Valley trails
There are trails that run right through the Vallorcine valley from the
Col du Mtets to the Swiss Border. Most are easy although one trail from
Vallorcine village to the Swiss border on the right hand side is
particularly tough.
Buet - Loriaz A steep 4x4 track zig-zags its' way
800m up the south facing side of the valley. It ends at an unridable
section of about 200m. But walk the bike for those 200m to the Chalet
de Loriaz for a drink and a picnic stop. Beautiful views !!!
1hr from Buet to Chalets - very tough uphill. Descend the same way.
Advanced riding.
Vallorcine - Col des Posettes - Le Tour
Behind the Vallorcine train station a 4x4 track heads up the
mountainside. It becomes tough in a few steeper sections - especially
near the top !! At the chairlift station ( halfway ) it is possible to
via left on a 4x4 track which leads to La Jeux in Switzerland. Turn
right on the 4x4 track from the chairlift station to reach the Col des
Posettes. Spectacular views of the Chamonix valley !!! All downhill
from here.
1hr 30mins from Vallorcine to Col des Posettes. 30 mins descent but
take your time. You earned it !!!
Col de Voza and le Prarion Take
the Bellevue lift to the top station (1800m). From there go down to the
right towards the Col de Voza. Then ride to the summit of the Prarion
(1966m). On the west side of the Prarion there is a track, called the
corkscrew, that goes down in zig-zags to St. Gervais.
From
the Col de Voza a steep 4x4 track goes into the Bionnassy Valley with
fantastic views of the Bionnassy glacier. The track becomes road and
winds through some villages ending up in St. Gervais.
You can then get the train back up the valley to Chamonix.
Lognan - Argentiere
Take the Grands Mtets cable car in Argentiere to the mid station (
Lognan ). From Lognan the track is the home piste in winter. Exit the
station and turn immediately left. It's very wide but extremely rough
all the way to Argentiere. It drops 800m but feels like 8000m.
Your
bike may not survive the beating it will get..
1hr descent from Lognan - only for the mad bikers with strong bikes.
Lognan - Le Lavancher
From Lognan take the first right 4x4 track which heads off towards Plan
Joran. The 4x4 track eventually leads into a large bowl with views of
Chamonix. It turns into a small walking track, then exits the plateau
to start the descent into Le Lavancher.
The track is technical with
many zig-zags.
1hr from Lognan - a very tough and technical ride.
Planpraz - Chamonix Take the telecabine from Chamonix to Planpraz ( 2000m ) The 4x4 track is located over a small rise behind the station. It descends rapidly to the left. The track is steep and very tough on body and bike. The trail becomes easier as it descends. Try it. The views are magnificent. 1hr decent from Planpraz - for advanced riders.
La Flegere - Les Praz From Les Praz take the La Flegere cable car to the top. ( 1877m ). From here the views of the Mer de Glace and the Grande Jorasses are incredible. From the station take the 4x4 track on the immediate left outside the station. This is another steep track through the trees to the valley floor. 1hr descent from the station. - for advanced riders.
The Tour of Mont Blanc is a classic tour often done
on foot. Wanting to switch things up a bit? Why not try this
challenging trail on bike?!