Post by Mary on March 13, 2023
It’s been a funny old winter in the Alps this year. It started late and has ended early. We’re just approaching mid-March and conditions are already good for Spring mountain biking. The lack of winter snow this year is undoubtedly bad for the tourist industry here but the impact on the local environment should also not be underestimated. Natural water sources have not yet replenished after the very hot summer last year, which has knock on consequences for local flora and fauna as well as small farms that rely on these water sources for their livestock up on the alpages in the summer.
We will have to wait and see how low-lying ski resorts like Morillon, where we live, will adapt to the changing climate. Mountain biking is certainly one avenue of development. 2023 is the year to come over for some Spring mountain biking if you’re looking to get away before the heat of summer arrives. The snow pack is so small this year that even the higher trails above 2000m are likely to be be snow free and rideable in May and June. Email us to find out about Spring mountain biking opportunities.
Jamie just finished a fat biking weekend with some lovely regular Ride the Alps guests. Despite the Spring mountain biking conditions, he did manage to find some snow to ride on above 1500m. They had to contend with quite a bit of slushy spring snow and pushing the bikes uphill but they did so with good humor and managed to have a lot of fun.
We had some excellent rides on the fatties this year. From mid-January to mid-February conditions were cold and sunny and the snow was compact and perfect for biking. My particular favourite was the ride up to the Col de la Basse (1636m) from Bonnavaz. Big views, beautiful trails, no people just wildlife.
Looking ahead to summer we have one last slot available in the high season. We can run one week any time between 8th-21st July. All of our trips are possible during this period so please do get in touch if you are looking for an alpine adventure this year.
If you want to combine some biking of your own with an international bike event then there are two options in our local area this summer. The Vélo Vert festival will be taking place in Morillon and Samoens again this year from 2-4 June. There are races and events of all kinds including gravel and enduro, trials demonstrations, numerous stalls and activities for both kids and adults. It’s a fun weekend celebrating all things “VTT”. Then in July it’s the big one as the Tour de France makes a return to our valley. It will be in our part of the Alps from 15th-18th July, right in the middle of our last remaining available slot for guided trips this season. Perfect timing!
