Brilliant mountain biking holidays

Bored of riding the same old trails? Maybe it's time to take your mountain bike on holiday (Dan Milner)
Whether it’s bombing downhill, racking up serious mileage or simply soaking up spectacular scenery, there’s a mountain biking trip to get your summer off on a roll. Here's new digital magazine Altitude's pick of six of the best...
Clock up some mileage: France/Switzerland
Take your holiday at your own pace with Flowmtb’s (020 8123 5654) package to Morzine, France, staying in their cosy Chalet La Musardiere. You get access to the largest network of trails in the world, with routes to explore in neighbouring Switzerland too. There’s something for everyone, from beginners to hardcore pros, with hundreds of miles of cross-country stamina-testing routes, adrenalin-pumping downhills including a World Cup course, and the freeride park for those who just like to show off. A seven-night, chalet-board stay starts from Є445 and includes use of GPS and marked maps. Guiding can be arranged on request.
Circle Mont Blanc: France
Get a 360° view of the mighty mountain on this trip with MBMB (023 9223 3520) which starts in Chamonix and, over five days, takes you over three national borders into Switzerland, Italy and finally back into France. You ride over four mountain passes in excess of 2,000m so there’s lots of cycling above the tree line, and stunning views across the Alps to reward your hard work. The trip costs £575 and includes seven nights’ half-board accommodation, Geneva airport transfers, five days’ guiding and a support vehicle to carry all your luggage.

Pedal the Pyrenees: France
With 400km of marked trails and your hosts Angela and Ian’s expert knowledge of endless unmarked routes, Altitude Adventure (0871 550 4095) will turn the Cerdagne Valley – 15km from the Spanish border – into a giant playground for pedal pushers. Their Adventure Trails trip tends towards all-day adventures, with epic descents, big drops and ridgeline traverses. The trip starts from £450 and includes seven nights’ half-board accommodation, packed lunches, airport transfers and five to six days’ guiding.
Cross a country: Scotland
Set yourself the challenge of crossing from one side of Scotland to the other with Wilderness Scotland’s

Off the beaten track: Switzerland
It’s all about the personal touch with Bike Verbier (0041 277 7152 47). Hosts Lucy and Phil have been riding Verbier’s trails for years and have endless secret spots and hidden paths up their sleeves that they’ll show you during the five days you spend with them on the mountain. They also know that biking takes a lot of energy so they provide hearty meals and a pick-me-up afternoon tea at their comfy chalet in the small village of Etiez, which allows easy access to Verbier’s lifts. Seven nights’ chalet-board accommodation starts from CHF995 and includes airport transfers, five days’ guiding, a packed lunch on five days and use of their workshop facilities.
Get gnarly: Whistler, Canada
Mix up big mountain riding and sessions in the park on this holiday, suitable for all levels, which offers two days of guiding – one to introduce you to Whistler’s trails and another to show you the ropes in the resort’s bikepark. The trip with Ticket2Ride BC

About Altitude magazine
Altitude magazine is your digital guide to the mountains in summer. Published by VOS Media, organisers of the London Bike Show, The Outdoors Show and the Ski and Snowboard Show, the magazine contains juicy holiday ideas, the latest gear and fantastic competitions to enter.
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User Comments
There are 4 comments on this post
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 comments
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ash3112
Posted Fri 20 May, 3:46 pm BST Flag as inappropriate
I would thouroughly recommend Flow Mtb to anyone, from a downhill enthusiast to a lazyday xc lover. Not just for the Chalet or its location, which was brilliant. But purely on how incredibly cool and friendly the staff were. The chief chef, Jess' meals in the evening were amazing and more varied than anywhere i've ever been. and the mechanic Phil...Would go back there in an instant!
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agg25
Posted Mon 23 May, 1:59 pm BST Flag as inappropriate
I have to agree with ash, I stayed with flowmtb in Morzine last year for the passportes, and it was top notch, oh and yes Jess could be cheffing in a Michelin restaurant! Cakes every day were supreme!
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SiLanc
Posted Mon 23 May, 2:35 pm BST Flag as inappropriate
Sierra Nevada in Spain and West Virginia in the US are also good. I've travelled with KE Adventure before and they were ok, we had a few gripes about the planning of the trip and its execution, but generally they were acceptable. I can recommend Otros Caminos in Spain.
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jjbrit1031
Posted Tue 24 May, 4:22 am BST Flag as inappropriate
I have to put Spain on the list. I did a trip both road riding and MTB in the Serra Nevada with Freeride Spain and it was one of the best weeks I have ever had. THe owner and guide is ex elite and still happy to stick with you and will you up even the steepest of climbs. Read great riding and with the change of a 100km decent (honest) it is a great place to test your metal. Check out www.freeridespain.com they are great.







