1 m away
Petit Balcon Nord: Le Tour
One of the smoothest, flowiest benchcut trails in Chamonix.
Difficult Mountain Biking
- Distance
- 7.3 km
- Ascent
- 314 m
- Descent
- 314 m
A scenic tour at the northern end of the Chamonix Valley.
Mountain Biking Moderate
This is a classic loop which has some unavoidable road sections but makes up for them with some varied and incredibly scenic trails.
The route is a loop and can therefore be started and finished in any of the settlements it passes through but Argentière is probably the most logical base for the trip as it is the quickest place to reach by car or public transport from Chamonix town centre.
From Argentière follow the main road north up to and over the Col des Montets and then descend to Vallorcine. From here begin the climb up to the Possettes ridge itself. The ascent route follows a peaceful track which in winter is a lovely little piste. The climb up never gets too steep but it doesn't let up much either. Keep your head down and think about the view that awaits you! Shortly before reaching the end of the climb you come to the top of the Vallorcine gondola and emerge out of the trees.
Carry on climbing for another 10 - 15 minutes to crest the Possettes ridge, at which point the Chamonix valley begins to open up below you. The list of legendary peaks which you can now see includes Mont Blanc, Les Drus, Les Droites, Aiguille de Chardonnet and the Aiguille Verte.
Follow the excellent track down as it winds its way through the wide open spaces of the Le Tour ski area, which is a popular destination in summer for both hikers and bikers. Be aware that there may well be hikers about and don't take blind corners too quickly!
The track leads you down to the top of the Charamillon gondola and then steepens as it descends to the foot of the same lift in the village of Le Tour.
From Le Tour the route is all on tarmac but it's fun road biking, with only a couple of sharp corners and plenty of flowing long bends. Once back in Argentière either drive, bike or take the train back to Chamonix.
Moderate
Mostly stable trail tread with some variability, with unavoidable obstacles 8in/20cm tall or less. Other obstacles such as rock gullies and steep sections may exist. Ideal for lower intermediate riders.
1 m away
One of the smoothest, flowiest benchcut trails in Chamonix.
Difficult Mountain Biking
304 m away
Stunning alpine scenery reserved for those who don't mind carrying their bike for it!
Extreme Mountain Biking
448 m away
A great loop through terrain which is busy in winter but pleasantly quiet in summer.
Moderate Mountain Biking
5.5 km away
Purpose-built jump/flow line beneath the lifts of Le Tour.
Difficult Mountain Biking
5.5 km away
Les Posettes beginning from and returning to Le Tour lifts.
Severe Mountain Biking
5.6 km away
Alternative, less demanding variation on the classic Posettes trail
Difficult Mountain Biking
5.9 km away
A punishing climb provides access to an incredible descent amid stunning alpine scenery.
Difficult Mountain Biking
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The easiest mountain bike ride in Chamonix.
Easy Mountain Biking
7.2 km away
An epic loop ride with a stunning high alpine singletrack traverse as a reward
Severe Mountain Biking
7.2 km away
An easy tour through Chamonix valley, followed by two hard and long climbs to Lax des Champex.
Moderate Mountain Biking
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