Mountain Biking in Chamonix

To go mountain biking in Chamonix means to ride some truly mythical terrain. Classic singletrack with steep rocky sections and fast flowy traverses, all with a stunning big mountain backdrop.

Downhill MTB Trails in Chamonix

Ride the Brévent and Flégère side of the valley for the highest concentration of downhill tracks including some fast flowing and technical decsents. Head up to Le Tour for open super-fast trails. Experienced riders will love the long downhill run into Vallorcine with its 8-minute steep mountain traverse. Freeriders should head to Les Houches for tree runs complete with jumps, drops and berms.

XC MTB Trails in Chamonix

There’s plenty of superb terrain for XC riders as well with trails along the valley floor accessible without needing a lift pass. The Petit Balcon Sud, for example, is a fairly technical trail which runs all the way from Chamonix to Argentiere. Access the trail by the turn-off to the Grands Montets cable car and link in to the Petit Balcon Nord to complete a 3 hour, 16 km loop.

For a quick blast, from the centre of Chamonix you can head up the fire road near Les Planards Leisure Park through the woods and up towards the Mer de Glace. At the top you’ll be rewarded with superb views and can grab a drink and a snack at the Buvette before riding back down. For a more technical ride down, take the earlier sharp right towards the Chalet de Caillet back down to Chamonix.

Petit Balcon Sud MTB Trail

The Petit Balcon Sud trail runs from Argentière to Chamonix along the south side of the Valley. The trail is actually a walking track and there are one or two tough climbs, although doing it the other way is much harder.

Pick up the trail at the access point to the Grands Montets. On the right side of the river (looking downstream towards Chamonix), follow the track through the village of Tines. Turn right under the railway bridge a and follow the trail along the river towards Les Praz, the golf course and finally Chamonix. A more challenging trail runs in parallel just a bit higher up.

The Tour du Mont Blanc | Go >

The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB), or Three Countries Tour is a classic multi-day, high-altitude mountain bike tour. 4-5 days and 160 km from Chamonix, around the Mont Blanc massif, through France, Switzerland and Italy, and back to Chamonix. An unforgettable mountain biking adventure!