Mountain Bike in Chamonix, Downhill & Cross Country Mountain Biking in the Chamonix Valley
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Mountain biking in Chamonix, Cross Country, Enduro & Downhill Paradise
Chamonix attracts skiers, climbers and walkers from all over the globe. It is has become a haven for mountain bikers too. There are trails to suit all levels of ability but more experienced riders will, without doubt, get more out of the Chamonix valley, as the riding is often technical and steep.
The valley and the surrounding valleys are laced with great, well maintained tracks. In spring, the local councils send out teams to maintain and repair this vast network, ensuring they are cleared of debris and in optimum ridable condition for the summer. There is a free pamphlet available at the Tourist Office presenting bikable trails and the rules and restrictions governing mountain biking in the Chamonix Valley. Click here to access the Mountain Biking Map.
VERY IMPORTANT: As Chamonix is first and foremost a destination for hikers, there are many restrictions on mountain biking, especially on singletracks, during the crowded July and August months. Consult the free guide from the Tourist Office for more information.
The 15-mile long valley has six separate lift systems and boasts a rideable vertical range of over 2000 metres. First lifts generally open 2nd week of June and most lifts close in September (please see our Events category for exact lift opening and closing info as this is subject to change). It is not possible to bring your bike on the Aiguille du Midi, the top of the Grands Montets, the Montenvers Railway or most times on the Tramway du Mont Blanc.
More Info about Mountain Biking in Chamonix Valley
Chamonix Mountain Bike Map
There's also the year round 'bike friendly'
Mont-Blanc Express train, which links Chamonix with Switzerland at one
end and the Vallée de l'Arve at the other (only 5 bikes at a time). You
cannot take your bike on the bus. Schedule of the Bike Friendly Transport Mountain Bike stores in Chamonix. More experienced riders
should choose to wear body armour for technical and downhill riding.
You can find more info about Chamonix Mountain Bike in all the Chamonix Shops or the Chamonix Tourism Office.
From Chamonix, intrepid bikers can venture out on the Tour du Mt Blanc.
Advice on Riding and Saftey (courtesy of Mont Blanc Mountain Bike)
Mountain bike riding implies a certain amount of danger. Click here for safety advice on precautions to minimize your danger.
Brush up on your technique and skill here: A "how to" guide.
For the competitor, "The Grand Raid" is a fantastic MtB competition traversing 131km of the Swiss Alps from Verbier to Grimentz.
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Mountain Bike Cross Country, Enduro and Downhill Competitions around Chamonix: Mont Blanc Race
The Mont Blanc Race
The Mont Blanc RACE is a new MTB event which takes place close to the Mont-Blanc. Every rider can find a ride that suits him. You can choose between the most difficult race: MB Race, an amazing competition: MB Enduro or an event to discover beautiful landscape and single tracks: MB Rando.
MTB fair is in Megeve and Combloux. Riders and visitors can test bikes and watch awesome demos and shows all weekend.
The Mont Blanc Race is the most important event of the weekend. It’s an MTB extreme marathon: 140 km long and 6000 m of difference of height. The starting point will be in the French ski resort, Megeve; and the arrival in Combloux. The racers can also stop the race after 50 km in Sallanches or after 100 km in Praz sur Arly if they aren’t in a good shape. Free shuttle link the arrivals to Megeve.