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Courchevel Mountain Biking
| Mountain Biking in Courchevel |
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A number of ski shops become mountain bike shops in the summer (for example Olympic Sports in Le Praz). During July and August a number of the major lifts open and allow the carriage of mountain bikes to the top. From there it’s a long way down and you don’t need to touch the pedals (good brakes however are imperative)! |
| Mountain Biking Trails in Courchevel |
With 343km of marked mountain bike routes Courchevel has plenty to keep the summer crowd happy. Approved by the Fédération Française de Cyclisme the area has 14 cross-country circuits and 14 downhill descents that you can get to using chairlifts (keep on reading for our guide to getting your bike on and off the lifts!). If you want to get off the beaten track and discover other scenery, the professionals of the Espace VTT organise excursions for all levels.
The Funny Track itinerary is aimed at children and families and will test your agility and speed on this ‘single track’ downhill route. You can find the Funny Track at 1850 and access is via the Verdons gondola.
Using the summer lift system you can follow a number of downhill trails to Bozel, Brides-les-Bains and Moutiers.
For those who prefer to use their pedals once in a while there is a Le 100 Noir, a famous mountain bike run covering 117km of signposted track and dropping 3970m in height. If you don’t fancy doing the full route you can always cheat and take a few lifts along the way!
Leaving from either the Verdons gondola or the La Saulire cable car you can do:
• Mountain bike descent to Meribel - chairlift Plan de l'Homme and chairlift Olympic
• Mountain bike descent to St Martin de Belleville - gondola lift and chairlift St Martin
• Mountain bike descent to Mottaret - télécabine Pas du Lac 1 et 2
• Mountain bike descent to Courchevel 1850
Downhill Mountain Biking (VTT) Trail Map
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last updated 12-May-2008 |
| What to Expect... |
Although Courchevel isn't as renowned as some other Alpine resorts for being a hardcore mountain bikers dream it does have its fair share of tough technical downhill descents. La Combe du Saulire and Les Lavanches being 2 that should put you through your paces. Having said that there are also a fair few 'tame' routes that act as a good introduction to the sport and there is plenty of easy to intermediate cross-country biking that will give the legs and lungs a good workout whilst allowing you to take it at your own pace and enjoy the scenery at the same time!
If you are attempting a bit of downhill heroics you should always make sure that you are wearing the right safety gear; if you don't have your own you can hire the kit from most bike shops.
There are 2 free bike wash centres; one at Le Praz near the gondola and another at Courchevel 1850 under the Croisette footbridge.
Showers are available at Les Grandes Combes swimming pool between 10am and 6pm. |
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last updated 12-May-2008 |
| When Is It Best To Come? |
The main MTB season in Courchevel and the Three Valleys is July and August. The full lift system is usually open from the first weekend in July and closes the first weekend in September. The VTT (velo tout terrain) calendar kicks off at the start of July when the Three Valleys Tout Terrain event takes place, usually over the first weekend of the month. Saturday sees amateur riders travelling from miles around to take part in a 2000m descent over 20kms and Sunday tests the endurance levels with a 70km discovery tour of the Three Valley area. Check out our What's On guide closer to the time for more details.
Most areas are accessible via the ski lifts and there is more than enough riding to keep most people happy for a week’s holiday. As a general rule if you dislike pedalling or are unable to because you are a gravity assisted downhiller with a bike to match, then stick to the peak season of July/August. If you are prepared to do more pedalling to access certain areas or are a hardcore cross country person then June and September are good months to visit, particularly with respect to the weather as things are a little bit cooler. The only downside to this time of year is that Courchevel itself will be quieter than the peak months and has a reduced number of restaurants and bars to frequent. |
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last updated 4-Feb-2008 |
| The Mountain Bikers Code of Conduct |
It is important to remember that the trails around Courchevel and the wider Three Valleys area are used by many others and not just for mountain biking. There are many walkers using the same trails. Currently the walker/rider relationship is generally amenable. To keep it this way slow down for walkers and pass in single file to one side. A ring of a bike bell is more conducive to alerting walkers to your approach and getting them to step to one side of the trail whilst you pass on the other than an intrusive shout! A friendly “bon journée” as you pass usually goes down well too. Some trails are marked ‘piétons’ meaning walkers only; please comply, you wouldn’t be too happy to meet a walker half way down the Pleney downhill course! It would be a shame if the restrictions applicable in Chamonix whereby the months of July and August are walker orientated with many trails closed to bikers were to be introduced in Courchevel and the Three Valleys.
The following 6 mountain biking rules were introduced by the International Mountain Biking Association, and should be understood and followed by every mountain biker before venturing out.
1. Ride on open trails only : The mountainside and its environment is precious, ensure your cycling is environmentally sound and socially responsible.
2. Leave no trace : Stay on existing trails and don’t create new ones, so no cutting off switchbacks!
3. Control your bicycle : Where safety notices are displayed, take note and follow them!
4. Always let your fellow riders know you’re around : Many trails are also used by hill walkers who have priority over mountain bikers.
5. Never scare or intimidate the local wildlife : Remember to leave gates as you found them.
6. Plan ahead. Check out your equipment before setting off to ensure it’s in good repair, taking puncture repair and basic tool kits with you. Carry necessary supplies including food, drink and waterproofs. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear for the terrain you’re about to tackle. |
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last updated 4-Feb-2008 |
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