The winter sports feeling, but in shorts with summer temperatures. Sounds too good to be true? Yet it really does exist, as we found out for ourselves the other day, on an adventure in the French and Swiss Alps.
Text & photography: Jules Bijpost
In Morzine, the town that includes the well-known ski resort of Avoriaz, they know how to make better and better use of the summer months, for an increasingly wider audience. And that is no superfluous luxury, as the changing climate means that the snowy period is getting shorter and shorter, while at the same time more people have developed a strong love for the mountains. High time, then, to show that you don't necessarily need a thick layer of snow to have fun on the Alpine slopes.
Both the slopes and ski lifts undergo a complete metamorphosis in spring these days. Indeed, apart from the fact that the entire mountains change from white to green, mountain bike routes are prepared everywhere. As for skiers and snowboarders in winter, colour-coded routes indicate how difficult they are: from green for the average city biker, to black for daredevils who don't mind flying a few metres through the air on their bikes every now and then.
The ski lifts are enhanced with special holders on the back to hang your bike. And getting in and out also goes extra smoothly without skis or snowboard on your feet. There you are, just like on the better winter sports days, enjoying the view in the sun. Only in 20 degrees and in shorts and a t-shirt.
Once at the top, a lift attendant takes your bike out of its holder and it's time for action. As with winter sports, you choose a nice route (or follow your guide), check that your saddle is at its lowest position and the downhill mountain biking can begin. Over slopes, forest paths, through small rivers, along waterfalls, or through a specially built mountain bike course or fun park: you can literally go in any direction. Portes du Soleil, Europe's largest ski area in winter, is now also Europe's largest bike park in summer, with no less than 600 km of trails!
Downhill mountain bikes
The first thing you notice when looking at a downhill mountain bike is the placement of the front wheel. This is because it sits a lot further forward than on a normal bike, allowing you to have much more forward lean. A front wheel that sticks out further ensures that your centre of gravity is more backwards, making it a lot less likely to end up in an unplanned rollover with bike and all.
Another typical feature is the mega-deep air suspension. This allows you to effortlessly drive over tree roots, rocks, branches and other bumps up to about thirty centimetres high. Ideal for flying down a mountain at great speed, without having to worry too much about a spontaneous launch.
Most ski shops in this area transform into the same concept from June to September, but for bikes. So here you can now rent your (e-)mountain bikes, as well as all the protection, guides, advice and technical support you need.
Morzine / Avoriaz
So is it only action and excitement in this area? If you like, yes (see also the picture with the Avokart), but there is more: Avoriaz is known for its unusual architecture, there are also beautiful hiking trails and the lunches you normally visit by ski now look beautiful on the green slopes, among waterfalls and Alpine flora.
AlpinExpress pass
If you choose to travel to your destination by train - which is definitely recommended - you can use the so-called AlpinExpress Pass. An initiative of Montagne Verte to promote sustainable travel and make it more attractive. You apply for this (digital) pass by uploading your train ticket and, upon showing it, you get an average 10% discount on more than 70 affiliated local businesses. Think hotels, restaurants, activities, but also your lift pass for example.
The Eurostar and TGV will get you to your destination quickly and comfortably. You get on in the Netherlands, change in Paris (you can have lunch or a quick terrace there if you like) and can be at your destination in the Alps in about nine hours. On the way, you can see the landscape slowly change through your window and the mountains get higher and higher, or you can quietly finish some work.
Info
AlpinExpress pass https://montagneverte.org/en/projects/alpinexpress/
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