Pass'Portes Du Soleil 2012

If you want to experience amazing riding in one of the most extensive lift assisted bike parks in Europe, staying in one of the most desirable chalets in Chatel, we have an amazing opportunity for you

It’s the largest mountain bike event in France and involves 80km of riding with 6,000m of descending and all for just 1,000m of self powered uphill thanks to 15 lifts. Originally a race but now a more relaxed MTB randonée affair with a great atmosphere, it takes in some of the best riding the Alps have to offer in the huge Portes du Soleil area. The Pass’portes now runs over three days to cater for the large number of riders now keen to enjoy the event, and we think there is no better time to enjoy the fantastic riding in the region.

The Portes du Soleil has amazing riding that can be enjoyed by any rider, so whether you are a family wanting a few days scenic riding or a hard-core adrenaline junky out for some fast and steep dowhnill action there are areas and itineraries to suit. The hundreds of miles of trails varies from wide easy graded smooth tracks to steep thin muddy furiously technical descents. The comprehensive lift system takes the hard work out of climbing, so whatever your fitness you will soon reach the high tracks and breathtaking scenery. All trails are well sign posted and marked by level of difficulty making it very easy to spend a wonderful day on the hill without getting lost.

What makes our holidays unique is that we will also be running a day trip out to ride the incredible H.E.I.D.I, the acclaimed High Exposure Isère Descent Itinerary. This 60km long, all off-road, 80% singletrack route descending from the Col de l’Iseran at 2764m (Europe’s highest road pass) right down to the Isère Valley base at 800m. You will ride through amazing trails containing breathtaking scenery and ancient Savoyard villages such as the protected site of Le Monal. The 3700 vertical metres of descent enjoyed on this excursion must be partially earned by a total of 1000 metres of unassisted ascent. HEIDI is a real high-mountain route in proper backcountry surroundings. With the Vanoise National Park’s most prominent peaks and glaciers just across the valley from the main section of the trail, you just don’t get any more “alpine” than this!

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Accommodation Details

We are very pleased to be able to offer exclusive accommodation at La Chaumiere, one of the finest chalets in Chatel with very spacious and luxurious rooms. La Chaumiere is one of the oldest chalets in Chatel, built in 1890 as a Savoyard farmhouse, it was opened as the second hotel in Chatel in 1936. In 2008 it was lovingly restored and upgraded to provide rustic, charming accommodation of the highest standard of quality and comfort. Unusually spacious it comprises 5 large bedrooms, a large lounge with fire, separate TV/Media room, dining room, sauna and playroom. Outside on the main balcony there is a wood-burning Norwegian hot tub. There is ample bike storage and workshop areas and the chalet is located only 400m from the Super Chatel lift, in a quiet location but within easy walking distance of all the restaurants and shops of Chatel.