Cycling
Legendary cols, epic descents, and stunning valley rides
Road Cycling
Iconic Alpine climbs made famous by the Tour de France
Chamonix sits at the heart of some of the most famous road cycling terrain in the world. The surrounding mountain passes — many of which feature regularly in the Tour de France — offer challenging and spectacularly scenic rides for experienced cyclists. The valley floor also provides excellent flat and gently rolling routes ideal for warming up or more relaxed rides.
Col de la Forclaz
A classic cross-border climb into Switzerland via Vallorcine and the Trient valley. The descent into the Rhône valley offers panoramic views of the Valais Alps. A beautiful ride with moderate traffic.
Col des Montets
A gentler climb through the upper Chamonix valley to Vallorcine, passing through the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve. Stunning views throughout, with the option to continue over the Col de la Forclaz for a longer ride.
Chamonix to Megève via Col des Aravis
An epic day ride descending through the Arve valley before climbing the famous Col des Aravis, a Tour de France favourite. The loop returns via Megève and Saint-Gervais with several iconic climbs and breathtaking Alpine scenery throughout.
Mountain Biking
Lift-accessed descents and cross-country trails for all levels
In summer, the Chamonix ski lifts reopen for mountain bikers, giving access to an extensive network of downhill and enduro trails. The Chamonix Bike Park, centred on the Les Houches and Brévent-Flégère areas, offers trails from green (beginner) to black (expert), with over 30 marked routes and 80km of purpose-built singletrack.
Cross-country riders will find excellent trails along the valley floor and through the surrounding forests, while more adventurous riders can tackle technical Alpine singletrack with dramatic exposure and stunning views. Bike hire, including full-suspension enduro and downhill bikes, is available from several shops in Chamonix, and our concierge team can arrange delivery directly to the chalet.
Vallorcine Enduro Loop
Take the Le Tour gondola and ride a mix of purpose-built singletrack and natural trails through forests and Alpine meadows back to Vallorcine. Flowing trails with optional technical sections.
Les Houches Bike Park
The main Chamonix bike park with trails from gentle green runs to demanding black descents. Lift-accessed via the Bellevue gondola, it's perfect for a full day of riding with runs to suit every ability.
Petit Balcon Nord Trail
A scenic cross-country trail along the north side of the valley, weaving through forests with views of the Aiguilles Rouges. Rideable from the doorstep of Chalet Josephine, this is a perfect warm-up ride.
E-Bikes
Explore further with electric-assisted cycling
E-bikes have opened up the Chamonix valley to a much wider range of cyclists. With electric assistance, the famous cols and mountain trails become accessible to those who might find the pure cycling versions too demanding. High-quality e-bikes — both road and mountain — are available for hire from shops in Chamonix, and our concierge team can arrange delivery to the chalet.
Popular e-bike rides include the valley floor route to Argentière and Vallorcine, the climb to the Col des Montets, and forest trails through the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve. For a truly memorable experience, guided e-bike tours take you to viewpoints and trails you might never discover on your own.
Ready to Ride?
Book Chalet Josephine and explore Chamonix on two wheels.