3 days from 495 € per participant
Guaranteed departure from 4 people
- Ride world class single trails in a mountain bike paradise
- Shuttle service to do more and longer rides
- Qualified French mountain biking instructor
- Develop your enduro skills on an instructive and technical approach and bypass your comfort zone
- Comfortable hotels where you'll love to stay
- Easy access via the Paris - Milano TGV to Oulx (Cesana) & minibus transfer
Do you want wild mountains, meeting people while improving your technique in a magnificent setting? This weekend is made for you! You will ride in an exceptional setting between peaks, Ecrins glaciers, Vauban forts, perched villages!
In short, an Enduro mountain bike course on the most beautiful singletracks of the Briançonnais, in the foothills of the Ecrins, intended for mountain bike enthusiasts who wish to investigate good descents while taking the time to stop to really work on their technique. The Hautes-Alpes, it's absolutely great to ride, and there we go up in the Pépouze shuttle all week, you'll see: with the Azimut shuttles the playground becomes unlimited!
We evolve on the best spots of the surrounding valleys, larch forests, snack break with your feet in the water at the edge of a lake, crazy viewpoints to break your retina! Pure ride on classic singles!
Do you want to do quality enduro runs, progress technically, enjoy dream landscapes and have a good time?
You enjoy, we take care of the rest: leave every morning, reassembled like a high alpine cuckoo clock!
Get together at the Briançon or Oulx-Cesana (TGV) train station.
we check gear, check core skills techniques such as basic positions, braking, security, ... Let's hit the runs ! Two great single trails classed among the best 5 of the neighbourhood, are waiting for us !
One's called the Torrent de Sachas, the other, Le Mélezin. First drop of at Sachas, after a short section pedalling, we wind through the woodlands and along a canal, using a playful single trail that threads down to the bottom of the valley.
You'll most probably understand why locals love these "after-work" trails ! We'll save some energy for the coming days and end the day in front of a delicious ice cream with some local flavours such as génépi...or mélèze.
Ascent/descent: + 300 m / - 1400 m to - 1900 m approx
Meals included: dinner
Accommodation included: hotel
On today's menu: drop off Col de Pousterle for a descent to L'Argentière, or to the bottom of the Vallouise valley, down one of the local upper class trails.
Downhills follow one another at a furious pace, looking for hairpin corners, playground fun and orgasmic riding ?
Last but not least... Drop off at Puy Saint Vincent, and we chase over to Narreyroux's run, a must here, enjoy the ride, smoother than a smoothie...!
Ascent/descent: + 350 m / - 2800 m
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Accommodation included: hotel
For the last day of this course, only the best !
From the top of the Lautaret mountain pass - by the way, thanks driver - we tackle the famous "Chemin du Roy" riding up a narrow trail that winds around and about until we reach a long and progressive exquisite trail overlooking the valley, that finally ends up going downhill to the Monetier springs.
Our shuttle is waiting here to drive us up to the famous Granon mountain pass... you'll soon grasp why nothing's to be left our here. 2 rotations are possible...and out of this world ! The last one requires a little more effort but it's definitely worthwhile, and highly rewarding...
End of the day, ready for a refreshment in the sun ? That's it, rides're over ! You're hooked ? Let's talk about the next trip ! You won't forget this one...
Ascent/descent: + 500 m / - 2900 m
Meals included: breakfast
Please note this is an example of an enduro trip in Les Ecrins. The guide may adjust certain itineraries according to weather conditions, cable cars and mountain hut accessibilty as well as 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