The best MTB trails around Les Houches

Les Houches offers a diverse network of over 40 mountain bike trails, catering to various skill levels. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars.

The trails around Les Houches range from gentle intermediate routes to advanced downhill and enduro runs. While there are 6 easy and 5 moderate trails, the majority, 32 routes, are classified as difficult, offering challenges like loamy tracks, roots, and fast-paced descents. Some advanced trails may even require pushing your bike.

Yes, Les Houches offers several trails suitable for families and less experienced riders. There are 6 easy and 5 moderate routes available, providing gentler terrain and less demanding ascents compared to the more technical downhill and enduro tracks. These trails allow families to enjoy the alpine scenery together.

Many trails in Les Houches are designed as loops, offering varied experiences. For example, the Servoz from Viaduc Sainte-Marie (Les Houches) in a loop is a popular difficult route spanning 17.4 miles (27.9 km). Another option is the Saint-Gervais from Les Houches in a loop, a 18.8 miles (30.3 km) difficult trail through alpine valleys.

The best time for mountain biking in Les Houches is typically during the warmer months when the trails are clear of snow and the weather is favorable. The Chamonix Valley, including Les Houches, offers stunning alpine scenery during spring, summer, and early autumn, making these seasons ideal for exploring the diverse trail network.

Mountain biking in Les Houches offers breathtaking alpine scenery, with stunning vistas of the Mont Blanc massif and the entire Chamonix Valley. You'll ride through verdant valleys, dense pine forests, and open meadows, often with snow-capped peaks as a backdrop. Trails like the Alpages Respect Loop from Les Houches are known for their alpine views.

Yes, beyond the trails, Les Houches is surrounded by natural beauty and attractions. You can find picturesque lakes like Lac Blanc, which offers classic views of Mont Blanc. Other notable natural features include the Gorges of Diosaz. For wildlife enthusiasts, the Merlet Wildlife Park, perched above Les Houches, allows observation of alpine animals in their natural habitat.

The mountain bike trails around Les Houches are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 70 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, ranging from loamy tracks to technical descents, and the spectacular alpine views of the Mont Blanc massif. The accessibility provided by lifts like the Prarion gondola is also frequently highlighted.

Absolutely. Les Houches is well-equipped for advanced riders, featuring dedicated downhill tracks and challenging enduro itineraries. Trails like the 4.4km descent from the Prarion lift offer variations through trees, undergrowth, and technical passages. Specific downhill trails include 'Bouquetins' (difficult) and 'Chamois' (very difficult), along with enduro routes like 'Sherwood' (red) and 'Sherwoody' (black).

Yes, mountain bike rental outlets and bike hire shops are available in Les Houches and nearby Chamonix. These establishments cater to both beginners and experts, offering a range of bikes, including lift-approved downhill models, and essential protective gear to ensure a safe riding experience.

While popular routes can see more traffic, the extensive network around Les Houches means you can often find quieter trails, especially during off-peak times or by exploring some of the less-trafficked difficult routes. Exploring trails further from the main lift access points can also lead to a more secluded experience.

Trail distances vary significantly, from shorter loops to longer expeditions. For instance, the Plaine-Joux – The Blue Door loop from Servoz is a difficult 28.3 miles (45.5 km) route with over 1,100 meters of elevation gain. The Châtelet d'Ayères Refuge – Les Ayères fountain loop from Servoz is a moderate 13.2 miles (21.2 km) trail with around 850 meters of elevation gain. You'll find options ranging from trails with up to 1,000 feet of elevation gain to those exceeding 3,000 feet.