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When it comes to cycling and the French Alps, most people immediately think of the Tour de France. However, the region has a lot more to offer afficionados of two-wheeled travel than just road biking! The varied landscape of the mountains with their valleys, forests, lakes, rivers, quaint villages and much more, make the Alps an ideal destination for a mountain biking adventure. As well as the terrain and the breath-taking views, the Alps are easy to get to with good links to a host of airports and enjoy well-maintained roads. If you are still not convinced to give it a try, then read on for our top 5 reasons to mountain bike in this beautiful region.
As a prime mountain biking destination, you will have great access to advice and training from local experts! Our favourites are the lovely people over at Startline MTB. They can provide you with all you need to make the most of your MTB adventure in the Alps. With their guidance you will visit some of the best routes in Tignes, Les Arcs or Morzine and if you are a beginner, they will show you the ropes. You can also hire a range of different bikes from Startline MTB, if you don’t plan to travel with your own and they can also help you find accommodation, repairs and anything else you may need for your trip. Ensure your bike trip gets off to a great start with advice and guidance from the experts!
Perhaps it is stating the obvious, but one of the main draws of mountain biking in the Alps is the scenery. Many of the soaring mountain peaks are snow-capped even in the summer with the different shades of green of the trees cascading down their flanks. In the winding valleys you will encounter villages perched high and glistening blue lakes filled with fresh water from the glaciers. While racing around the mountains on two wheels you will see some wonderful vistas and it is a good idea to stop for frequent picture breaks!
There is a large variety of different terrains to enjoy while mountain biking in the Alps, from white-knuckle descents through stunning scenery, to challenging sheep paths and high mountain valley routes. In many areas you can even take the ski lift to the top of the mountain and make your way back down! This allows you to easily access the mountain wilderness and means that you can dive straight into exploring the region without having to trudge to the top of the mountain!
The French Alps are home to hundreds of miles of dedicated mountain biking trails, giving you ample opportunities to explore the region and try a new route daily. You will not get bored with over 300 km of trails at Morzine and Les Gets alone in the Portes du Soleil bike park. This area is incredibly popular for cycling and hosts the annual UCI Downhill and Crankworks. It has two lifts to the top and covers part of the Swiss slopes too! You can easily test your skills in this park with different areas suitable for different levels of ability.
If you fancy a break from mountain biking, then you will have plenty of other activities to choose from. The French Alps are a mecca for adventure activities all year round! You can head off on a hike, swim in the glacial lakes, visit some of the historical villages or relax in the spa. It is best to plan your mountain biking trip for dates between May and September, when the weather is at its warmest and driest. It is good to note that the peak visitor period is between mid-July and the end of August, so head there earlier or later if you wish to avoid the crowds. Whenever you choose to travel you are guaranteed to have a fantastic time with a host of activities to keep you entertained!