Chamonix Freeride Weeks
What is freeride? What is cross-country and what would you call the riding in Chamonix?
We've been riding some of these ‘freeride’ trails for over 15 years now. We started on rigid bikes, moved up to hardtails, saw the benefits of full sus and then graduated to freeride bikes. So we'll leave the pigeon holing to others, for us it's all just riding - sometimes harder, sometimes easier.
Whilst other alpine destinations have manufactured berms and synthetic features, Chamonix trails are best described as organic. Yes they’re maintained but they’ve not been made with mountain bikers in mind. Our favoured trails are full of challenging granite drop-offs, tight switchbacks, exhilarating steep chutes and natural rolling single track.
Before 2007, lift-accessed freeride in Chamonix was expensive Lifts were paid for individually, a specific mountain bikers pass (already in operation for skiers in winter) was not available. We thought this bewildering and made our thoughts known. Now a cost effective bikers pass is available. This opens up a whole new world for the mountain biker who wants maximum fun with minimum sweat. The pass is valid for Le Tour, Brevent, Flegère, Grand Montets and Les Houches areas - each of which boasts a multitude of unforgettable trails.
We think the bike best suited to a freeride week in Chamonix is a 5/6 inch full suspension steed. Bigger bikes are great but difficult to pedal - and there is always a bit of peddling in Chamonix. But hey, the choice is yours. Whatever you bring, you'll go home with unforgettable memories and a permanent grin, truly knowing what Alpine Freeride is all about.
