at Le Morgane Hotel, Les Houches, where Col de Voza and Le Prarion await you, is a 15-minute drive away. Take the Bellevue lift to make your way to the top station before riding down to reach the Col de Voza. From there, you can get to the beautiful summit of the Prarion, culminating at 1966 m. Alternatively, you could go through the La Charme and Les Combettes paths leading to Saint-Gervais for an easier option and superb views.
2 – Vallorcine, Col des Posettes, Le Tour
The trail starts behind the train station in Vallorcine in the form of a 4X4 track. Be prepared for a few difficult sections heading up the mountainside, especially as you near the top. Once you reach the chairlift station, you could take the left route and cross the Swiss border to get to La Jeux, or the right track to the Col des Posettes. It certainly deserves its rank as one of the most famous Chamonix mountain biking spots! Take in the spectacular scenery before starting the downhill ride.
3 – Brevent and La Flegere
Reserved for advanced riders, these trails can be reached from Chamonix, using the Brevent or the Fleger cable cars. Expect demanding paths where rocks of all sizes punctuate a single, narrow track! If you have the level for it, the trail that goes from La Flegere to Les Praz is one of the most exciting Chamonix downhill mountain biking options.
4 – Chamonix, Les Bois
From May to late October, the 6 km flat loop that starts from the center of Chamonix and runs along the left bank of the Arveyron, through Bouchet woods is a wonderful alternative for less experienced riders. This pleasant family Chamonix mountain biking trail will take you through a lovely heritage village, have you cross the torrent and ride past the PGHM helipad. Quick and easy, it’s the perfect ride to enjoy with the kids.
5 – Chamonix, Les Planards, Les Mottets
While it is considered difficult, this trail is one of the most astonishing the area has to offer. From the superb views of the Aiguilles des Drus to the beautiful red rock surroundings and, most of all, the amazing vantage point over the Mer de Glace, the Chamonix – Les Planards – Les Mottets trail has everything. Take a moment to admire the majesty of the glacier and don’t forget to take pictures! Steep and complicated, it is, however, reserved for more advanced riders.
Chamonix mountain biking options are as numerous as they are interesting and, with a little preparation, you will be able to enjoy this activity with your friends or your family regardless of how experienced you are. The staff at Le Morgane Hotel will be more than happy to help you pick the perfect mountain biking trail or put you in touch with a guide who will take you to all the best spots. Why not take this opportunity to have them tell you everything they know about the region? From history to geology and sport, there is so much to learn while out and about!
