3 days from 495 € per participant
Guaranteed departure from 4 people
- Discover the enduro mountain biking universe: this is a must if you want to gain confidence and have fun on your bike !
- Learn all the basic mountain biking skills with an instructive approach and a qualified French mountain biking guide
- Shuttle drops for more time on longer runs
- A wide variety of single trail tracks in a magnificent setting ideal for an introductory course
- Easy access via the Paris - Milano TGV to Oulx (Cesana) train station & return transfer with our minibus
You're a beginner in mountain biking ? You can ride a bike without side wheels and wish to gain even more confidence and learn the basic core skills without pushing too hard to get up hills ? This introductory course in Serre Chevalier is made for you !
This 3 day course in Serre Chevalier valley is perfect to discover mountain biking. We're here to have fun and learn, and don't spend hours on uphills in the blazing sun. Nope, our shuttle will take us to the best riding areas, and there's not shortage here !
We'll be riding on the most beautiful trails in the most beautiful areas, mountains, valleys, pine tree woodlands, have lunch at a lakeside, out of this world viewpoints... This is a vacation to discover a new activity !
Take it easy, ride & relax, we take care of the rest, just stay pumped up !
Get together at the Briançon or Oulx-Cesana (TGV) train station. Gear's checked, bike settings are adjusted in the morning. And finally basic techniques are reviewed with a series of exercices (body position, braking, security, ..). Riders ready ?
For our first ride we get dropped off at the foot of the famous Lautaret mountain pass. We have a progressive descent along the pleasant Guisane, aka Serre Chevalier Valley, with beautiful scenery. Our second drop is up at the Granon mountain pass. After a nice break, we head down the magnificent track that overlooks the valley the entire way down.
Then, depending on your fancies and your shape, a last drop off in the heart of pine woodlands is possible...it's a local favourite !
Back to Briançon for a rehydrating debrief...you can even try the best ice cream in the area with some weird local but delicious flavours like génépi or peach wine...
Ascent/descent: + 100 m/- 1500 m
Meals included: dinner
Accommodation included: hotel
On the menu today: a drop off at the Col de Pousterle from where we either ride down to L'Argentière or tackle another trail down into the valley. It may not be easy to choose and you may well have the impression of being in different day and age, among some nowadays rare wilderness !
Yes, you can lick your chops, you're gonna enjoy it !
Ascent/descent: + 250 m/- 2400 m
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Accommodation included: hotel
This last day in the Ecrins is a true gem !
How about a shuttle drop at the top of the famous Granon mountain pass so we can make the uttermost of a long descent down to the wild Clarée valley ? The technical level remains reasonable and pleasant and will allow you to fully enjoy the Hautes-Alpes mountains...
Next drop off is at the Montgenèvre mountain pass, where a nice gentle trail will bring us back down to the Clarée gateway.
How about a picnic beside the river ?
Our last drop, will be up near Puy Chalvin. Ready for another smooth easy-going ride, and on down Sashas' stream trail ? You'll understand why locals love this trail !
That's the end of this fabulous happy-go-lucky though extremely interesting weekend that will no doubt give you an idea of all the great MTBing potential of this area.
Ascent/descent: + 300 m/- 1900 m
Meal included: breakfast
Please note this is an example of an enduro mountain biking course. The guide may adjust certain itineraries according to weather conditions or participants' abilities. We kindly ask you to respect such decision.
In case practices and customs defined by the local authorities change, estimating the reasonable number of clients per guide, for safety reasons, Azimut respects these, even last minute, decisions and recommendations. Such cases are rare and mostly related to exceptional conditions in the mountains. Therefore some compensation may be requested from your side due to less participants per guide.
Please wear your cycling clothes on day 1.
We always do our best, but can't guarantee the exact time of arrival at the train station (due to traffic or weather conditions). Therefore we strongly recommend you to buy train tickets that can easily be modified. If you're travelling by car, we'll meet you at one of the indicated meeting points, or at one of the drop off points where you'll be able to leave your car for the entire trip.
Access
Make sure the train you plan to catch welcomes mountain bikes.
Car park
Public parking free of charge can be found in Briançon and Oulx (both unattended).
You should be at ease with long and demanding descents. You're able to deal with hairpin bends and tackle back-breaking inclines, master your brakes, hop over small tricky sections (tree roots, rocks, steps). Descents are often long and sustained (but progressive as the week goes on), sometimes steep, often technically demanding, sometimes exposed sections but rarely dangerous. You'll end being an expert rider or maybe even an ace in mountain biking skills !
For keen and passionate mountain bikers or sporty people, who enjoy making efforts and regularly do an outdoor activity. You are sporty, are used to go out riding for a full day at least once a week and a maybe a few shorter outings in a week, at least a few weeks before you head off for a trip with us. Our rides will take you on quite long climbs where you may sometimes even have to push or carry your bike. Expect ascents between + 800 m & + 1400 m approx per day.
Good to know: if you don't have the skills and stamina required, the guide may ask you to leave the group for the well-being of the rest of the group. If any doubt, please do not hesitate to ask us !
5 to 7 participants
Azimut qualified mountain bike instructor & guide.
All our mountain bike guides are certified instructors. We choose them for their sympathy, their teaching and organisational skills. We stay tuned in, work hands in hands, and make sure their working conditions are the best.
Bring a small day pack large enough (for more detailed advice see gear section) to carry your personal belongings for the day such as (extra) layers, a few snacks, your picnic and a repair kit. All other personal gear not needed for the day will be transferred to our accommodation.
None on this trip.
The price includes:
The price does not include:
A 30% deposit, as well as the insurance cost if you choose to subscribe the latter, is required to secure your booking. You will receive a reminder email 35 days prior to departure for the outstanding balance that is due latest 30 days prior to departure.
We strongly recommend you to be properly insured for the chosen activity. You should be covered for medical expenses, personal accident & liabilité, third party risks and rescue (helicopter), as well as trip cancellation or curtailment.
Repatriation and research insurance are mandatory when booking a trip with Azimut. We have a full range of insurances with our partner, on offer to suit the trip you select and the risks that it may incur (beware, such insurance only covers European citizens).
Tipping is no obligation. However participants usually hand round an envelope for those who wish to tip the guide.
Azimut's minibuses are used throughout the trip. Not only does this make the trip easier, but it also makes it more pleasant and less binding: we can chat, take a nap and listen to our own music. If luggage transfers are necessary, you have the possibility to use the transfer if you're tired and for any other reason.
During the trip
Half board in cosy gîte-hotel, twin rooms. Depending on the size of group, you might be sharing a room with someone of the opposite sex. Bed linen, towels are provided.
Accomodation before & after bike trips
Once we've received your booking, we'll provide you with a list of accomodation in case you need to book accomodation before or after the trip. All accomodation on the list is close to the meeting points and you may often benefit from preferential rates.
In case of emergency or delay, you can either contact your guide (a phone number will be provided before departure) or contact Azimut on: (+ 33) 04 92 23 07 24.
Please inform your friends and family with these details before departure.
Free Wifi is available in most places.
Mobile & 4G coverage can be unreliable.
Make sure to wear bright colours, it's good for the soul and give photos a funky edge !
Technical gear
If you don't have the adequate gear for this trip, don’t worry and travel light: we rent out the required gear and hand it over at the start of the trip ! Our equipment is relatively new, if not brand new, of good quality and adapted to your choice of activity.
Prices of rental gear during the entire trip (competitive prices as we only charge you for the number of days of use on the trip):
Enduro Bike pack including repair kit and helmet - 6 days |
360 € |
Important: all our bikes are thoroughly checked before each trip. You are liable for any damage to the bike.
Prices and bike brands may vary according to availabilities and trip levels.
Clothes
This list of clothes is designed to give you an idea of clothes that it may be a good to have with you. By no means do you need to have the latest brands or the latest gear, but if you need to renew your wardrobe, this guide would be a good start. Prefer lightweight warm and comfortable clothing. This is not just a detail, it makes a hell of a difference !
Headwear
Bodywear
Footwear
Odds & ends
Toiletries and first aid kit
Our guides use the following brands for their gear and you'll have the opportunity to test them during the trip:
We are members of Entreprises du Voyage and APST.
Don't forget to