Chamonix - biking during July/August?

[a11y_m]

Hoping that anyone who's been before can inform me better...

I'm heading to the Alps at the start of August. First week will be spent in Les Arcs and the second in Chamonix - I'm not one for mad DHing on holiday hence those locations suit me well, I've been to both before and know what to expect.

However, how extensive is the biking ban on the trails in Chamonix in July/August? I've seen reference to it online and just wondering if it's worth visiting at all? Last time I was in Chamonix was a couple of years ago, in July funnily enough, and I don't recall a biking ban - perhaps I was just ignorant!

Any advice much appreciated.
Cheers.

[Janosh]

Lots of trails are 'walkers only' but that does not mean there's no biking in Chamonix!

There are new bike specific trails in Le Tour and Les Houches (Les Houches particularly worth checking out this summer)

You can also ride from Grand Montets towards Lavancher and from Brevent in all directions, although again you need to check which trails are ridable.

GM yesterday:

http://thumbsnap.com/sc/BmKWbT1Y.jpg

[a11y_m]

Thanks. Photo makes me want to be there NOW...

Where's the best source for what trails are rideable?

I've got the "Chamonix Bike Book" on order as I've heard it's decent. It was eiother 2 or 3 years ago we were last year so I wasn't sure if things had changed. So the stuff at les Houches is worth a look? I'm staying centrally in Chamonix (Mer de Glace campsite) and I know it's easy enough to reach the train station from there. I also know there's La Flegere/L'Index chairlifts just across the road (sort of...) but heard a rumour part of that trail was closed this year? But as I say I don't know if that's unsubstantiated.

I've got less days in Chamonix than Les Arcs though anyway, probably only manage 3-4 days biking in Chamonix as I'm holidaying with the wife plus 9-month old. A different experience to previous hols.

[Janosh]

Worth having a read of some of the rides on the bike blog, example: http://www.chamonixbikeblog.com/2013/to-the-ends-o...

And there's some useful info here: http://www.chamonet.com/activities/biking/trails.h...

[a11y_m]

Janosh said:

Worth having a read of some of the rides on the bike blog, example: http://www.chamonixbikeblog.com/2013/to-the-ends-o...

And there's some useful info here: http://www.chamonet.com/activities/biking/trails.h...

Much appreciated, I'll have a read.

[Disco You]

Why's there a biking ban?

[a11y_m]

Disco You said:

Why's there a biking ban?

I believe, but await correction:

hikers + bikers + Chamonix =/= harmony

[Disco You]

a11y_m said:

Disco You said:

Why's there a biking ban?

I believe, but await correction:

hikers + bikers + Chamonix =/= harmony

Sounds a bit silly. Are hikers ever banned from the trails?

[Janosh]

Yes, at least the hikers respect that some trails are for bikers only.

It's not perfect, but there are A LOT of hikers in Chamonix, so a compromise has to be made...

[Disco You]

Janosh said:

Yes, at least the hikers respect that some trails are for bikers only.

It's not perfect, but there are A LOT of hikers in Chamonix, so a compromise has to be made...

Seems fair enough then.

[Digga]

Disco You said:

Sounds a bit silly. Are hikers ever banned from the trails?

Word of warning generally - when I was in Les Arcs in 2011, we saw a family merrily hiking up the Cachettes DH trail.

They shouldn't be there, and there is no way of stopping easily, but knowing the French lvoe of buereacracy, I'd imagine an incident of mjaor proportions if you did hit anyone.

ETA I must stress this was once - a single occasion in two years of riding those trails - so don't worry too much OP and have a blast. I'm very jealous!