Châtel Bike Park is found in the heart of Portes du Soleil in France. It is one of the largest mountain biking areas in the world, spanning across France and Switzerland. Located in the stunning Pré-la-Joux area of Châtel, this park is a dream holiday destination for mountain biking enthusiasts, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Alps. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie looking for a challenge or a casual rider wanting to enjoy the alpine scenery, the Châtel Bike Park offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
Join us in this article as we share all the details about the Châtel Bike Park and how you can plan your next mountain biking holiday!
When to visit the Châtel Bike Park and how to get there
The Châtel Bike Park is open daily from June 21st to September 1st and on weekends into the autumn months. Two chairlifts in the Pré-la-Joux area begin rides up to the Bike Park at 10:00 am. Pierre-Longue has its last ascent at 4:30 pm, while Rochassons is at 4:15 pm.
Ticket information for Châtel Bike Park
There are different ticket options for entering the bike park catering to the amount of hours you wish to ride and budgets. Lift passes can be bought for single ascents or purchase a multi-ascent pack with choices ranging from 3 to 10 ascents. You can also get full-day passes and multi-day passes for those who are looking to spend long periods on the trails.
You can buy tickets at the lift ticket office or online. Family discounts are also available.
Main routes and circuits in Châtel Bike Park
What makes the Châtel Bike Park an outstanding mountain biking experience is not only its location and views but also its incredible variety of trails for all skill levels. There are over 20 available trails, categorised into colour codes by level: green, blue, red and black.
Here are a few of our favourites:
Panoramic (Green Trail)
This is the ideal place to begin your mountain biking journey or for those who prefer a relaxed and scenic route. It is designed for all riders, with wide paths and small jumps. It is a great option for family mountain bikers who want to take in the beauty of Châtel.
The People (Blue Trail)
The People Trail is 2.5 kilometres long and perfect for intermediate riders. It starts with wide, winding paths that allow you to build up confidence as you head down.
Eterlou (Red Trail)
If you are looking for a step up in difficulty, the Eterlou trail is a popular option. It features moderate slopes and is designed to keep riders engaged with jumps and turns.
Black Shore (Black Trail)
For advanced riders who are looking for a technical challenge, then the Black Shore trail is a must-ride option! Compared to Canadian trail designs, it features many bridges, steps and jumps. It is high-intensity and we suggest reviewing the terrain on a map beforehand.
Events and competitions at Châtel Bike Park
The Bike Park Châtel hold many events and competitions throughout the season, including some of the most exciting annual mountain biking competitions in Europe! The European Downhill Cup is a competition that takes place every summer on the black-level trail “Bike Patrol” track. MTB athletes and spectators from all around Europe and the world come here to participate and witness this intense event.
There are also plenty of local and community events that take place on weekends during the open season. These include races that are meant for riders of all levels and freestyle competitions as well.
All of these events have online registration and we recommend that you book your spot and local accommodation early on.
Services and facilities at Châtel Bike Park
Getting to the top of Châtel Bike Park’s trails is easy and convenient with the two chairlifts available. The Pierre-Longue and Rochassons chairlifts operate daily with extended hours on weekends from mid-July to the end of August.
If you forgot your bike at home, don’t worry! Châtel is well-equipped with many bike rental shops. You can also rent protective gear and equipment from these rental shops. If you find yourself in need of a touch-up or quick repair, there are many bike repair services available near the park. Safety is a top priority, so you will see the Bike Patrol teams stationed throughout the park’s trails, ready to assist in case of an accident or emergency.
Visiting the Châtel Bike Park for the first time, you can take a guided tour or sign up for lessons. There are a variety of tours and classes available ranging from beginner mountain bikers to jumps and tricks and an introductory course to electric mountain biking. Check out the official website for a list of available options.
Tips for mountain biking in Châtel Bike Park
Choose the right bike: Either a ‘FreeRide’ or ‘Downhill’ mountain bike that is best for the trails you will ride.
Wear safety equipment: Helmets are mandatory, and wearing additional protective gear is strongly recommended.
Follow signs and stay on routes: Please adhere to clearly marked paths and do not wander off the trail.
Familiarise yourself with the routes: Review the slopes and obstacles before starting the trail.
Know emergency contact information: Know the appropriate telephone numbers and where to find Bike Patrol teams.
Your Châtel mountain biking adventure awaits
The Châtel Bike Park offers a one-of-a-kind mountain biking experience. Its exciting trails are perfect for any level of rider, beautiful alpine vistas and top-tier services guarantee a fun and safe day on the trails.
When planning your trip, make sure to rely on Alpvision Residences for your accommodation in the area. With comfortable and well-equipped properties that are conveniently located near the Châtel Bike Park and other villages, you are sure to find a rental perfect for your needs.
