Mountain Biking (VTT)
Le Vallée Giffre and surrounding area offers mountain bikers over 400km of outstanding terrain. The winter ski lifts become summer bike lifts and whisk you to the top of the mountains where there are blue, red and black downhill mountain bike runs according to the International Classification. There are 30 mapped itineraries taking you through famous cols, down mountain tracks and through forest paths. For a less demanding ride there are the gentler, lakeside paths leading up to Sixt Fer à Cheval with its splendid waterfall in the beautiful ‘Réserve Natural’ or simply around the local villages.
The Bureau de Guide and Tourist Office offer daily, guided programmes to suit all levels incorporating different themes, for example;
- The ‘Goûter à la Ferme’ includes tasting local food in farms up the mountains and there are also trips into the lakes and mountains - even spending a night in a mountain refuge. The guides create an unforgettable experience with their inspirational knowledge of mountain life.
- ‘Le Tour du Haut-Giffre’ is a magnificent 80km circuit on varied terrain. It can be done over two days or a long weekend and is certainly not to be missed for those dedicated mountain bikers who need a challenge.
Cycling
This whole area provides a perfect training environment for the competitive cyclist and wonderful scenic routes for the more passive cyclist!
Put yourself in the shoes of the Tour de France riders and attempt the challenging Col de Joux Plane. If this is not your idea of fun then relax and enjoy the flat valley floor that stretches all the way to Lake Leman (Geneva) or the easier inclines of other surrounding routes. Whether you require strenuous or easy mountain roads or lakeside paths there is something for everyone. There are picturesque villages to explore and many great watering holes en route. There are many local clubs that arrange cycling tours and circuits creating a vast array of possibilities.
The season begins in April and lasts until October. Tours of Le Lac d’Annecy and Le Lac Léman are easy excursions for cyclists and if you are simply a spectator then don’t miss out on the Dauphiné Libéré race which often passes through town as a warm up to the Tour de France – You never know one year the Tour de France itself will pass through the valley again!
Bike hire is available from sports shops in Morillon, Samoëns and Sixt Fer à Cheval and includes adult bikes with a child seat. Twinner Sports in Morillon offer accompanied outings available to children from 7/8 years old. Please contact Toni and Jez for further details at .
