FATMAP by Strava

Petit Balcon Nord: Le Tour

Chamonix

Les Grands Montets

One of the smoothest, flowiest benchcut trails in Chamonix.

Mountain Biking Difficult

Distance
7.3 km
Ascent
314 m
Descent
314 m
Duration
0-1 hrs
Low Point
1.2 km
High Point
1.5 km
Gradient
11˚
Petit Balcon Nord: Le Tour Map

Le Petit Balcon Nord connects to Le Tour, and this section of singletrack descending from Le Tour toward Argentiere is arguably one of the smoothest, fastest, most rewarding stretches of singletrack in the entire Chamonix Valley.

Description

As with all trails in Chamonix, there's no end of possible route combinations. For a short loop that focuses solely on this fantastic trail, follow the route mapped here. This route combines a paved climb and a rewarding singletrack descent. Otherwise, incorporate this section of singletrack into a longer, more epic ride in the Chamonix Valley.

After climbing the pavement and reaching the trailhead, you'll pedal up a mellow, smooth climb before the descending begins in earnest.

The initial descent is fast and smooth, running along a delightful benchcut singletrack with a narrow trail tread that's relatively rare for the region. After whipping down smooth black dirt, the grade steepens, and the trail gets rougher, with rocks and roots cropping out to provide some more technical challenges. However, the roughest parts of this trail are very easy on the grand scheme of Chamonix mountain biking.

After passing the turn toward Le Planet, the trail drops quickly into a town forest just outside of Argentiere. If you'd like to ride further, you can connect to another section of the Petit Balcon Nord that heads toward Lavancher and beyond.

Difficulty

Difficult

Mostly stable trail tread with some variability featuring larger and more unavoidable obstacles that may include, but not be limited to: bigger stones, roots, steps, and narrow curves. Compared to lower intermediate, technical difficulty is more advanced and grades of slopes are steeper. Ideal for upper intermediate riders.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

1 out of 4

Close to help in case of emergency.

Best time to visit

between June and October

Features

  • Flow
  • Singletrack
  • In the forest
  • Roots
  • Rock Gardens

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area