Most of the flat trails are suitable for any wide tyred, robust bike; you’ll see eMTBs, MTBs, gravel, hybrids all being used around and between the lakes and river in the valley. 

Once you venture up into the mountains, things get rather more serious. If you’re used to mountain biking in the UK, you’re in for a spectacular treat – typically you’ll be dropping between 500m and 900m (1600ft and 3000ft) on each trail, through amazing alpine scenery on MTB specific trails.  

You don’t even need to cycle up; many of the lifts in the Grand Massif area run in summer which means taking a bike up to the start of the train is easy, with helpers at each lift ensuring your bike gets on and off/in and out of the lift safely.  

The lifts will run in the summer from June through September – the exact dates vary though they’re starting earlier and running later every year so do check.

https://samoens.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/PlanGMD-VTT.pdf

https://www.valleeduhautgiffre.fr/vtt/les-itin%C3%A9raires-vtt/

The Grand Massif Express (Samoens) & Bergin lift (Morillon) lifts have great runs, with more across the Grand Massif (Les Carroz, Flaine) and Porte du Soleil areas. 

All the runs are graded as ski pistes are; green (easy), blue, red, black (very difficult). There are exceptions, e.g., Les Carroz has a ‘double black’.   

You can connect the different resorts in the Grand Massif area as you would on skis, e.g., travelling from Samoens to Les Carroz. Beware that it can leave you a long ride home if you then miss the last lift back to the top – usually around 1630. 

Bikes & Kit 

Generally the downhill trails are suitable for full suspension, slack geometry mountain bikes, though hard-tails work fine for some riders. While not mandatory, all riders wear helmets and elbow/knee protection, many also wearing further protection.  

It’s common to rent MTBs/eMTBs. Most of the ski hire shops switch to bikes of various types during the summer. 

You’ll see plenty of eMTBs, which are often used by folks who want to access trails not served by a lift; the motor assistance helps speed up what can be long road climbs to get to the trails, so it brings more trails and mountains in range,  

Gravel or road bikes don’t really work well on the downhill trails as the terrain can be rocky and loose, while gravel or road derived bike handling tends to be too upright for the various trail features encountered.   

There’s lots more information here.

Essential Information 

There’s a secure garage for your bikes – ensure they’re insured as the chalet insurance won’t cover them.  

Maintenance & Fitness Equipment 

We’re pleased to make available bike maintenance tools, including a work stand, allen key set, track pump and pressure washer.  

We even have a turbo trainer in case you want to get some cardio work done in winter. 

Of course there is also the sauna. Double down on those marginal gains by jumping in post-ride to boost your red blood cells.  

Depending on how seriously you take your exercise, there are free weights available including:

Secure your dates!

Simply send an email to tim_j_sharpe@hotmail.com and we’ll talk you through it, or send us a WhatsApp/text at +44 7980 681207.