Nestled just six kilometres below the bustling heart of Chamonix, Les Houches Bike Park is a magnet for anyone who craves the rush of downhill mountain biking amid Alpine scenery that feels almost cinematic. Whether you’re a seasoned rider looking for a new trail to conquer or a family group seeking gentle singletrack, the park’s mix of lifts, epic descents and well‑maintained trails makes it an all‑year‑round playground for mountain bike enthusiasts.
The valley’s iconic gondola lift – known locally as the Prarion gondola – whisks you from the village up to alpine meadows where the real action begins. From there, you’ll find a network of mountain bike trails that cater to every skill level: beginner loops, intermediate flow lines and three distinct downhill descents that challenge even the most daring riders. Grab your helmet and protective gear, follow the bike guide signs, and dive into a day that blends breath‑taking vistas with heart‑pounding speed.
Table of Contents
Exploring the core trails: maps, lifts and what to expect
The park’s mountain bike map is a colourful tapestry of coloured lines that tell a story of elevation, difficulty and terrain. You’ll first encounter the Prarion lift, a modern cable car that serves as the main gateway to the upper meadow. From the top, the network spreads like a spider’s web – singletrack canyons, flowy berms and forested loops coexist side by side.
- Alpages Respect – a mellow green‑grade trail perfect for families and newcomers.
- Blooming Bougainville – a blue‑grade singletrack that weaves through alpine flowers, offering a gentle introduction to technical riding.
- Bouquetins descent – a red‑grade downhill trail that drops 450 m over 2.8 km, featuring tight switchbacks and a final jump line.
- Chamois descent – the park’s most demanding black‑grade downhill mountain biking route, with a 800 m vertical and a mix of rock gardens, natural drops and engineered berms.
All lifts operate from 9 am to 4:30 pm during the summer season, and the gondola lift runs at a 15‑minute interval during peak hours. A handy trail report board near the base station provides real‑time updates on trail conditions, weather and any temporary closures.
Three official downhill descents for every level
When you think of Les Houches downhill, three names usually surface: the Bouquetins descent, the Chamois descent and the “classic” Alpages Respect run. Each offers a distinct experience, and all are accessible via the Prarion gondola.
Bouquetins descent – the intermediate challenge
This red‑grade downhill trail starts at the top of the Prarion lift and follows a natural glacial basin before carving its way down a series of rolling berms. The ride lasts about two minutes, with a maximum gradient of 12 % and a few technical sections that test bike handling without being overwhelming.
Chamois descent – the black‑diamond beast
Reserved for the most confident riders, the Chamois descent drops 800 m over 3.2 km, mixing steep rock sections with a handful of purpose‑built jumps. Riders often pair it with a second run on the Bouquetins descent to warm up before tackling the ultimate line.
Alpages Respect – the beginner’s playground
Even novices can enjoy a taste of downhill here. The trail gently rolls down the meadow, providing a low‑impact environment to practice braking and cornering. It’s also a popular spot for family picnics, as the wide track can accommodate multiple riders side by side.
Practical details: tickets, rentals and safety gear
While “Les Houches bike park tickets” can be bought at the Prarion lift ticket office, many visitors prefer to pre‑book online through the Chamonix tourism platform. A standard day‑pass grants unlimited access to all lifts and mountain bike lifts in the park.
For those arriving without a bike, the Les Houches bike rental shop near the lift base offers a complete range of mountain bike setups – from full‑suspension downhill rigs to lightweight cross‑country machines. All rentals include a helmet and basic protective gear, though many seasoned riders bring their own knee pads, body armour and gloves.
| Ticket type | Price (CHF) | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Lift pass (adult) | 45 | Unlimited lift rides, access to all trails |
| Family pass (2 adults + 2 children) | 120 | All lift rides + discounted bike rental |
| Guide package | 80 | One‑hour bike guide session + trail map |
Safety is taken seriously. The park requires every rider to wear a helmet, and many sections have mandatory helmet and protective gear signage. If you’re new to mountain biking in Chamonix, consider hiring a local bike guide who can tailor routes to your ability and show you the best spots for a quick rest or a coffee break at the mountain hut.
Beyond the park: linking Les Houches to Chamonix and other sights
One of the greatest advantages of the area is how seamlessly Les Houches blends into the broader Chamonix valley. A short shuttle ride brings you to the historic town center, where you can explore museums, cafés and the famed Aiguille du Midi cable car. If time allows, many riders packet a day‑trip to the nearby Chamonix Bike Park, which offers extra technical challenges and a different vibe.
For those craving non‑biking activities, the valley presents spectacular hikes, glacier walks and gourmet alpine restaurants. The famous “Le Télémarque” viewpoint, reachable via a gentle ascent from the Prarion gondola, offers panoramic vistas of Mont Blanc, perfect for a post‑ride photo session.
“I’ve ridden every major bike park in Europe, but Les Houches still surprises me with its friendly atmosphere and variety of runs – it feels like a hidden gem in the heart of the Alps.” – Pro rider, 2025
Frequent Asked Questions
Is it better to stay in Chamonix or Les Houches?
Chamonix is ideal for advanced skiers, snowboarders and riders who thrive on a bustling nightlife and a greater concentration of high‑intensity runs. Les Houches, on the other hand, offers a quieter, family‑friendly environment with gentle slopes, more affordable accommodation and easy access to the Prarion gondola for mountain bike adventures.
Are Les Houches connected to Chamonix?
Yes. Les Houches lies roughly 6 km down the valley from Chamonix town. The ski and bike domain stretches from an altitude of 990 m at the village base up to about 1 900 m near the top of the Prarion lift, creating a continuous link between the two resorts.
Is Les Houches good for beginners?
Absolutely. The resort hosts dedicated learning zones such as Le Tourchet in the village and the gentle green‑grade loops at the top of the Prarion gondola. The Alpages Respect trail is a favourite for novices looking to build confidence on a wide, flowy path.
What is the longest mountain biking trail in Les Houches?
The longest continuous mountain bike trail runs from the top of the Prarion gondola through the Alpages Respect meadow, linking to the Blooming Bougainville forest loop. In total, it measures just under 10 km, offering riders a full‑day exploration option.
Which trail has the most elevation gain?
The Chamois descent boasts the greatest vertical drop in the park, with an 800 m loss over a 3.2 km distance. Its steep sections provide a serious test for any rider seeking a high‑adrenaline downhill experience.
What is the most popular and difficult trail?
Popularity and difficulty often intersect on the Bouquetins descent. While it attracts a broad crowd due to its accessible red‑grade status, many experienced riders push its limits by adding optional jumps and tackling the narrowest sections at higher speeds.
Ride the Alps: final thoughts on Les Houches Bike Park
From its well‑organised lift system to the varied network of trails, Les Houches Bike Park delivers a balanced mix of excitement and accessibility that’s hard to find elsewhere in the Alps. Whether you’re chasing the rush of a black‑diamond downhill line, cruising a family‑friendly meadow, or simply soaking up the Alpine ambience from the gondola lift, the park has something for everyone.
Remember to check the daily trail report, respect the environment, and keep your helmet and protective gear on at all times. With the right preparation, a day in Les Houches can turn into a memorable chapter of your mountain biking in Chamonix adventure – one that you’ll likely revisit season after season.
