MOUNTAIN BIKING
We're in paradise for mountain bikers! All around us is some of the best off road bike terrain in the world. If you've come bike-less, suitable equipment can be rented in Bourg St Maurice or La Rosière. In July and August the lift systems operate in Les Arcs, Tignes and La Rosière with bike carrying racks on the chairs - opening up a wealth of downhilling possibilities. At Sainte Foy there is a shuttle bus service to drop you up the mountain, and collect you again at the bottom! We have routes written out and mapped up on hand-out sheets for our guests.
A small selection of routes:-
Col du Petit St Bernard to Seez. An open descending ride, suitable for everyone. It starts at the Hospice du Petit St Bernard and follows the old Roman road, now a dirt track, down to the beautiful village of St Germain. A short ascent followed by a more technical section of single track to Seez. About 1100 M descending, and 200 metres ascending. 2- 3 hour ride.
Tarentaise descent from the La Thuile to Bourg St Maurice. Crossing the Isère river below the Auberge and following the stunning river gorge down to Villaroger. Changing to wooded single track and ending on open pathway into Bourg St Maurice. About 500 M descending. 2 hour ride.
Le Monal. This is a protected village with the most stunning views across the Tarentaise valley into Mont Pourri and its hanging glaciers. The route starts at the Auberge, climbs to Ste Foy ski station and cuts across the mountain side ascending on wooded paths. The route opens out with a gently descending pitch across to the village. A varied menu of downhilling options from Le Monal back to the Auberge. A day's ride depending on the options taken.
Le Planay - Plan Bois, Ste Foy. A perfect introduction to Ste Foy mountain biking with a good wide path climbing to Plan Bois through the woods, views right down the valley and towards Italy, an interesting non-technical descent to Le Planay past the 17th century Chapel of St Guerin. Undulating grassy traverse to Ste. Foy followed by a choice of difficulty for the final descent to the Auberge.
And don’t miss the following events :
Sunday 26 June – La Trophée des 4 Chapelles (the Trophy of the 4 Chapels) – there are two possible courses of 21km and 40km. Participants receive a FREE T-shirt !!
1 – 3 July 2011 – Coupe de France VTT et Coupe du Monde VTT Trial at Val d’Isère – The best mountain bikers in France will test their skills on the slopes above Val d’Isere in cross-country, downhill and trial events... Spectacular events, numerous displays and guaranteed thrills in the pure sporting spirit.
9 July 2011 – Bike Session Day at Sainte Foy – A chance to explore the mountain bike trails around Sainte Foy led by professional guides. Guiding, shuttle bus service and BBQ for just €10.
9 – 23 July 2011 – Les Arcs Mountain Biking Fortnight – An XXL bike festival, when the Bike Park at Les Arcs will be the venue for 15 days of pure MTB madness: trials, contests open to all, guided rides, freestyle shows, big air bag, concerts…
15 – 17 July 2011 – Championnat de France VTT at Méribel (French MTB Championships) - 1500 competitors will fight it out in 4 discplines : cross-country, downhill, 4x, and trial.