Everything you need to know about cycling in the Giffre Valley and the Grand Massif

Samoëns and the Giffre Valley offer an ideal setting for cycling in all its forms. Thanks to the diversity of the grounds, small and large will be able this summer to explore the large spaces thanks to this means of locomotion of the most playful. Between road biking, mountain biking, downhill biking and electric biking, all the means are good to spend a good time with family or friends and to fill up on discoveries. The plus? Samoëns has the bike label guaranteeing a high quality of services and itineraries available.

road bike

A mythical pass

Many routes are possible by road bike from Samoëns. The route of the famous Col de Joux Plane (pass out of category) starts from the center of the village. This climb, climbed many times by the riders of the Tour de France, offers formidable percentages that will appeal to cyclists looking for a difference in altitude. The breathtaking view of Mont-Blanc at the top of this pass is worth a few drops of sweat.

Some exotic walks

Easier routes are also available. The Horseshoe loop allows you to fully immerse yourself in the heart of the mountains while remaining affordable for the whole family. A perfect setting for a peaceful moment. You can discover the magnificent gorges of the Tines, or the Rouget waterfall for a refreshing ride.

The route of the Col de Joux Plane

The Road Bike for Le Fer à Cheval

To rent road bikes in Samoëns, it’s here!

For guided hikes

Find the list of different mountain bike routes in Samoëns

Map of mountain bike routes in Samoëns

MTB rental in Samoëns

Guided hikes in Samoëns

mountain bike

The Giffre Valley, an infinite playground

With more than 400km of trails, Samoëns is a paradise for mountain bikers. Young or old, beginners or experienced, all will find here a ground at their convenience as the diversity is wide. As soon as the snow gives way to greenery, go and discover this preserved setting in the heart of the Alps, by mountain bike and to the strength of your calves!

Traced routes for all profiles

The 51km of country itineraries available will allow you to enjoy a large bowl of nature in the heart of the forests of the valley, on the banks of the Giffre and on the foothills of the mountains. Whether you are looking for overtaking or calm, Samoëns and its valley are the ideal places to pedal.

Guides will be able to take you through the trails to reveal the secrets of these great spaces and make you discover the most beautiful points of view.

The downhill bike

Many paths to descend

From Samoëns, 120km of enduro tracks for all levels are available thanks to the ski lifts of the resort. You will thus be able to access high summits and travel the valley in all its extent. Let yourself be transported by the chairlifts and the gondolas to descend the numerous slopes.

Courses for progress

If you are afraid of downhill biking and do not feel comfortable, learn the keys to this practice from the Samoan instructors. Courses are offered for all levels and ages to make you better descenders. You will become experts in enduro and you will be able to start on more difficult tracks. Take advantage of the companions to go more serenely on the slopes. They will guide you and reassure you to take maximum pleasure in your handlebars.

Thrills

Speed buffs are not left behind in Samoens. Thrill seekers will be able to feast on the 28 Freeride and Single Track tracks. Thrills guaranteed!

Downhill cycling courses in Samoëns

Link of guided hikes

Timetable of the ski lifts

Map of VTT itineraries of Samoëns

Downhill bike rental

Electric bike rental

Route for electric bikeI

The electric assisted bike

Travel great distances

To discover the Giffre valley, from long to wide without great difficulty, the partners of the resort of Samoëns offer you to rent a bike with electric assistance. It is the ideal way to discover both the local heritage and the surrounding nature. Thanks to the batteries, these bikes will make you travel longer distances without exhausting yourself. The rental companies will provide you with technical advice in order to make the best use of your electrical assistance.

4 new marked routes are to be found in the valley for this summer:

A red named «Chapel Saint Grat»: 35 km for 1100m of D+

B Blue named «Le Grand Bois»: 14 km for 340m D+

C blue «chapels of Samoëns»: 28 km and 750m D+

D blue «Gorges des Tines»: 19 km and 600m D+

Services around the bike

Rental

Many bike rental companies are present in Samoëns to offer you models adapted to all disciplines. At any time of the day, they are there to meet your needs and equip you at best to ride your bike safely.

Our partners also answer all your questions before your trips for a ride on two wheels as you have always dreamed of!

An exceptional welcome for cycling

Cyclists enjoy a warm welcome in the Giffre Valley. Information about routes, weather and difficulties is very easy to access. Adapted services are available throughout the labeled itineraries, such as luggage transfer or bicycle washing but also transport or water and sanitary points. Some hotels also have the bike home label and offer special services to put you in the best conditions to pedal in the greatest comfort. This bike label guarantees you to be less than 5km from a bike path.

Mountain biking events in Samoëns

Samoëns has always been a host of mountain bike events. Since 1989, the trans’Grand Massif started from Flaine to Lac aux Dames. Then the VTTicimes, the Mégavalanche and more recently the Enduro Series, the Enduro World Series and the Mégawatt have marked the history of mountain biking in Samoëns, until the Vélo Vert Festival which will be presented next year.

Le Vélo Vert Festival

With the Vélo Vert Festival, Samoëns returns to mountain biking. This international event will reposition Samoëns on the mountain bike map, highlighting its geography conducive to all types of practices: enduro, cross-country, electric mountain bike, sports or family. Save the date: first weekend of June!