A family mountain biking holiday is an excellent way to spend time together, combining the benefits of sport with good company. As they seek to develop their summer offering, the resorts of the Alps are competing to welcome mountain-bikers of all ages. Beginnersโ zones, bike parks, organised courses or simple outings: the infrastructure and services are on a par with the beauty of the Alpine landscapes.
Follow our advice for safe cycling and an unforgettable mountain experience with your children!
Three ways to go cycling with your family
With children aged 3 to 7
For the little ones, mountain biking starts gently! From the age of 3, the balance bike is ideal for developing confidence while having fun. You can ride at their pace, on easy paths in the forest or alongside green trails.
For younger children, a baby seat attached to a parentโs bike or an all-terrain trailer can be used to share the adventure. Even at this young age, remember to protect them with a helmet, gloves and a reflective vest.
With children aged 7 to 12
From the age of 7, children become more independent and can learn to mountain bike on real trails. Many resorts offer lessons or courses run by instructors, with routes to suit all ages and abilities.
The green and blue trails allow them to progress without pressure, while discovering the pleasure of riding in the mountains. This is the ideal age to learn the right skills, develop confidence on the bike and enjoy the Alpine scenery.
With teenagers aged 13 and over
At 13, itโs time for adventure! Teenagers can take on more technical trails, sign up for advanced courses and develop their skills in bike parks. Theyโll also need to upgrade their protective gear, including full-face helmets and knee protectors.
In the Alps, resorts such as Les Gets, La Clusaz and Les Saisies offer modules, moguls and banked bends to push your limits in complete safety. Whether supervised or on their own, teenagers can enjoy an active, adrenalin-fuelled holiday.
Family-friendly mountain-biking destinations
In the following resorts, youโll find all the services, shops and facilities you need for a stress-free cycling break with children of all ages. Whatโs more, the ski lifts are open all summer to take you up to the top of the mountain bike trails.
Les Gets: a mountain-bikersโ paradise
The resort of Les Gets has quite a reputation in the mountain-biking community. Every summer, it hosts stages of the Mountain Bike World Cup, where the best riders inspire budding champions.
The resort offers fun green trails, such as the Clarines loop, a safe area for children, and workshops for beginners. Thereโs plenty for the more experienced too, including the Rosta ridge trail and the Mont-Chรฉry tour.
Where to stay near Les Gets: Chalet Behansa
This cosy 5-star gem near Les Gets is designed for large families visiting the Alps with young children. Its facilities for younger guests have earned it the OVO Network โCool for Kidsโ label.
With a games room and a home cinema, as well as a wellness area including a sauna and a hot tub, Chalet Behansa is the perfect mountain holiday base for fun and relaxation for guests of all ages.
La Clusaz: trails for all ages
In La Clusaz, mountain biking can be as gentle or energetic as you want to make it. Its popular Bike Park has circuits to suit all levels, and the Crรชt du Merle panoramic route allows children to enjoy the scenery without too much difficulty.
For families, La Clusaz offers mountain biking lessons designed for children aged 6 and over, supervised by qualified instructors. They can develop balance and coordination, as well as confidence in the saddle.
Where to stay near La Clusaz: Chalet Fernand
The charming Chalet Fernand, just 1km from La Clusaz, is equally suited to cyclists and families. Sleeping 10 people, it has a hot tub and several terraces where you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings all year round.
Surrounded by pine trees and snow-capped peaks, this bright, spacious chalet is just a short walk from the resortโs shops, bars and restaurants. There are several mountain bike and hiking trails nearby.
Les Saisies: the perfect cycling destination for families
At Les Saisies, mountain biking can be enjoyed in the peaceful natural setting of the Espace Diamant, surrounded by forests and flower-filled meadows. The area is linked to the Beaufortain area, offering over 160km of marked trails accessible to beginners and experienced mountain bikers alike.
Les Saisies is the perfect place to introduce beginners to the pleasures of two-wheeled cycling. There are 13 trails for all levels and a fun loop for children. Meanwhile, the more experienced can choose from 175km of cross country routes.
Where to stay near Les Saisies: Chalet Mevi
Up to 13 guests (including 11 adults) can enjoy a mountain biking holiday at this superb property, without the need for a car. It has all the facilities cyclists could need, as guaranteed by its OVO Network โCycling Friendlyโ label.
Located right next to the shops in Crest-Voland and just a 15-minute drive from Les Saisies, Chalet Mevi also has all the facilities you need to care for and entertain your children, including a mezzanine play area.
Finding accommodation equipped to welcome cyclists
A family mountain biking holiday in the Alps is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience, with breathtaking scenery and trails suitable for all ages. By choosing the right resort and the right equipment, you can give your children a sporting holiday theyโll never forget!
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