Top 7 Bike Parks around Les Houches

Les Houches is primarily known for its downhill mountain biking, offering a network of trails with diverse terrain and technical challenges. Riders can expect a 'raw' and natural riding experience, often through forests, meadows, and technical sections, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Mont Blanc massif.

The main hub for organized mountain biking in Les Houches is centered around the Prarion gondola. This lift provides easy access to various trails, allowing riders to maximize their downhill time. While the Bellevue lift previously hosted trails, the focus for maintained bike park trails has shifted to Prarion.

Yes, the bike park around the Prarion gondola offers a variety of trails, including blue and red options, accommodating a wider range of riders. Les Houches is known for its challenging singletrack and intermediate trails, with some features even catering to advanced riders seeking a 'technical single-track heaven'.

From the Prarion gondola, you can find varied terrain including trails through trees, undergrowth, meadows, and technical passages. A popular long descent leads down to the villages of St Gervais and Le Fayet, offering over 1000m of drop. The 'Pipeline' trail, following a large water pipeline, features wooden steps and tight switchbacks, while another local favorite is a long, fast, and flowy singletrack section through woods and meadows.

Beyond the main Prarion area, you can explore Mont d'Arbois, a popular viewpoint also suitable for mountain biking. Another must-see spot is Le Bettex Plateau, located at 1450 meters, which serves as a starting and finishing point for MTB downhill routes and offers a breathtaking panorama of Mont Blanc.

Yes, for a challenging experience, consider the Spectacular singletrack after the Val Veny balcony. This path is considered one of the most beautiful in Courmayeur, offering a unique and challenging riding experience. Additionally, the Les Rasses Trail Intersection (Altitude 720 m) marks the start of a long technical descent to Domancy.

Riders in Les Houches are treated to stunning scenery, with epic views of the Mont Blanc Massif and the surrounding alpine landscape. Many trails offer panoramic vistas, especially from higher elevations like the Le Bettex Plateau or Mont d'Arbois.

Beyond mountain biking, Les Houches offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore numerous hiking trails, including routes like 'Aiguilette des Houches – Bellachat Refuge loop' or 'Superb view from Le Bettex – Chalets de Chailloux loop'. For more options, check out the guides for Hiking around Les Houches, Gravel biking around Les Houches, or Running Trails around Les Houches.

Given the technical nature and challenging descents of many trails in Les Houches, full-face helmets and body armor are highly recommended, especially for more difficult routes. Always be mindful of other trail users; for instance, on trails like the 'Spectacular singletrack after the Val Veny balcony', it's crucial to give way to pedestrians.

Les Houches is often praised for its 'raw' and natural riding experience, characterized by steep descents, roots, and loam. The ability to descend all the way to the valley floor of Le Fayet Saint Gervais and potentially take a train back adds an epic dimension to a day of riding, offering significant and rewarding runs.

The Zerotta Road Mountain Bike Trail is a good example, offering a mix of dirt and gravel and serving as a nice connection between trails in Val Veny, with fun uphills and descents.