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SELECTED CHAMONIX MTB TRAILS: Although Chamonix is a narrow valley it has numerous trails that run its length from north to south. The most common tracks are the Petit Balcon Nord and the Petit Balcon Sud. All the cable car systems run in the summer so Chamonix has a lot of high alpine riding for mountain bike riders. Petit Balcon Sud: This trail runs all the way from Argentiere to Chamonix on the south facing side of the valley. The trail is actually a walking track so is tough. Join the trail by the turn-off to the Grands Montets cable car. Following along the right side of the river heading towards Chamonix the trail eventually drops down above the railway lines to Les Tines. Carry on towards Chamonix until meeting an intersection, where you can either take the riverside track or climb up a steep track on the right to the Petit Balcon Sud (which carries on to Le Brevent). Petit Balcon Nord: On the opposite side of the valley this trail runs from Chamonix to Le Tour. A great trail passing through Le Lavancher, Argentiere and Le Planet. It is easier riding from Le Tour to Chamonix, and if you are fit it is worth doing a circuit of the valley on both Balcons. This is about 16kms and approx 3hrs. Les Mottets: Situated at Les Planards in Chamonix, a 4x4 track rises directly up the "winter piste" next to the luge track. Follow this track as far as it goes. The last 200m is unrideable but the view of the Mer de Glace is definitely worth it. 1hr 30mins to the top, 20 mins descent to Cham. Planpraz - Chamonix: Take the telecabine from Chamonix to Planpraz (2000m). The 4x4 track is located over a small rise behind the station. It descends rapidly to the left. The track is steep and very tough, but becomes easier as it descends. 1hr decent from Planpraz (for advanced riders). La Flegere - Les Praz: From Les Praz take the La Flegere cable car to the top (1877m). From here incredible views of the Mer de Glace and the Grande Jorasses. From the station take the 4x4 track on the immediate left outside the station. This is another steep track through the trees to the valley floor. 1hr descent from the station (for advanced riders). Lognan - Argentiere: Take the Grands Montets cable car in Argentiere to the Lognan mid station. Exit the station and turn immediately left down the "piste". Wide but extremely rough track all the way to Argentiere. It drops 800m and your bike may not survive the ride. 1hr descent from Lognan (for mtbers with strong bikes). Lognan - Le Lavancher: From Lognan take the first right 4x4 track which heads off towards Plan Joran. The 4x4 track eventually leads into a large bowl with views of Chamonix. It turns into a small walking track, then exits the plateau to start the descent into Le Lavancher. The track is technical with many zig-zags. 1hr from Lognan (a very tough and technical ride). Le Tour - Col de Balme: Take the Charamillon telecabine from Le Tour. Follow the signs to the Col des Posettes (1997m). At the col turn right on the 4x4 track that heads up to the Col de Balme. 1hr from Le Tour, easy riding. Le Tour - Vallorcine: Take the Charamillon telecabine from Le Tour. Follow the signs to the Col des Posettes (1997m). This is 4x4 track. Arriving at the col the views of the Vallorcine valley and Switzerland are spectacular. Follow the sign to Vallorcine and take the road back over the Col des Montets. 1hr 45mins from Le Tour to Vallorcine.

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