Downhilling in Avoriaz

The Porte de Soleil region in the French Alps is probably the largest ski area in the world and is not for the 'faint hearted' mountain biker. But for those who know me, you will realise that I'm really only at home on a mountain bike - going downhill! As you also may know, I've got a studio apartment in Avoriaz, in the heart of the Porte de Soleil and it needed painting before the winter season. Reluctantly I agreed to putting my mountain bike in the car and heading off for Provence to sunbake and the Alps to paint walls.

Now that's quite a combination, 'cos Provence is mega hot in summer and therefore does not inspire the intrepid Mbiker to much effort, well apart from lazing by the pool and - well you know the rest. The Porte de Soleil region on the other hand, with Avoriaz at 1800m is a bit cooler @ 26°C or less most days and up to 5°C lower at 2,000 metres - fab weather for mountain biking. We decided to start from Morzine and felt very good that we could ascend by bubble lift. Then, being very silly we thought we'd ride the rest of the way up to 1800m! Halfway we realised all the other mountain bikers used the free shuttle bus or chair lifts and from that moment on we got the hang of it. Every high point is served by a lift and each lift by a lift attendant who also wants to lift your bike onto a suitable lift hook, while you sit comfortably in the chatting position for the ascent. Well that suited Martyn and me as the descents are - well indescribable and jolly good fun.

We noticed that most Mbikers were very well padded and I don't just mean in the pants department. Many runs were 4 to 6 kilometres at a stretch or longer, the whole circuit is about 110 km but 580 km is possible. We dipped in and out of the official VTT circuit (World MB Championship route for summer 2004), by going to Lindarets and up Mossettes, with its amazing views and fast long downhills. From the top at Mossettes there was still snow on the Dents du Midi and from here you can ski into or out of Switzerland, there is 105 km in the Swiss circuit. Oh well if only I'd had more free days and less painting to do!

	Search this site powered by FreeFind
	Swaledale Outdoor Club

Downhilling in Avoriaz

Alastair Smith